		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3474
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			November 18, 2011
			Mr. Stearns
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Ways and Means, 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 titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act
		  to prevent fraud and abuse under the Medicare program and to require National
		  Provider Identifiers for reimbursement of prescriptions under part D of the
		  Medicare program, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Promoting Responsibility in Medical Expenditures Act of
			 2011 or the PRIME Act of
			 2011.
		2.Increased civil
			 and criminal penalties
			(a)Increased civil
			 money penalties and criminal fines for Federal health care program fraud and
			 abuse
				(1)Increased civil
			 money penaltiesSection 1128A of the Social Security Act (42
			 U.S.C. 1320a–7a) is amended—
					(A)in subsection (a),
			 in the matter following paragraph (10)—
						(i)by
			 striking $10,000 and inserting $20,000 each place
			 it appears;
						(ii)by
			 striking $15,000 and inserting $30,000;
			 and
						(iii)by striking $50,000 and
			 inserting $100,000 each place it appears; and
						(B)in subsection
			 (b)—
						(i)in
			 paragraph (1), in the flush text following subparagraph (B), by striking
			 $2,000 and inserting $4,000;
						(ii)in
			 paragraph (2), by striking $2,000 and inserting
			 $4,000; and
						(iii)in
			 paragraph (3)(A)(i), by striking $5,000 and inserting
			 $10,000.
						(2)Increased
			 criminal finesSection 1128B of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–7b) is
			 amended—
					(A)in subsection (a),
			 in the matter following paragraph (6)—
						(i)by
			 striking $25,000 and inserting $100,000;
			 and
						(ii)by
			 striking $10,000 and inserting $20,000;
						(B)in subsection
			 (b)—
						(i)in paragraph (1), in the flush text
			 following subparagraph (B), by striking $25,000 and inserting
			 $100,000; and
						(ii)in paragraph (2), in the flush text
			 following subparagraph (B), by striking $25,000 and inserting
			 $100,000;
						(C)in subsection (c),
			 by striking $25,000 and inserting
			 $100,000;
					(D)in subsection (d), in the flush text
			 following paragraph (2), by striking $25,000 and inserting
			 $100,000; and
					(E)in subsection (e),
			 by striking $2,000 and inserting $4,000.
					(b)Increased
			 sentences for felonies involving Federal health care program fraud and
			 abuse
				(1)False statements
			 and representationsSection
			 1128B(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–7b(a)) is amended, in the
			 matter following paragraph (6), by striking not more than five years or
			 both, or (ii) and inserting not more than 10 years or both, or
			 (ii).
				(2)AntikickbackSection
			 1128B(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–7b(b)) is amended—
					(A)in paragraph (1),
			 in the flush text following subparagraph (B), by striking not more than
			 five years and inserting not more than 10 years;
			 and
					(B)in paragraph (2), in the flush text
			 following subparagraph (B), by striking not more than five years
			 and inserting not more than 10 years.
					(3)False statement
			 or representation with respect to conditions or operations of
			 facilitiesSection 1128B(c) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–7b(c))
			 is amended by striking not more than five years and inserting
			 not more than 10 years.
				(4)Excess
			 chargesSection 1128B(d) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a–7b(d)) is
			 amended, in the flush text following paragraph (2), by striking not more
			 than five years and inserting not more than 10
			 years.
				(c)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to acts
			 committed after the date of the enactment of this Act.
			3.Annual Medicare,
			 Medicaid, and CHIP fraud reports
			(a)In
			 generalBy not later than
			 July 1, 2012, and each subsequent year, the Secretary of Health and Human
			 Services shall submit to the Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and
			 Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the
			 Senate a report that contains the following:
				(1)Amount of
			 fraudThe amount, as estimated by the Secretary—
					(A)of total suspected
			 fraud committed against the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social
			 Security Act, the Medicaid program under title XIX of such Act, and the
			 Children’s Health Insurance Program under title XXI of such Act; and
					(B)the amount of such suspected fraud that is
			 committed by employees of the Department of Health and Human Services who have
			 access to data from any of the programs under
			 subparagraph (A).
					(2)Data access
			 implementationInformation on implementation of the data access
			 requirement under section 1128J(a)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
			 1320a–7k(a)(2)).
				(b)Use of
			 audits
				(1)Estimate based
			 on audited claimsThe
			 Secretary shall base the estimate of suspected fraud under subsection (a)(1)(A)
			 on an audit of a random sample of at least 10,000 claims for payment made under
			 the programs under title XVIII, XIX, or XXI of the Social Security Act.
				(2)Authority of the
			 SecretaryFor purposes of conducting the audits under
			 paragraph (1), the Secretary may—
					(A)request that a
			 health care provider or supplier submit documentation relating to the claim
			 being audited and review such documentation;
					(B)conduct
			 unannounced onsite visits; and
					(C)interview
			 patients.
					(3)Submission of
			 informationNot later than 30 days after receiving a request for
			 documentation under
			 paragraph (2)(A), the health care
			 provider or supplier shall provide to the Secretary all requested documentation
			 related to such claim.
				(4)Internal
			 auditThe Secretary shall
			 base the estimate of suspected fraud committed by employees of the Department
			 of Health and Human Services under subsection (a)(1)(B) on an internal
			 audit.
				(c)Fraud
			 definedIn this section, the term fraud has the
			 meaning given such term in section 455.2 of title 42, Code of Federal
			 Regulations.
			4.Protecting
			 predictive analytics technologies from compelled disclosure under the Freedom
			 of Information ActSection
			 4241 of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1320a–7m) is amended by
			 adding at the end the following:

				(j)Exemption from
				FOIAThe algorithms used in
				predictive modeling and other analytics technologies under this section are
				exempt from disclosure under section 552(b)(3) of title 5, United States
				Code.
				(k)Audit and
				reviewThe Inspector General
				of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Comptroller General of
				the United States shall, beginning on January 1, 2013, and annually thereafter,
				complete an audit and review of the implementation of this section, including
				the effectiveness of the algorithms used in predictive modeling and other
				analytics technologies under this
				section.
				.
		5.Requiring valid
			 National Provider Identifiers for prescribers on pharmacy claims and limiting
			 access to the National Provider Identifier registry
			(a)Requiring valid
			 National Provider Identifiers of prescribers on pharmacy claims
				(1)In
			 generalSection 1860D–2(e)(2) of the Social Security Act (42
			 U.S.C. 1395w–102(e)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
			 subparagraph:

