116 S1643 IS: Forest Management for Rural Stability Act
U.S. Senate
2019-05-23
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.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1643IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 23 (legislative day, May 22), 2019Mr. Wyden (for himself, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Merkley, and Mr. Risch) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesA BILLTo amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Forest and Refuge County
			 Foundation, to provide for the establishment of the Natural Resources
			 Permanent Fund, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Forest Management for Rural Stability Act.
		2.Federal charter for Forest and Refuge County Foundation and establishment of Natural Resources
			 Permanent
			 Fund
 (a)Federal charter for Forest and Refuge County FoundationSubtitle III of title 36, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 3001 the following:

					3002Forest and Refuge County Foundation Sec. 300201. Definitions.300202. Establishment.300203. Status and applicable laws.300204. Board of Directors.300205. Bylaws and duties.300206. Authority of Corporation.300207. Establishment of Natural Resources Permanent Fund.
 300201.DefinitionsIn this chapter: (1)Agency headThe term agency head means—
 (A)the Secretary of the Treasury; (B)the Chief of the Forest Service;
 (C)the Director of the Bureau of Land Management; and (D)the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
 (2)BoardThe term Board means the Board of Directors of the Corporation. (3)ChairpersonThe term Chairperson means the Chairperson of the Board.
 (4)CorporationThe term Corporation means the Forest and Refuge County Foundation established by section 300202. (5)County payment; full funding amount; State paymentThe terms county payment, full funding amount, and State payment have the meanings given those terms in section 3 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7102).
							(6)Eligible county
 (A)In generalThe term eligible county means— (i)a county that is eligible for a payment under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), with respect to an account established by paragraph (1) or (2) of section 300207(b); or
 (ii)a county that is eligible for a payment under section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)), with respect to the account established by section 300207(b)(3).
 (B)ExclusionThe term eligible county does not include a county that has elected to opt out of distributions from the Fund under section 300207(e)(4)(A).
 (7)FundThe term Fund means the Natural Resources Permanent Fund established by section 300207(a). (8)Highest historic paymentThe term highest historic payment means—
 (A)with respect to the Forest Service Account of the Fund, an amount equal to the total amount of State payments received under section 101(a) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7111(a)) for fiscal year 2008 (as adjusted to reflect changes during the period beginning on October 1, 2008, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor); and
 (B)with respect to the Bureau of Land Management Account of the Fund, an amount equal to the total amount of county payments received under section 101(b) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7111(b)) for fiscal year 2006 (as adjusted to reflect changes during the period beginning on October 1, 2006, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor).
 (9)ManagerThe term manager means the manager of investments employed by the Board pursuant to section 300205(c)(3). (10)Resource advisory committeeThe term resource advisory committee means—
 (A)a resource advisory committee established under section 205 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7125) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this chapter); and
 (B)an advisory council established pursuant to section 309(a) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1739(a)).
 (11)Secretary concernedThe term Secretary concerned means— (A)the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to the account established by section 300207(b)(1); and
 (B)the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to an account established by paragraph (2) or (3) of section 300207(b).
 300202.EstablishmentThere is established a federally chartered, nonprofit corporation, to be known as the Forest and Refuge County Foundation, which shall be incorporated in the State of Oregon. 300203.Status and applicable laws (a)Non-Federal entityThe Corporation is not—
 (1)a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government; or (2)subject to title 31.
 (b)LiabilityThe United States Government shall not be liable for the actions or inactions of the Corporation. (c)Nonprofit corporationThe Corporation shall have and maintain the status of the Corporation as a nonprofit corporation exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
							300204.Board of Directors
 (a)AuthorityThe powers of the Corporation shall be vested in a Board of Directors that governs the Corporation. (b)Membership (1)CompositionThe Board shall be composed of 11 members, of whom—
 (A)3 shall be appointed by the Chief of the Forest Service; (B)2 shall be appointed by the Director of the Bureau of Land Management; and
 (C)6 shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury. (2)QualificationsIn making appointments under paragraph (1), the agency heads shall—
 (A)appoint members who represent the various regions of the United States; and (B)ensure that the membership of the Board is—
 (i)apolitical; and (ii)fairly balanced in terms of—
 (I)the points of view represented; and (II)the functions to be performed by the Board, by appointing—
 (aa)3 members who are county elected officials, as of the date of appointment of the members, of whom— (AA)1 shall be an elected official of a county that contains Federal land described in section 3(7)(A) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7102(7)(A));
 (BB)1 shall be an elected official of a county that contains Federal land described in section 3(7)(B) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7102(7)(B)); and
 (CC)1 shall be an elected official of a county that is eligible for a payment under section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c));
 (bb)1 member to represent rural economic development interests; (cc)6 members with expert experience in fund management or finance; and
 (dd)1 member to represent education interests. (3)ProhibitionA member of the Board, other than a member described in paragraph (2)(B)(ii)(II)(aa), shall not hold an office, position, or employment in any political party.
 (4)DateThe appointments of the members of the Board shall be made not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this chapter.
								(c)Chairperson
 (1)In generalThe Chairperson of the Board shall be selected from among the members of the Board by a majority vote of the members.
 (2)Term of serviceThe Chairperson of the Board— (A)shall serve for a term of not longer than 4 years; and
 (B)may be reelected to serve an additional term, subject to the condition that the Chairperson may serve for not more than 2 consecutive terms.
									(d)Terms
 (1)In generalThe term of the members of the Board shall be 6 years, except that the agency heads shall designate staggered terms for the members initially appointed to the Board.
 (2)ReappointmentA member of the Board may be reappointed to serve an additional term, subject to the condition that the member may serve for not more than 2 consecutive terms.
 (e)VacancyA vacancy on the Board shall be filled— (1)by not later than 90 days after the date on which the vacancy occurs; and
 (2)in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (f)TransitionsAny member of the Board may continue to serve after the expiration of the term for which the member was appointed or elected until a qualified successor has been appointed or elected.
							(g)Meetings and quorum
								(1)Meetings
 (A)In generalThe Board shall meet— (i)not less frequently than once each calendar year; and
 (ii)(I)at the call of— (aa)the Chairperson; or
 (bb)3 or more members; or (II)as otherwise provided in the bylaws of the Corporation.
 (B)Initial meetingNot later than 150 days after the date of enactment of this chapter, the Board shall hold an initial meeting of the Board.
 (2)QuorumA quorum of the Board, consisting of a majority of the members of the Board, shall be required to conduct any business of the Board.
 (3)Approval of Board actionsExcept as otherwise provided, the threshold for approving Board actions shall be as set forth in the bylaws of the Corporation.
								(h)Reimbursement of expenses
 (1)In generalA voting member of the Board— (A)shall serve without pay; but
 (B)subject to paragraph (2), may be reimbursed for the actual and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses incurred by the member in the performance of duties for the Corporation.
 (2)Maximum amountThe amount of reimbursement under paragraph (1)(B) may not exceed the amount that would be authorized under section 5703 of title 5 for the payment of expenses and allowances for an individual employed intermittently in the Federal Government service.
								300205.Bylaws and duties
 (a)In generalThe Board shall adopt, and may amend, the bylaws of the Corporation. (b)BylawsThe bylaws of the Corporation shall include, at a minimum—
 (1)the duties and responsibilities of the Board; and (2)the operational procedures of the Corporation.
 (c)Duties and responsibilities of BoardThe Board shall be responsible for actions of the Corporation, including— (1)(A)employing individuals at the Corporation to provide investment management services; or
 (B)retaining the services of investment management services providers; (2)employing individuals at the Corporation to provide accounting and administrative services;
 (3)employing a manager of investments to manage the amounts authorized to be invested by the Board in accordance with subsection (d);
 (4)entering into a contract with 1 or more banking or trust entities to act as the custodian of the assets of the Fund; and
 (5)engaging other appropriate professional service providers to support the Board and the employees of the Board in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the Board under this chapter.
 (d)Authority of managerSubject to the direction of the Board, the manager shall have control over the amounts under the jurisdiction of the Board in the same manner as if the manager owned those amounts.
 300206.Authority of CorporationExcept as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Corporation, acting through the manager, shall have the authority—
 (1)to manage the Fund; (2)to make investments of amounts in the Fund under section 300207(d);
 (3)to make distributions from the Fund under section 300207(e)(2); and (4)to review certifications submitted by participating counties under section 303(a) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7143(a)).
							300207.Establishment of Natural Resources Permanent Fund
 (a)EstablishmentThere is established within the Corporation a permanent fund, to be known as the Natural Resources Permanent Fund, consisting of— (1)amounts deposited in the accounts under subsection (b);
 (2)amounts deposited by an eligible county or State under subsection (c)(1); (3)amounts credited to the Fund under subsection (d)(3); and
 (4)amounts appropriated to the Fund under paragraph (1) of subsection (i), subject to paragraph (2) of that subsection.
 (b)AccountsWithin the Fund, there are established the following accounts: (1)The Forest Service Account, consisting of the amounts transferred under section 3(b)(2) of the Forest Management for Rural Stability Act.
 (2)The Bureau of Land Management Account, consisting of the amounts transferred under subsections (c)(2) and (d)(2) of section 3 of the Forest Management for Rural Stability Act.
 (3)The United States Fish and Wildlife Service Account, consisting of the amounts transferred under section 3(e)(2) of the Forest Management for Rural Stability Act.
 (4)The Voluntary County Savings Account, consisting of voluntary contributions of additional funds transferred under subsection (c)(2)(A)(i).
								(c)Voluntary contributions of additional funds
 (1)In generalSubject to paragraph (2), the Corporation may at any time accept from eligible counties and States voluntary contributions of amounts to be deposited in the Fund, for investment by the Corporation, in accordance with this chapter.
 (2)LimitationAny amounts contributed under paragraph (1)— (A)shall be—
 (i)transferred to the Voluntary County Savings Account; and (ii)maintained within a segregated account in that Account for each contributing county; and
