110 HR 6365 IH: Medicare Special Needs Plans

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-06-25
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. 6365
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 25, 2008
			Mr. Kind (for himself
			 and Mr. Ramstad) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in
			 addition to the Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
			 Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
			 jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act
		  with respect to Medicare special needs plans and the alignment of Medicare and
		  Medicaid for dually eligible individuals.

		1.Short title; table of
			 contents
			(a)Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited
			 as the Medicare Special Needs Plans
			 Extension and Amendments Act of 2008.
			(b)Table of
			 contentsThe table of contents of this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
					Sec. 2. Extend SNP authority through December 31,
				2012.
					Sec. 3. Require targeting of high-risk groups; advance
				specialty care capabilities.
					Sec. 4. Study on improving risk adjustment for high-risk,
				high-cost beneficiaries.
					Sec. 5. Advance alignment of Medicare and Medicaid for dual
				eligibles.

			2.Extend SNP
			 authority through December 31, 2012Section 1859(f) of the Social Security Act
			 (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(f)), as amended by section 108 of the Medicare, Medicaid,
			 and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–173), is amended by striking
			 2010 and inserting 2013.
		3.Require targeting
			 of high-risk groups; advance specialty care capabilities
			(a)Requiring
			 targeting of high-risk groups
				(1)In
			 generalSection 1859(b)(6) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
			 1395w–28(b)(6)) is amended—
					(A)in subparagraph
			 (A), by striking all that follows means and inserting the
			 following:

							an MA
			 plan—(i)that serves
				special needs individuals (as defined in subparagraph (B)); and
							(ii)for which—
								(I)at least 90 percent of the individuals
				enrolled after December 31, 2008, are described in subparagraph (B)(i);
								(II)at least 90 percent of the individuals
				enrolled after December 31, 2008, are described in subparagraph (B)(ii);
				or
								(III)at least 90 percent of the individuals
				enrolled after December 31, 2008, are described in subparagraph (B)(iii) and
				have a severe or disabling chronic condition of the type that the plan is
				committed to serve.
								;

					(B)by adding at the
			 end of subparagraph (A) the following: For purposes of applying clause
			 (ii), an individual who is described in subparagraph (B)(i) or (B)(ii) and who
			 is enrolled in a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals shall
			 thereafter be treated as continuing to be described in such respective
			 subparagraph regardless of changes in the individual’s circumstances so long as
			 the individual maintains continuous enrollment in such plan. Clause (ii) shall
			 not apply to a plan described in section 231(d) of the Medicare Prescription
			 Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108–173) which was
			 previously operated under section 2355 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984
			 (Public Law 98–369) and which is operating as a specialized MA plan for special
			 needs individuals as of the date of the enactment of this sentence.;
			 and
					(C)in subparagraph
			 (B)—
						(i)in
			 clause (i), by inserting under regulations in effect as of July 1,
			 2007 after as defined by the Secretary; and
						(ii)by
			 amending clause (iii) to read as follows:

								(iii)has a severe or disabling chronic condition
				that requires complex care management capabilities, of the type described in
				subsection (f)(4), and specialized delivery systems to reduce medical
				complications and adverse health
				outcomes.
								.
						(2)Coordinated
			 financing for dual-eligible SNPsThe Secretary of Health and Human Services
			 shall enter into agreements with States (as defined for purposes of title XIX
			 of the Social Security Act) for coordinating the financing of specialized MA
			 plans for special needs individuals described in section 1859(b)(6)(A)(ii)(II)
			 of such Act for enrollees who are entitled to medical assistance under State
			 plans under such title.
				(b)Advance specialty
			 care capabilities
				(1)In
			 generalSection 1859 of such
			 Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28) is further amended—
					(A)in subsection
			 (b)(6)(A), as amended by subsection (a)(1)—
						(i)by
			 striking and at the end of clause (i);
						(ii)by
			 striking the period at the end of clause (ii) and inserting ;
			 and ; and
						(iii)by
			 adding at the end the following new clause:

								(iii)meets the applicable requirements specified
				in subsection (f) for the plan.
								;
				and
						(B)in subsection
			 (f)—
						(i)by
			 amending the heading to read as follows: Requirements for enrollment in specialized MA
			 plans for special needs beneficiaries;
						(ii)by
			 designating the sentence beginning In the case of as paragraph
			 (1) with the heading Requirements for enrollment.— and with
			 appropriate indentation; and
						(iii)by
			 adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

								(2)Additional
				requirements for dual SNPsIn the case of a specialized MA plan
				for special needs individuals described in subsection (b)(6)(A)(ii)(II), the
				applicable requirements of this subsection include the following:
									(A)(i)Subject to clause (ii),
				the plan has an agreement with the State Medicaid agency that—
											(I)includes provisions regarding cooperation
				on the coordination of care and the coordination of the financing of care for
				such individuals;
											(II)includes a description of any Medicaid
				services to be covered by the plan for individuals enrolled in the plan
				eligible under such title for medical assistance;
											(III)includes a description of the manner
				that the State Medicaid program under title XIX will fulfill its
				responsibilities under such title (including section 1902) with respect to
				payment for Medicare cost-sharing and with respect to payment for any Medicaid
				services not covered by Medicare for individuals enrolled in the plan eligible
				under such title for medical assistance; andold
				language: includes a description of the manner that the State Medicaid program
				under title XIX will pay for the costs of cost-sharing and supplemental
				services for individuals enrolled in the plan eligible under such title for
				medical assistance for acute and long-term care
				services.
											(IV)requires the disclosure to enrollees,
				including in the marketing materials of such plan, of Medicaid benefits and of
				those provider networks that contract with the State under the Medicaid
				program.
											(ii)The agreement requirement of clause (i)
				between a plan and a State Medicaid agency shall not apply if the Secretary
				determines that the State—
											(I)does not have the administrative
				infrastructure to enter into such agreements with such plan or to provide for
				coordination of benefits or payments with such plans;
											(II)is unable to enter into such an
				agreement because of a State limitation on the number of Medicaid managed care
				contracts issued; or
											(III)is otherwise unwilling or unable to
				enter into such an agreement.
											(B)The out-of-pocket costs for services under
				parts A and B that are charged to enrollees may not exceed the out-of-pocket
				costs for same services permitted for such individuals under title XIX.
									(3)Additional
				requirements for severe or disabling chronic condition SNPsIn
				the case of a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals described in
				subsection (b)(6)(A)(ii)(III), the applicable requirements of this subsection
				include the following:
									(A)The plan is designated to serve, and
				serves, individuals described in subsection (b)(6)(1)(B)(iii).
									(B)The plan meets any
				of the 3 following criteria:
										(i)The
				plan specializes in care of individuals who are disabled or have end-stage
				renal disease, including individuals who are eligible for benefits under part A
				through the application of section 226(b) or section 226A.
										(ii)The plan specializes in care for persons
				who have co-morbid or complex chronic conditions that influence other aspects
				of health and have a high risk of hospitalization or other significant adverse
				health outcomes.
										(iii)The plan has an
				average risk score under section 1853(a)(1)(C) of 1.35 or greater.
										(4)Complex care
				management capabilities for all SNPsThe complex care management
				capabilities for a specialized need plan shall include with respect to a
				special needs individual enrolled under the plan the following:
									(A)Conducting an initial assessment, and
				annual reassessment, of the individual’s physical, social, medical, and
				functional needs for each individual enrolled in the plan.
									(B)Developing, for
				each such individual and with input of the individual, an individualized plan
				of care that identifies goals and objectives, including measurable
				outcomes.
									(C)Using an
				interdisciplinary team in management of care and assuring appropriate access to
				specialty care networks.
									(D)Developing
				interventions based on population-based protocols and best practices to the
				extent available.
									(E)Assigning
				appropriate clinicians to meet the unique needs of the population being
				served.
									(F)Assuring
				coordination among clinicians and other service providers involved.
									(G)Assisting
				individuals enrolled in the plan who are entitled to medical assistance under
				title XIX in accessing and coordinating benefits and services under this title
				and under such title.
									(5)Specialty care
				network definedIn this
				subsection, the term specialty care network means, with respect to
				a specialized need plan, a group of health care providers under contract with
				the plan that—
									(A)includes physicians, hospitals, nursing
				facilities, and allied health and social service providers with special
				expertise relevant to the special needs population being served;
									(B)serves a common
				chronically ill or impaired population, either at the same time or in sequence
				to one another; and
									(C)work together to
				improve total quality and cost
				performance.
									.
						(2)Quality standards
			 and quality reportingSection 1852(e)(3) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
			 1395w–22(e)(3)) is amended—
					(A)in subparagraph
			 (A)(i), by adding at the end the following: In the case of a specialized
			 MA plan for special needs individuals, the organization shall provide for the
			 reporting on quality measures developed for the plan under subparagraph
			 (C).; and
					(B)by adding at the
			 end the following new subparagraph:

							(C)Specification of
				quality measurements for specialized MA plans
								(i)In
				generalNotwithstanding subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall
				specify quality measures appropriate to meeting the needs of beneficiaries
				enrolled in specialized MA plans for special needs individuals (described in
				section 1859(b)(6)(A)). In implementing such measures, the Secretary shall take
				into account those HEDIS measures and structure and process measures identified
				that are unique to special needs individuals enrolled under such plans.
								(ii)Satisfaction
				through current reporting requirementsNothing in clause (i)
				shall be construed as requiring the Secretary to impose on specialized MA plans
				for special needs individuals requirements that are in addition to the
				reporting requirements that are imposed on such plans as of the date of the
				enactment of this subparagraph. In implementing such clause, the Secretary
				shall not require the reporting by such plans of measures under such clause in
				a manner that is more burdensome to such plans than the reporting burden
				imposed on other MA
				plans.
								.
					(c)Effective date;
			 grandfather; transition
				(1)Effective
			 date
					(A)In
			 generalExcept as otherwise provided, the amendments made by this
			 section shall take effect for enrollments occurring on or after January 1,
			 2010.
					(B)Medicaid
			 contract requirementSection
			 1859(f)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act, as added by subsection
			 (b)(1)(B)(iii), shall apply to plan years beginning on or after the date that
			 is 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
					(2)Permitting
			 maintenance of policies and procedures for current dual-eligible SNPs under a
			 State Integration ProgramIn
			 the case of a specialized MA plan for special needs individuals described in
			 section 1859(b)(6)(A)(ii)(II)) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
			 1395w–28(b)(6)(A)(ii)(II)) that is offered under a State Medicaid Integrated
			 Medicare-Medicaid Program that was approved by the Administrator of the Centers
			 for Medicaid & Medicare Services before the date of the enactment of this
			 Act, and expansions of such a Program offered on or after such date, the
			 Secretary of Health and Human Services shall permit the continuation of
			 policies and procedures in effect under such a Program as of the date of the
			 enactment of this Act notwithstanding the amendments made by this
			 section.
				(3)Orderly
			 transition for certain enrolleesThe Secretary of Health and Human Services
			 shall provide for an orderly transition of those specialized MA plans for
			 special needs individuals (as defined in subparagraph (A) of section 1859(b)(6)
			 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–28(b)(6)), as of the date of the
			 enactment of this Act), and their enrollees, that no longer qualify as such
			 plans or as such individuals under such section, as amended by this
			 section.
				4.Study on
			 improving risk adjustment for high-risk, high-cost beneficiaries
			(a)In
			 generalNot later than 1 year
			 after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human
			 Services shall submit to Congress a report that evaluates the adequacy of the
			 Medicare Advantage risk adjustment system under section 1853(a)(1)(C) of the
			 Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–23(a)(1)(C)), as well as the risk
			 adjustment mechanism under section 1860D–15(c)(1)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
			 1395w–115(c)(1)(A)).
			(b)ParticularsThe report under subsection (a) shall
			 include an evaluation of the need for improving the adequacy of the existing
			 hierarchical condition categories and pharmacy risk adjustment methods for
			 plans that specialize in care of high-risk beneficiaries as it relates
			 to—
				(1)accurately
			 predicting costs for beneficiaries with—
					(A)sustained
			 high-risk scores over multiple contract periods;
					(B)high costs;
					(C)co-morbid chronic
			 conditions;
					(D)diagnoses not included in the
			 risk-adjustment methodology, including dementia and other cognitive
			 impairments;
					(E)physical
			 disabilities, developmental disabilities, or both; and
					(F)frailty;
					(2)including further
			 gradations of diseases and conditions to better reflect stage of condition,
			 condition severity and costs related to burden of illness;
				(3)accounting for
			 costs of pre-existing conditions at the time of initial enrollment for new
			 entrants to the Medicare program; and
				(4)enhancing coding
			 persistency by calculating risk scores using data covering at least two
			 years.
				(c)RefinementThe Secretary shall refine the
			 risk-adjusted payment methods referred to in subsection (a) for high-risk,
			 high-cost beneficiaries, consistent with the results of the study, not later
			 than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
			5.Advance alignment
			 of Medicare and Medicaid for dual eligibles
			(a)Alignment of
			 Medicare and Medicaid policies and procedures for SNPs serving dual
			 eligiblesIn order to
			 increase simplicity for dual eligibles in accessing and coordinating Medicare
			 and Medicaid benefits by enhancing coordination between CMS and State Medicaid
			 agencies in the oversight of SNPs insofar as they serve dual eligibles, the
			 Secretary may modify rules, policies, and procedures under titles XVIII and XIX
			 of such Act in order to provide for the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid
			 requirements, including marketing, enrollment, care coordination, auditing,
			 reporting, quality assurance, and other relevant oversight functions.
			(b)Office of
			 Medicare/Medicaid Integration
				(1)EstablishmentThe Secretary shall establish or designate
			 an Office on Medicare/Medicaid Integration (in this subsection referred to as
			 the Office) for the purpose of aligning Medicare and Medicaid
			 policies and procedures and developing tools to support State integration
			 efforts in order—
					(A)to simplify dual eligible access to
			 Medicare and Medicaid benefits and services;
					(B)to improve care
			 continuity and ensure safe and effective care transitions;
					(C)to eliminate cost
			 shifting between Medicare and Medicaid and among related care providers;
					(D)to eliminate
			 regulatory conflicts between Medicare and Medicaid rules; and
					(E)to improve total
			 cost and quality performance.
					(2)HeadThe
			 head of the Office who shall report to the Administrator of the Centers for
			 Medicare & Medicaid Services.
				(3)ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities of the Office are to
			 develop policies and procedures—
					(A)to support State efforts to coordinate and
			 align acute and long-term care benefits for dual eligibles through a State plan
			 option or other means;
					(B)to provide support
			 for coordination of State and Federal contracting and oversight for dual
			 integration programs supportive of the goals described in paragraph (1);
			 and
					(C)to align Federal
			 rules for Medicaid managed care and Medicare Advantage Plans to include methods
			 for integrating marketing, enrollment, grievances and appeals, auditing,
			 reporting, quality assurance and other relevant oversight functions.
					(c)Facilitation of
			 alignmentThe Secretary shall—
				(1)submit to Congress a report on statutory
			 changes needed to facilitate the alignment of Medicare and Medicaid policies
			 for dual eligibles;
				(2)work with the Congressional Budget Office
			 and the Office of Management and Budget to establish a process for evaluating
			 total Medicare and Medicaid spending for beneficiaries who are dually eligible
			 for Medicare and Medicaid and enrolled in plans that integrate Medicare and
			 Medicaid benefits such that the enrollment of such beneficiaries in such plans
			 is treated as budget neutral if the combined Medicare and
			 Medicaid costs under such plans do not exceed the combined costs of providing
			 Medicare and Medicaid services on a fee-for-service basis for a comparable risk
			 group; and
				(3)provide States and
			 SNPs with education and tools for developing programs that align Medicare and
			 Medicaid benefits for dual eligibles.
				(d)Identification
			 of incentives in support of State integration effortsThe Secretary shall identify incentives for
			 States to advance the development of integrated approaches in providing health
			 care services for dual eligibles.
			(e)DefinitionsIn
			 this section:
				(1)CMSThe
			 term CMS means the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
			 Services.
				(2)Dual
			 eligibleThe term dual eligible means an MA eligible
			 individual (as defined in section 1851(a)(3) of the Social Security Act, 42
			 U.S.C. 13195w–21(a)(3)) who is also entitled to medical assistance under a
			 State plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act.
				(3)Dual eligible
			 SNPThe term dual
			 eligible SNP means a SNP described in section 1859(b)(6)(A)(ii)(II) of
			 the Social Security Act, as amended by section 3(a).
				(4)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human
			 Services.
				(5)SNPThe
			 term SNP means a specialized MA plan for special needs
			 individuals, as defined in section 1859(b)(6)(A) of the Social Security Act (42
			 U.S.C. 1395w–28(b)(6)(A)).
				(6)StateThe term State has the meaning
			 given such term for purposes of title XIX of the Social Security Act.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1241
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			April 26, 2007
			Mr. Grassley introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify
		  student housing eligible for the low-income housing credit, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Clarification of student
			 housing eligible for low-income housing credit
			(a)In
			 generalSubclause (I) of
			 section 42(i)(3)(D)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to
			 certain students not to disqualify unit) is amended to read as follows:

					(I)single parents
				and their children and such parents are not dependents (as defined in section
				152, determined without regard to subsections (b)(1), (b)(2), and (d)(1)(B)
				thereof) of another individual and such children are not dependents (as so
				defined) of another individual other than a parent of such children,
				or
					.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to—
				(1)housing credit
			 amounts allocated before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act,
			 and
				(2)buildings placed
			 in service before, on, or after such date to the extent paragraph (1) of
			 section 42(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 does not apply to any
			 building by reason of paragraph (4) thereof.


110 HR 1664 : To authorize grants for contributions

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-09-25
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.

		IIB
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1664
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			September 25, 2007
			Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on
			 Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

		AN ACT
		To authorize grants for contributions
		  toward the establishment of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential
		  Library.

		1.Grants for establishment of
			 the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
			(a)Grants
			 authorizedSubject to subsections (b), (c), and (d), the
			 Archivist of the National Archives and Records Administration may make grants
			 to contribute funds for the establishment in Staunton, Virginia, of a library
			 to preserve and make available materials related to the life of President
			 Woodrow Wilson and to provide interpretive and educational services that
			 communicate the meaning of the life of Woodrow Wilson.
			(b)LimitationA
			 grant may be made under subsection (a) only from funds appropriated to the
			 Archivist specifically for that purpose.
			(c)Conditions on
			 grants
				(1)Matching
			 requirementA grant under subsection (a) may not be made until
			 such time as the entity selected to receive the grant certifies to the
			 Archivist that funds have been raised from non-Federal sources for use to
			 establish the library in an amount equal to at least double the amount of the
			 grant.
				(2)Relation to
			 other woodrow wilson sites and museumsThe Archivist shall
			 further condition a grant under subsection (a) on the agreement of the grant
			 recipient to operate the resulting library in cooperation with other Federal
			 and non-Federal historic sites, parks, and museums that represent significant
			 locations or events in the life of Woodrow Wilson. Cooperative efforts to
			 promote and interpret the life of Woodrow Wilson may include the use of
			 cooperative agreements, cross references, cross promotion, and shared
			 exhibits.
				(d)Prohibition of
			 contribution of operating fundsGrant amounts may not be used for
			 the maintenance or operation of the library.
			(e)Non-Federal
			 operationThe Archivist shall have no involvement in the actual
			 operation of the library, except at the request of the non-Federal entity
			 responsible for the operation of the library.
			(f)Authority
			 through fiscal year 2011The Archivist may not use the authority
			 provided under subsection (a) after September 30, 2011.

			Passed the House of
			 Representatives September 24, 2007.
			Lorraine C. Miller,
			Clerk.


113 HR 4948 IH: VA Investigation and Accountability Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-06-24
text/xml
EN
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I
113th CONGRESS 2d Session
H. R. 4948
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 24, 2014
Ms. Brownley of California introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, 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 provide for emergency supplemental appropriations for the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the VA Investigation and Accountability Act.
2.Supplemental appropriation for the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans AffairsThe following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for fiscal year 2014:Department of Veterans AffairsDepartmental AdministrationOffice of Inspector General
For an additional amount for Office of Inspector General, $12,000,000: Provided, That such amount is designated by the Congress as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, except that such amount shall be available only if the President subsequently so designates such amount and transmits such designation to the Congress.