						(C)Drugs prescribed
				by nonvalid prescribersFor
				plan years that begin on or after January 1, 2013, such term does not include a
				drug prescribed by an individual who does not have a valid National Provider
				Identifier, as determined through procedures established by the Secretary.
						.
				(2)Identifying and
			 reporting invalid prescribers
					(A)Transfer of
			 information to the Inspector generalIn the case that the procedures established
			 by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 1860D–2(e)(2) of
			 the Social Security Act result in a PDP sponsor identifying a claim for
			 reimbursement under a prescription drug plan under part D of title XVIII of
			 such Act as being for a drug that was prescribed by an individual who did not
			 have a valid National Provider Identifier, the PDP sponsor shall submit to the
			 Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services any
			 information on such invalid prescribers on pharmacy claims, including any
			 invalid national provider identifiers being used to submit such claims and any
			 records related to such claims.
					(B)Responsibility
			 of the Inspector GeneralThe Inspector General of the Department
			 of Health and Human Services shall provide to the appropriate law enforcement
			 agencies information submitted under
			 subparagraph (A).
					(C)Report to
			 CongressNot later than
			 January 1, 2014, the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human
			 Services shall submit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of the
			 procedures established under section 1860D–2(e)(2)(C) of the Social Security
			 Act.
					(b)Limiting access
			 to National Provider Identifier registry
				(1)In
			 generalThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, in
			 consultation with the Attorney General, the Inspector General of the Department
			 of Health and Human Services, the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, and
			 affected parties (including prescription drug plans under part D of title XVIII
			 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–101 et seq.), MA–PD plans under
			 part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–21 et seq.),
			 pharmacies, physicians, and pharmacy computer vendors), shall establish
			 procedures and rules to restrict access to the National Provider Identifier
			 Registry in order to deter the fraudulent use of National Provider Identifiers
			 for purposes of making claims under titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security
			 Act.
				(2)Access
					(A)In
			 generalThe procedures established under paragraph (1) shall
			 provide governmental and nongovernmental entities with appropriate (as
			 determined by the Secretary) access to the National Provider Identifier
			 Registry.
					(B)Data use
			 agreementsIn order to receive such access, each such
			 governmental and nongovernmental entity shall enter into a data use agreement
			 with the Secretary and agree to use the data in such registry in accordance
			 with rules established by the Secretary pursuant such paragraph.
					6.Encouraging the
			 establishment of State prescription drug monitoring programs
			(a)In
			 generalSection 1905 of the Social Security Act is amended by
			 adding at the end the following:

					(ee)Incentives for
				States To identify fraud through State prescription drug monitoring
				programs
						(1)In
				generalWith respect to a calendar quarter, the Federal medical
				assistance percentage for the amounts under clauses (i) and (II) of
				subparagraph (C) shall be decreased by 10 percent for such quarter, if—
							(A)a State is
				receiving a grant for a State controlled substance monitoring program under
				section 399O of the Public Health Service Act (or the Secretary determines that
				the State meets the requirements for such a grant);
							(B)through such
				program, the State identifies fraud, waste, or abuse in connection the
				provision of prescription drug coverage under the State plan; and
							(C)the State or a
				political subdivision of the State—
								(i)is reimbursed an
				amount by a third party (pursuant to the provisions of the State plan in
				compliance with section 1902(a)(25)) for expenditures related to such fraud,
				waste, or abuse; or
								(ii)recovered (as
				such term is used under section 1903(d)(3)(A)) an amount.
								(2)Use of
				fundsA State may use the amounts received as a result of the
				increased Federal medical assistance percentage under
				paragraph (1) to support the State
				controlled substance monitoring program established by the
				State.
						.
			(b)Conforming
			 amendmentsSection 1905(b) of
			 the Social Security Act is amended by striking Subject to subsections
			 (y), (z), and (aa) and inserting Subject to subsections (y),
			 (z), (aa), and (ee).
			(c)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall apply to
			 calendar quarters beginning on or after the end of the 30-day period after the
			 date of the enactment of this Act.
			7.Prohibiting the
			 display of Social Security account numbers on newly issued Medicare
			 identification cards and communications provided to Medicare
			 beneficiaries
			(a)In
			 generalNot later than 2
			 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and
			 Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary),
			 acting in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, shall
			 establish and implement procedures to eliminate the unnecessary collection,
			 use, and display of Social Security account numbers of Medicare beneficiaries
			 under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42
			 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.).
			(b)Newly issued
			 medicare cards and communications provided to beneficiariesNot later than 4 years after the date of
			 the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall do the following:
				(1)Newly issued
			 cardsActing in consultation
			 with the Commissioner of Social Security, ensure that each newly issued
			 Medicare identification card does not display or electronically store, in an
			 unencrypted format, a Medicare beneficiary’s Social Security account number,
			 except—
					(A)if the health
			 insurance claim number of a beneficiary is the Social Security number of the
			 beneficiary, the beneficiary's spouse, or another individual, the Secretary may
			 use such number on such card; and
					(B)if the Secretary determines that the risk
			 of fraudulent use of such numbers is not unacceptably high, the Secretary may
			 use a partial Social Security account number on a Medicare identification
			 card.
					(2)Communications
			 provided to beneficiariesProhibit the display of a Medicare
			 beneficiary’s Social Security account number in any written or electronic
			 communication provided to the beneficiary unless the Secretary, in consultation
			 with the Commissioner of Social Security, determines that inclusion of Social
			 Security account numbers in such communications is essential for the operation
			 of the Medicare program.
				(c)Medicare
			 beneficiary definedIn this section, the term Medicare
			 beneficiary means an individual who is entitled to, or enrolled for,
			 benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act or enrolled
			 under part B of such title.
			(d)Conforming
			 amendments
				(1)Reference in the
			 Social Security ActSection 205(c)(2)(C) of the Social Security
			 Act (42 U.S.C. 405(c)(2)(C)) is amended—
					(A)by moving clause
			 (x), as added by section 1414(a)(2) of the Patient Protection and Affordable
			 Care Act (Public Law 111–148), 6 ems to the left;
					(B)by redesignating
			 clause (x), as added by section 2(a)(1) of the Social Security Number
			 Protection Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1305 note), as clause (xii); and
					(C)by adding after
			 clause (xii), as redesignated by subparagraph (B), the following new
			 clause:

							(xiii)Subject to section 7 of the Promoting
				Responsibility in Medical Expenditures Act of 2011, social security account
				numbers shall not be displayed on Medicare identification cards or on
				communications provided to Medicare
				beneficiaries.
							.
					(2)Access to
			 informationSection 205(r) of the Social Security Act (405 U.S.C.
			 405(r)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

