		IA
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. J. RES. 5
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 6, 2009
			Mr. Serrano
			 introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		JOINT RESOLUTION
		Proposing an amendment to the Constitution
		  of the United States to repeal the twenty-second article of amendment, thereby
		  removing the limitation on the number of terms an individual may serve as
		  President.

		That the following article is proposed as
			 an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to
			 all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the
			 legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after
			 the date of its submission for ratification:

				 —
					The twenty-second article of amendment to
				the Constitution of the United States is hereby
				repealed.
					.


110 HR 5246 IH: To suspend temporarily the duty on acid black

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-02-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5246
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 7, 2008
			Mr. Watt introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on acid black
		  132.

		1.Acid black 132
			(a)In
			 generalHeading 9902.03.59 of
			 the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to acid black
			 132) is amended by striking 12/31/2006 and inserting
			 12/31/2011.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods
			 entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day
			 after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1034
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 12, 2009
			Mr. Forbes introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		A BILL
		To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate the
		  Honor and Remember Flag created by Honor and Remember, Inc., as an official
		  symbol to recognize and honor members of the Armed Forces who died in the line
		  of duty, and for other purposes.

		1.Designation of Honor and
			 Remember flag for fallen members of the Armed Forces
			(a)FindingsCongress finds the following:
				(1)Since the Revolutionary War, more than one
			 million members of the United States Armed Forces have paid the ultimate price
			 by sacrificing their lives in the line of duty.
				(2)The contributions
			 of those fallen members of the Armed Forces are deserving of national
			 recognition.
				(3)Currently, there
			 is no officially recognized symbol that acknowledges members of the Armed
			 Forces who died in the line of duty.
				(b)DesignationChapter
			 9 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
			 following new section:

					904.Honor and
				Remember flag for fallen members of the Armed Forces
						(a)DesignationThe Honor and Remember Flag created by
				Honor and Remember, Inc., is designated as the symbol of our Nation’s concern
				and commitment to honoring and remembering the lives of all members of the
				United States Armed Forces who have lost their lives in the line of
				duty.
						(b)Required
				Display(1)The Honor and Remember Flag shall be
				displayed at the locations specified in subsection (c) on the days specified in
				paragraph (2):
							(2)The required Honor and Remember Flag
				display days are the following:
								(A)Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday
				in May.
								(B)Memorial Day, the last Monday in
				May.
								(C)Flag Day, June 14.
								(D)Independence Day, July 4.
								(E)National POW/MIA Recognition
				Day.
								(F)Veterans Day, November 11.
								(3)In addition to the days specified in
				paragraph (2), Honor and Remember Flag display days include—
								(A)in
				the case of display at the World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial,
				and Vietnam Veterans Memorial (required by subsection (c)(3)), any day on which
				the United States flag is displayed;
								(B)in
				the case of display at medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs
				(required by subsection (c)(7)), any day on which the flag of the United States
				is displayed; and
								(C)in
				the case of display at United States Postal Service post offices (required by
				subsection (c)(8)), the last business day before a day specified in paragraph
				(2) that in any year is not itself a business day.
								(c)Locations for
				Flag DisplayThe locations
				for the display of the Honor and Remember Flag under subsection (b) are the
				following:
							(1)The
				Capitol.
							(2)The White
				House.
							(3)The World War II
				Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans
				Memorial.
							(4)Each national
				cemetery.
							(5)The buildings
				containing the official office of—
								(A)the Secretary of
				State;
								(B)the Secretary of
				Defense;
								(C)the Secretary of
				Veterans Affairs; and
								(D)the Director of
				the Selective Service System.
								(6)Each major
				military installation, as designated by the Secretary of Defense.
							(7)Each medical
				center of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
							(8)Each United States
				Postal Service post office.
							(d)Display To Be in
				a Manner Visible to the PublicDisplay of the Honor and Remember Flag
				pursuant to this section shall be in a manner designed to ensure visibility to
				the public.
						(e)LimitationThis section may not be construed or
				applied so as to require any employee to report to work solely for the purpose
				of providing for the display of the Honor and Remember Flag or any other
				flag.
						.
			(c)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter
			 is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

						904. Honor and Remember flag for fallen
				members of the Armed
				Forces.

					.
			(d)Regulations for
			 implementationNot later than
			 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the head of each
			 department, agency, or other establishment responsible for a location specified
			 in subsection (c) of section 904 of title 36, United States Code, as added by
			 subsection (a), shall prescribe such regulations as necessary to carry out such
			 section.
			(e)Procurement and
			 distribution of flagsNot
			 later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
			 Administrator of General Services shall commence the procurement of Honor and
			 Remember Flags and distribute them as necessary to permit compliance with
			 section 904 of title 36, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).


116 HR 7456 IH: Maritime Administration Authorization and Improvement Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-07-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7456IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 1, 2020Ms. Garcia of Texas (for herself, Mr. Young, Mr. Brown of Maryland, Mr. Babin, and Mr. Palazzo) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureA BILLTo establish a grant program for domestic maritime workforce training and education, and for other purposes.1.Centers of excellence for domestic maritime workforce training and educationSection 54102 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—(1)in subsection (a), by striking of Transportation;(2)in subsection (b), in the subsection heading, by striking Assistance and inserting Cooperative agreements;(3)by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d);(4)in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following:(3)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation.; and(5)by inserting after subsection (b) the following:(c)Grant program(1)Definition of eligible institutionIn this subsection, the term eligible institution means an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)) that offers a 2-year program of study, a 1-year program of training, or is a postsecondary vocational institution.(2)Grant authorization(A)In generalNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Maritime Administration Authorization and Improvement Act, the Secretary may award maritime career training grants to eligible institutions for the purpose of developing, offering, or improving educational or career training programs for American workers related to the maritime workforce.(B)GuidelinesNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Maritime Administration Authorization and Improvement Act, the Secretary shall—(i)promulgate guidelines for the submission of grant proposals under this subsection; and(ii)publish and maintain such guidelines on the website of the Department of Transportation.(3)LimitationsThe Secretary may not award a grant under this subsection in an amount that is more than $20,000,000.(4)Required information(A)In generalAn eligible institution that desires to receive a grant under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary a grant proposal that includes a detailed description of—(i)the specific project for which the grant proposal is submitted, including the manner in which the grant will be used to develop, offer, or improve an educational or career training program that is suited to maritime industry workers;(ii)the extent to which the project for which the grant proposal is submitted will meet the educational or career training needs of maritime workers in the community served by the eligible institution;(iii)the extent to which the project for which the grant proposal is submitted fits within any overall strategic plan developed by an eligible community; and(iv)any previous experience of the eligible institution in providing maritime educational or career training programs.(B)Community outreach requiredIn order to be considered by the Secretary, a grant proposal submitted by an eligible institution under this subsection shall—(i)demonstrate that the eligible institution—(I)reached out to employers to identify—(aa)any shortcomings in existing maritime educational and career training opportunities available to workers in the community; and(bb)any future employment opportunities within the community and the educational and career training skills required for workers to meet the future maritime employment demand; and(II)reached out to other similarly situated institutions in an effort to benefit from any best practices that may be shared with respect to providing maritime educational or career training programs to workers eligible for training; and(ii)include a detailed description of—(I)the extent and outcome of the outreach conducted under clause (i); (II)the extent to which the project for which the grant proposal is submitted will contribute to meeting any shortcomings identified under clause (i)(I)(aa) or any maritime educational or career training needs identified under clause (i)(I)(bb); and(III)the extent to which employers, including small- and medium-sized firms within the community, have demonstrated a commitment to employing workers who would benefit from the project for which the grant proposal is submitted.(5)Criteria for award of grants(A)In generalSubject to the appropriation of funds, the Secretary shall award a grant under this subsection based on—(i)a determination of the merits of the grant proposal submitted by the eligible institution to develop, offer, or improve maritime educational or career training programs to be made available to workers;(ii)an evaluation of the likely employment opportunities available to workers who complete a maritime educational or career training program that the eligible institution proposes to develop, offer, or improve;(iii)an evaluation of prior demand for training programs by workers in the community served by the eligible institution, as well as the availability and capacity of existing maritime training programs to meet future demand for training programs; and(iv)any prior designation of an institution as a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education.(B)Matching requirementsA grant awarded under this subsection may not be used to satisfy any private matching requirement under any other provision of law.(6)Public reportNot later than December 15 in each of the calendar years 2021 through 2023, the Secretary shall make available on a publically available website a report and provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives—(A)describing each grant awarded under this subsection during the preceding fiscal year; and(B)assessing the impact of each award of a grant under this subsection in a fiscal year preceding the fiscal year referred to in subparagraph (A) on workers receiving training.(7)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $200,000,000. .