110 HR 4618 IH: To extend the temporary suspension of duty on a certain

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-12-13
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4618
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			December 13, 2007
			Mr. English of
			 Pennsylvania introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To extend the temporary suspension of duty on a certain
		  chemical.

		1.A certain chemical
			(a)In
			 generalHeading 9902.11.78 of
			 the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by striking
			 12/31/2009 and inserting 12/31/2011.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by
			 subsection (a) applies with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from
			 warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the
			 enactment of this Act.


		IIB
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1657
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			May 24, 2011
			Received; read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Veterans'
			 Affairs

		AN ACT
		To amend title 38, United States Code, to
		  revise the enforcement penalties for misrepresentation of a business concern as
		  a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans or as a small
		  business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled
		  veterans.

		1.Department of Veterans
			 Affairs enforcement penalties for misrepresentation of a business concern as a
			 small business concern owned and controlled by veterans or as a small business
			 concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veteransSubsection (g) of
			 section
			 8127 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
			(1)by striking
			 Any business and inserting (1) Any
			 business;
			(2)by striking
			 a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Secretary and
			 inserting a period of not less than five years; and
			(3)by adding at the
			 end the following new paragraphs:

					(2)In the case of a debarment under paragraph
				(1), the Secretary shall commence debarment action against the business concern
				by not later than 30 days after determining that the concern misrepresented the
				status of the concern as described in paragraph (1) and shall complete
				debarment actions against such concern by not later than 90 days after such
				determination.
					(3)The debarment of a business concern
				under paragraph (1) includes the debarment of all principals in the business
				concern for a period of not less than five
				years.
					.

			Passed the House of
			 Representatives May 23, 2011.
			Karen L. Haas,
			Clerk


117 S1121 IS: PFAS Registry Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-04-14
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.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1121IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESApril 14, 2021Mrs. Shaheen (for herself, Mr. Rounds, and Ms. Hassan) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and maintain a registry for certain individuals who may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances due to the environmental release of aqueous film-forming foam on military installations.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the PFAS Registry Act of 2021.2.Registry of individuals exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on military installations(a)Establishment of registry(1)In generalNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall—(A)establish and maintain a registry for eligible individuals who may have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (in this section referred to as PFAS) due to the environmental release of aqueous film-forming foam (in this section referred to as AFFF) on military installations to meet the requirements of military specification MIL–F–24385F;(B)include any information in such registry that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines necessary to ascertain and monitor the health effects of the exposure of members of the Armed Forces to PFAS associated with AFFF;(C)develop a public information campaign to inform eligible individuals about the registry, including how to register and the benefits of registering; and(D)periodically notify eligible individuals of significant developments in the study and treatment of conditions associated with exposure to PFAS.(2)CoordinationThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall coordinate with the Secretary of Defense in carrying out paragraph (1).(b)Reports(1)Initial reportNot later than two years after the date on which the registry under subsection (a) is established, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress an initial report containing the following:(A)An assessment of the effectiveness of actions taken by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to collect and maintain information on the health effects of exposure to PFAS.(B)Recommendations to improve the collection and maintenance of such information.(C)Using established and previously published epidemiological studies, recommendations regarding the most effective and prudent means of addressing the medical needs of eligible individuals with respect to exposure to PFAS.(2)Follow-up reportNot later than five years after submitting the initial report under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a follow-up report containing the following:(A)An update to the initial report submitted under paragraph (1).(B)An assessment of whether and to what degree the content of the registry established under subsection (a) is current and scientifically up-to-date.(3)Independent scientific organizationThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into an agreement with an independent scientific organization to prepare the reports under paragraphs (1) and (2).(c)Recommendations for additional exposures To be includedNot later than five years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every five years thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall submit to Congress recommendations for additional chemicals with respect to which individuals exposed to such chemicals should be included in the registry established under subsection (a).(d)Eligible individual definedIn this section, the term eligible individual means any individual who, on or after a date specified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs through regulations, served or is serving in the Armed Forces at a military installation where AFFF was used or at another location of the Department of Defense where AFFF was used.


109 HR 2467 IH: To extend the temporary suspension of duty on fine animal hair of Kashmir (cashmere) goats.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-05-18
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. 2467
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 18, 2005
Mr. Simmons introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To extend the temporary suspension of duty on fine animal hair of Kashmir (cashmere) goats.

1.Fine animal hair of Kashmir (cashmere) goats
(a)In generalHeading 9902.15.16 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to fine animal hair of Kashmir (cashmere) goats) is amended by striking 12/31/2006 and inserting 12/31/2008.
(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 enactment of this Act.


I
111th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 2564
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 21, 2009
Mr. Grayson (for himself, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, and Mr. Hinchey) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor

A BILL
To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to require that employers provide a minimum of 1 week of paid annual leave to employees.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Paid Vacation Act of 2009.
2.FindingsCongress finds that—
(1)according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, each year the average American works one month (160 hours) more today than in 1976;
(2)job-related stress costs business $344 billion a year in absenteeism, lost productivity, and health costs;
(3)some 75 percent of visits to primary care physicians come from stress-induced problems;
(4)147 countries require paid vacation leave, and the United States is the only industrialized Nation without a minimum annual leave law;
(5)one of the fastest growing economies in the world, China, requires 3 weeks off for employees, which they call Golden Weeks;
(6)Canada requires 2 weeks off for all employees, and 3 weeks off for employees with 5 years or more with one employer;
(7)the Pew Research Center says more free time is the number one priority for middle-class Americans—with 68 percent of those surveyed listed this as a high priority for them;
(8)in 2008, about half (52 percent) of American workers took a vacation of a week or longer, and only 14 percent of American workers took 2 weeks or more for vacation;
(9)men who don't take regular vacations are 32 percent more likely to die of heart attacks, and 21 percent more likely to die early of all causes;
(10)women who don't take regular vacations have a 50 percent greater risk of heart attack, and are twice as likely to be depressed as those who do;
(11)the travel industry adds $740 billion a year to the Nation's economy, while stress and burnout at work cost the economy over $300 billion a year; and
(12)vacations allow workers and businesses to increase productivity, decrease stress-related health costs, and provide time for family strengthening and bonding.
3.Entitlement to vacationSection 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. 207) is amended by inserting after subsection (b) the following:

(c)
(1)Beginning on the date of enactment of the Paid Vacation Act of 2009, an eligible employee of an employer that employs 100 or more employees at any time during a calendar year shall be entitled to a total of 1 workweek of paid vacation during each 12-month period.
(2)Beginning on the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of the Paid Vacation Act of 2009, an eligible employee of an employer that employs 50 or more employees at any time during a calendar year shall be entitled to a total of 1 workweek of paid vacation during each 12-month period, and an eligible employee of an employer that employs 100 or more employees shall be entitled to a total of 2 workweeks of paid vacation during each 12-month period, beginning on that eligible employee's first anniversary of employment.
(3)An eligible employee shall provide the employer with not less than 30 days' notice, before the date the paid vacation under paragraph (1) or (2) is to begin, of the employee's intention to take paid vacation under such paragraph, and identify the date such paid vacation shall begin.
(4)For purposes of this subsection—
(A)the term eligible employee means an employee who has been employed for at least 12 months by the employer with respect to whom leave is requested under paragraph (1) or (2) and for at least 1,250 hours of service with such employer during such 12-month period; and
(B)the term 1 workweek of paid vacation means vacation time, in addition to and apart from sick leave and any leave otherwise required by law, to be taken in a continuous series or block of work days comprising 7 calendar days that cannot be rolled over, but must be used within the 12-month period.
(5)The exemptions to this section provided in section 13 shall not apply to this subsection. .
4.Public awareness campaign by Department of LaborThe Secretary of Labor is authorized to conduct a public awareness campaign, through the Internet and other media, to inform the public of the entitlement to leave afforded by this Act. There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the public awareness campaign.
5.Study on productivityThe Secretary of Labor shall conduct a study on workplace productivity and the effect on productivity of the leave requirement in this Act. The study shall also address any benefits to public health and psychological well-being as a result of such leave. Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report containing the findings of the study, and shall publish such findings on the website of the Department of Labor.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2423
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			April 26, 2012
			Mr. Schumer introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on nightlights of
		  plastic.

		1.Certain nightlights of
			 plastic
			(a)In
			 generalSubchapter II of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff
			 Schedule of the United States is amended by inserting in numerical sequence the
			 following new headings:

								9902.01.00Nightlights of plastic base material (provided for in
						subheading 9405.40.80) FreeNo changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2015

					.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to articles
			 entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day
			 after the date of the enactment of this Act.
			(c)Retroactive
			 applicationNotwithstanding
			 section 514 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1514) or any other provision
			 of law, upon proper request filed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
			 before the 90th day after the date of the enactment of this Act, any entry, or
			 withdrawal from warehouse for consumption, of any article—
				(1)that was made on
			 or after January 1, 2011, and before the 15th day after the date of the
			 enactment of this Act, and
				(2)with respect to
			 which there would have been no duty if the amendment made by subsection (a)
			 applied to such entry or withdrawal,
				shall be
			 liquidated or reliquidated as if such amendment applied to such entry or
			 withdrawal.


 HCON 108 ENR: Permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.
U.S. House of Representatives
2012-03-22
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
One Hundred Twelfth Congress of the United States of America
At the Second SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the third day of January, two thousand and twelve
H. CON. RES. 108

March 22, 2012
Agreed to

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Permitting the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust.

1.Use of rotunda for holocaust days of remembrance ceremonyThe rotunda of the Capitol is authorized to be used on April 19, 2012, for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust. Physical preparations for the ceremony shall be carried out in accordance with such conditions as the Architect of the Capitol may prescribe.   Clerk of the House of Representatives.Secretary of the Senate.


115 HR 2774 IH: Hack the Department of Homeland Security Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-06-06
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2774IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 6, 2017Mr. Ted Lieu of California (for himself and Mr. Taylor) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland SecurityA BILLTo establish a bug bounty pilot program within the Department of Homeland Security, and for other
			 purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Hack the Department of Homeland Security Act of 2017 or the Hack DHS Act. 2.Department of Homeland Security bug bounty pilot program (a)DefinitionsIn this section:
 (1)Bug bounty programThe term bug bounty program means a program under which an approved computer security specialist or security researcher is temporarily authorized to identify and report vulnerabilities within the information system of the Department in exchange for cash payment.
 (2)DepartmentThe term Department means the Department of Homeland Security. (3)Information systemThe term information system has the meaning given the term in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code.
 (4)Pilot programThe term pilot program means the bug bounty pilot program required to be established under subsection (b)(1). (5)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
				(b)Establishment of pilot program
 (1)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a bug bounty pilot program to minimize vulnerabilities to the information systems of the Department.
 (2)RequirementsIn establishing the pilot program, the Secretary shall— (A)provide monetary compensations for reports of previously unidentified security vulnerabilities within the websites, applications, and other information systems of the Department that are accessible to the public;
 (B)develop an expeditious process by which computer security researchers can register for the pilot program, submit to a background check as determined by the Department, and receive a determination as to approval for participation in the pilot program;
 (C)designate mission-critical operations within the Department that should be excluded from the pilot program;
 (D)consult with the Attorney General on how to ensure that computer security specialists and security researchers who participate in the pilot program are protected from prosecution under section 1030 of title 18, United States Code, and similar statues for specific activities authorized under the pilot program;
 (E)consult with the relevant offices at the Department of Defense that were responsible for launching the 2016 Hack the Pentagon pilot program and subsequent Department of Defense bug bounty programs;
 (F)award competitive contracts as necessary to manage the pilot program and for executing the remediation of vulnerabilities identified as a consequence of the pilot program; and
 (G)engage interested persons, to include commercial sector representatives, about the structure of the pilot program as constructive and to the extent practicable.
 (c)ReportNot later than 90 days after the date on which the pilot program is completed, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a report on the pilot program, which shall include—
 (1)the number of computer security researchers who registered, were approved, submitted security vulnerabilities, and received monetary compensation;
 (2)the number and severity of previously unidentified vulnerabilities reported as part of the pilot program;
 (3)the number of previously unidentified security vulnerabilities remediated as a result of the pilot program;
 (4)the average length of time between the reporting of security vulnerabilities and remediation of the vulnerabilities;
 (5)the average amount of money paid per unique vulnerability submitted and the total amount of money paid to security researchers under the pilot program; and
 (6)the lessons learned from the pilot program. (d)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Department $250,000 for fiscal year 2018 to carry out this Act.


109 HR 103 IH: Low-Income Families Flood Insurance Access Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-01-04
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 103
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 4, 2005
Mr. Gene Green of Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services