						(10)(A)To prevent and identify
				fraudulent activity—
								(i)the Attorney General or the Secretary
				of Health and Human Services may submit to the Commissioner a request that the
				Commissioner enter into an agreement under this paragraph; and
								(ii)subject to the requirements of
				subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (3), upon receiving a request under
				subparagraph (A), the Commissioner shall enter into a reimbursable agreement
				with the individual making such request to provide to such individual the
				information collected under paragraph (1).
								(B)The agreement under
				subparagraph (A)(ii) shall contain
				appropriate provisions (as determined by the Commissioner) to protect the
				confidentiality of information provided by the Commissioner under such
				agreement.
							.
				(e)Pilot
			 program
				(1)EstablishmentNot
			 later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
			 shall establish a pilot program utilizing smart card technology to
			 evaluate—
					(A)the applicability
			 of smart card technology to the Medicare program under title XVIII of the
			 Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.); and
					(B)whether such cards
			 would be effective in preventing fraud under the Medicare program.
					(2)Scope and
			 durationThe Secretary shall conduct the pilot program—
					(A)in not less than 2
			 States; and
					(B)for a period of
			 not less than 180 days and not more than 2 years.
					(3)ReportNot
			 later than 12 months after the completion of the pilot program under this
			 subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of
			 Congress and make available to the public a report that includes the
			 following:
					(A)A summary of the
			 pilot program and findings resulting from such program, including—
						(i)any
			 costs or savings to the Medicare program as a result of the implementation of
			 the pilot program;
						(ii)whether the use
			 of smart card technology resulted in improvements in the quality of care
			 provided to Medicare beneficiaries under the pilot program; and
						(iii)whether such
			 technology was useful in preventing or detecting fraud, waste, and abuse in the
			 Medicare program.
						(B)Recommendations
			 regarding whether the use of smart card technology should be expanded under the
			 Medicare program.
					(4)DefinitionsIn
			 this subsection:
					(A)Medicare
			 beneficiaryThe term Medicare beneficiary means an
			 individual entitled to, or enrolled for, benefits under part A of title XVIII
			 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq.) or enrolled for benefits
			 under part B of such title (42 U.S.C. 1395j et seq.).
					(B)Medicare
			 providerThe term Medicare provider means—
						(i)a
			 provider of services (as defined in section 1861(u) of the Social Security Act
			 (42 U.S.C. 1395x(u))); or
						(ii)a
			 supplier (as defined in section 1861(d) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
			 1395x(d))).
						(C)Smart
			 cardThe term smart card means an identification
			 card used by a Medicare beneficiary or a Medicare provider that includes
			 antifraud attributes. Such a card—
						(i)may
			 rely on existing commercial data transfer networks or on a network of
			 proprietary card readers or databases; and
						(ii)may
			 include—
							(I)cards using
			 technology adapted from the financial services industry;
							(II)cards containing
			 individual biometric identification, provided that such identification is
			 encrypted and not contained in any central database;
							(III)cards adapting
			 technology and processes utilized in the TRICARE program under chapter 55 of
			 title 10, United States Code, or by the Veterans Administration; or
							(IV)such other
			 technology as the Secretary determines appropriate.
							8.Improving claims
			 processing and detection of fraud within the Medicaid and CHIP
			 programs
			(a)MedicaidSection
			 1903(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(i)) is amended—
				(1)in paragraph (25),
			 by striking or at the end;
				(2)in paragraph (26),
			 by striking the period and inserting ; or; and
				(3)by inserting after
			 paragraph (26) the following paragraph:

						(27)with respect to any amount expended for an
				item or service unless the claim for payment for such item or service
				contains—
							(A)a valid
				beneficiary identification number for the individual to whom such item or
				service was furnished, and the State has determined that such number
				corresponds to an individual who is enrolled under the State plan or an
				applicable waiver of a requirement of such plan; and
							(B)a valid provider
				identifier for the provider who furnished such item or service, and the State
				has determined that such identifier corresponds to a provider that is eligible
				to receive payment for furnishing such item or service under the State plan or
				an applicable waiver of a requirement of such
				plan.
							.
				(b)ChipSection
			 2107(e)(1)(I) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397gg(e)(1)(I)) is amended
			 by striking and (17) and inserting (17), and
			 (27).
			9.GAO
			 reportNot later than January
			 1, 2013, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the
			 Congress a report that contains recommendations on methods that the Secretary
			 of Health and Human Services could use to make Medicare claims data available
			 to the public for the purpose of improving transparency within the Medicare
			 program while protecting the privacy of individual Medicare beneficiaries,
			 providers of services, and suppliers.


114 S1216 IS: To amend the Natural Gas Act to modify a provision relating to civil penalties.
U.S. Senate
2015-05-06
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.

		II
		114th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 1216
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 6, 2015
			Ms. Murkowski introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

		A BILL
		To amend the Natural Gas Act to modify a provision relating to civil penalties.

 1.De novo review of civil penalties under the Natural Gas ActSection 22(b) of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717t–1(b)) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: , in accordance with the same provisions as are applicable under section 31(d) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 823b(d)) in the case of civil penalties assessed under section 31 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 823b).


114 HR 936 IH: Marine Disease Emergency Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-02-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 936
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 12, 2015
Mr. Heck of Washington (for himself, Mr. Huffman, Mrs. Capps, Mr. Jolly, Mr. Murphy of Florida, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Blumenauer, Ms. DelBene, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Kilmer, Mr. McDermott, and Mr. Smith of Washington) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, 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 the Secretary of Commerce to identify, declare, and respond to marine disease emergencies, and for other purposes.