110 HR 6782 IH: Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification and Illegal

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-08-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6782
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			August 1, 2008
			Mr. Marshall (for
			 himself, Mr. DeFazio,
			 Mr. Cooper,
			 Mr. Barrow,
			 Mr. Bartlett of Maryland,
			 Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia,
			 Mr. Cole of Oklahoma,
			 Mr. Taylor,
			 Mr. Shimkus, and
			 Mr. Reynolds) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on
			 Ways and Means and
			 Education and Labor, for
			 a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
			 consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
			 committee concerned

		A BILL
		To create an electronic employment eligibility
		  verification system to ensure that all workers in the United States are legally
		  able to work, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Electronic Employment Eligibility
			 Verification and Illegal Immigration Control Act of
			 2008.
		2.Employment
			 eligibility verification system
			(a)In
			 GeneralSection 274A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
			 U.S.C. 1324a(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					(7)Employment
				eligibility verification system
						(A)In
				generalThe Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish and
				administer a verification system through which the Secretary (or a designee of
				the Secretary)—
							(i)responds to
				inquiries made by persons at any time through a toll-free telephone line and
				other toll-free electronic media concerning an individual’s identity and
				whether the individual is authorized to be employed; and
							(ii)maintains records
				of the inquiries that were made, of verifications provided (or not provided),
				and of the codes provided to inquirers as evidence of their compliance with
				their obligations under this section.
							(B)Design and
				operation of systemThe verification system shall be designed and
				operated—
							(i)to
				maximize its reliability and ease of use by persons and other entities
				consistent with insulating and protecting the privacy and security of the
				underlying information;
							(ii)to
				respond to all inquiries made by such persons and entities on whether
				individuals are authorized to be employed and to register all times when such
				inquiries are not received;
							(iii)with appropriate
				administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorized
				disclosure of personal information; and
							(iv)to have
				reasonable safeguards against the system’s resulting in unlawful discriminatory
				practices based on national origin or citizenship status, including—
								(I)the selective or
				unauthorized use of the system to verify eligibility;
								(II)the use of the
				system prior to an offer of employment; or
								(III)the exclusion of
				certain individuals from consideration for employment as a result of a
				perceived likelihood that additional verification will be required, beyond what
				is required for most job applicants.
								(C)Responsibilities
				of the commissioner of social securityAs part of the
				verification system, the Commissioner of Social Security, in consultation with
				the Secretary of Homeland Security (and any designee of the Secretary selected
				to establish and administer the verification system), shall establish a
				reliable, secure method, which, within the time periods specified under
				subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (3), compares the name and Social
				Security account number provided in an inquiry against such information
				maintained by the Commissioner in order to validate (or not validate) the
				information provided regarding an individual whose identity and employment
				eligibility must be confirmed, the correspondence of the name and number, and
				whether the individual has presented a Social Security account number that is
				not valid for employment. The Commissioner shall not disclose or release Social
				Security information (other than such verification or nonverification) except
				as provided for in this section or section 205(c)(2)(I) of the Social Security
				Act.
						(D)Responsibilities
				of the secretary of homeland security
							(i)As part of the verification system, the
				Secretary of Homeland Security (in consultation with any designee of the
				Secretary selected to establish and administer the verification system), shall
				establish a reliable, secure method, which, within the time periods specified
				under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (3), compares the name and alien
				identification or authorization number which are provided in an inquiry against
				such information maintained by the Secretary in order to validate (or not
				validate) the information provided, the correspondence of the name and number,
				and whether the alien is authorized to be employed in the United States.
							(ii)When a single employer has submitted to the
				verification system pursuant to subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (3) the
				identical Social Security account number in more than one instance, or when
				multiple employers have submitted to the verification system pursuant to such
				paragraph the identical Social Security account number, in a manner which
				indicates the possible fraudulent use of that number, the Secretary of Homeland
				Security shall conduct an investigation, within the time periods specified in
				such subparagraphs, in order to ensure that no fraudulent use of a Social
				Security account number has taken place. If the Secretary has selected a
				designee to establish and administer the verification system, the designee
				shall notify the Secretary when a single employer has submitted to the
				verification system pursuant to such subparagraphs the identical Social
				Security account number in more than one instance, or when multiple employers
				have submitted to the verification system pursuant to such paragraph the
				identical Social Security account number, in a manner which indicates the
				possible fraudulent use of that number. The designee shall also provide the
				Secretary with all pertinent information, including the name and address of the
				employer or employers who submitted the relevant Social Security account
				number, the relevant Social Security account number submitted by the employer
				or employers, and the relevant name and date of birth of the employee submitted
				by the employer or employers.
							(iii)The Secretary in
				consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, shall establish
				procedures to permit an individual who contests a tentative or final
				nonverification notice, or seeks to verify the individual’s own employment, to
				contact the appropriate agency and, in a timely manner, correct or update the
				information used by the system.
							(iv)The Secretary
				shall prescribe a system to register employer participation prior to the date
				the employer is required or permitted to submit information with respect to an
				employee.
							(E)Updating
				informationThe Commissioner
				of Social Security and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall update their
				information in a manner that promotes the maximum accuracy and shall provide a
				process for the prompt correction of erroneous information, including instances
				in which it is brought to their attention in the secondary verification process
				described in paragraph (3)(C).
						(F)Federal Tort
				Claims ActIf an individual alleges that the individual would not
				have been dismissed from a job but for an error of the verification mechanism,
				the individual may seek compensation only through the mechanism of the Federal
				Tort Claims Act, and injunctive relief to correct such error. No class action
				may be brought under this subparagraph.
						(G)Protection from
				liability for actions taken on the basis of informationNo person
				or entity shall be civilly or criminally liable for any action taken in good
				faith reliance on information provided through the employment eligibility
				verification mechanism established under this
				paragraph.
						.
			(b)Repeal of
			 Provision Relating to Evaluations and Changes in Employment
			 VerificationSection 274A(d) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(d)) is
			 repealed.
			3.Employment
			 eligibility verification processSection 274A of the Immigration and
			 Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a) is amended—
			(1)in subsection
			 (a)(3), by inserting (A) after Defense.—, and by
			 adding at the end the following:

					(B)Failure to seek
				and obtain verificationIn the case of a person or entity in the
				United States that hires, or continues to employ, an individual, or recruits or
				refers an individual for employment, the following requirements apply:
						(i)Failure to seek
				verification
							(I)In
				generalIf the person or entity has not made an inquiry, under
				the mechanism established under subsection (b)(7), seeking verification of the
				identity and work eligibility of the individual, by not later than the end of 3
				working days (as specified by the Secretary of Homeland Security) after the
				date of the hiring, the date specified in subsection (b)(8)(B) for previously
				hired individuals, or before the recruiting or referring commences, the defense
				under subparagraph (A) shall not be considered to apply with respect to any
				employment, except as provided in subclause (II).
							(II)Special rule
				for failure of verification mechanismIf such a person or entity
				in good faith attempts to make an inquiry in order to qualify for the defense
				under subparagraph (A) and the verification mechanism has registered that not
				all inquiries were responded to during the relevant time, the person or entity
				can make an inquiry until the end of the first subsequent working day in which
				the verification mechanism registers no nonresponses and qualify for such
				defense.
							(ii)Failure to
				obtain verificationIf the person or entity has made the inquiry
				described in clause (i)(I) but has not received an appropriate verification of
				such identity and work eligibility under such mechanism within the time period
				specified under subsection (b)(7)(B) after the time the verification inquiry
				was received, the defense under subparagraph (A) shall not be considered to
				apply with respect to any employment after the end of such time
				period.
						;
			(2)by
			 amending subparagraph (A) of subsection (b)(1) to read as follows:

					(A)In
				generalThe person or entity must attest, under penalty of
				perjury and on a form designated or established by the Secretary by regulation,
				that it has verified that the individual is not an unauthorized alien
				by—
						(i)obtaining from the
				individual the individual’s Social Security account number and recording the
				number on the form (if the individual claims to have been issued such a
				number), and, if the individual does not attest to United States citizenship
				under paragraph (2), obtaining such identification or authorization number
				established by the Department of Homeland Security for the alien as the
				Secretary of Homeland Security may specify, and recording such number on the
				form; and
						(ii)(I)examining a document
				described in subparagraph (B); or
							(II)examining a document described in
				subparagraph (C) and a document described in subparagraph (D).
							A person or
				entity has complied with the requirement of this paragraph with respect to
				examination of a document if the document reasonably appears on its face to be
				genuine, reasonably appears to pertain to the individual whose identity and
				work eligibility is being verified, and, if the document bears an expiration
				date, that expiration date has not elapsed. If an individual provides a
				document (or combination of documents) that reasonably appears on its face to
				be genuine, reasonably appears to pertain to the individual whose identity and
				work eligibility is being verified, and is sufficient to meet the first
				sentence of this paragraph, nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as
				requiring the person or entity to solicit the production of any other document
				or as requiring the individual to produce another
				document.;
			(3)in subsection
			 (b)(1)(D)—
				(A)in clause (i), by
			 striking or such other personal identification information relating to
			 the individual as the Attorney General finds, by regulation, sufficient for
			 purposes of this section; and
				(B)in clause (ii), by
			 inserting before the period and that contains a photograph of the
			 individual;
				(4)in subsection
			 (b)(2), by adding at the end the following: The individual must also
			 provide that individual’s Social Security account number (if the individual
			 claims to have been issued such a number), and, if the individual does not
			 attest to United States citizenship under this paragraph, such identification
			 or authorization number established by the Department of Homeland Security for
			 the alien as the Secretary may specify.; and
			(5)by amending paragraph (3) of subsection (b)
			 to read as follows:

					(3)Retention of
				verification form and verification
						(A)In
				generalAfter completion of
				such form in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2), the person or entity
				must—
							(i)retain a paper,
				microfiche, microfilm, or electronic version of the form and make it available
				for inspection by officers of the Department of Homeland Security, the Special
				Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, or the Department
				of Labor during a period beginning on the date of the hiring, recruiting, or
				referral of the individual or the date of the completion of verification of a
				previously hired individual and ending—
								(I)in the case of the
				recruiting or referral of an individual, 3 years after the date of the
				recruiting or referral;
								(II)in the case of
				the hiring of an individual, the later of—
									(aa)3
				years after the date of such hiring; or
									(bb)1
				year after the date the individual's employment is terminated; and
									(III)in the case of
				the verification of a previously hired individual, the later of—
									(aa)3
				years after the date of the completion of verification; or
									(bb)1
				year after the date the individual's employment is terminated;
									(ii)make an inquiry,
				as provided in paragraph (7), using the verification system to seek
				verification of the identity and employment eligibility of an individual, by
				not later than the end of 3 working days (as specified by the Secretary of
				Homeland Security) after the date of the hiring or in the case of previously
				hired individuals, the date specified in paragraph (8)(B), or before the
				recruiting or referring commences; and
							(iii)not commence
				recruitment or referral of the individual until the person or entity receives
				verification under clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (D)..
							(B)Initial
				responseThe verification system shall provide verification or a
				tentative nonverification of an individual’s identity and employment
				eligibility within 3 working days of the initial inquiry. If providing
				verification or tentative nonverification, the verification system shall
				provide an appropriate code indicating such verification or such
				nonverification.
						(C)Secondary
				verification process in case of tentative nonverificationIn
				cases of tentative nonverification, the Secretary shall specify, in
				consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, an available secondary
				verification process to confirm the validity of information provided and to
				provide a final verification or nonverification within 10 working days after
				the date of the tentative nonverification. When final verification or
				nonverification is provided, the verification system shall provide an
				appropriate code indicating such verification or nonverification.
						(D)Verification or
				nonverification
							(i)Verification upon
				initial inquiryIf an
				employer receives a verification notice under subparagraph (B) for an
				individual, the employer shall record, as described in subparagraph (A)(i), the
				appropriate code provided in such notice.
							(ii)Tentative
				nonverificationIf an
				employer receives a tentative nonverification notice under subparagraph (B) for
				an individual, the employer shall inform such individual of the issuance of
				such notice in writing, on a form prescribed by the Secretary not later than 3
				days after receiving such notice. Such individual shall acknowledge receipt of
				such notice in writing as described in paragraph (1)(A). If the individual
				refuses to acknowledge receipt of notice, the individual’s employment must be
				terminated immediately.
							(iii)No
				contestIf the individual does not contest the tentative
				nonverification notice within 10 days of receiving notice from the individual’s
				employer, the notice shall become final and the employer shall record, as
				described in subparagraph (A)(i), the appropriate code provided through the
				system to indicate the individual did not contest the tentative
				nonverification. An individual’s failure to contest a tentative nonverification
				shall not be considered an admission of guilt with respect to any violation of
				this Act or any other provision of law.
							(iv)ContestIf the individual contests the tentative
				nonverification notice, the individual shall submit appropriate information to
				contest such notice under the procedures established in subparagraph (E) not
				later than 10 days after receiving the notice from the individual’s
				employer.
							(v)Effective period
				of tentative nonverification noticeA tentative nonverification
				notice shall remain in effect until such notice becomes final under clause
				(iii), or the earlier of—
								(I)a final
				verification notice or final nonverification notice is issued through the
				system; or
								(II)10 working days
				after the individual contests a tentative nonverification under clause
				(iv).
								(vi)Additional
				authorityThe Secretary shall have the authority to issue a final
				verification notice for an individual. In such a case, the Secretary shall
				determine the individual’s eligibility for employment in the United States and
				record the results of such determination in the system within 12 months.
							(vii)Effective
				period of final noticeA final verification notice issued under
				this paragraph for an individual shall remain in effect—
								(I)during any
				continuous period of employment of such individual by such employer, unless the
				Secretary determines the final verification was the result of identity fraud;
				or
								(II)in the case of an
				alien authorized to be employed in the United States for a temporary period,
				during such period.
								(viii)Prohibition
				on terminationAn employer
				may not terminate the employment of an individual based on a tentative
				nonverification notice until such notice becomes final under clause (iii), an
				individual refuses to acknowledge receipt of tentative nonverification under
				clause (ii), or a final nonverification notice is issued for the individual by
				the System. Nothing in this clause shall prohibit the termination of employment
				for any other reason other than such tentative nonverification.
							(ix)Recording of
				contest resolutionThe
				employer shall record the appropriate code that is provided through the system
				to indicate a final verification notice or final nonverification notice as
				described in paragraph (1)(A).
							(x)Consequences of
				nonverificationIf the employer has received a final
				nonverification regarding an individual, the employer shall terminate the
				employment, recruitment, or referral of the individual. Such employer shall
				provide to the Secretary any information relating to the individual that the
				Secretary determines would assist the Secretary in enforcing or administering
				the immigration laws. If the employer continues to employ, recruit or refer the
				individual after receiving final nonverification, a rebuttable presumption is
				created that the employer has violated subsections (a)(1)(A) and (a)(2). Such
				presumption may not apply to a prosecution under subsection (f)(1).
							(E)Administrative
				review
							(i)In
				generalAn individual who is terminated from employment as a
				result of a final nonverification notice may, not later than 60 days after the
				date of such termination, file an appeal of such notice.
							(ii)ProceduresThe
				Secretary and Commissioner of Social Security shall develop procedures to
				review appeals filed under clause (i) and to make final determinations on such
				appeals.
							(iii)Review for
				errorsIf a final determination on an appeal filed under clause
				(i) results in verification of an individual's eligibility to work in the
				United States, the administrative review process shall require the Secretary to
				determine if the final nonverification notice issued for the individual was the
				result of—
								(I)an error or
				negligence on the part of an employee or official operating or responsible for
				the System;
								(II)the decision
				rules, processes, or procedures utilized by the system; or
								(III)erroneous system
				information that was not the result of acts or omissions of the
				individual.
								(iv)Compensation
				for error
								(I)In
				generalIf the Secretary makes a determination under clause (iii)
				that the final nonverification notice issued for an individual was not caused
				by an act or omission of the individual, the Secretary shall compensate the
				individual for lost wages.
								(II)Calculation of
				lost wagesLost wages shall be calculated based on the wage rate
				and work schedule that prevailed prior to termination. The individual shall be
				compensated for wages lost beginning on the first scheduled work day after
				employment was terminated and ending 180 days after completion of the
				administrative review process described in this paragraph or the day after the
				individual is reinstated or obtains employment elsewhere, whichever occurs
				first.
								(v)Limitation on
				compensationFor purposes of determining an individual's
				compensation for the loss of employment, such compensation shall not include
				any period in which the individual was ineligible for employment in the United
				States.
							(vi)Source of
				fundsCompensation or
				reimbursement provided under this paragraph shall be provided from the
				Employment Verification Compensation Fund established under section 8 and shall
				not be provided from appropriated funds.
							(F)Judicial
				review
							(i)In
				generalAfter the Secretary makes a final determination on an
				appeal filed by an individual under the administrative review process described
				in subparagraph (E), the individual may obtain judicial review of such
				determination by a civil action commenced not later than 60 days after the date
				of such decision, or such further time as the Secretary may allow.
							(ii)JurisdictionA
				civil action for such judicial review shall be brought in the district court of
				the United States for the judicial district in which the plaintiff resides, or
				has a principal place of business, or, if the plaintiff does not reside or have
				a principal place of business within any such judicial district, in the
				District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia.
							(iii)AnswerAs
				part of the Secretary’s answer to a complaint for such judicial review, the
				Secretary shall file a certified copy of the administrative record compiled
				during the administrative review under subparagraph (E), including the evidence
				upon which the findings and decision complained of are based. The court shall
				have power to enter, upon the pleadings and transcript of the record, a
				judgment affirming or reversing the result of that administrative review, with
				or without remanding the cause for a rehearing.
							(iv)Compensation
				for error
								(I)In
				generalIn cases in which such judicial review reverses the final
				determination of the Secretary made under subparagraph (E), the court shall
				compensate the individual for lost wages.
								(II)Calculation of
				lost wagesLost wages shall be calculated based on the wage rate
				and work scheduled that prevailed prior to termination. The individual shall be
				compensated for wages lost beginning on the first scheduled work day after
				employment was terminated and ending 180 days after completion of the judicial
				review described in this paragraph or the day after the individual is
				reinstated or obtains employment elsewhere, whichever occurs first.
								(G)Limitation on
				use of the verification system and any related
				systemsNotwithstanding any other provision of law, nothing in
				this paragraph shall be construed to permit or allow any department, bureau, or
				other agency of the United States Government to utilize any information,
				database, or other records assembled under this paragraph for any other purpose
				other than as provided for.
						(H)Limitation on
				collection and use of data
							(i)Limitation on
				collection of data
								(I)In
				generalThe System shall collect and maintain only the minimum
				data necessary to facilitate the successful operation of the System, and in no
				case shall the data be other than—
									(aa)information
				necessary to register employers under paragraph (7)(D)(iv);
									(bb)information
				necessary to initiate and respond to inquiries or contests under subparagraph
				(E);
									(cc)information
				necessary to establish and enforce compliance with paragraph (7)(D)(iv) and
				subparagraph (E);
									(dd)information
				necessary to detect and prevent employment related identity fraud; and
									(ee)such
				other information the Secretary determines is necessary, subject to a 180 day
				notice and comment period in the Federal Register.
									(II)PenaltiesAny
				officer, employee, or contractor who willfully and knowingly collects and
				maintains data in the system other than data described in clause (i) shall be
				guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not more than $1,000 for each
				violation.
								(ii)Limitation on
				use of dataWhoever willfully and knowingly accesses, discloses,
				or uses any information obtained or maintained by the system—
								(I)for the purpose of
				committing identity fraud, or assisting another person in committing identity
				fraud, as defined in section 1028 of title 18, United States Code;
								(II)for the purpose
				of unlawfully obtaining employment in the United States or unlawfully obtaining
				employment in the United States for any other person; or
								(III)for any purpose
				other than as provided for under any provision of law;
								shall be
				guilty of a felony and upon conviction shall be fined under title 18, United
				States Code, or imprisoned for not less than 5 years, or both.(iii)ExceptionsNothing
				in clauses (i) or (ii) may be construed to limit the collection, maintenance,
				or use of data by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue or the Commissioner of
				Social Security as provided by
				law.
							.
			4.Expansion of
			 employment eligibility verification system to previously hired individuals and
			 recruiting and referring
			(a)Application to
			 Recruiting and ReferringSection 274A of the Immigration and
			 Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a) is amended—
				(1)in subsection
			 (a)(1)(A), by striking for a fee;
				(2)in subsection
			 (a)(1), by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:

						(B)to hire, continue
				to employ, or to recruit or refer for employment in the United States an
				individual without complying with the requirements of subsection
				(b).
						;
				(3)in subsection
			 (a)(2), by striking after hiring an alien for employment in accordance
			 with paragraph (1), and inserting after complying with paragraph
			 (1),; and
				(4)in subsection
			 (a)(3), as amended by section 3, is further amended by striking
			 hiring, and inserting hiring, employing, each
			 place it appears.
				(b)Employment
			 Eligibility Verification for Previously Hired IndividualsSection
			 274A(b) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(b)), as amended by section 2(a), is further
			 amended by adding at the end the following:

					(8)Use of
				employment eligibility verification system for previously hired
				individuals
						(A)On a voluntary
				basisBeginning on the date
				that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of the
				Electronic Employment Eligibility
				Verification and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2008 and
				until the date specified in subparagraph (B)(iii), a person or entity may make
				an inquiry, as provided in paragraph (7), using the verification system to seek
				verification of the identity and employment eligibility of any individual
				employed by the person or entity, as long as it is done on a nondiscriminatory
				basis.
						(B)On a mandatory
				basis
							(i)A
				person or entity described in clause (ii) must make an inquiry as provided in
				paragraph (7), using the verification system to seek verification of the
				identity and employment eligibility of all individuals employed by the person
				or entity who have not been previously subject to an inquiry by the person or
				entity by the date 3 years after the date of enactment of the
				Electronic Employment Eligibility
				Verification and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2008.
							(ii)A
				person or entity is described in this clause if it is a Federal, State, or
				local governmental body (including the Armed Forces of the United States), or
				if it employs individuals working in a location that is a Federal, State, or
				local government building, a military base, a nuclear energy site, a weapon
				site, an airport, or that contains critical infrastructure (as defined in
				section 1016(e) of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2001 (42
				U.S.C. 5195c(e))), but only to the extent of such individuals.
							(iii)All persons and
				entities other than those described in clause (ii) must make an inquiry, as
				provided in paragraph (7), using the verification system to seek verification
				of the identity and employment eligibility of all individuals employed by the
				person or entity who have not been previously subject to an inquiry by the
				person or entity by the date 6 years after the date of enactment of the
				Electronic Employment Eligibility
				Verification and Illegal Immigration Control Act of
				2008.
							.
			5.Basic pilot
			 programSection 401(b) of the
			 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C.
			 1324a note) is amended by striking at the end of the 11-year period
			 beginning on the first day the pilot program is in effect and inserting
			 2 years after the enactment of the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification and Illegal
			 Immigration Control Act of 2008.
		6.Hiring
			 hallsSection 274A(h) of the
			 Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(h)) is amended by adding at the
			 end the following:

				(4)Recruitment and
				referralAs used in this
				section, the term refer means the act of sending or directing a
				person or transmitting documentation or information to another, directly or
				indirectly, with the intent of obtaining employment in the United States for
				such person. Generally, only persons or entities referring for remuneration
				(whether on a retainer or contingency basis) are included in the definition.
				However, labor service agencies, whether public, private, for-profit, or
				nonprofit, that refer, dispatch, or otherwise facilitate the hiring of workers
				for any period of time by a third party are included in the definition whether
				or not they receive remuneration. As used in this section the term
				recruit means the act of soliciting a person, directly or
				indirectly, and referring the person to another with the intent of obtaining
				employment for that person. Generally, only persons or entities recruiting for
				remunerations (whether on a retainer or contingency basis) are included in the
				definition. However, labor service agencies, whether public, private,
				for-profit, or nonprofit that refer, dispatch, or otherwise facilitate the
				hiring of workers for any period of time by a third party are included in the
				definition whether or not they receive
				remuneration.
				.
		7.PenaltiesSection 274A of the Immigration and
			 Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a) is amended—
			(1)in subsection
			 (e)(4)—
				(A)in subparagraph
			 (A), in the matter before clause (i), by inserting , subject to
			 paragraphs (10) through (12), after in an amount;
				(B)in subparagraph
			 (A)(i), by striking not less than $250 and not more than $2,000
			 and inserting not less than $5,000 and not more than
			 $15,000;
				(C)in subparagraph
			 (A)(ii), by striking not less than $2,000 and not more than
			 $5,000 and inserting not less than $10,000 and not more than
			 $15,000;
				(D)in subparagraph
			 (A)(iii), by striking not less than $3,000 and not more than
			 $10,000 and inserting not less than $25,000 and not more than
			 $40,000; and
				(E)by amending
			 subparagraph (B) to read as follows:

						(B)may require the
				person or entity to take such other remedial action as is
				appropriate.
						;
				(2)in subsection
			 (e)(5)—
				(A)by inserting
			 , subject to paragraphs (10) through (12), after in an
			 amount;
				(B)by striking
			 $100 and inserting $1,000;
				(C)by striking
			 $1,000 and inserting $25,000;
				(D)by striking
			 the size of the business of the employer being charged, the good faith
			 of the employer and inserting the good faith of the employer
			 being charged; and
				(E)by adding at the
			 end the following sentence: Failure by a person or entity to utilize the
			 employment eligibility verification system as required by law, or providing
			 information to the system that the person or entity knows or reasonably
			 believes to be false, shall be treated as a violation of subsection
			 (a)(1)(A).;
				(3)by adding at the
			 end of subsection (e) the following new paragraphs:

					(10)Mitigation of
				civil money penalties for smaller employersIn the case of
				imposition of a civil penalty under paragraph (4)(A) with respect to a
				violation of subsection (a)(1)(A) or (a)(2) for hiring or continuation of
				employment by an employer and in the case of imposition of a civil penalty
				under paragraph (5) for a violation of subsection (a)(1)(B) for hiring by an
				employer, the dollar amounts otherwise specified in the respective paragraph
				shall be reduced as follows:
						(A)In the case of an
				employer with an average of fewer than 26 full-time equivalent employees (as
				defined by the Secretary of Homeland Security), the amounts shall be reduced by
				60 percent.
						(B)In the case of an
				employer with an average of at least 26, but fewer than 101, full-time
				equivalent employees (as so defined), the amounts shall be reduced by 40
				percent.
						(C)In the case of an
				employer with an average of at least 101, but fewer than 251, full-time
				equivalent employees (as so defined), the amounts shall be reduced by 20
				percent.
						The last
				sentence of paragraph (4) shall apply under this paragraph in the same manner
				as it applies under such paragraph.(11)Exemption from
				penalty for initial good faith violationIn the case of
				imposition of a civil penalty under paragraph (4)(A) with respect to a
				violation of subsection (a)(1)(A) or (a)(2) for hiring or continuation of
				employment or recruitment or referral by person or entity and in the case of
				imposition of a civil penalty under paragraph (5) for a violation of subsection
				(a)(1)(B) for hiring or recruitment or referral by a person or entity, the
				penalty otherwise imposed shall be waived if the violator establishes that it
				was the first such violation of such provision by the violator and the violator
				acted in good faith.
					(12)Safe harbor for
				contractorsA person or other
				entity shall be liable for a penalty under paragraph (4)(A) with respect to the
				violation of subsection (a)(1)(A), (a)(1)(B), or (a)(2) with respect to the
				hiring or continuation of employment of an unauthorized alien by a
				subcontractor of that person or entity unless the person or entity verifies
				through the employment eligibility verification system that all subcontractor
				employees and entities participating in the subcontracted employment are
				eligible for employment prior to beginning employment for the contracting
				person or entity. A contracting person or entity shall not be required to
				verify a subcontractor if the contracting person or entity has previously
				verified the employment eligibility of that subcontractor. A contracting person
				or entity shall not be required to verify the employment eligibility of a
				subcontractor employee if the person or entity has previously verified the
				subcontractor employee as a result of the subcontractor employee’s previous
				employment on behalf of the person or entity as an employee of the
				subcontractor.
					;
			(4)by amending
			 paragraph (1) of subsection (f) to read as follows:

					(1)Criminal
				penaltyAny person or entity which engages in a pattern or
				practice of violations of subsection (a)(1) or (2) shall be fined not more than
				$50,000 for each unauthorized alien with respect to which such a violation
				occurs, imprisoned for not less than 1 year, or both, notwithstanding the
				provisions of any other Federal law relating to fine
				levels.
					;
			(5)in
			 subsection (f)(2), by striking Attorney General each place it
			 appears and inserting Secretary of Homeland Security;
			(6)by redesignating
			 subsection (h) as subsection (j);
			(7)by inserting after
			 subsection (g) the following:

					(h)Prohibition on
				award of government contracts, grants and agreements
						(1)Employers with
				no contracts, grants, or agreements
							(A)In
				generalIf an employer who does not hold a Federal contract,
				grant, or cooperative agreement is determined by the Secretary to be a repeat
				violator of this section or is convicted of a crime under this section, the
				employer shall be debarred from the receipt of a Federal contract, grant, or
				cooperative agreement for a period of 5 years. The Secretary or the Attorney
				General shall advise the Administrator of General Services of such a debarment,
				and the Administrator of General Services shall list the employer on the List
				of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs for a
				period of 5 years.
							(B)WaiverThe
				Administrator of General Services, in consultation with the Secretary and the
				Attorney General, may waive operation of this subsection or may limit the
				duration or scope of the debarment.
							(2)Employers with
				contracts, grants, or agreementsAn employer who holds a Federal
				contract, grant, or cooperative agreement and is determined by the Secretary to
				be a repeat violator of this section or is convicted of a crime under this
				section, shall be debarred from the receipt of new Federal contracts, grants,
				or cooperative agreements for a period of 5 years.
						(i)Penalty for
				false attestation by employeeAn individual who falsely
				represents that the individual is eligible for employment in the United States
				in an attestation required by this shall, for each such violation, be subject
				to a fine of not less than $5,000, a term of imprisonment not to exceed 3
				years, or both.
					;
				and
			(8)by inserting after subsection (j) (as so
			 redesignated) the following:

					(k)Special criminal
				penalties for subcontractors and labor brokersAny person or subcontracting entity which
				engages in a pattern or practice of violations of subsection (a)(1)(A) or
				(a)(2) shall be fined not less than $100,000 for each unauthorized alien with
				respect to whom such a violation occurs, imprisoned for not less than 5 years
				for the entire pattern or practice, or both, notwithstanding the provisions of
				any other law relating to fine
				levels.
					.
			8.Compensation
			 fund
			(a)EstablishmentThere
			 is established in the Treasury a separate account to be known as the
			 Employment Verification Compensation Fund (in this section
			 referred to as the Fund).
			(b)Transfers to the
			 FundThere shall be deposited
			 in the Fund all fines and penalties collected under section 274A of the
			 Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a).
			(c)ExpendituresSubject
			 to appropriations Acts, amounts in the Fund shall be available for compensation
			 pursuant to subparagraphs (E) and (F) of section 274A(b)(3) of the Immigration
			 and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(b)(3)), as amended by section 3 of this
			 Act.
			9.Contractor
			 database and audits
			(a)DatabaseThe
			 Department of Homeland Security shall create and maintain a publicly available
			 and accessible online database of contracting and subcontracting individuals or
			 entities which discloses the number of employment eligibility violations and
			 employment eligibility verification rejections each contracting or
			 subcontracting individual or entity has received. The database shall also
			 disclose the total number of verification attempts each contracting or
			 subcontracting individual or entity has made.
			(b)AuditThe
			 Department of Homeland Security shall audit and investigate any contracting or
			 subcontracting individual or entity which has a 10% or greater employment
			 verification rejection rate.
			10.Report on social
			 security card-based employment eligibility verification
			(a)Report
				(1)In
			 generalNot later than 9 months after the date of the enactment
			 of this Act, the Commissioner of Social Security, in consultation with the
			 Secretary of Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Attorney
			 General, shall submit a report to Congress that includes an evaluation of the
			 following requirements and changes:
					(A)A requirement that
			 Social Security cards that are made of a durable plastic or similar material
			 and that include an encrypted, machine-readable electronic identification strip
			 and a digital photograph of the individual to whom the card is issued, be
			 issued to each individual (whether or not a United States citizen) who—
						(i)is
			 authorized to be employed in the United States;
						(ii)is
			 seeking employment in the United States; and
						(iii)files an
			 application for such card, whether as a replacement of an existing Social
			 Security card or as a card issued in connection with the issuance of a new
			 Social Security account number.
						(B)The creation of a
			 unified database to be maintained by the Department of Homeland Security and
			 comprised of data from the Social Security Administration and the Department of
			 Homeland Security specifying the work authorization of individuals (including
			 both United States citizens and noncitizens) for the purpose of conducting
			 employment eligibility verification.
					(C)A requirement that
			 all employers verify the employment eligibility of all new hires using the
			 Social Security cards described in subparagraph (A) and a phone, electronic
			 card-reading, or other mechanism to seek verification of employment eligibility
			 through the use of the unified database described in subparagraph (B).
					(2)Items included
			 in reportThe report under paragraph (1) shall include an
			 evaluation of each of the following:
					(A)Projected cost,
			 including the cost to the Federal Government, State and local governments, and
			 the private sector.
					(B)Administrability.
					(C)Potential effects
			 on—
						(i)employers;
						(ii)employees,
			 including employees who are United States citizens as well as those that are
			 not citizens;
						(iii)tax revenue;
			 and
						(iv)privacy.
						(D)The extent to
			 which employer and employee compliance with immigration laws would be expected
			 to improve.
					(E)Any other relevant
			 information.
					(3)AlternativesThe
			 report under paragraph (1) also shall examine any alternatives to achieve the
			 same goals as the requirements and changes described in paragraph (1) but that
			 involve lesser cost, lesser burden on those affected, or greater ease of
			 administration.
				(b)Inspector
			 general reviewNot later than 3 months after the report is
			 submitted under subsection (a), the Inspector General of the Social Security
			 Administration, in consultation with the Inspectors General of the Department
			 of Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of
			 Justice, shall send to the Congress an evaluation of such report.
			(c)Congressional
			 considerationUpon receipt of the Inspector General’s evaluation
			 of the Commissioner of Social Security’s report, Congress shall consider
			 legislation enacting a plan that best meets both the objectives outlined in
			 this section as well as ease and feasibility of implementation based on the
			 reports presented by the Commissioner of Social Security and the Inspector
			 General.
			11.Effective
			 dateThis Act and the
			 amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of this
			 Act, except that the requirements of persons and entities to comply with the
			 employment eligibility verification process shall take effect on the date that
			 is 2 years after such date.
		12.Limitation on
			 verification responsibilities of commissioner of social securityThe Commissioner of Social Security is
			 authorized to perform activities with respect to carrying out the
			 Commissioner’s responsibilities in this Act or the amendments made by this Act,
			 but only to the extent (except for the purpose of carrying out section 8) the
			 Secretary of Homeland Security has provided, in advance, funds to cover the
			 Commissioner’s full costs in carrying out such responsibilities. In no case
			 shall funds from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund or the
			 Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund be used to carry out such
			 responsibilities.
		13.Report on impact
			 on contracting and subcontracting individuals and entitiesNot later than 12 months after the date of
			 the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit a
			 report to Congress that determines whether the described employment eligibility
			 verification system permits contracting individuals and entities to determine
			 the eligibility of subcontracting individuals or entities without unduly
			 burdening contractors and without freeing subcontracting individuals or
			 entities to break employment laws.
		14.Report on
			 employment eligibility verification systemNot later than 1 year after the
			 implementation of the employment eligibility verification system established
			 under this Act, and 1 year thereafter, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
			 submit to Congress a report on the progress and problems associated with
			 implementation of the system, including information relating to the most
			 efficient use of the system by small businesses.