A BILL
To amend the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to provide a 50 percent discount in flood insurance rates for the first 5 years that certain low-cost properties are included in flood hazard zones.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Low-Income Families Flood Insurance Access Act.
2.Discounted premium rates for low-cost properties newly determined to be in flood hazard areas
(a)In generalSection 1308 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015) is amended—
(1)in subsection (c), by striking limitation under subsection (e) and inserting limitations under subsections (e) and (f); and
(2)by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(f)5-Year Limitation on Premium Rates for Newly Covered Low-Cost Properties
(1)In generalIn the case of any area not previously designated as an area having special flood hazards that becomes designated as such an area, during the period specified in paragraph (2), the chargeable premium rate for flood insurance under this title with respect to any low-cost property that is located within such area shall be the amount equal to 50 percent of the applicable estimated risk premium rate for such area (or subdivision thereof) under section 1307(a)(1).
(2)Period of discountThe period specified in this paragraph is the period that—
(A)in the case of a property located within an area that was initially designated as an area having special flood hazards during the 2-year period ending upon the effective date under section 2(b) of the Low-Income Families Flood Insurance Premium Relief Act—
(i)begins upon such effective date; and
(ii)ends (I) 5 years later, or (II) upon the occurrence of the first flood event after such effective date that causes any damage to such property, whichever occurs first; and
(B)in the case of a property located within an area that is initially designated as an area having special flood hazards after the effective date under section 2(b) of such Act—
(i)begins upon such designation; and
(ii)ends (I) 5 years later, or (II) upon the occurrence of the first flood event after such effective date that causes any damage to such property, whichever occurs first.
(3)Low-cost propertyFor purposes of this subsection, the term low-cost property means a single-family dwelling, or a dwelling unit in a residential structure containing more than one dwelling unit, that—
(A)is the principal residence of the owner or renter occupying the dwelling or unit; and
(B)has a value, at the time of the initial designation of the area having special flood hazards, that does not exceed $75,000..
(b)Effective dateThe amendments under subsection (a) shall be made on, and shall apply beginning upon, the expiration of the 30-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 567
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 15, 2009
			Mr. Calvert (for
			 himself and Mr. Lewis of California)
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study
		  and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to participate in
		  certain water projects in California.

		1.Project
			 authorizations
			(a)In
			 generalThe Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and
			 Facilities Act (Public Law 102–575, title XVI; 43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.) is
			 amended by adding at the end the following:

					163_.Yucaipa Valley
				regional water supply renewal project
						(a)AuthorizationThe
				Secretary, in cooperation with the Yucaipa Valley Water District, may
				participate in the design, planning, and construction of projects to treat
				impaired surface water, reclaim and reuse impaired groundwater, and provide
				brine disposal within the Santa Ana Watershed as described in the report
				submitted under section 1606.
						(b)Cost
				sharingThe Federal share of the cost of the project described in
				subsection (a) shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the
				project.
						(c)LimitationFunds
				provided by the Secretary shall not be used for operation or maintenance of the
				project described in subsection (a).
						(d)Authorization of
				appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry
				out this section $20,000,000.
						163_.City of Corona
				Water Utility, California, water recycling and reuse project
						(a)AuthorizationThe
				Secretary, in cooperation with the City of Corona Water Utility, California, is
				authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of, and
				land acquisition for, a project to reclaim and reuse wastewater, including
				degraded groundwaters, within and outside of the service area of the City of
				Corona Water Utility, California.
						(b)Cost
				shareThe Federal share of the cost of the project authorized by
				this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the
				project.
						(c)LimitationThe
				Secretary shall not provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the
				project authorized by this
				section.
						.
			(b)Conforming
			 amendmentsThe table of sections in section 2 of Public Law
			 102–575 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 163_ the
			 following:

						Sec. 163_. Yucaipa Valley Regional Water
				Supply Renewal Project.
						Sec. 163_. City of Corona Water Utility,
				California, water recycling and reuse
				project.

					.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6264
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			August 1, 2012
			Mrs. Myrick (for
			 herself and Mr. LaTourette) introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Transportation and
			 Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Oversight and Government
			 Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
			 Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
			 jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To authorize a pilot program for Federal agencies to
		  enter into contracts with the private sector for property management, and for
		  other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 GSA Path to Privatization
			 Act.
		2.Property
			 management pilot program
			(a)In
			 generalThe Director shall establish and conduct a pilot program
			 to be known as the Federal Real Property Management Privatization Pilot
			 Program, which shall provide for certain Federal agencies to enter into
			 contracts with the private sector to assist in planning, acquiring, managing,
			 and disposing of leased Federal property.
			(b)Management
			 planNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of
			 this Act, the Director shall develop a management plan for the pilot program
			 and submit to Congress a report on the plan. The plan and report shall
			 describe—
				(1)how the pilot
			 program will be implemented;
				(2)individuals who
			 will exercise operational authority over the pilot program;
				(3)the qualifications
			 of such individuals; and
				(4)a
			 timeline for implementation of the pilot program.
				(c)Participation
				(1)GuidanceNot
			 later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall
			 issue guidance to Federal agencies on participation in the pilot program. The
			 guidance shall provide such criteria for approval for participation in the
			 program as the Director considers appropriate, including the form, manner, and
			 time for submission of applications for participation.
				(2)Participation by
			 subunitsNot later than 120 days after the issuance of guidance
			 under paragraph (1), the head of a Federal agency, or an administrative subunit
			 of the agency considered appropriate by the Director, may apply to the Director
			 to participate in the pilot program.
				(d)Contracts for
			 property management services
				(1)In
			 generalOn behalf of an agency approved under subsection (c), the
			 Director or his designee shall issue a solicitation for one or more contracts
			 with the private sector for services described in paragraph (3).
				(2)ConsiderationsIn
			 entering into a contract pursuant to a solicitation issued under paragraph (1),
			 the Director shall consider—
					(A)the long-term and
			 short-term impact on costs to the Federal Government; and
					(B)opportunities to
			 use underutilized Federal space.
					(3)ServicesThe
			 services described in this paragraph are services performed by the Public
			 Buildings Service of the General Services Administration as of the date of the
			 enactment of this Act and include the following with respect to leased Federal
			 property:
					(A)Office space
			 planning.
					(B)Negotiations of
			 new leases.
					(C)Maintenance,
			 custodial services, and basic upkeep.
					(D)Capital
			 improvement contracts subject to available funds.
					(E)Disposal of leased
			 space.
					(e)Waiver of
			 certain rulesFor purposes of the pilot program, the Director may
			 waive such regulations of the General Services Administration relating to the
			 lease of Federal property that, as determined by the Director, would impose
			 unreasonable burdens on agencies participating in the program on entering into
			 contracts under subsection (d).
			(f)DelegationUpon
			 request of the head of a Federal agency, the Director shall delegate to the
			 head of the agency authority of the Director under subsection (d) for exercise
			 within that agency.
			(g)Exemption from
			 McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance ActAny disposal of leased space conducted
			 under the pilot program shall not be subject to section 501 of the
			 McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11411).
			(h)SunsetThe
			 pilot program shall terminate 15 years after the date of the enactment of this
			 Act.
			3.ReportsNot later than two years after the date of
			 the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall
			 submit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of the pilot program,
			 including any savings and performance improvements, and the effects of the
			 exemption under section 2(f) on homelessness.
		4.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)Federal
			 agencyThe term
			 Federal agency means an Executive agency as defined in section
			 105 of title 5, United States Code.
			(2)DirectorThe
			 term Director means the Director of the Office of Management and
			 Budget.


117 S1478 IS: World Press Freedom Protection and Reciprocity Act
U.S. Senate
2021-04-29
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.