1.Short TitleThis Act may be cited as the Marine Disease Emergency Act of 2015. 2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
(1)CoordinatorThe term coordinator means an individual designated under section 3(d) to coordinate the response to a marine disease emergency. (2)Data RepositoryThe term Data Repository means the National Data Repository for Marine Diseases Research and Services established under section 6.
(3)Exclusive economic zoneThe term exclusive economic zone means the exclusive economic zone of the United States established by Presidential Proclamation No. 5030, of March 10, 1983. (4)FundThe term Fund means the Marine Disease Emergency Fund established under section 5.
(5)Marine diseaseThe term marine disease means a pathological condition that— (A)occurs in a population of marine species; and
(B)appears to be caused by an infectious or noninfectious biological agent. (6)Marine disease emergencyThe term marine disease emergency means an event that—
(A)affects the marine environment; (B)is caused by a marine disease or environmental stressor;
(C)is likely to threaten the sustainability of a marine species or the health of a marine ecosystem; and (D)is likely to expand in geographic scope.
(7)Marine environmentThe term marine environment means those areas of coastal, ocean, and estuarine waters over which the United States has jurisdiction, including the exclusive economic zone, consistent with international law. (8)Marine speciesThe term marine species—
(A)except as provided in subparagraph (B), means marine reptiles, finfish, mollusks, and crustaceans, and all other forms of marine animal and plant life; and  (B)does not include aquacultured animals of any species, marine mammals, and birds.
(9)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce acting through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (10)StateThe term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and any other Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States, and each federally recognized Indian tribe.
(11)Working GroupThe term Working Group means the Marine Disease Emergency Working Group established under section 4.  3.Declaration of marine disease emergency and response (a)In generalThe Secretary may declare a marine disease emergency in accordance with subsection (b).
(b)Declaration procedureAfter receiving notice that a marine disease emergency may be occurring, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable— (1)not later than 24 hours after receiving such notice, contact members of the Working Group for guidance on whether the event is a marine disease emergency; and
(2)not later than 7 days after receiving such notice, declare whether the event is a marine disease emergency. (c)Effect of declaration (1)Powers of SecretaryUpon declaring a marine disease emergency under this section, and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary may take such actions as may be appropriate to respond to the emergency, including making grants, providing awards for expenses, entering into contracts and conducting and supporting investigations into the cause, treatment, or prevention of the emergency.
(2)Response activitiesAs soon as possible after declaring a marine disease emergency, the Secretary shall carry out the activities described in subsections (d) and (e) with respect to the emergency. (d)Designation of coordinator (1)In generalThe Secretary shall designate an individual to coordinate the response to each marine disease emergency declared under this section.
(2)Duties of coordinatorThe coordinator, under the supervision of the Secretary, shall lead a response to the emergency that may include Federal, State, regional, and local agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and other persons as appropriate. (3)Coordinator assistantsThe Secretary may designate one or more individuals to assist the coordinator in carrying out the duties described in paragraph (2).
(e)Development of response plan
(1)In generalNot later than 28 days after declaring a marine disease emergency under this section the Secretary shall, in consultation with the Task Force, develop a written response plan for such emergency based on sound science. (2)ContentsThe plan described in paragraph (1) shall include, at minimum—
(A)a list of persons at appropriate Federal, regional, State, and local agencies who can assist the Secretary in implementing a coordinated and effective response to the marine disease emergency; (B)a description of the steps necessary to diagnose the cause of the marine disease emergency;
(C)training, mobilization, and utilization procedures for personnel, facilities, and other resources necessary to conduct a rapid and effective response to the marine disease emergency; (D)an assessment of the potential effects of the marine disease emergency on populations of marine species;
(E)strategies to minimize morbidity and mortality in marine species and minimize transmission of the disease; and (F)provisions to protect other populations of aquacultured animals, plants, marine mammals, and birds that could be directly or indirectly impacted by the marine disease emergency or response actions.
(3)PublicationNot later than 21 days after declaring a marine disease emergency under this section the Secretary shall publish a summary of the plan on a publicly accessible Internet website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (f)Termination of marine disease emergency (1)In generalA marine disease emergency declared under this section shall terminate on the date on which the Secretary declares that the emergency no longer exists, or upon the expiration of the 120-day period beginning on the date on which such declaration is made by the Secretary, whichever occurs first.
(2)Renewal of declarationA declaration that terminates under paragraph (1) may be renewed by the Secretary. The time limitations in paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to each such renewal. (g)ReportNot later than 90 days after the termination of a marine disease emergency declared under this section, the Secretary shall—
(1)submit to Congress a report describing— (A)the presumptive cause and environmental impact of the marine disease emergency;
(B)the response to the marine disease emergency and recommendations, if any, for improving responses to future marine disease emergencies; and (C)recommendations, if any, for preventing future marine disease emergencies; and
(2)publish the report on a publicly accessible Internet website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 4.Marine Disease Emergency Working Group (a)EstablishmentThere is established in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a working group to be known as the Marine Disease Emergency Working Group.
(b)DutiesThe Working Group shall— (1)advise the Secretary on risk assessment, preparation, monitoring, research, and response to marine diseases that may significantly impact the health and sustainability of marine species and ecosystems;
(2)advise the Secretary in determining whether a marine disease emergency should be declared or terminated; (3)assist the Secretary in drafting response plans under section 3(e);
(4)assist the Secretary in drafting reports under section 3(g); and (5)consult with the Director of the Data Repository established under section 6 to ensure the quality and availability of the data contained therein.
(c)Membership
(1)CompositionSubject to paragraph (3), the Working Group shall be composed of 7 members as follows: (A)The Secretary or the Secretary’s designee.
(B)The Administrator of the United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or the Administrator’s designee. (C)The Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or the Director’s designee.
(D)The Director of the United States Geological Survey or the Director’s designee. (E)3 members, appointed by the President, who have specialized knowledge and expertise in—
(i)marine animal and plant health, marine animal and plant disease assessments, and responding to disease outbreaks or ecological disasters; and (ii)marine veterinary science, bacteriology, virology or immunology, histopathology, genetics, epidemiology, ecology, or microbiology.
(2)LimitationA member appointed under paragraph (1)(E) shall not be an employee of an agency (as defined in section 551 of title 5, United States Code). If any such member becomes an employee of an agency, that member may continue as a member for not longer than the 30-day period beginning on the date the member becomes an employee of an agency. (3)Temporary membersThe Secretary may appoint additional members to the Working Group to serve during a marine disease emergency declared under section 3.
(4)Terms
(A)Non-agency membersEach member appointed under paragraph (1)(E) shall be appointed for a term of 2 years and may be reappointed thereafter by the President. (B)Temporary membersThe term of each member appointed under paragraph (3) shall expire 90 days after the date on which the marine disease emergency for which that member was appointed is terminated under section 3(f).
(5)VacanciesA vacancy in the Working Group shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (6)Prohibition on compensation of Federal employeesMembers of the Working Group who are full-time officers or employees of the United States may not receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits by reason of their service on the Working Group.
(7)Travel expensesSubject to the availability of appropriations, each member of the Working Group shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (8)ChairpersonThe Secretary, or a designee of the Secretary, shall be the Chairperson of the Working Group.
(9)MeetingsThe Secretary shall convene the Working Group not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Thereafter, the Working Group shall meet not less than annually and may also meet at the call of the Chairperson or a majority of its members. (d)Staffing and assistanceThe Secretary shall make available to the Working Group any staff, information, administrative services, or assistance the Secretary considers reasonably required to enable the Working Group to carry out its duties.
(e)TerminationSection 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply with respect to the Working Group. 5.Establishment of Marine Disease Emergency Fund (a)EstablishmentThere is established in the Treasury a fund to be known as the Marine Disease Emergency Fund, which shall be administered by the Secretary. Amounts in the Fund shall be made available without fiscal year limitation, and subject to appropriations, to carry out this Act.
(b)AmountsThe Fund shall consist of— (1)amounts appropriated to the Fund; and
(2)amounts received by the Secretary as donations, gifts, or contributions for the purpose of addressing marine disease emergencies. (c)Use of fundAmounts in the Fund shall be used only to respond to a marine disease emergency declared under section 3.
(d)Supplement not supplantAmounts from the Fund shall be used to supplement and not supplant other Federal, State, regional, and local public funds provided for activities under this Act. 6.National Data Repository for Marine Diseases Research and Services (a)In generalThe Secretary shall establish a National Data Repository for Marine Diseases Research and Services. Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall enter into a contract with an entity eligible under subsection (c) to develop and administer such repository.
(b)PurposeThe purpose of the Data Repository shall be to— (1)collect, store, and disseminate information regarding research, data, findings, and technical assistance materials related to marine diseases;
(2)facilitate the development, coordination, and rapid dissemination of research on marine diseases; and (3)collect epidemiological, environmental impact, timeline, global positioning system registered location, and ecological consequence data regarding marine diseases, linking different datasets across the country to assist researchers in developing strategies for addressing marine diseases.
(c)EligibilityTo be eligible for the contract under subsection (a), an entity shall— (1)be a public or private nonprofit entity;
(2)have experience— (A)collecting data;
(B)developing systems to store data in a secure manner; (C)developing Internet web portals and other means of communicating with a wide audience; and
(D)making information available to the public; and (3)meet such other criteria as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(d)Data repository directorAs a condition of receiving the contract under subsection (a), an entity shall agree to employ a director of the Data Repository chosen in accordance with guidance issued by the Secretary. The Director, in consultation with the Secretary and Working Group, shall— (1)collect information and research methodologies from individuals, agencies, and organizations engaged in the research of marine diseases;
(2)ensure research methods are standardized whenever possible to ensure data comparability across regions; (3)securely store and maintain information in the Data Repository;
(4)make information in the Data Repository accessible through an Internet website or other appropriate means of sharing information; and (5)ensure that the information contained in the Data Repository is accessible to members of the public, marine disease researchers, and persons responding to marine disease emergencies.
7.Marine disease emergency for sea star wasting syndrome
(a)In GeneralThe marine mortality event affecting species of sea stars commonly referred to as sea star wasting syndrome is deemed to be a marine disease emergency declared by the Secretary under section 3. Beginning on the effective date of this section, the Secretary shall immediately carry out the activities described in subsections (d) and (e) of section 3 with respect to such marine disease emergency. (b)Effective dateThis section shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
8.Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2016 through 2021.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2860
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 8, 2012
			Mr. Pryor introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on 4,4′-methylene bis
		  (2-chloroaniline).