114 HR 1462 : Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives

text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1462
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
		September 9, 2015ReceivedAN ACT
		To combat the rise of prenatal opioid abuse and neonatal abstinence syndrome.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Protecting Our Infants Act of 2015. 2.FindingsCongress finds as follows:
 (1)Opioid prescription rates have risen dramatically over the past several years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in some States, there are as many as 96 to 143 prescriptions for opioids per 100 adults per year.
 (2)In recent years, there has been a steady rise in the number of overdose deaths involving heroin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the death rate for heroin overdose doubled from 2010 to 2012.
 (3)At the same time, there has been an increase in cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome (referred to in this section as NAS). In the United States, the incidence of NAS has risen from 1.20 per 1,000 hospital births in 2000 to 3.39 per 1,000 hospital births in 2009.
 (4)NAS refers to medical issues associated with drug withdrawal in newborns due to exposure to opioids or other drugs in utero.
 (5)The average cost of treatment in a hospital for NAS increased from $39,400 in 2000 to $53,400 in 2009. Most of these costs are born by the Medicaid program.
 (6)Preventing opioid abuse among pregnant women and women of childbearing age is crucial. (7)Medically appropriate opioid use in pregnancy is not uncommon, and opioids are often the safest and most appropriate treatment for moderate to severe pain for pregnant women.
 (8)Addressing NAS effectively requires a focus on women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and infants from preconception through early childhood.
 (9)NAS can result from the use of prescription drugs as prescribed for medical reasons, from the abuse of prescription drugs, or from the use of illegal opioids like heroin.
 (10)For pregnant women who are abusing opioids, it is most appropriate to treat and manage maternal substance use in a non-punitive manner.
 (11)According to a report of the Government Accountability Office (referred to in this section as the GAO report), more research is needed to optimize the identification and treatment of babies with NAS and to better understand long-term impacts on children.
 (12)According to the GAO report, the Department of Health and Human Services does not have a focal point to lead planning and coordinating efforts to address prenatal opioid use and NAS across the department.
 (13)According to the GAO report, given the increasing use of heroin and abuse of opioids prescribed for pain management, as well as the increased rate of NAS in the United States, it is important to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of planning and coordination of Federal efforts on prenatal opioid use and NAS.
			3.Developing recommendations for preventing and treating prenatal opioid abuse and neonatal
			 abstinence syndrome
 (a)In generalThe Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this Act as the Secretary), acting through the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (referred to in this section as the Director), shall conduct a study and develop recommendations for preventing and treating prenatal opioid abuse and neonatal abstinence syndrome, soliciting input from nongovernmental entities, including organizations representing patients, health care providers, hospitals, other treatment facilities, and other entities, as appropriate.
 (b)ReportNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall publish on the Internet Web site of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality a report on the study and recommendations under subsection (a). Such report shall address each of the issues described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (c).
 (c)ContentsThe study described in subsection (a) and the report under subsection (b) shall include— (1)a comprehensive assessment of existing research with respect to the prevention, identification, treatment, and long-term outcomes of neonatal abstinence syndrome, including the identification and treatment of pregnant women or women who may become pregnant who use opioids or other drugs;
 (2)an evaluation of— (A)the causes of and risk factors for opioid use disorders among women of reproductive age, including pregnant women;
 (B)the barriers to identifying and treating opioid use disorders among women of reproductive age, including pregnant and postpartum women and women with young children;
 (C)current practices in the health care system to respond to and treat pregnant women with opioid use disorders and infants born with neonatal abstinence syndrome;
 (D)medically indicated use of opioids during pregnancy; (E)access to treatment for opioid use disorders in pregnant and postpartum women; and
 (F)access to treatment for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome; and (3)recommendations on—
 (A)preventing, identifying, and treating neonatal abstinence syndrome in infants; (B)treating pregnant women who are dependent on opioids; and
 (C)preventing opioid dependence among women of reproductive age, including pregnant women, who may be at risk of developing opioid dependence.
					4.Improving prevention and treatment for prenatal opioid abuse and neonatal abstinence syndrome
 (a)Review of programsThe Secretary shall lead a review of planning and coordination within the Department of Health and Human Services related to prenatal opioid use and neonatal abstinence syndrome.
 (b)Strategy To close gaps in research and programmingIn carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall develop a strategy to address research and program gaps, including such gaps identified in findings made by reports of the Government Accountability Office. Such strategy shall address—
 (1)gaps in research, including with respect to— (A)the most appropriate treatment of pregnant women with opioid use disorders;
 (B)the most appropriate treatment and management of infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome; and (C)the long-term effects of prenatal opioid exposure on children; and
 (2)gaps in programs, including— (A)the availability of treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women and for newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome; and
 (B)guidance and coordination in Federal efforts to address prenatal opioid use or neonatal abstinence syndrome.
 (c)ReportNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the findings of the review described in subsection (a) and the strategy developed under subsection (b).
			5.Improving data on and public health response to neonatal abstinence syndrome
 (a)Data and surveillanceThe Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shall, as appropriate— (1)provide technical assistance to States to improve the availability and quality of data collection and surveillance activities regarding neonatal abstinence syndrome, including—
 (A)the incidence and prevalence of neonatal abstinence syndrome; (B)the identification of causes for neonatal abstinence syndrome, including new and emerging trends; and
 (C)the demographics and other relevant information associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome; (2)collect available surveillance data described in paragraph (1) from States, as applicable; and
 (3)make surveillance data collected pursuant to paragraph (2) publically available on an appropriate Internet Web site.
 (b)Public health responseThe Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shall encourage increased utilization of effective public health measures to reduce neonatal abstinence syndrome.

	Passed the House of Representatives September 8, 2015.Karen L. Haas,Clerk


116 HRES 638 IH: Congratulating the Washington Mystics on winning the 2019 Women’s National Basketball Association championship.
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-10-17
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.

IV116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 638IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESOctober 17, 2019Ms. Norton (for herself, Mr. Trone, Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Brown of Maryland, Mr. Raskin, Mr. Connolly, and Mr. Ruppersberger) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and ReformRESOLUTIONCongratulating the Washington Mystics on winning the 2019 Women’s National Basketball Association
			 championship.

 Whereas, on October 10, 2019, the Washington Mystics won the 2019 Women’s National Basketball Association (referred to in this preamble as the WNBA) championship;
 Whereas that October 10, 2019, win is the first WNBA championship won by the Washington Mystics in the 22 years that the Washington Mystics have been in the WNBA;
 Whereas the Washington Mystics beat the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA finals; Whereas the Washington Mystics—
 (1)dominated the competition in the regular season, with 26 wins and 8 losses, the best record of any team in the WNBA; and
 (2)earned the top seed in the playoffs; Whereas the Washington Mystics play home games at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast Washington, DC;
 Whereas the 2019 roster of Washington Mystics players includes— (1)Ariel Atkins;
 (2)Natasha Cloud; (3)Elena Delle Donne;
 (4)Tianna Hawkins; (5)Myisha Hines-Allen;
 (6)Kiara Leslie; (7)Emma Meesseman;
 (8)Kim Mestdagh; (9)Aerial Powers;
 (10)LaToya Sanders; (11)Kristi Toliver; and
 (12)Shatori Walker-Kimbrough; Whereas Emma Meesseman received the 2019 WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player award;
 Whereas Elena Delle Donne received the 2019 WNBA League Most Valuable Player award; Whereas Natasha Cloud received the 2019 WNBA Dawn Staley Community Leadership award;
 Whereas the 2019 Washington Mystics coaching staff includes— (1)Head Coach Mike Thibault;
 (2)Assistant Coach Marianne Stanley; and (3)Assistant Coach Eric Thibault;
 Whereas Ted Leonsis, founder, chairman, principal partner, and chief executive officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Washington Mystics, has built a culture of success and contributed greatly to Washington, DC, and the surrounding region through philanthropy;
 Whereas the Washington Mystics have exhibited dedication to positive social impact by strengthening communities through the Mystics Care partnership with organizations in Washington, DC, and the surrounding region; and
 Whereas the dedication and hard work of the Washington Mystics have inspired and empowered girls, boys, women, and men of all ages: Now, therefore, be it

 That the House of Representatives— (1)recognizes the Washington Mystics for winning the 2019 Women’s National Basketball Association championship;
 (2)applauds the people of Washington, DC, and the surrounding region for their enthusiastic support of the Washington Mystics;
 (3)supports equity in men’s and women’s professional sports; and (4)respectfully requests the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the founder, chairman, principal partner, and chief executive officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Ted Leonsis.