II
117th CONGRESS1st Session
S. 1478
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

April 29, 2021
Mr. Rubio (for himself and Mr. Cardin) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

A BILL
To protect and promote the freedom of the press globally.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the World Press Freedom Protection and Reciprocity Act. 2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
(1)Appropriate congressional committeesThe term appropriate congressional committees means— (A)the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
(B)the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. (2)Foreign personThe term foreign person means an individual who is not—
(A)a United States citizen; or (B)an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States.
(3)Internationally-recognized right to freedom of expressionThe term internationally-recognized right to freedom of expression are the rights set forth in— (A)Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, done at Paris December 10, 1948; and
(B)Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, done at New York December 19, 1966. (4)Major non-NATO allyThe term major non-NATO ally means a country designated by the President as a major non-NATO ally pursuant to section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321k).
3.Statement of policy
(a)FindingsCongress finds the following: (1)Freedom of the press is a critical component of democratic governance that enhances transparency, accountability, and participation of civil society.
(2)United States Government efforts to protect and expand freedom of the press and free expression strengthen the national interests of the United States by—  (A)supporting democracy;
(B)promoting good governance and public health; (C)mitigating conflict; and
(D)encouraging transparency and civil society development around the world. (3)Journalists, media personnel, and other individuals and organizations around the world that receive and impart information and ideas face increasing restrictions, threats, censorship, arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and other violence for exercising their internationally-recognized right to freedom of expression.
(4)Impunity for attacks on journalists, bloggers, and media personnel is an acute problem around the world and a primary challenge to protecting freedom of expression and freedom of the press. (5)According to research and press freedom rankings issued annually by Freedom House, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and Reporters Without Borders, some of the countries with the most restrictive media and information environments include Cuba, Djibouti, Eritrea, Iran, Laos, Myanmar, North Korea, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkmenistan, and Vietnam.
(6)Since a failed coup attempt in 2016, the Government of the Republic of Turkey has used terrorism and national security laws to shutter hundreds of media outlets and jail dozens of journalists, compounding the effects of more than a decade of expanding ruling party influence over the ownership of mainstream media in the country at the expense of independent outlets.  (7)The People’s Republic of China, which maintains one of the most restrictive media and information environments in the world, seeks to control free speech inside and outside of China through—
(A)censorship; (B)onerous media organization registration requirements;
(C)harassment and retaliation; (D)imprisonment;
(E)conditioning of press credential renewals for all journalists and visa issuance for foreign journalists on positive coverage of China; and  (F)the operation of a digital surveillance system so pervasive that both routine and sensitive reporting activities and many aspects of daily life are subject to government monitoring.
(8)The Russian Federation has continued to use sophisticated tools to block and control information online and employ draconian laws to pressure independent media. (9)The expansion and export of new technologies used for censorship and surveillance—
(A)represent a notable threat to human rights, including press freedoms, transparency, and democratic governance globally; and  (B)constitute a critical challenge to United States national interests.
(10)Other countries’ restrictions on the activities of United States journalists and media personnel, other countries’ censorship and blocking of websites of United States news and media corporations, and other restrictions on the cross-border flow of information— (A)damage the competitiveness of United States corporations;
(B)limit United States access to information critical for United States investors, consumers, and others making market and financial decisions; and (C)should be considered a restriction of trade and the creation of an unfair competitive advantage benefitting foreign government-controlled news organizations and other foreign news and media corporations.
(b)Policy statementIt is the policy of the United States— (1)to advocate for detained and targeted journalists and other media personnel overseas, including citizen journalists and bloggers;
(2)to call on governments, in both bilateral discussions and through multilateral organizations— (A)to end restrictions on the internationally-recognized right to freedom of expression; and
(B)to abide by international commitments set forth in— (i)Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, done at Paris December 10, 1948; and
(ii)Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, done at New York December 19, 1966; (3)to urge foreign governments—
(A)to transparently investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against journalists, bloggers, and other media personnel; and (B)to halt efforts to censor or block access to news from United States journalists and media personnel and the websites of United States news and media organizations;
(4)to highlight threats against freedom of the press in the Department of State’s Annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, as required under section 116(d)(12) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151n(d)(12)), and other public statements by senior Department of State officials; (5)to seek, as part of bilateral diplomatic negotiations globally, conditions for—
(A)a free flow of news and information; (B)internet freedom; and
(C)an end to visas restrictions for United States media personnel; (6)to link expansion of the free flow of news and information with ongoing and future trade agreements and other bilateral agreements and communiques by seeking language eliminating—
(A)all limitations on market access for news agency services; and  (B)any restrictions on cross-border data flows involving journalists and the media, including data flowing through the internet;
(7)to ensure that pursuing bilateral relationships with foreign governments, particularly governments with restrictive press and information environments, based on the principles of reciprocity across many sectors, including economic, diplomatic, educational, religious, and in the free flow of news and information; and (8)to clearly differentiate, in official statements, media communications, and messaging, between the citizens of a country and the government of such country.
4.Statement of policy regarding protection of foreign journalists and other media personnel globallyIt is the policy of the United States to consider foreign government officials who are responsible for, are complicit in, or have directly or indirectly engaged in severe restrictions of the internationally-recognized right to freedom of expression, such as arbitrary detention, imprisonment, enforced disappearance, torture, extrajudicial killing, and other substantial threats to the life and liberty of a person, as having committed gross violations of internationally recognized human rights for purposes of imposing sanctions with respect to such officials under— (1)the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (22 U.S.C. 2656 note; subtitle F of title XII of Public Law 114–328); and
(2)section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2019 (division F of Public Law 116–6). 5.Plan to promote reciprocal access for United States news and media organizations (a)Plan (1)In generalThe President shall establish a plan for negotiating access for United States news and media companies and their employees globally and work to enhance reciprocity given to news and media companies operating in the United States.
(2)ReportNot later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that summarizes the plan required under paragraph (1). (b)Policy statements (1)FindingsCongress finds the following:
(A)United States news and media organizations, including United States-based media organizations, and information portals are blocked or censored by certain foreign governments, while the United States market remains open to websites of foreign news and media organizations and information portals, including state-owned propaganda organizations. (B)The stark lack of reciprocity in market access for news and media organizations and country access for journalists and media personnel—
(i)limits constructive contacts between the United States and the world; and  (ii)allows some foreign governments unbalanced influence over their people’s views of the United States and perceptions in the United States of their policies and programs.
(C)Foreign governments with a sizable media and information footprint in the United States have a distinct interest in maintaining such footprint. (2)Sense of congressIt is the sense of Congress that, in the interest of increasing reciprocal access for United States journalists and news and media organizations and expanding press freedoms globally, the President should proactively pursue bilateral agreements with governments referred to in paragraph (1) to ensure reciprocal access by both countries.
6.Authorization of imposition of sanctions
(a)In generalThe President may impose the sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to any foreign person the President determines, based on credible evidence— (1)is responsible for the jailing, killing, or torture of journalists or significant efforts to harass, restrict the activities of, terminate the visas of, or threaten the safety of United States journalists and media personnel;