		1.4,4′-Methylene bis
			 (2-chloroaniline)
			(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 heading:

								9902.01.004,4′-methylene bis (2-chloroaniline) (CAS No. 101–14–4)
						(provided for in subheading 2921.59.08)FreeNo
						changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2015

					.
			(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.


115 SRES 434 ATS: Recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members and alumni to the lives of the people of the United States.
U.S. Senate
2018-03-14
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.

III115th CONGRESS2d SessionS. RES. 434IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 14, 2018Mr. Coons (for himself, Mr. Cochran, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Wicker, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Boozman, Mr. Carper, Mr. McCain, Mr. Reed, Mr. Hatch, Ms. Warren, Ms. Collins, Mr. Brown, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Cardin, Ms. Hassan, Mr. Donnelly, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Markey, Mr. Tester, Ms. Smith, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Booker, Ms. Hirono, Mrs. Murray, Ms. Harris, Mr. King, and Mr. Udall) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsMarch 20, 2018Committee discharged; considered and agreed toRESOLUTIONRecognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members and alumni to the lives of the people of the
			 United States.

 Whereas, since its inception in 1994, the AmeriCorps national service program has proven to be a highly effective way to engage the people of the United States in meeting a wide range of local and national needs and promote the ethics of service and volunteerism;
 Whereas, since 1994, more than 1,000,000 individuals have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to get things done for America by becoming AmeriCorps members; Whereas, each year, AmeriCorps, in coordination with State service commissions, provides opportunities for approximately 75,000 individuals across the United States to give back in an intensive way to communities, States, Tribal nations, and the United States;
 Whereas AmeriCorps members have served more than 1,480,000,000 hours nationwide, helping— (1)to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people of the United States;
 (2)to protect the environment; (3)to contribute to public safety;
 (4)to respond to disasters; (5)to strengthen the educational system of the United States; and
 (6)to expand economic opportunity; Whereas, since 1994, more than $9,200,000,000 in AmeriCorps funds have been invested in nonprofit, community, educational, and faith-based groups, and those funds leverage hundreds of millions of dollars in outside funding and in-kind donations each year;
 Whereas AmeriCorps members recruit and supervise millions of community volunteers, demonstrating the value of AmeriCorps as a powerful force for encouraging people to become involved in volunteering and community service;
 Whereas AmeriCorps members serve at more than 20,000 locations across the United States, including at nonprofit organizations, schools, and faith-based and community organizations;
 Whereas AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps campuses in the States of Mississippi, Maryland, Iowa, California, and Colorado strengthen communities and develop future leaders through team-based service;
 Whereas AmeriCorps members nationwide, in return for the service of those members, have earned more than $3,500,000,000 to use to further their own educational advancement at colleges and universities across the United States;
 Whereas AmeriCorps members, after their terms of service with AmeriCorps end, have been more likely to remain engaged in their communities as volunteers, teachers, and nonprofit professionals than the average individual;
 Whereas AmeriCorps is a proven pathway to employment, providing members with valuable career skills, experience, and contacts to prepare them for the 21st century workforce and to help close the skills gap in the United States;
 Whereas, in 2009, Congress passed the bipartisan Serve America Act (Public Law 111–13; 123 Stat. 1460), which authorized the expansion of national service, expanded opportunities to serve, increased efficiency and accountability, and strengthened the capacity of organizations and communities to solve problems;
 Whereas national service programs have engaged millions of people in the United States in results-driven service in the most vulnerable communities of the United States, providing hope and help to individuals with economic and social needs;
 Whereas national service and volunteerism demonstrate the best of the spirit of the United States, with people turning toward problems and working together to find community solutions; and
 Whereas AmeriCorps Week, observed in 2018 from March 11 through March 17, is an appropriate time for the people of the United States to salute current and former AmeriCorps members for their positive impact on the lives of people in the United States, to thank the community partners of AmeriCorps for making the program possible, and to encourage more people in the United States to become involved in service and volunteering: Now, therefore, be it