116 HR 6332 IH: Relief for Consumers During COVID–19 Act of 2020
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-03-23
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.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6332IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 23, 2020Mrs. Beatty introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial ServicesA BILLTo suspend payments on certain consumer loans during the COVID–19 emergency, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Relief for Consumers During COVID–19 Act of 2020. 2.Suspension of other consumer loan payments(a)In generalDuring the COVID–19 emergency, a debt collector may not, with respect to a debt of a consumer (other than debt related to a federally related mortgage loan)—(1)capitalize unpaid interest;(2)apply a higher interest rate triggered by the nonpayment of a debt to the debt balance;(3)charge a fee triggered by the nonpayment of a debt;(4)sue or threaten to sue for nonpayment of a debt;(5)continue litigation to collect a debt that was initiated before the date of enactment of this section;(6)submit or cause to be submitted a confession of judgment to any court;(7)enforce a security interest through repossession, limitation of use, or foreclosure;(8)take or threaten to take any action to enforce collection, or any adverse action for nonpayment of a debt, or for nonappearance at any hearing relating to a debt;(9)commence or continue any action to cause or to seek to cause the collection of a debt, including pursuant to a court order issued before the end of the 120-day period following the end of the COVID–19 emergency, from wages, Federal benefits, or other amounts due to a consumer by way of garnishment, deduction, offset, or other seizure;(10)cause or seek to cause the collection of a debt, including pursuant to a court order issued before the end of the 120-day period following the end of the COVID–19 emergency, by levying on funds from a bank account or seizing any other assets of a consumer;(11)commence or continue an action to evict a consumer from real or personal property; or(12)disconnect or terminate service from utility service, including electricity, natural gas, telecommunications or broadband, water, or sewer. (b)Rule of constructionNothing in this section may be construed to prohibit a consumer from voluntarily paying, in whole or in part, a debt.(c)Repayment periodAfter the expiration of the COVID–19 emergency, with respect to a debt described under subsection (a), a debt collector—(1)may not add to the debt balance any interest or fee prohibited by subsection (a);(2)shall, for credit with a defined term or payment period, extend the time period to repay the debt balance by 1 payment period for each payment that a consumer missed during the COVID–19 emergency, with the payments due in the same amounts and at the same intervals as the pre-existing payment schedule;(3)shall, for an open end credit plan (as defined under section 103 of the Truth in Lending Act) or other credit without a defined term, allow the consumer to repay the debt balance in a manner that does not exceed the amounts permitted by formulas under section 170(c) of the Truth in Lending Act and regulations promulgated thereunder; and(4)shall, when the consumer notifies the debt collector, offer reasonable and affordable repayment plans, loan modifications, refinancing, options with a reasonable time in which to repay the debt.(d)Communications in connection with the collection of a debt(1)In generalDuring the COVID–19 emergency, without prior consent of a consumer given directly to a debt collector during the COVID–19 emergency, or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, a debt collector may only communicate in writing in connection with the collection of any debt (other than debt related to a federally related mortgage loan).(2)Required disclosures(A)In generalAll written communications described under paragraph (1) shall inform the consumer that the communication is for informational purposes and is not an attempt to collect a debt.(B)RequirementsThe disclosure required under subparagraph (A) shall be made—(i)in type or lettering not smaller than 14-point bold type;(ii)separate from any other disclosure;(iii)in a manner designed to ensure that the recipient sees the disclosure clearly;(iv)in English and Spanish and in any additional languages in which the debt collector communicates, including the language in which the loan was negotiated, to the extent known by the debt collector; and(v)may be provided by first-class mail or electronically, if the borrower has otherwise consented to electronic communication with the debt collector and has not revoked such consent.(C)Oral notificationAny oral notification shall be provided in the language the debt collector otherwise uses to communicate with the borrower.(D)Written translationsIn providing written notifications in languages other than English in this section, a debt collector may rely on written translations developed by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.(e)Violations(1)In generalAny person who violates this section shall—(A)except as provided under subparagraph (B), be subject to civil liability in accordance with section 813 of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, as if the person is a debt collector for purposes of that section; and(B)be liable to the consumer for an amount 10 times the amounts described in such section 813.(2)Predispute arbitration agreementsNotwithstanding any other provision of law, no predispute arbitration agreement or predispute joint-action waiver shall be valid or enforceable with respect to a dispute brought under this section, including a dispute as to the applicability of this section, which shall be determined under Federal law.(f)TollingExcept as provided in subsection (g)(5), any applicable time limitations, including statutes of limitations, related to a debt under Federal or State law shall be tolled during the COVID–19 emergency.(g)Claims of affected creditors and debt collectors(1)Valuation of propertyWith respect to any action asserting a taking under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States as a result of this section or seeking a declaratory judgment regarding the constitutionality of this section, the value of the property alleged to have been taken without just compensation shall be evaluated—(A)with consideration of the likelihood of full and timely payment of the obligation without the actions taken pursuant to this section; and(B)without consideration of any assistance provided directly or indirectly to the consumer from other Federal, State, and local government programs instituted or legislation enacted in response to the COVID–19 emergency.(2)Scope of just compensationIn an action described in paragraph (1), any assistance or benefit provided directly or indirectly to the person from other Federal, State, and local government programs instituted in or legislation enacted response to the COVID–19 emergency, shall be deemed to be compensation for the property taken, even if such assistance or benefit is not specifically provided as compensation for property taken by this section.(3)AppealsAny appeal from an action under this section shall be treated under section 158 of title 28, United States Code, as if it were an appeal in a case under title 11, United States Code.(4)ReposeAny action asserting a taking under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States as a result of this section shall be brought within not later than 180 days after the end of the COVID–19 emergency.(5)SeverabilityIf any provision of this section or the application of such provision to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this section and the application of the provisions of this section to any person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.(h)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)ConsumerThe term consumer means any individual obligated or allegedly obligated to pay any debt.(2)COVID–19 emergencyThe term COVID–19 emergency means the period that begins upon the date of the enactment of this Act and ends on the date of the termination by the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the emergency declared on March 13, 2020, by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 4121 et seq.) relating to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic.(3)CreditorThe term creditor means—(A)any person who offers or extends credit creating a debt or to whom a debt is owed or other obligation for payment;(B)any lessor of real or personal property; or(C)any provider of utility services.(4)DebtThe term debt—(A)means any past due obligation or alleged past due obligation that—(i)was created before the COVID–19 emergency, whether or not such obligation has been reduced to judgment; and(ii)arises out of a transaction with a consumer in which the money, property, insurance or services which are the subject of the transaction, are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes; and(B)does not include a federally related mortgage loan.(5)Debt collectorThe term debt collector means a creditor, and any person or entity that engages in the collection of debt, including the Federal Government and a State government, irrespective of whether the debt is allegedly owed to or assigned to that person or to the entity.(6)Federally related mortgage loanThe term federally related mortgage loan has the meaning given that term under section 3 of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 2602).3.Credit facility for other purposes(a)EstablishmentThe Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall establish a facility that the Board of Governors shall use to make payments to covered financial institutions to compensate such institutions for documented financial losses caused by the suspension of payments required under section 2.(b)Covered financial institution definedIn this section, the term covered financial institution means the holder of a loan described under section 2.


		II

		109th CONGRESS

		1st Session

		S. 1592

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED

		  STATES

			July 29, 2005

			Ms. Snowe (for herself,

			 Mr. Conrad, Mrs. Lincoln, and Ms.

			 Collins) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and

			 referred to the Committee on

			 Finance

		A BILL

		To amend title XIX of the Social Security

		  Act to permit States to obtain reimbursement under the medicaid program for

		  care or services required under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active

		  Labor Act that are provided in a nonpublicly owned or operated institution for

		  mental diseases.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the

			 Medicaid Emergency Psychiatric Care

			 Act of 2005.

		2.Medicaid reimbursement

			 for care or services required under emtala that are provided in a nonpublicly

			 owned or operated institution for mental diseases

			(a)In

			 generalSection 1905 of the

			 Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d)

			 is amended—

				(1)in subsection (a), in the subdivision (B)

			 following paragraph (28), by inserting subject to subsection

			 (y), after (B); and

				(2)by adding at the end the following:

						(y)(1)In the case of an institution for mental

				diseases that is not publicly owned or operated and that is subject to the

				requirements of section 1867, the limitation of subdivision (B) following

				paragraph (28) in subsection (a) (relating to limitations on payments for care

				or services for individuals under 65 years of age who are patients in an

				institution for mental diseases) shall not apply to the provision of care or

				services required to stabilize an emergency medical condition, the treatment

				for which is within the range of services that such institution typically

				provides, of an individual who has attained age 21 but who has not attained age

				65 and who came or was transferred to the institution, if—

								(A)the institution determines that the

				individual has such an emergency medical condition; and

								(B)the institution provides such care or

				services.

								(2)In this subsection—

								(A)the term stabilize has the

				meaning given that term in section 1867(e)(3)(A); and

								(B)the term emergency medical

				condition has the meaning given that term in section

				1867(e)(1).

								.

				(b)Effective

			 dateThe amendments made by

			 subsection (a) apply to care and services furnished on or after the date of

			 enactment of this Act.