 (B)may only be distributed to the eligible county or State that deposited the amounts, in accordance with this chapter and paragraph (3).
 (3)DistributionsDistributions to an eligible county or a State under paragraph (2)(B)— (A)shall be made by not later than 30 days after the date of receipt of a written request of the applicable eligible county or State;
 (B)shall not be subject to any restrictions or limitations associated with distributions made from an account established by paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b); and
 (C)may only be used for a governmental purpose that complies with the budget laws of the applicable State.
									(d)Investments of Fund
								(1)Investment policy
 (A)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this chapter, the Board shall develop an investment policy for the investment of amounts in the Fund.
 (B)RequirementFor purposes of the investment policy developed under subparagraph (A), the Corporation shall— (i)seek to achieve at least a 5-percent rate of return on investments of the Fund, net of inflation; and
 (ii)adopt asset management strategies that are consistent with the standard of care established under the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act of 2007 (D.C. Code 44–1631 et seq.).
 (C)Periodic updatesThe Corporation shall— (i)not less frequently than annually, review the investment policy developed under subparagraph (A); and
 (ii)based on a review conducted under clause (i), modify the investment policy as the Corporation determines to be appropriate.
 (2)Investment servicesFor purposes of investing amounts in the Fund, the Corporation may— (A)employ individuals at the Corporation to provide investment management services; or
 (B)retain the services of investment management services providers. (3)IncomeIncome from any investments of amounts from an account within the Fund shall be credited to the applicable account within the Fund.
								(e)Expenditures from Fund
 (1)Availability of fundsFor each fiscal year, the Corporation shall make available for distribution in accordance with this subsection 4.5 percent of amounts in each account within the Fund established by paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b), as determined by the Corporation, based on—
 (A)for the initial 3 fiscal years during which the Fund is in operation, the average fiscal year-end balance of the applicable account; and
 (B)thereafter, the average fiscal year-end balance of the applicable account during the 3-year period preceding the date of the determination.
									(2)Distributions
									(A)Forest Service Account and Bureau of Land Management Account
 (i)In generalFor each fiscal year, of the amounts in each of the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management Accounts within the Fund available for distribution for the fiscal year, as determined under paragraph (1)—
 (I)85 percent shall be used to make payments to eligible States and eligible counties in accordance with title I of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7111 et seq.) and clause (ii); and
 (II)15 percent shall be used to make payments to eligible States and eligible counties in accordance with title III of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7141 et seq.).
											(ii)Calculation and distribution of  authorized payments
 (I)AvailabilityNot later than 14 days after the beginning of each fiscal year, the Corporation shall submit to the Secretary concerned a description of the amount available in each of the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management Accounts within the Fund available to make payments for the fiscal year, as determined under paragraph (1), to—
 (aa)eligible States under subsection (a) of section 101 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7111), with respect to the Forest Service Account; and
 (bb)eligible counties under subsection (b) of that section, with respect to the Bureau of Land Management Account.
 (II)CalculationNot later than 14 days after the date on which the Corporation submits the information under subclause (I), based on the information provided under that subclause and the amounts otherwise available to the Secretary concerned for the fiscal year to make payments to eligible counties under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.), as determined by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary concerned shall, based on the formulas for authorized payments established under that Act, calculate and submit to the Corporation the authorized payment amount for each eligible county, including—
 (aa)the amount of the authorized payment for each eligible county to be paid from the applicable account in the Fund; and
 (bb)the amount of the authorized payment to be paid for each eligible county using amounts made available under section 402 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7152).
 (III)DistributionSubject to subparagraphs (C) and (D), not later than 40 days after the date on which the Secretary concerned submits the information to the Corporation under subclause (II)—
 (aa)the Corporation shall— (AA)distribute from the Forest Service Account within the Fund to States, for redistribution to the eligible counties, the amount of the authorized payment to be paid to eligible counties within the State under section 101(a) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7111(a)), as determined under subclause (II)(aa), to be used for the purposes authorized under title I or III of that Act (16 U.S.C. 7111 et seq.);
 (BB)distribute from the Bureau of Land Management Account within the Fund to the eligible counties the amount of the authorized payment to be paid to eligible counties under section 101(b) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7111(b)), as determined under subclause (II)(aa), to be used for the purposes authorized under title I or III of that Act (16 U.S.C. 7111 et seq.); and
 (CC)submit to the Secretary concerned a description of the amounts distributed under subitems (AA) and (BB); and
 (bb)except as provided in subparagraph (C)(ii)(II), the Secretary concerned shall pay to eligible counties, and to the State for redistribution to eligible counties, the amount of the authorized payments under subclause (II)(bb).
												(B)United States Fish and Wildlife Service Account
 (i)In generalFor each fiscal year, amounts in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Account within the Fund available for distribution for the fiscal year, as determined under paragraph (1), shall be used to make payments to eligible counties, in accordance with section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)) and clause (ii).
										(ii)Calculation and distribution of authorized payments
 (I)AvailabilityNot later than 14 days after the beginning of each fiscal year, the Corporation shall submit to the Secretary concerned a description of the amount available in United States Fish and Wildlife Service Account within the Fund available to make authorized payments to eligible counties for the fiscal year under section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)), as determined under paragraph (1).
 (II)CalculationNot later than 14 days after the date on which the Corporation submits the information under subclause (I), based on the information provided under that subclause and the amounts otherwise available to the Secretary concerned for the fiscal year to make payments to eligible counties under section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)), as determined by the Secretary concerned, the Secretary concerned shall, based on the formulas for authorized payments established under that Act, calculate and submit to the Corporation the authorized payment amount for each eligible county, including—
 (aa)the amount of the authorized payment for each eligible county to be paid from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Account within the Fund; and
 (bb)the amount of the authorized payment to be paid for each eligible county using amounts made available under section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)).
 (III)DistributionSubject to subparagraphs (C) and (D), not later than 40 days after the date on which the Secretary concerned submits the information to the Corporation under subclause (II)—
 (aa)the Corporation shall— (AA)distribute from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Account within the Fund to the eligible counties the amount of the authorized payment to be paid from that Account to eligible counties, as determined under subclause (II)(aa), to be used for the purposes authorized under section 401(c)(5)(C) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)(5)(C)); and
 (BB)submit to the Secretary concerned a description of the amounts distributed under subitem (AA); and (bb)except as provided in subparagraph (C)(ii)(II), the Secretary concerned shall pay to the eligible counties the amount to be paid for eligible counties under subclause (II)(bb).
												(C)Minimum payment amount
 (i)In generalNotwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and (B), the minimum amount of a payment to be distributed to a State or eligible county under subitem (AA) or (BB) of subparagraph (A)(ii)(III)(aa) or subparagraph (B)(ii)(III)(aa)(AA) for a fiscal year shall be the amount of the payment authorized to be made to the State or eligible county for fiscal year 2017 under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) or section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)), as applicable (as adjusted to reflect changes during the period beginning on October 1, 2017, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor).
 (ii)Obligation of SecretaryThe Secretary concerned— (I)shall only make a payment to a State or eligible county under subparagraph (A)(ii)(III)(bb) or (B)(ii)(III)(bb) for a fiscal year if the Secretary concerned determines that the amount of the payment to be distributed from the Fund to the State or eligible county under subitem (AA) or (BB) of subparagraph (A)(ii)(III)(aa) or subparagraph (B)(ii)(III)(aa)(AA) is less than the minimum payment amount required under clause (i); and
 (II)if the Secretary concerned determines that the amount of a payment to be distributed to a State or eligible county under subitem (AA) or (BB) of subparagraph (A)(ii)(III)(aa) or subparagraph (B)(ii)(III)(aa)(AA) would exceed the minimum payment amount required under clause (i), shall not make the payment otherwise required under subparagraph (A)(ii)(III)(bb) or (B)(ii)(III)(bb), as applicable, for the fiscal year.
											(D)Maximum payment amount
 (i)In generalNotwithstanding subparagraphs (A) and (B), in any case in which the total amount of payments to be distributed by the Corporation to States or eligible counties, as applicable, from an account within the Fund for a fiscal year, as calculated under subparagraph (A)(ii)(II)(aa) or (B)(ii)(II)(aa), as applicable, would exceed the applicable highest historic payment, the Corporation shall reduce the total amount to be distributed under subitem (AA) or (BB) of subparagraph (A)(ii)(III)(aa) or subparagraph (B)(ii)(III)(aa)(AA), as applicable, to the amount of the applicable highest historic payment.
 (ii)Effect of meeting maximumFor any fiscal year for which amounts in the Fund are sufficient to ensure that each State and eligible county receives from an account within the Fund for a fiscal year, as calculated under subparagraph (A)(ii)(II)(aa) or (B)(ii)(II)(aa), as applicable, distributions equal to the applicable highest historic payment, such that the distributions from the account are reduced under clause (i), the States and eligible counties shall receive, in addition to those payments from the Fund, any payments authorized for the State or eligible county under—
 (I)the sixth paragraph under the heading Forest Service in the Act of May 23, 1908 (35 Stat. 260, chapter 192; 16 U.S.C. 500), and section 13 of the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the Weeks Law) (36 Stat. 963, chapter 186; 16 U.S.C. 500);
 (II)subsection (a) of title II of the Act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 875, chapter 876; 43 U.S.C. 2605);
 (III)the first section of the Act of May 24, 1939 (53 Stat. 753, chapter 144; 43 U.S.C. 2621); or (IV)section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)).
											(3)Administrative expenses
 (A)In generalFor each fiscal year, of the total amounts in the Fund, there shall be made available to the Corporation from the Fund for the payment of administrative expenses described in subparagraph (B)—