 That the Senate— (1)encourages the people of the United States to join in a national effort—
 (A)to salute AmeriCorps members and alumni; and (B)to raise awareness about the importance of national and community service;
 (2)acknowledges the significant accomplishments of the members, alumni, and community partners of AmeriCorps;
 (3)recognizes the important contributions made by AmeriCorps members and alumni to the lives of the people of the United States; and
 (4)encourages individuals of all ages to consider opportunities to serve in AmeriCorps.


I
111th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 125
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 6, 2009
Mr. Gallegly introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL
To eliminate the exceptions to the prohibition on adjustment of status of aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States or who accept unauthorized employment.

1.Elimination of exceptions to bar on adjustment of status Section 245(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255(c)) is amended by striking (other than an immediate relative as defined in section 201(b) or a special immigrant described in section 101(a)(27)(H), (I), (J), or (K)).


110 HRES 1201 IH: Expressing the grave concern of the House

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-05-15
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IV
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 1201
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 15, 2008
			Mr. Israel (for
			 himself, Mr. Knollenberg,
			 Mr. Lampson,
			 Mr. Schiff,
			 Mr. Weiner,
			 Mrs. Gillibrand,
			 Mr. Crowley,
			 Mr. Arcuri,
			 Mr. Bishop of New York,
			 Mr. Moore of Kansas,
			 Mr. Ross, Mr. Issa, Mr.
			 Radanovich, Mr. Cantor,
			 Mr. Kirk, Mr. Tiberi, Mr.
			 Nunes, and Mr. McNulty)
			 submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Foreign
			 Affairs

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the grave concern of the House
		  of Representatives for Hezbollah, Syria, and Iran’s continued actions to
		  undermine the legitimate Lebanese Government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora,
		  and their systematic violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions
		  1559, 1680, 1701, and 1747.

		Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 1559
			 reaffirms the Security Council’s call for the strict respect of the
			 sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence of
			 Lebanon, under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon,
			 throughout all Lebanese territory;
		Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 1680
			 strongly encourages the Government of Syria to delineate its border with
			 Lebanon and establish full diplomatic relations and representation;
		Whereas Lebanon has been without a president for 5 months,
			 and Hezbollah continues to block the election of a new president;
		Whereas Hezbollah has violently taken control of much of
			 Beirut;
		Whereas Prime Minister Fuad Siniora has called for
			 immediate, free and fair presidential elections without
			 prior conditions and conducted according to Lebanese
			 constitutional rules, without foreign interference and
			 influence;
		Whereas the Security Council has repeatedly called for
			 free and fair presidential elections in Lebanon in accordance with the Lebanese
			 constitution and without preconditions or foreign influence;
		Whereas Syria continues to undermine the legitimate
			 Government of Lebanon, headed by Prime Minister Siniora;
		Whereas on April 22, the Friends of Lebanon called for the
			 immediate election of a Lebanese president without prior conditions, the
			 establishment of a national unity government, and the holding of general
			 elections in conformity with an electoral law agreed by all parties, in
			 accordance with the Arab League plan;
		Whereas the Friends of Lebanon also called on all parties
			 inside and outside Lebanon to respect Lebanon’s independence and
			 sovereignty;
		Whereas the Friends of Lebanon include a robust and
			 diverse set of representatives from Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Jordan,
			 Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and
			 the United States, along with the Secretary General of the Arab League, the
			 Secretary General of the Council of the European Union, and the Secretary
			 General of the United Nations;
		Whereas Hezbollah has established an parallel structure to
			 the elected Government of Prime Minister Siniora, which is the sole legitimate
			 authority in Lebanon;
		Whereas according to the Government of Lebanon, Hezbollah
			 maintains its own separate and secure communication network, which is
			 considered illegal;
		Whereas the Government of Lebanon regards the network as
			 illegal and an attack on the sovereignty of the
			 State;
		Whereas the United Nations Secretary General’s special
			 envoy to Lebanon reports that Hezbollah maintains a massive paramilitary
			 infrastructure separate from the State;
		Whereas Hezbollah, with extensive support from Iran and
			 Syria, has restored and enhanced its arsenal of rockets and sophisticated
			 antitank guided missiles, estimated to include 10,000 long range and 20,000
			 short range rockets, deployed both north and south of the Litani River;
		Whereas Lieutenant General Michael Maples, the director of
			 the Defense Intelligence Agency, testified before Congress in February 2008,
			 saying, Lebanese Hezbollah continues to receive weapons, training, and
			 resources from Iran;
		Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 1747,
			 acting under Chapter 7 of the United Nations charter, said Iran shall
			 not supply, sell, or transfer . . . any arms of related materiel and
			 all Nations shall prohibit the procurement of such items from
			 Iran;
		Whereas the United Nations Secretary General’s special
			 envoy to Lebanon has said the United Nations continues to be deeply
			 concerned by the activities of Syrian-based Popular Front for the
			 Liberation of Palestine-General Command and Fatah Al-Intifada, both of which
			 maintain significant military infrastructures within Lebanon and along the
			 border with Syria;
		Whereas both Resolutions 1559 and 1701 call for the
			 disarmament of all armed militias and foreign forces in Lebanon, and state
			 there should be no weapons or authority in Lebanon other than that of
			 the Lebanese State;
		Whereas Resolution 1701 established an enhanced United
			 Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to assist the Lebanese armed forces
			 in taking steps to disarm all armed groups in Lebanon, so that, pursuant to the
			 Lebanese cabinet decision of July 27, 2006, there will be no weapons or
			 authority in Lebanon, other than those of the Lebanese State;
		Whereas Resolution 1701 requires that States in the region
			 take the necessary measure to prevent . . . the sale or supply . . . of
			 arms and related material . . . to Lebanon, except those authorized by
			 the Government of Lebanon or by UNIFIL;
		Whereas United Nations Secretary General has called on
			 Syria and Iran to support Hezbollah’s transformation into a political
			 party;
		Whereas on numerous occasions, United Nations forces
			 identified armed Hezbollah operatives and weapons convoys, but failed to
			 intercede as authorized by United Nations rules;
		Whereas the United Nations Secretary General’s 7th
			 semiannual report on the implementation of Resolution 1559 stated that on the
			 night of March 30, 2008, United Nations troops on patrol in southern Lebanon
			 encountered unidentified armed elements but failed to take
			 action, even after being threatened at gunpoint;
		Whereas under Resolution 1701, United Nations forces in
			 Lebanon are specifically authorized to take all necessary action . . .
			 to ensure that its area of operations is not utilized for hostile activities of
			 any kind;
		Whereas Israel Defense Forces soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and
			 Eldad Regev, abducted by Hezbollah forces on July 12, 2006, have not been
			 released, as called for in Resolution 1701, and have not been permitted access
			 to the International Red Cross, as afforded to them under international law;
			 and
		Whereas on March 27, 2008, the Security Council encouraged
			 the United Nations Secretary General to continue to take steps towards the
			 establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, in order to prosecute those
			 responsible for the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq
			 Hariri, and noted that the Tribunal is based on the highest
			 international standards of criminal justice: Now, therefore, be
			 it