(2)acted as an agent, or on behalf, of a foreign person in a matter relating to an activity described in paragraph (1); or (3)is a government official, or a senior associate of such an official, that is responsible for, or complicit in, ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing an activity described in paragraph (1).
(b)Sanctions describedA foreign person described in subsection (a) who is an individual— (1)shall be ineligible to receive a visa from the United States, enter the United States, or be admitted to the United States; and
(2)if such individual has been issued a visa or other documentation by the United States that provides any immigration benefit, shall have such visa or other documentation revoked, in accordance with section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1201(i)). (c)Termination of sanctions (1)In generalThe President may terminate the application of sanctions under subsection (b) with respect to an individual if the President makes a determination that—
(A)credible information exists that the individual did not engage in the activity for which the sanctions were imposed; (B)the individual has been prosecuted appropriately for the activity for which the sanctions imposed;
(C)the individual has— (i)credibly demonstrated a significant change in behavior;
(ii)been subject to an appropriate consequence for the activity for which the sanctions were imposed; and (iii)credibly committed to not engage in an activity described in that subsection in the future; or
(D)the termination of the application of sanctions is in the national security interests of the United States. (2)NotificationNot later than 15 days before the date on which the application of sanctions is terminated under paragraph (1) with respect to an individual, the Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives that describes the justification for such termination.
(d)ExceptionSanctions described in subsection (b) shall not apply to an individual if admitting the individual into the United States is necessary to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United States, or any other applicable international obligation of the United States. (e)WaiverThe President may waive the application of the sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to an individual if the President—
(1)determines that such a waiver is in the national interest of the United States; and (2)upon granting such a waiver, submits a report to the committees specified in subsection (c)(2) that—
(A)details the evidence and justification for the necessity of the waiver; and (B)explains how the waiver relates to the national security of the United States.
(f)Report
(1)In generalNot later than 180 after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 5 years, the President shall submit a report to the committees referred to in subsection (c)(2) that identifies each individual with respect to which the application of sanctions has been terminated under subsection (c) during the preceding year, including the country of origin of the individual and the dates on which such sanctions were imposed or terminated, as applicable. (2)FormThe report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
(3)Exclusion of personally identifiable informationThe President may not include any personally identifiable information of any United States citizen in a report submitted under paragraph (1). (4)Applicability of privacy actAny information obtained by the President to complete a report required under paragraph (1) shall be subject to section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Privacy Act).
7.Clear labeling for informational materials distributed on behalf of foreign missions or foreign principalsSection 4(b) of the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (22 U.S.C. 614(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: Informational materials required to be labeled under this subsection that are in the form of prints shall be marked or stamped conspicuously at the top of the first page with a statement, in the language or languages used therein, that sets forth the information required under this subsection.. 8.Annual country reports on human rights practices (a)Report relating to economic assistance (1)In generalSection 116(d) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151n(d)) is amended—
(A)in paragraph (11)(C), by striking and at the end; (B)in paragraph (12)(C)(ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
(C)by adding at the end the following:  (13)an assessment of freedom of expression with respect to electronic information in each foreign country, including the extent to which government authorities in each country—
(A)attempt to filter, censor, shape, or otherwise block or remove nonviolent expression of political, religious, ideological opinion via the internet, including electronic mail, and the means by which such authorities attempt to block or remove such expression; (B)have persecuted or otherwise punished an individual or group for the nonviolent expression of political, religious, or ideological opinion via the internet, including electronic mail;
(C)have sought to collect, request, obtain, or disclose personally identifiable information of a person in connection with such person’s nonviolent expression of political, religious, or ideological opinion on a foreign platform, including expression that would be protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and (D)monitor wire communications and electronic communications without regard to the principles of privacy, human rights, democracy, and rule of law, to the extent that these practices are known..
(2)Conforming amendmentSection 116 of such Act, as amended by paragraph (1), is further amended by adding at the end the following:  (h)Consultation requirement (1)In generalIn compiling data and making assessments under subsection (d)(13), United States diplomatic personnel shall consult with human rights organizations, technology and internet companies, and other appropriate nongovernmental organizations.
(2)DefinitionsIn this subsection and in subsection (d)(13)— (A)the term electronic communication has the meaning given such term in section 2510(12) of title 18, United States Code;
(B)the term internet has the meaning given the term Internet in section 231(e)(3) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 231(e)(3)); (C)the term personally identifiable information means data in a form that identifies a specific person; and
(D)the term wire communication has the meaning given such term in section 2510(1) of title 18, United States Code.. (b)Report relating to security assistanceSection 502B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2304(b)) is amended—
(1)by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B); (2)by inserting (1) after (b);
(3)by striking Wherever applicable, such report shall include and inserting the following:  (2)Wherever applicable, each report required under paragraph (1) shall include—;
(4)by striking consolidated information and inserting the following:  (A)consolidated information ;
(5)by striking Act of 1987). Wherever applicable, such report shall include information and inserting the following: “Act of 1987);  (B)information;
(6)by striking sterilization. Such report shall also include, wherever applicable, information and inserting the following: “sterilization;  (C)information;
(7)by striking Act of 1998). Wherever applicable, such report shall include a description and inserting the following: “Act of 1998); and  (D)a description;
(8)by striking Such report shall also include, for each country and inserting the following:  (3)Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include, for each country;
(9)by striking Each report under this section shall list and inserting the following:  (4)Each report required under paragraph (1) shall list;
(10)by striking Each report under this section shall describe and inserting the following:  (5)Each report required under paragraph (1) shall describe;
(11)by striking Each report under this section shall also include and inserting the following:  (6)Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include—;
(12)by striking (i) wherever applicable and inserting the following:  (A)wherever applicable;
(13)by striking hostilities, (ii) what steps and inserting “hostilities;  (B)what steps;
(14)by striking practices, and (iii) such other information and inserting “practices; and  (C)such other information; and
(15)by striking In determining and inserting the following:  (7)Each report required under paragraph (1) shall include an assessment of freedom of expression with respect to electronic information in each foreign country, which shall consist of—
(A)an assessment of the extent to which government authorities in each country attempt to filter, censor, shape, or otherwise block or remove nonviolent expression of political, religious, or ideological opinion via the internet, including electronic mail; (B)a description of the means by which such authorities attempt to block or remove such expression;
(C)an assessment of the extent to which government authorities in each country have persecuted or otherwise punished an individual or group for the nonviolent expression of political, religious, or ideological opinion or belief via the internet, including electronic mail; (D)an assessment of the extent to which government authorities in each country have sought to collect, request, obtain, or disclose personally identifiable information of a person in connection with such person's nonviolent expression of political, religious, or ideological opinion or belief on a foreign platform, including expression that would be protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, done at New York December 19, 1966; and
(E)an assessment of the extent to which wire communications and electronic communications are monitored without regard to the principles of privacy, human rights, democracy, and rule of law, to the extent that these practices are known. (8)In determining.