 (i)if the total amounts in the Fund as of the date of the determination is not less than $100,000,000, an amount equal to not more than 0.5 percent of the total amounts in the Fund, as of that date; and
 (ii)if the total amounts in the Fund as of the date of the determination is less than $100,000,000, an amount equal to not more than 1.0 percent of the total amounts in the Fund, as of that date.
 (B)UseAmounts made available for administrative expenses under subparagraph (A) may be used by the Corporation—
 (i)to ensure that amounts in Fund are managed in a manner consistent with the asset management strategies adopted under subsection (d)(1);
 (ii)to pay other administrative costs relating to the Fund, including the costs of managing the Fund, conducting audits of the Fund, and complying with reporting requirements relating to the Fund; and
 (iii)to reimburse members of the Board for actual and necessary traveling and subsistence expenses, in accordance with section 300204(h).
										(4)Elections to opt out and opt in
									(A)Opting out
 (i)In generalNot later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this chapter, a county described in clause (i) or (ii) of section 300201(6)(A) may make a 1-time election to opt out of distributions from the Fund under this chapter by submitting to the Secretary concerned a written notice of the election.
 (ii)EffectSubject to subparagraph (B), an election under clause (i) to opt out of distributions from the Fund shall be applicable for—
 (I)the fiscal year during which the notice under that clause is submitted; and (II)each subsequent fiscal year.
 (iii)No effect on other paymentsAn election by a county to opt out of distributions from the Fund under clause (i) shall not affect the eligibility of the county to receive any payment authorized for the county under—
 (I)the sixth paragraph under the heading Forest Service in the Act of May 23, 1908 (35 Stat. 260, chapter 192; 16 U.S.C. 500), and section 13 of the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the Weeks Law) (36 Stat. 963, chapter 186; 16 U.S.C. 500);
 (II)subsection (a) of title II of the Act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 875, chapter 876; 43 U.S.C. 2605);
 (III)the first section of the Act of May 24, 1939 (53 Stat. 753, chapter 144; 43 U.S.C. 2621); or (IV)section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)).
 (iv)TreatmentA county described in clause (i) or (ii) of section 300201(6)(A) that has not submitted to the Secretary concerned a written notice of an election to opt out of distributions from the Fund under clause (i) shall be deemed to have opted in to those distributions.
 (B)Notice to opt inA county that has elected to opt out of distributions from the Fund under subparagraph (A) may opt back in to the distributions for all subsequent fiscal years by submitting to the Secretary concerned, by not later than the date that is 2 years after the date on which the county submits the written notice under subparagraph (A)(i), a notice of the intent of the county to opt back in.
									(f)Reports
 (1)Quarterly reportsNot later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this chapter and every 90 days thereafter, the Corporation shall submit to the Secretary of the Treasury a quarterly report that describes, with full transparency, for the period covered by report—
 (A)the assets of the Fund, including a description of the investment policy used for the Fund; and (B)the performance of investments in the Fund.
 (2)Annual reportAnnually, the Corporation shall submit to the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, and make publically available in an online searchable database in a machine-readable format, a report describing the activities of the Corporation for the period covered by the report, including, at a minimum, information relating to—
 (A)the growth of the Fund; and (B)applicable sources of revenue.
 (g)Annual auditsNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this chapter and annually thereafter, the Inspector General of the Department of the Treasury shall conduct an audit of the Fund.
 (h)OversightThe Inspector General of the Department of the Treasury shall conduct periodic reviews of the exercise by the Corporation of the fiduciary and statutory duties of the Corporation.
							(i)Funding
 (1)In generalOut of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Fund such sums as are necessary to ensure that the required minimum payment amounts under subsection (e)(2)(C)(i) can be provided.
 (2)Allocation among AccountsThe amounts appropriated to the Fund under paragraph (1) shall be allocated among the Forest Service Account, the Bureau of Land Management Account, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Account in a manner that ensures that—
 (A)the amount allocated to the Forest Service Account is determined in accordance with the ratio that— (i)the total amount of State payments under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) for fiscal year 2017; bears to
 (ii)an amount equal to the sum of— (I)the full funding amount for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) for fiscal year 2017; and
 (II)the total amount of payments to counties under section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)), for fiscal year 2017;
 (B)the amount allocated to the Bureau of Land Management Account is determined in accordance with the ratio that—
 (i)the total amount of county payments under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) for fiscal year 2017; bears to
 (ii)an amount equal to the sum of— (I)the full funding amount for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) for fiscal year 2017; and
 (II)the total amount of payments to counties under section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)), for fiscal year 2017; and
 (C)the amount allocated to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Account is determined in accordance with the ratio that—
 (i)the total amount of payments to counties under section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)) for fiscal year 2017; bears to
 (ii)an amount equal to the sum of— (I)the full funding amount for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) for fiscal year 2017; and
 (II)the total amount of payments to counties under section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)), for fiscal year 2017.
											(j)Agency reporting
 (1)In generalNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this chapter and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Corporation information describing activities on Federal land described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, of section 3(7) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7102(7)), on a county-by-county basis, for the period covered by the report, including information regarding—
 (A)timber sales and associated acres treated, volumes sold and harvested, and revenues generated, including, at a minimum—
 (i)commercial treatment; and (ii)precommercial thinning;
 (B)stewardship projects, including, at a minimum— (i)commercial treatment;
 (ii)prescribed fire; and (iii)precommercial thinning;
 (C)road work; (D)reforestation and associated acres treated, including, at a minimum—
 (i)commercial treatment; (ii)prescribed fire; and
 (iii)precommercial thinning; (E)habitat created;
 (F)culverts replaced; and (G)miles of stream restoration.
 (2)PublicationPromptly after receipt of the information under paragraph (1), the Corporation shall make the information publically available in an online searchable database in a machine-readable format..
 (b)Clerical amendmentThe table of chapters for subtitle III of title 36, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 3001 the following:
				3002.   Forest and Refuge County Foundation300201.
			3.Transfer of amounts to Fund
 (a)Definition of eligible nonelecting countyIn this section, the term eligible nonelecting county means— (1)in subsections (b), (c), and (d), a county that—
 (A)is eligible for a payment under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.); and
 (B)has not elected to opt out of distributions from the Natural Resources Permanent Fund under section 300207(e)(4)(A) of title 36, United States Code; and
 (2)in subsection (e), a county that— (A)is eligible for a payment under section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)); and
 (B)has not elected to opt out of distributions from the Natural Resources Permanent Fund under section 300207(e)(4)(A) of title 36, United States Code.
 (b)Suspension of payments under Act of May 23, 1908, and Act of March 1, 1911Except as provided in section 300207(e)(2)(D)(ii) of title 36, United States Code, for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter—
 (1)all payments authorized for eligible nonelecting counties under the sixth paragraph under the heading Forest Service in the Act of May 23, 1908 (35 Stat. 260, chapter 192; 16 U.S.C. 500), and section 13 of the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the Weeks Law) (36 Stat. 963, chapter 186; 16 U.S.C. 500), shall be suspended; and
 (2)the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Forest Service Account within the Natural Resources Permanent Fund established by section 300207(b)(1) of title 36, United States Code, amounts equal to the amounts that would have otherwise been distributed as payments to eligible nonelecting counties under the sixth paragraph under the heading Forest Service in the Act of May 23, 1908 (35 Stat. 260, chapter 192; 16 U.S.C. 500), and section 13 of the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the Weeks Law) (36 Stat. 963, chapter 186; 16 U.S.C. 500).
 (c)Suspension of payments under Act of August 28, 1937Except as provided in section 300207(e)(2)(D)(ii) of title 36, United States Code, for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter—
 (1)all payments authorized for eligible nonelecting counties under subsection (a) of title II of the Act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 875, chapter 876; 43 U.S.C. 2605), shall be suspended; and
 (2)the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Bureau of Land Management Account within the Natural Resources Permanent Fund established by section 300207(b)(2) of title 36, United States Code, amounts equal to the amounts that would have otherwise been distributed as payments to eligible nonelecting counties under subsection (a) of title II of the Act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 875, chapter 876; 43 U.S.C. 2605).
 (d)Suspension of payments under Act of May 24, 1939Except as provided in section 300207(e)(2)(D)(ii) of title 36, United States Code, for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter—
 (1)all payments authorized for eligible nonelecting counties under the first section of the Act of May 24, 1939 (53 Stat. 753, chapter 144; 43 U.S.C. 2621), shall be suspended; and
 (2)the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Bureau of Land Management Account within the Natural Resources Permanent Fund established by section 300207(b)(2) of title 36, United States Code, amounts equal to the amounts that would have otherwise been distributed as payments to eligible nonelecting counties under the first section of the Act of May 24, 1939 (53 Stat. 753, chapter 144; 43 U.S.C. 2621).
 (e)Suspension of payments under Refuge Revenue Sharing ActExcept as provided in section 300207(e)(2)(D)(ii) of title 36, United States Code, for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter—
 (1)all payments authorized for eligible nonelecting counties under section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)), shall be suspended; and
 (2)the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Account within the Natural Resources Permanent Fund established by section 300207(b)(3) of title 36, United States Code, amounts equal to the amounts that would have otherwise been distributed as payments to eligible nonelecting counties under section 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)).
				4.Amendments to Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000
 (a)DefinitionsSection 3 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7102) is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (1)(B), by striking and paragraph (8)(A); (2)in paragraph (2)—
 (A)in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting described in paragraph (7)(A) after Federal land; and (B)in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking and paragraph (9)(B)(i);
 (3)in paragraph (4)— (A)in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end;
 (B)in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (C)by adding at the end the following:

 (C)has not elected to opt out of distributions from the Natural Resources Permanent Fund under section 300207(e)(4)(A) of title 36, United States Code.;
 (4)by striking paragraphs (8) and (9) and inserting the following:  (8)50-percent adjusted shareThe term 50-percent adjusted share means the quotient obtained by dividing—
 (A)the number equal to the total of all 50-percent payments received by an eligible county during the eligibility period; by
 (B)the number equal to the sum of all 50-percent payments received by all eligible counties during the eligibility period.;
 (5)by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (9); (6)by striking paragraph (11) and inserting the following:

 (10)Full funding amountThe term full funding amount means— (A)for fiscal year 2008, $500,000,000;
 (B)for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2011, an amount equal to 90 percent of the full funding amount for the preceding fiscal year;
 (C)for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2015, an amount equal to 95 percent of the full funding amount for the preceding fiscal year;
 (D)for fiscal year 2017, an amount equal to 95 percent of the full funding amount for fiscal year 2015;
 (E)for fiscal year 2018, an amount equal to 95 percent of the full funding amount for fiscal year 2017; and
 (F)for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter— (i)for purposes of the calculations under section 101(a), an amount equal to the greater of—
 (I)the amount distributed from the Forest Service Account within the Natural Resources Permanent Fund under section 300207(e)(2)(A) of title 36, United States Code; and
 (II)the total amount of all State payments for fiscal year 2017 (as adjusted to reflect changes during the period beginning on October 1, 2017, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor); and
 (ii)for purposes of the calculations under section 101(b), an amount equal to the greater of— (I)the amount distributed from the Bureau of Land Management Account within the Natural Resources Permanent Fund under section 300207(e)(2)(A) of title 36, United States Code; and
 (II)the total amount of all county payments for fiscal year 2017 (as adjusted to reflect changes during the period beginning on October 1, 2017, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor).;
 (7)by redesignating paragraphs (12) through (17) as paragraphs (11) through (16), respectively; and (8)in paragraph (11) (as so redesignated)—
 (A)in subparagraph (A), by inserting containing Federal land described in paragraph (7)(A) after eligible county; and (B)in subparagraph (B), by inserting containing Federal land described in paragraph (7)(A) after eligible counties.
					(b)Permanent authorization; source of payment amounts
 (1)Calculation of paymentsSection 101 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7111) is amended by striking of fiscal years 2008 through 2015, 2017, and 2018 each place it appears and inserting fiscal year.
 (2)ElectionsSection 102(b) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7112(b)) is amended—
 (A)in paragraph (1)— (i)in subparagraph (A), by inserting through fiscal year 2018 after second fiscal year thereafter; and
 (ii)by adding at the end the following:  (E)Fiscal year 2019 and thereafterFor fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter—
 (i)the election otherwise required by subparagraph (A) shall not apply; and (ii)each affected county shall receive payments in accordance with chapter 3002 of title 36, United States Code, unless the affected county elects to opt out of distributions under section 300207(e)(4)(A) of that title.;
 (B)in paragraph (2)(B), by striking through fiscal year 2015 and for fiscal years 2017 and 2018; and (C)by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:

							(3)Source of payment amounts
 (A)In generalWith respect to an eligible State or eligible county that has not elected to opt out of distributions under section 300207(e)(4)(A) of title 36, United States Code, the payment under this section for a fiscal year shall be derived from—
 (i)distributions to be paid under section 300207(e)(2)(A)(ii)(III)(aa) of title 36, United States Code; and
 (ii)to the extent that amounts made available under clause (i) are insufficient, any amounts that are appropriated to carry out this Act, to be distributed in accordance with section 300207(e)(2)(A)(ii)(III)(bb) of title 36, United States Code.
 (B)ExceptionAn eligible State or eligible county that has elected to opt out of distributions under section 300207(e)(4)(A) of title 36, United States Code—
 (i)shall not receive any payment under this section; and (ii)may receive payments only under, as applicable—
 (I)the sixth paragraph under the heading Forest Service in the Act of May 23, 1908 (35 Stat. 260, chapter 192; 16 U.S.C. 500), and section 13 of the Act of March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the Weeks Law) (36 Stat. 963, chapter 186; 16 U.S.C. 500);
 (II)subsection (a) of title II of the Act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 875, chapter 876; 43 U.S.C. 2605); and
 (III)the first section of the Act of May 24, 1939 (53 Stat. 753, chapter 144; 43 U.S.C. 2621).. (3)Notification of electionSection 102(d)(1) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7112(d)(1)) is amended—
 (A)in subparagraph (A), by striking subparagraph (D) and inserting subparagraphs (D) and (G); and (B)by adding at the end the following:

 (G)Fiscal year 2019 and thereafterFor fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter— (i)the allocation of funds required under subparagraph (A) shall not be required;
 (ii)of the amounts received for the fiscal year— (I)85 percent shall be expended in the same manner in which the 25-percent payments or 50-percent payments, as applicable, are required to be expended; and
 (II)15 percent shall be expended on county projects in accordance with title III; and (iii)the elections otherwise required by subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), or considered to be made under paragraph (3)(B), as applicable, shall not apply or be required for payments made for the fiscal year..
 (4)Distribution of payments to eligible countiesSection 103(d)(2) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7113(d)(2)) is amended by striking each of fiscal years 2011 through and for fiscal years 2017 and 2018 and inserting fiscal year 2011 and each fiscal year thereafter.
 (5)Termination of authorityThe Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 is amended by striking section 304 (16 U.S.C. 7144).
				(c)Repeal of authority To conduct special projects on Federal land
 (1)In generalTitle II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7121 et seq.) is repealed.
				(2)Conforming amendments
 (A)Section 102(d) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7112(d)) is amended—
 (i)in paragraph (1)— (I)in subparagraph (B)—
 (aa)by striking clause (i); (bb)by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively; and
 (cc)in clause (ii) (as so redesignated), by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting clause (i); (II)in subparagraph (C)—
 (aa)by striking clause (i); (bb)by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively; and
 (cc)in clause (ii) (as so redesignated), by striking clauses (i) and (ii) and inserting clause (i); and (III)in subparagraphs (E) and (F), by striking paragraph (3)(B) each place it appears and inserting paragraph (2)(B);
 (ii)by striking paragraph (2); (iii)by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and
 (iv)in subparagraph (B)(ii) of paragraph (2) (as so redesignated), by inserting (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Forest Management for Rural Stability Act) after 204(a)(5). (B)Section 302(b) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7142(b)) is amended
 (i)in paragraph (1), by striking ; and at the end and inserting a period; (ii)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking shall— and all that follows through publish in paragraph (1) and inserting shall publish; and
 (iii)by striking paragraph (2). (C)The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 is amended by striking section 403 (16 U.S.C. 7153) and inserting the following:

 403.Treatment of fundsFunds made available under section 402 shall be in addition to any other annual appropriations for the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management..
 (D)Section 603(b)(1)(C)(ii)(II) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6591b(b)(1)(C)(ii)(II)) is amended by inserting (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Forest Management for Rural Stability Act) before the period at the end.
 (E)Section 4003(b)(2)(B)(ii) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303(b)(2)(B)(ii)) is amended by striking 500 note) and inserting 7125) (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Forest Management for Rural Stability Act).
 (d)Use of fundsSection 302(a) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7142(a)) is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (1), by striking to carry out activities under the Firewise Communities program; (2)in paragraph (2)(A), by striking on Federal land;
 (3)in paragraph (3), by striking and at the end; (4)in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
 (5)by adding at the end the following:  (5)for job training or job creation activities;
 (6)for projects approved by— (A)a resource advisory committee; or
 (B)a forest collaborative; (7)for natural resource conservation projects;
 (8)for forest health treatments; (9)for economic development activities;
 (10)for transportation infrastructure projects on county road systems that serve Federal land; or (11)to plan, develop, or carry out projects on Federal land that—
 (A)are consistent with applicable Federal laws (including regulations) and forest plans; (B)create private sector jobs, generate county revenue, or provide merchantable forest products; and
 (C)may include— (i)forest health treatments;
 (ii)implementation of work under a Master Stewardship Agreement; (iii)implementation of work under a good neighbor agreement (as defined in section 8206(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a(a))); or
 (iv)forest road replacement, rehabilitation, or reconstruction.. (e)CertificationSection 303 of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 7143) is amended—
 (1)in subsection (a), by striking February 1 and all that follows through Secretary concerned and inserting February 1 of each calendar year beginning after a calendar year during which not less than $35,000 of county funds were expended by a participating county, the appropriate official of the participating county shall submit to the Forest and Refuge County Foundation established by section 300202 of title 36, United States Code,; and
 (2)in subsection (b)— (A)by striking Secretary concerned shall and inserting Forest and Refuge County Foundation shall; and
 (B)by striking Secretary concerned determines and inserting Foundation determines. (f)FundingThe Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 is amended by striking section 402 (16 U.S.C. 7152) and inserting the following:

					402.Funding
 (a)In generalOn October 1 of each fiscal year, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary concerned such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act, to remain available until expended.
 (b)Receipt and acceptanceThe Secretary concerned shall be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to carry out this section the funds transferred under subsection (a), without further appropriation..
			5.Funding for Refuge Revenue Sharing Act
 (a)Source of payments to countiesSection 401(c) of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s(c)), is amended adding at the end the following:  (6)Source of payments to countiesNotwithstanding any other provision of this section, for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, with respect to counties that have not elected to opt out of distributions under section 300207(e)(4)(A) of title 36, United States Code, instead of making the payments to the applicable counties required under paragraphs (1) and (2) from the fund, the payments shall be derived from—
 (A)distributions to be paid under section 300207(e)(2)(B)(ii)(III)(aa)(AA) of title 36, United States Code; and
 (B)to the extent that amounts made available under subparagraph (A) are insufficient, any amounts that are appropriated under subsection (d), to be distributed in accordance with section 300207(e)(2)(B)(ii)(III)(bb) of title 36, United States Code..
 (b)FundingSection 401 of the Act of June 15, 1935 (commonly known as the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act) (49 Stat. 383, chapter 261; 16 U.S.C. 715s), is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:

					(d)Funding for payments
 (1)In generalOn October 1 of each fiscal year, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to make payments under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c) to counties, after taking into account—
 (A)amounts in the fund available for the payments for the fiscal year; and (B)amounts made available for payments from the National Resources Permanent Fund established by section 300207(a) of title 36, United States Code, for the fiscal year.
 (2)Receipt and acceptanceThe Secretary shall be entitled to receive, shall accept, and shall use to carry out this section the funds transferred under paragraph (1), without further appropriation..
			6.Exemption of certain payments from sequestration
			(a)In
 generalSection 255(g)(1)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 905(g)(1)(A)) is amended by inserting after Payments to Social Security Trust Funds (28–0404–0–1–651). the following:
				Payments to States and eligible counties from the National Resources Permanent Fund established by
			 section 300207(a) of title 36, United States Code..
 (b)ApplicabilityThe amendment made by this section shall apply to any sequestration order issued under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 900 et seq.) on or after the date of enactment of this Act.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1654
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 4, 2011
			Mr. Udall of Colorado
			 (for himself and Mr. Bennet) introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To establish an alternative accountability
		  model.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Growth to Excellence Act of
			 2011.
		2.Accountability
			 ModelSection 1111(b) of the
			 Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)) is
			 amended—
			(1)in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the
			 following:

					(E)Assessments
				Above and Below Grade Level
						(i)In
				GeneralNotwithstanding any
				other requirement of this paragraph, a State may carry out this paragraph
				through the use of adaptive assessments that—
							(I)are administered through a computerized
				means;
							(II)are aligned with grade-level academic
				content standards; and
							(III)measure academic growth above and below
				grade level.
							(ii)Requirements
				for Adaptive AssessmentsFor
				the results of any adaptive assessment to be included in the accountability
				model described under paragraph (12), such results must provide the information
				necessary to determine adequate student growth in accordance with paragraph
				(12)(C)(i).
						;
				and
			(2)by adding at the end the following:

					(11)Criteria and
				Implementation of Accountability model
						(A)In
				General
							(i)Transitional
				ParticipationPrior to a State's adoption of college and career
				ready academic content standards and college and career ready assessments, as
				defined in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (13), a State may apply to
				the Secretary to replace the State plan requirements under paragraph (2) with
				the accountability requirements under paragraph (12).
							(ii)Required
				ParticipationAfter the
				adoption of college and career ready academic content standards and college and
				career ready assessments, as defined in subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph
				(13) and required under this subsection—
								(I)a State shall comply with this paragraph
				and paragraph (12) in lieu of paragraph (2); and
								(II)references in
				this Act to section 1111(b)(2) shall be deemed to be references to this
				paragraph and paragraph (12).
								(B)CriteriaA State that participates in the
				accountability model described in paragraph (12) shall carry out the following
				activities:
							(i)Implement challenging college and career
				ready academic content standards, as defined in paragraph (13)(B).
							(ii)Implement
				college and career ready assessments, as defined in paragraph 13(C).
							(iii)For a secondary
				school, measure graduation rates as defined in section 200.19(b)(1) of title
				34, Code of Federal Regulations.
							(iv)Assess not less
				than 2 additional indicators of whether students are college and career ready,
				such as—
								(I)student scores on
				the ACT;
								(II)student scores
				on the SAT;
								(III)the percentage
				of students who attend an institution of higher education;
								(IV)college
				remediation rates;
								(V)results from
				Advance Placement or International Baccalaureate exams;
								(VI)student grade
				point averages at an institution of higher education; or
								(VII)rates of
				completion of the first year at an institution of higher education.
								(v)Provide a
				comprehensive State system of accountability for schools that do not meet the
				standard for adequate student growth, as described in paragraph (12), which
				aims to ensure that each student is college and career ready before such
				student graduates from secondary school and which shall include, at a
				minimum—
								(I)the evaluation of
				each school and each group of students described in paragraph (2)(C)(v)(II)
				against annual progress targets described in subclauses (V) and (VI) of
				paragraph (12)(B)(i) that are aligned with the goal of ensuring that each
				student is college and career ready before such student graduates from
				secondary school;
								(II)a system of
				categorization that will group schools based on—
									(aa)how the overall
				performance of students, and the performance of each subgroup of students
				described in paragraph (2)(C)(v)(II), at such school compares to each annual
				progress target described in subclauses (V) and (VI) of paragraph (12)(B)(i);
				and
									(bb)if the school is
				a secondary school, how students at such school perform when measured against
				key indicators of college and career readiness, as described in clauses (iii)
				and (iv);
									(III)supports and
				consequences for each school in the State, as appropriate for each school based
				on the categorization described in subclause (II); and
								(IV)incentives for
				schools that consistently exceed the annual progress targets described in
				subclauses (V) and (VI) of paragraph (12)(B)(i).
								(vi)Adopt
				intervention mechanisms for schools, as described in section 1116.
							(vii)Ensure that
				adequate student growth reports are delivered, in a timely manner, to parents
				and teachers (as appropriate) to enable parents and teachers to examine student
				progress toward becoming college and career ready.
							(C)Assessments
				above and below grade level
							(i)In
				GeneralIn carrying out the
				assessment requirements described in subparagraph (B)(ii), a State may use
				adaptive assessments described in paragraph (3)(E).
							(ii)Requirements
				for Adaptive AssessmentsFor
				the results of any adaptive assessment to be included in the accountability
				model described under paragraph (12), such results must provide the information
				necessary to determine adequate student growth in accordance with paragraph
				(12)(C)(i).
							(12)Accountability
				Model
						(A)In
				GeneralEach State that will use an accountability model under
				this paragraph shall submit a plan to the Secretary, which shall demonstrate
				that the State has developed and will implement a single, statewide State
				accountability system that will be effective in ensuring that all local
				educational agencies, public elementary schools, and public secondary schools
				meet the standard of adequate student growth as defined under this
				paragraph.
						(B)Components of
				the Accountability Model
							(i)In
				GeneralEach State accountability model shall—
								(I)be based on the
				academic standards and academic assessments adopted under paragraphs (1), (3),
				and (11), and other academic indicators consistent with subparagraph
				(C)(ii);
								(II)take into
				account the achievement of all public elementary school and secondary school
				students;
								(III)be the same
				accountability model that the State uses for all public elementary schools and
				secondary schools or all local educational agencies in the State;
								(IV)include
				components that recognize successful schools and that require intervention
				measures in struggling schools, which the State will use to hold local
				educational agencies and public elementary schools and secondary schools
				accountable for student achievement and for ensuring that such agencies and
				schools meet the standard of adequate student growth as described in
				subparagraph (C), in accordance with this paragraph;
								(V)establish annual
				progress targets for each school that aim to reduce by half, in less than 6
				years—
									(aa)the difference
				between the percentage of students at the top performing schools in the State
				who meet the college and career ready academic content standards described in
				paragraph (13)(B) or make adequate student growth, as described in subparagraph
				(C), and the percentage of such students at each school that is not a top
				performing school; and
									(bb)for each
				category of students described in paragraph (2)(C)(v)(II), the difference
				between the percentage of students who meet the college and career ready
				academic content standards described in paragraph (13)(B) or make adequate
				student growth, as described in subparagraph (C), at the top performing schools
				in the State, and the percentage of such students at each school that is not a
				top performing school; and
									(VI)establish annual
				progress targets for each secondary school that aim to reduce by half, in less
				than 6 years, the difference between the percentage of students who graduate
				from such secondary school and 90 percent.
								(ii)Definition of
				Top Performing SchoolIn this paragraph, the term top
				performing school means a school that is ranked at the 90th percentile
				when all schools in a State are ranked (with separate rankings for elementary
				schools and for secondary schools) from lowest to highest, based on the
				percentage of students at each school who meet challenging college and career
				ready academic content standards.
							(iii)Top
				Performing SchoolsA top performing school shall be considered a
				school that is meeting annual progress targets under subclauses (V) and (VI) of
				clause (i), for such time as the school remains a top performing school.
							(C)Adequate
				Student Growth
							(i)In
				GeneralThe term adequate student growth shall be
				defined by a State—
								(I)to mean—
									(aa)for each student
				at a school who is not on track to being college and career ready in a subject,
				a rate of growth indicating that the student will be on track to being college
				and career ready within 3 years, or by the last year of student testing,
				whichever is earlier; and
									(bb)for a student
				who is on track to being college and career ready in a subject, but is not yet
				college and career ready, a rate of growth equal to not less than 1 year of
				academic growth;
									(II)in a manner
				that—
									(aa)applies the same
				high standards of academic achievement to all public elementary school and
				secondary school students in the State;
									(bb)is
				statistically rigorous, valid, and reliable;
									(cc)results in
				continuous and substantial academic improvement for all students; and
									(dd)measures the
				progress of public elementary schools, secondary schools, local educational
				agencies, and the State based on the academic assessments described in
				paragraphs (3) and (11).
									(ii)Measures of
				adequate school performance
								(I)In
				GeneralA State may develop a composite measure of a school’s
				adequate student growth, as described under this paragraph, to be used for
				public reporting, that may incorporate 1 or more of the following
				indicators:
									(aa)Overall student
				cohort proficiency or growth to proficiency on the assessments adopted under
				paragraphs (3) and (11) over a period of 2 or more years.
									(bb)The percentage
				of students who are making sufficient growth to meet the college and career
				ready academic content standards, as described in paragraph (13)(B), before the
				last year that the student is in the student's current school, or in less than
				3 years, whichever occurs earlier.
									(cc)Progress in
				closing achievement gaps between each group of students listed in paragraph
				(2)(C)(v)(II) and the overall student population of the school over a period of
				2 or more years.
									(dd)For secondary
				schools, a continuous and substantial increase in the graduation rate (as
				defined in section 200.19(b)(1) of title 34, Code of Federal
				Regulations).
									(ee)Year-to-year
				growth and growth to proficiency on the assessments adopted under paragraphs
				(3) and (11).
									(ff)Attendance for
				all public elementary school students.
									(gg)The percentage
				of students who earn sufficient credits to be promoted to the next
				grade.
									(hh)The percentage
				of secondary school graduates who attend an institution of higher
				education.
									(ii)The percentage
				of secondary school graduates who do not require remediation at an institution
				of higher education.
									(II)Validity and
				ReliabilityThe State shall ensure that each indicator described
				in this clause is rigorous, valid for the indicator's assigned use, reliable,
				and consistent with any relevant nationally recognized professional and
				technical standards.
								(III)Reporting of
				IndicatorsA State shall publicly report each of the indicators
				that are included within the composite measure of adequate school performance,
				as described in this clause, in the aggregate and disaggregated by each group
				of students described in paragraph (2)(C)(v)(II).
								(D)Annual
				Improvement for SchoolsEach year, for a school to meet the
				standard for adequate student growth under this paragraph, not less than 95
				percent of each group of students described in paragraph (2)(C)(v)(II) who are
				enrolled in the school are required to take the assessments, consistent with
				paragraph (3), including subparagraph (C)(xi) of such paragraph, and
				with—
							(i)accommodations
				provided in the same manner as those provided under section 504 of the
				Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794); and
							(ii)accommodations
				and alternative assessments provided in the same manner as those provided under
				section 612(a)(16)(A) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education
				Act.
							(E)Evaluation
							(i)Secretarial
				DutiesThe Secretary shall—
								(I)establish a
				rigorous peer-review process, which shall include a diverse board of experts
				and community stakeholders, to assist in the review of State accountability
				model plans, based on the criteria described in subparagraphs (B) and
				(C)(i);
								(II)appoint
				individuals to the peer-review process who are representative of parents,
				teachers, State educational agencies, and local educational agencies, and who
				are familiar with educational standards, assessments, accountability, the needs
				of low-performing schools, and other educational needs of students;
								(III)if the
				Secretary determines that the State plan does not meet the requirements of this
				paragraph, immediately notify the State of such determination and the reasons
				for such determination;
								(IV)not decline to
				approve a State's accountability model plan before—
									(aa)offering the
				State an opportunity to revise its accountability model plan;
									(bb)providing
				technical assistance in order to assist the State to meet the requirements of
				this paragraph;
									(cc)providing a
				hearing; and
									(dd)allowing the
				State to communicate with peer reviewers in order to further explain or justify
				the merits of the State's accountability model plan; and
									(V)have the
				authority to disapprove a State accountability model plan for not meeting the
				requirements of this paragraph, but shall not have the authority to require a
				State, as a condition of approval of the State accountability model plan, to
				include in, or delete from, such plan 1 or more specific elements of the
				State's academic content standards or to use specific academic assessment
				instruments or items.
								(ii)State
				RevisionsA State accountability model plan shall be revised by
				the State educational agency if it is necessary to satisfy the requirements of
				this paragraph.
							(F)Approved
				SchoolsIf, as of the date of enactment of the
				Growth to Excellence Act of
				2011, a State has already received approval from the Secretary to
				use an accountability model, the Secretary may allow such State a period of not
				more than 2 years from the date of enactment of such Act to transition to the
				use of the accountability model described in this paragraph.
						(13)DefinitionsIn
				this subsection:
						(A)College and
				Career ReadyThe term college and career ready when
				used with respect to a student means that the student meets the requirements
				necessary to be admitted into credit-bearing, nonremedial, entry level
				coursework at a State public institution of higher education.
						(B)College and
				Career Ready Academic Content StandardsThe term college and career ready
				academic content standards means challenging academic content standards
				(as required under paragraph (1)) that are—
							(i)developed based on evidence that mastery of
				such standards corresponds to being college and career ready without the need
				for remediation; and
							(ii)(I)common to a significant number of States;
				or
								(II)approved by a system of public 4-year
				institutions of higher education in the State, such that mastery of such
				standards leads to placement into credit-bearing, nonremedial, first-year
				coursework for a student admitted to an institution of higher education that is
				part of such system.
								(C)College and
				Career Ready AssessmentsThe term college and career ready
				assessments means an assessment for mathematics and an assessment for
				reading or language arts that—
							(i)measures the
				annual academic growth of individual students;
							(ii)is aligned with
				the college and career ready academic content standards described in this
				paragraph; and
							(iii)meets the
				requirements under paragraph (3).
							(D)On track to
				being college and career readyThe term on track to being
				college and career ready in a subject means that a student is performing
				at or above grade level, such that the student will be college and career ready
				in the subject before graduation from secondary school, as measured by the
				State assessment
				system.
						.