		That the House of
			 Representatives—
			(1)demands that all
			 provisions of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions be implemented,
			 including—
				(A)Hezbollah’s
			 immediate and unconditional release of Israel Defense Forces soldiers Ehud
			 Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, as mandated by Resolution 1701;
				(B)Hezbollah and
			 other armed foreign and Lebanese militia groups disband and disarm, as required
			 by Resolutions 1559 and 1701; and
				(C)the strict
			 enforcement of the arms embargo, as both Resolution 1559 and 1701 demand there
			 be no weapons in Lebanon without the consent of the Government of Lebanon, and
			 no authority other than that of the Government of Lebanon;
				(2)calls for—
				(A)the immediate
			 election of a Lebanese president without preconditions, in accordance with the
			 Lebanese constitution, and without foreign interference, as called for by the
			 Security Council;
				(B)the Security
			 Council to declare Iran and Syria in violation of Resolutions 1559, 1701, and
			 1747; and
				(C)the United Nations
			 Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to follow its established terms of engagement
			 and take the necessary steps when confronted to disarm Hezbollah and other
			 armed elements;
				(3)expresses—
				(A)continued support
			 for the Government of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, the sole legitimate
			 authority in Lebanon;
				(B)support for the
			 Government of Lebanon in asserting its sovereignty by extending its authority
			 throughout its territory, particularly in the southern regions;
				(C)vigorous support
			 for a democratic Lebanon, with both domestic and foreign militias permanently
			 disarmed;
				(D)support for UNIFIL
			 troops, and strong hope for the expansion of its troops to the Syrian border to
			 enforce the weapons embargo;
				(E)its deepest concern
			 that the continued failure of the international community to live up to its
			 commitments to stop Hezbollah’s rearmament could once again lead to war;
			 and
				(F)unwavering support
			 and commitment to the unconditional release of abducted Israeli soldiers;
			 and
				(4)condemns Iran and
			 Syria—
				(A)for their ongoing
			 violation of Resolutions 1559 and 1701, especially for their rearmament of
			 Hezbollah; and
				(B)for sponsoring,
			 financing, and arming terrorist organizations internationally, and specifically
			 within Lebanon.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5719
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 13, 2010
			Mr. Cardoza (for
			 himself and Mr. Putnam) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in
			 addition to the Committee on Veterans’
			 Affairs, 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 title 10, United States Code, to require the
		  Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop, and the Secretary of Defense to
		  distribute to members of the Armed Forces upon their discharge or release from
		  active duty, information in a compact disk read-only memory format or other
		  appropriate digital format that lists and explains the health, education, and
		  other benefits for which veterans are eligible under the laws administered by
		  the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Veterans’ Information Act.
		2.Veterans health,
			 education, and other benefits information in compact disk read-only memory
			 format or other appropriate digital format for members of the Armed Forces upon
			 their discharge or release from active duty
			(a)Development and
			 distribution of informationSection 1142 of title 10, United States
			 Code, is amended—
				(1)in subsection
			 (b)(17), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ,
			 including, once available, a copy of the compact disk or other appropriate
			 digital format developed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under subsection
			 (d) that contains the information described in such subsection;
			 and
				(2)by adding at the
			 end the following new subsections:

						(d)Veterans health,
				education, and other benefits information in digital format(1)The Secretary of
				Veterans Affairs shall develop and maintain in a compact disk read-only memory
				format, or other appropriate digital format, certain information that the
				Secretary determines would be helpful to veterans. The information shall
				include the following:
								(A)A
				listing and explanation of every benefit for which veterans may be eligible
				under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and any other
				applicable law, and the eligibility criteria for receiving each such benefit,
				including the range of compensation and benefits available under the laws
				administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that are based on grade,
				length of service, degree of disability, at separation or retirement, and other
				factors affecting compensation and benefits.
								(B)A comprehensive explanation of how
				veterans may apply for such benefits, including procedures, requirements, and
				locations for submitting applications for such benefits.
								(C)A listing of all facilities of the
				Department of Veterans Affairs and contact information for such
				facilities.
								(D)Contact information for State and
				local veterans agencies.
								(2)The compact disk or other digital
				format developed under this subsection shall be distributed to members of the
				Armed Forces pursuant to subsection (b) and, upon request, to family members of
				members of the armed forces. If a member of the armed forces is unable to
				receive the compact disk or other digital format, the compact disk or other
				digital format shall be distributed to a family member of that member of the
				Armed Forces, as determined by the Secretary concerned pursuant to regulations
				prescribed for such purpose, whether the family member requests the compact
				disk or other format or not.
							(e)Internet
				websiteThe Secretary of
				Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Defense, and the head of any other relevant
				Government agency shall each maintain an Internet website on which information
				shall be made available at all times that clearly explains the benefits
				administered by that Secretary or agency head to which veterans are entitled
				and how veterans can secure those benefits. The website shall include all of
				the information contained on the compact disk or other digital format described
				in subsection (d) and information about how family members of veterans may
				request a compact disk or other digital format pursuant to subsection (d)(2).
				The information provided on the Internet website shall be updated not later
				than 30 days after any change affecting a benefit for which veterans may be
				eligible goes into
				effect.
						.
				(b)DeadlineThe compact disk or other digital format
			 required by section 1142(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by
			 subsection (a), shall be developed and ready for distribution to members of the
			 Armed Forces not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
			 Act.