109 HR 3638 IH: To amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Irish American Cultural Institute.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-07-29
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3638
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 29, 2005
Mr. Walsh introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL
To amend title 36, United States Code, to grant a Federal charter to the Irish American Cultural Institute.

1.Charter for Irish American Cultural InstitutePart B of subtitle II of title 36, United States Code, is amended—
(1)by redesignating chapter 1001 as chapter 1003;
(2)by redesignating sections 100101 through 100110, and the items relating thereto in the table of sections, as sections 100301 through 100310, respectively; and
(3)by inserting after chapter 901 the following new chapter:

1001Irish American Cultural Institute

Sec.
100101. Organization
100102. Purposes
100103. Membership
100104. Governing body
100105. Powers
100106. Exclusive right to name, seals, emblems, and badges
100107. Restrictions
100108. Duty to maintain tax-exempt status
100109. Principal office
100110. Records and inspection
100111. Service of process
100112. Liability for acts of officers and agents
100113. Annual report
100101.Organization
(a)Federal charterThe Irish American Cultural Institute (in this chapter, the corporation), incorporated in New Jersey, is a federally chartered corporation.
(b)Expiration of charterIf the corporation does not comply with any provision of this chapter, the charter granted by this chapter expires.
100102.PurposesThe purposes of the corporation are as provided in the articles of incorporation and include—
(1)establishing the Museum of Irish America in Washington, D.C., as the center of Irish American thought, dialogue, debate, and reflection;
(2)recognizing and recording a living memorial to the contributions of Irish-born and Irish Americans to the development of the United States;
(3)providing a focal point for all Irish Americans, who make up 17 percent of the United States population, according to the 2000 census;
(4)exploring past, current, and future events in Ireland and the United States, as they relate to Irish Americans and society as a whole;
(5)documenting the tremendous contributions of Irish immigrants to the United States in the areas of architecture, military, politics, religion, labor, sports, literature, and art;
(6)providing ongoing studies to ensure that the experiences of the past will benefit the future of both Ireland and the United States; and
(7)establishing an Irish American Studies Program for students from both Ireland and the United States.
100103.MembershipEligibility for membership in the corporation and the rights and privileges of membership are as provided in the bylaws.
100104.Governing body
(a)Board of directorsThe board of directors and the responsibilities of the board are as provided in the articles of incorporation.
(b)OfficersThe officers and the election of officers are as provided in the articles of incorporation.
100105.PowersThe corporation shall have only the powers provided in its bylaws and articles of incorporation filed in each State in which it is incorporated.
100106.Exclusive right to name, seals, emblems, and badgesThe corporation has the exclusive right to use the name Irish American Cultural Institute and any seals, emblems, and badges relating thereto that the corporation adopts.
100107.Restrictions
(a)Stock and dividendsThe corporation may not issue stock or declare or pay a dividend.
(b)Political activitiesThe corporation or a director or officer as such may not contribute to, support, or participate in any political activity or in any manner attempt to influence legislation.
(c)Distribution of income or assetsThe income or assets of the corporation may not inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, a director, officer, or member during the life of the charter granted by this chapter. This subsection does not prevent the payment of reasonable compensation to an officer or member in an amount approved by the board of directors.
(d)LoansThe corporation may not make any loan to a director, officer, or employee.
(e)Claim of governmental approval or authorizationThe corporation may not claim congressional approval or the authority of the United States Government for any of its activities.
100108.Duty to maintain tax-exempt statusThe corporation shall maintain its status as an organization exempt from taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.).
100109.Principal officeThe principal office of the corporation shall be in Morristown, New Jersey, or another place decided by the board of directors.
100110.Records and inspection
(a)RecordsThe corporation shall keep—
(1)correct and complete books and records of account;
(2)minutes of the proceedings of its members, board of directors, and committees having any of the authority of its board of directors; and
(3)at its principal office, a record of the names and addresses of its members entitled to vote.
(b)InspectionA member entitled to vote, or an agent or attorney of the member, may inspect the records of the corporation for any proper purpose, at any reasonable time.
100111.Service of processThe corporation shall comply with the law on service of process of each State in which it is incorporated and each State in which it carries on activities.
100112.Liability for acts of officers and agentsThe corporation is liable for the acts of its officers and agents acting within the scope of their authority.
100113.Annual reportThe corporation shall submit an annual report to Congress on the activities of the corporation during the prior fiscal year. The report shall be submitted at the same time as the report of the audit required by section 10101 of this title. The report shall not be printed as a public document..
2.Clerical amendmentsThe table of chapters at the beginning of subtitle II of title 36, United States Code, is amended—
(1)in the item relating to chapter 1001, by striking 1001 and inserting 1003 and by striking 100101 and inserting 100301; and
(2)by inserting after the item relating to chapter 901 the following new item:

 1001. Irish American Cultural Institute 100101     .


110 HRES 592 RH: Supporting first responders in the United

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-09-14
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IV
		House Calendar No. 112
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 592
		[Report No.
		  110–325]
		IN THE HOUSE OF
		  REPRESENTATIVES

			July 31, 2007
			Mr. Reichert (for
			 himself and Mr. Taylor) submitted the
			 following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Transportation and
			 Infrastructure

			September 14, 2007
			Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be
			 printed

		RESOLUTION
		Supporting first responders in the United
		  States in their efforts to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, acts
		  of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, and affirming the goals and ideals
		  of National First Responder Appreciation Day.

		Whereas millions of Americans have benefitted from the
			 courageous service of first responders across the Nation;
		Whereas the police, fire, emergency medical service, and
			 public health personnel (commonly known as first responders)
			 work devotedly and selflessly on behalf of the people of this Nation,
			 regardless of the peril or hazard to themselves;
		Whereas in emergency situations, first responders carry
			 out the critical role of protecting and ensuring public safety;
		Whereas the men and women who bravely serve as first
			 responders have found themselves on the front lines of homeland defense in the
			 war against terrorism;
		Whereas first responders are called upon in the event of a
			 natural disaster, such as the tornadoes in Florida and the blizzard in Colorado
			 in December 2006, the wildfires in the West in 2007, and the flooding in the
			 Northeast in April 2007;
		Whereas the critical role of first responders was
			 witnessed in the aftermath of the mass shooting at the Virginia Polytechnic
			 Institute and State University, when the collaborative effort of police
			 officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians to secure the campus,
			 rescue students from danger, treat the injured, and transport victims to local
			 hospitals undoubtedly saved the lives of many students and faculty;
		Whereas 670,000 police officers, 1,100,000 firefighters,
			 and 891,000 emergency medical technicians risk their lives every day to make
			 our communities safe;
		Whereas these 670,000 sworn police officers from Federal,
			 State, tribal, city, and county law enforcement agencies protect lives and
			 property, detect and prevent crimes, uphold the law, and ensure justice;
		Whereas these 1,100,000 firefighters, both volunteer and
			 career, provide fire suppression, emergency medical services, search and
			 rescue, hazardous materials response, response to terrorism, and critical fire
			 prevention and safety education;
		Whereas the 891,000 emergency medical professionals in the
			 United States respond to and treat a variety of life-threatening emergencies,
			 from cardiac and respiratory arrest to traumatic injuries;
		Whereas these 2,661,000 first responders
			 make personal sacrifices to protect our communities, as was witnessed on
			 September 11, 2001, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and as is
			 witnessed every day in cities and towns across America;
		Whereas according to the National Law Enforcement Officers
			 Memorial Fund, a total of 1,649 law enforcement officers died in the line of
			 duty during the past 10 years, an average of 1 death every 53 hours or 165 per
			 year, and 145 law enforcement officers were killed in 2006;
		Whereas according to the United States Fire
			 Administration, from 1996 through 2005 over 1500 firefighters were killed in
			 the line of duty, and tens of thousands were injured;
		Whereas 4 in 5 medics are injured on the job, more than 1
			 in 2 (52 percent) have been assaulted by a patient and 1 in 2 (50 percent) have
			 been exposed to an infectious disease, and emergency medical service personnel
			 in the United States have an estimated fatality rate of 12.7 per 100,000
			 workers, more than twice the national average;
		Whereas most emergency medical service personnel deaths in
			 the line of duty occur in ambulance accidents;
		Whereas thousands of first responders have made the
			 ultimate sacrifice;
		Whereas in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of
			 September 11, 2001, America’s firefighters, law enforcement officers, and
			 emergency medical workers were universally recognized for the sacrifices they
			 made on that tragic day, and should be honored each year as these tragic events
			 are remembered;
		Whereas there currently exists no national day to honor
			 the brave men and women of the first responder community, who give so much of
			 themselves for the sake of others; and
		Whereas these men and women by their patriotic service and
			 their dedicated efforts have earned the gratitude of Congress: Now, therefore,
			 be it

		That the House of Representatives supports
			 first responders in the United States in their efforts to prepare for and
			 respond to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters,
			 and affirms the goals and ideals of National First Responder Appreciation Day
			 to honor and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices made by all first
			 responders in the United States.

		September 14, 2007
		Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be
		  printed