		III
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. RES. 356
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 30, 2012
			Mrs. Feinstein (for
			 herself, Mr. Lieberman,
			 Mr. Rubio, Mrs.
			 Boxer, Mr. Durbin,
			 Mr. McCain, Mr.
			 Webb, Mr. Udall of Colorado,
			 Mr. Udall of New Mexico,
			 Mr. Leahy, Mr.
			 Cardin, Mr. Menendez, and
			 Mr. Johanns) submitted the following
			 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign
			 Relations

			March 28, 2012
			Reported by Mr. Kerry,
			 without amendment and an amendment to the preamble

			March 29, 2012
			Considered and agreed to with an amended
			 preamble

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing support for the people of
		  Tibet.

		Whereas
			 Tibet is the center of Tibetan Buddhism, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama,
			 Tenzin Gyatso, is the most revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism;
		Whereas
			 the Government of the People’s Republic of China continues to enforce policies
			 that infringe on fundamental freedoms of Tibetans, including punitive security
			 measures against monasteries, mass arrests, and restrictions on freedom to
			 practice religion;
		Whereas
			 both the Dalai Lama and the Kalon Tripa, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, the prime minister
			 democratically elected by the Tibetan exile community, have specifically stated
			 that they do not seek independence for Tibet from China;
		Whereas, in his inaugural address on August
			 8, 2011, Kalon Tripa Sangay stated that he will continue the Middle-Way
			 policy, which seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet within the People’s Republic of
			 China;
		Whereas
			 according to the Department of State’s 2011 Report on Tibet Negotiations, since
			 2002, nine rounds of talks between the Government of the People’s Republic of
			 China and envoys of the Dalai Lama have not borne concrete
			 results;
		Whereas
			 despite persistent efforts by the Dalai Lama and his representatives, the
			 Government of the People’s Republic of China and envoys of the Dalai Lama have
			 not held any formal dialogue since January 2010;
		Whereas, since March 2011, more than two
			 dozen Tibetans have set themselves on fire, and at least 19 have died;
		Whereas
			 the repressive policies of the Government of the People’s Republic of China
			 have created an environment of despair, hopelessness, and frustration among
			 many Tibetans;
		Whereas, on November 1, 2011, the United
			 Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Heiner Bielefeldt,
			 expressed concern over restrictive measures implemented by the
			 Government of the People’s Republic of China in Tibetan monasteries, stating
			 that such measures not only curtail the right to freedom of religion or
			 belief, but further exacerbate the existing tensions, and are
			 counterproductive and affirming that the right of members of the
			 monastic community, and the wider community to freely practice their religion,
			 should be fully respected and guaranteed by the Chinese
			 Government;
		Whereas, on January 24, 2012, Maria Otero,
			 Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, and United
			 States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, issued a statement expressing
			 concern about reports of violence and continuing heightened tensions in
			 Tibetan areas of China, including reports of security forces in Sichuan
			 province opening fire on protesters, killing some and injuring
			 others;
		Whereas
			 the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China guarantees freedom of
			 religious belief for all citizens, but the July-December 2010 International
			 Religious Freedom Report of the Department of State states that the
			 [Chinese] government’s repression of religious freedom remained severe in the
			 Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas;
		Whereas, on March 10, 2011, His Holiness
			 the Dalai Lama announced that he would relinquish his last remaining
			 governmental duties in the Central Tibetan Administration, and would turn over
			 political authority to the leadership democratically elected by Tibetans in
			 exile;
		Whereas, on March 20, 2011, the Tibetan
			 government in exile conducted competitive democratic elections that were
			 monitored by international observers and deemed free, fair, and consistent with
			 international standards;
		Whereas
			 nearly 50,000 people in over 30 countries, more than half of all the eligible
			 Tibetan exiles voters, participated in the March 20, 2011, elections;
		Whereas
			 Dr. Lobsang Sangay was elected Kalon Tripa, or prime minister, of the Central
			 Tibetan Administration after receiving 55 percent of votes in the March 20,
			 2011, election and was inaugurated on August 8, 2011;
		Whereas
			 Kalon Tripa Sangay was selected to study in the United States under the
			 Department of State's Tibetan Scholarship Program, earning a doctorate in law
			 from Harvard University, and served as a Senior Fellow at the East Asian Legal
			 Studies Program at Harvard Law School;
		Whereas
			 Kalon Tripa Sangay, while at Harvard University, promoted dialogue among
			 Tibetan exiles and Chinese students and visiting Chinese scholars to enhance
			 mutual understanding and advance the prospects for reconciliation; and
		Whereas
			 it is the objective of the United States Government, consistent across
			 administrations of different political parties and as articulated in the
			 Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 (subtitle B of title VI of Public Law 107–228; 22
			 U.S.C. 6901 note) to promote a substantive dialogue between the Government of
			 the People’s Republic of China and the Dalai Lama or his representatives in
			 order to secure genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people within China: Now,
			 therefore, be it

		That the Senate—
			(1)mourns the death of Tibetans who have
			 self-immolated and deplores the repressive policies targeting Tibetans;
			(2)calls on the Government of the People's
			 Republic of China to suspend implementation of religious control regulations,
			 reassess religious and security policies implemented since 2008 in Tibet, and
			 resume a dialogue with Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including the Dalai Lama or
			 his representatives, to resolve underlying grievances;
			(3)calls on the Government of the People’s
			 Republic of China to release all persons that have been arbitrarily detained;
			 to cease the intimidation, harassment and detention of peaceful protestors; and
			 to allow unrestricted access to journalists, foreign diplomats, and
			 international organizations to Tibet;
			(4)calls on the Secretary of State to seek
			 from the Government of the People’s Republic of China a full accounting of the
			 forcible removal of monks from Kirti Monastery, including an explanation of the
			 pretext or conditions under which monks were removed and their current
			 whereabouts;
			(5)commends His Holiness the Dalai Lama for
			 his decision to devolve his political power in favor of a democratic
			 system;
			(6)congratulates Tibetans living in exile for
			 holding, on March 20, 2011, a competitive, multi-candidate election that was
			 free, fair, and met international electoral standards;
			(7)reaffirms the unwavering friendship between
			 the people of the United States and the people of Tibet; and
			(8)both—
				(A)calls on the Department of State to fully
			 implement the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002 (subtitle B of title VI of Public Law
			 107–228; 22 U.S.C. 6901 note), including the stipulation that the Secretary of
			 State seek to establish an office in Lhasa, Tibet, to monitor political,
			 economic, and cultural developments in Tibet, and also to provide
			 consular protection and citizen services in emergencies; and
				(B)urges that the agreement to permit China to
			 open further diplomatic missions in the United States should be contingent upon
			 the establishment of a United States Government consulate in Lhasa,
			 Tibet.


115 HR 3956 IH: Simplifying Technical Aspects Regarding Seasonality Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-10-04
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 CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3956IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESOctober 4, 2017Mr. Renacci (for himself, Mr. Schrader, Ms. Jenkins of Kansas, Mr. Costa, Mr. Barletta, and Mr. Joyce of Ohio) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to simplify the treatment of seasonal positions for
			 purposes of the employer shared responsibility requirement.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Simplifying Technical Aspects Regarding Seasonality Act of 2017 or the STARS Act. 2.Simplification of seasonal rules for purposes of employer shared responsibility requirement (a)Full-Time employee exception for determining assessable payment (1)In generalSection 4980H(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C) and by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph:

 (B)Exception for seasonal employeesSuch term shall not include any seasonal employee.. (2)Seasonal employee definedSection 4980H(c) of such Code is amended by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) as paragraphs (6), (7), and (8), respectively and by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph:

 (5)Seasonal employeeThe term seasonal employee means an employee who is employed in a position for which the customary annual employment is not more than 6 months and which requires performing labor or services which are ordinarily performed at certain seasons or periods of the year..
 (b)Applicable large employer determination exceptionSection 4980H(c)(2)(B) of such Code is amended to read as follows:  (B)Exception for seasonal employeesFor purposes of subparagraph (A), seasonal employees shall not be taken into account..
 (c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect as if included in section 1513 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.


109 HCON 84 IH: Directing the Architect of the Capitol to enter into a contract for the design and construction of a monument to commemorate the contributions of minority women to women’s suffrage and to the participation of women in public life, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-03-03
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 84
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 3, 2005
Mr. Davis of Illinois submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Directing the Architect of the Capitol to enter into a contract for the design and construction of a monument to commemorate the contributions of minority women to women’s suffrage and to the participation of women in public life, and for other purposes.

1.Construction of monument commemorating contributions of minority women to women’s suffrage
(a)In generalNot later than 1 year after the date of the adoption of this concurrent resolution, the Architect of the Capitol shall enter into a contract for the design and construction of a monument to commemorate the contributions of minority women to women’s suffrage and to the participation of women in public life in the United States.
(b)Women depicted on monumentThe monument constructed pursuant to the contract entered into under subsection (a) shall include depictions of an appropriate representative of each of the following, as determined by the recommendations provided by the advisory committee under section 2:
(1)African American women.
(2)Hispanic American women.
(3)Asian Pacific American women.
(4)Jewish American women.
(5)Native American women.
(c)Deadline for completionThe contract entered into under subsection (a) shall include a requirement the monument designed and constructed under the contract be completed and delivered to the Architect of the Capitol not later than 18 months after the date on which the Architect enters into the contract.
(d)Placement in Capitol Visitor CenterUpon delivery of the monument constructed pursuant to the contract entered into under subsection (a), the Architect of the Capitol shall arrange for the monument to be placed in permanent display in the Capitol Visitor Center.
2.Use of advisory committee for making recommendations on women to be depicted on monument
(a)In generalThe individuals to be depicted on the monument designed and constructed under this concurrent resolution shall be those individuals recommended by an advisory committee consisting of—
(1)1 member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(2)1 member appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; and
(3)1 member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
(b)Deadline for appointmentMembers of the advisory committee shall be appointed not later than 30 days after the adoption of this concurrent resolution.
(c)No compensation for serviceMembers of the advisory committee shall serve without pay.
(d)Solicitation of nominees from publicThe members of the advisory committee shall solicit from the general public nominees for depiction on the monument designed and constructed under this concurrent resolution.
(e)Deadline for submission of recommendationsNot later than 90 days after the date of the adoption of this concurrent resolution, the advisory committee shall submit to the Architect of the Capitol the names of the individuals to be depicted on the monument designed and constructed under this concurrent resolution.
3.Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this concurrent resolution (including sums necessary for the advisory committee to carry out its duties under section 2), to remain available until expended.


114 HRES 761 IH: Recognizing the lack of full voting rights in Congress for active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are District of Columbia residents.
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-05-26
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. 761
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 26, 2016
Ms. Norton submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

RESOLUTION
Recognizing the lack of full voting rights in Congress for active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are District of Columbia residents.

Whereas on the last Monday of May, our Nation observes Memorial Day, a Federal holiday commemorating the men and women who died in the service of their country; Whereas the service and sacrifice of the active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families is unparalleled;
Whereas the civilian population of the United States has the honor and privilege of being protected by the active duty service members, National Guard members, and reservists; Whereas the active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, and veterans have risked life and limb to protect the American people and uphold the rights and freedoms of the people of the United States;
Whereas the active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are District of Columbia residents make the same sacrifices as those who have full voting rights in Congress; Whereas approximately 30,000 veterans are residents of the District of Columbia and lack full voting rights in Congress;
Whereas residents of the District of Columbia fought to create the United States, and have served in every war since; Whereas 243 District of Columbia residents were casualties of the Vietnam War, more than 10 States;
Whereas 547 District of Columbia residents were casualties of the Korean War, more than 8 States; Whereas 635 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War I, more than 3 States;
Whereas 3,575 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War II, more than 4 States; Whereas 192,406 District of Columbia residents have served in the military since World War I;
Whereas residents of the District of Columbia, including active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, and veterans are denied full voting representation in the House of Representatives and the Senate; and Whereas Congress should pass H.R. 317, the New Columbia Admission Act, which would grant full and equal voting representation and control over local affairs to the residents of the District of Columbia by making it the 51st State: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives recognizes the lack of full voting rights in Congress for active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are District of Columbia residents.


IV
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1639
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

September 28, 2010

RESOLUTION
Recognizing the contributions of the National Waterways Conference on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, and for other purposes.

Whereas the Corps of Engineers (Corps) is the Nation’s premier water resources agency, charged by the Congress with responsibility over its 3 principal mission areas of navigation, flood damage reduction, and environmental restoration;
Whereas the Corps is responsible for the maintenance of more than 11,000 miles of channels in 41 States for commercial navigation, the operation of locks at 230 individual sites, the maintenance of over 300 deep-draft commercial harbors and over 600 shallow-draft, coastal, and inland harbors, and the maintenance of over 8,500 miles of flood damage reduction structures, including levees;
Whereas the vast array of navigation and flood damage reduction infrastructure is important to the security and vitality of the Nation’s economy and overall prosperity;
Whereas the Corps’ environmental restoration mission seeks to achieve environmental sustainability, to promote balance and synergy among human development activities and natural systems, and to maintain a healthy, diverse, and sustainable condition necessary to support life;
Whereas the authorization for critical navigation, flood damage reduction, environmental restoration, and other water-related projects and studies carried out by the Corps is typically included in a water resources development act;
Whereas throughout the Corps’ history, water resources development acts have provided the Corps with the authority to carry out nationally significant projects that have improved the economic prosperity of the Nation, have protected its citizenry from the threat of flooding and coastal storms, and have put in place environmental restoration efforts for many of the Nation’s national treasures;
Whereas it is the tradition of the House of Representatives to consider a water resources development act in every Congress to address current and future needs for water-related projects and policy changes, including the historic override of a Presidential veto of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–114);
Whereas continued and increased investment in the Nation’s water-related infrastructure is essential for meeting the critical navigation, flood damage reduction, environmental restoration, and other water-related needs of the Nation, as well as to ensure the economic security and quality of life of American families;
Whereas the National Waterways Conference was established in 1960 to advocate before the Congress for common-sense water resources policies that maximize the economic and environmental value of the Nation’s inland, coastal, and Great Lakes waterways;
Whereas the Conference supports continued congressional attention in meeting the Nation’s water-related needs, including navigation, flood damage reduction and risk management, environmental protection and restoration, hydroelectric power, recreation, and water supply;
Whereas the Conference is guided by the purpose of promoting a better understanding of the public value of the United States waterways system and to document the importance of farsighted navigation and water resources policies to a vibrant economy, industrial and agricultural productivity, regional development, environmental quality, energy conservation, international trade, defense preparedness, and the overall national interest;
Whereas the Conference strives to maintain a diverse membership that reflects many of the uses of the Nation’s waterways, including flood control associations, levee boards, waterways shippers and carriers, industry and regional associations, port authorities, shipyards, dredging contractors, regional water districts, engineering consultants, and local governments;
Whereas the Conference has been a consistent advocate for continued investment in the Nation’s water-related infrastructure, including its strong support for robust appropriations for the Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works program;
Whereas the Conference serves as an effective national advocate for water resources-related policy and law; and
Whereas the Conference recognizes that regular authorization of a water resources development act is essential to our nation’s environmental well-being and our economic vitality: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—
(1)recognizes the value of the Corps of Engineers and its civil works mission to the economic prosperity and sustainable environmental health of the Nation;
(2)recognizes the contributions of the National Waterways Conference in the formulation of the Nation’s water resources-related policies and programs for the Corps’ civil works mission and its advocacy for continued and increased investment in meeting the water resource needs of the Nation; and
(3)commends the National Waterways Conference on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.

Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.