 HR 1242 ENR: 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act
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.

I
One Hundred Fifteenth Congress of the United States of America At the First SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the third day of January, two thousand and seventeen
H. R. 1242

AN ACT
To establish the 400 Years of African-American History Commission, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act.  2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
(1)CommemorationThe term commemoration means the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies, at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619.  (2)CommissionThe term Commission means the 400 Years of African-American History Commission established by section 3(a).
(3)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.  3.Establishment (a)In generalThere is established a commission, to be known as the 400 Years of African-American History Commission.
(b)Membership
(1)CompositionThe Commission shall be composed of 15 members, of whom— (A)three members shall be appointed by the Secretary after considering recommendations of Governors, including the Governor of Virginia;
(B)six members shall be appointed by the Secretary after considering recommendations of civil rights organizations and historical organizations;  (C)one member shall be an employee of the National Park Service having experience relative to the historical and cultural resources related to the commemoration, to be appointed by the Secretary;
(D)two members shall be appointed by the Secretary after considering the recommendations of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution; and  (E)three members shall be individuals who have an interest in, support for, and expertise appropriate to the commemoration, appointed by the Secretary after considering the recommendations of Members of Congress.
(2)Time of appointmentEach appointment of an initial member of the Commission shall be made before the expiration of the 120-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.  (3)Term; vacancies (A)TermA member of the Commission shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.
(B)Vacancies
(i)In generalA vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.  (ii)Partial termA member appointed to fill a vacancy on the Commission shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the predecessor of the member was appointed.
(C)Continuation of membershipIf a member of the Commission was appointed to the Commission as an employee of the National Park Service, and ceases to be an employee of the National Park Service, that member may continue to serve on the Commission for not longer than the 30-day period beginning on the date on which that member ceases to be an employee of the National Park Service.  (c)DutiesThe Commission shall—
(1)plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities throughout the United States— (A)appropriate for the commemoration;
(B)to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619;  (C)to acknowledge the impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination had on the United States; and
(D)to educate the public about— (i)the arrival of Africans in the United States; and
(ii)the contributions of African-Americans to the United States;  (2)encourage civic, patriotic, historical, educational, artistic, religious, economic, and other organizations throughout the United States to organize and participate in anniversary activities to expand understanding and appreciation of—
(A)the significance of the arrival of Africans in the United States; and  (B)the contributions of African-Americans to the United States;
(3)provide technical assistance to States, localities, and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration;  (4)coordinate and facilitate for the public scholarly research on, publication about, and interpretation of—
(A)the arrival of Africans in the United States; and  (B)the contributions of African-Americans to the United States;
(5)ensure that the commemoration provides a lasting legacy and long-term public benefit by assisting in the development of appropriate programs; and  (6)help ensure that the observances of the commemoration are inclusive and appropriately recognize the experiences and heritage of all individuals present at the arrival of Africans in the United States.
4.Commission meetings
(a)Initial meetingNot later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the Commission.  (b)MeetingsThe Commission shall meet—
(1)at least three times each year; or  (2)at the call of the Chairperson or the majority of the members of the Commission.
(c)QuorumA majority of the voting members shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold meetings.  (d)Chairperson and vice chairperson (1)ElectionThe Commission shall elect the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of the Commission on an annual basis.
(2)Absence of the chairpersonThe Vice Chairperson shall serve as the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson.  (e)VotingThe Commission shall act only on an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Commission.
5.Commission powers
(a)GiftsThe Commission may solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of money or other property for aiding or facilitating the work of the Commission.  (b)Appointment of advisory committeesThe Commission may appoint such advisory committees as the Commission determines to be necessary to carry out this Act.
(c)Authorization of actionThe Commission may authorize any member or employee of the Commission to take any action that the Commission is authorized to take under this Act.  (d)Procurement (1)In generalThe Commission may procure supplies, services, and property, and make or enter into contracts, leases, or other legal agreements, to carry out this Act (except that a contract, lease, or other legal agreement made or entered into by the Commission shall not extend beyond the date of termination of the Commission).
(2)LimitationThe Commission may not purchase real property.  (e)Postal servicesThe Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of the Federal Government.
(f)Grants and technical assistanceThe Commission may— (1)provide grants in amounts not to exceed $20,000 per grant to communities and nonprofit organizations for use in developing programs to assist in the commemoration;
(2)provide grants to research and scholarly organizations to research, publish, or distribute information relating to the arrival of Africans in the United States; and  (3)provide technical assistance to States, localities, and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration.
6.Commission personnel matters
(a)Compensation of members
(1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), a member of the Commission shall serve without compensation.  (2)Federal employeesA member of the Commission who is an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation other than the compensation received for the services of the member as an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
(b)Travel expensesA member of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Commission.  (c)Director and staff (1)In generalThe Chairperson of the Commission may, without regard to the civil service laws (including regulations), nominate an executive director to enable the Commission to perform the duties of the Commission.
(2)Confirmation of executive directorThe employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission.  (d)Compensation (1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the Commission may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates.
(2)Maximum rate of payThe rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel shall not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.  (e)Detail of government employees (1)Federal employees (A)DetailAt the request of the Commission, the head of any Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, any of the personnel of the agency to the Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out the duties of the Commission under this Act.
(B)Civil service statusThe detail of an employee under subparagraph (A) shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.  (2)State employeesThe Commission may—
(A)accept the services of personnel detailed from the State; and  (B)reimburse the State for services of detailed personnel.
(f)Procurement of temporary and intermittent servicesThe Chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services in accordance with section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title.  (g)Volunteer and uncompensated servicesNotwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Commission may accept and use such voluntary and uncompensated services as the Commission determines to be necessary.
(h)Support services
(1)In generalThe Secretary shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, such administrative support services as the Commission may request.  (2)ReimbursementAny reimbursement under this paragraph shall be credited to the appropriation, fund, or account used for paying the amounts reimbursed.
(i)No effect on authorityNothing in this section supersedes the authority of the National Park Service with respect to the commemoration.  7.Plans; reports (a)Strategic planThe Commission shall prepare a strategic plan for the activities of the Commission carried out under this Act.
(b)Final reportNot later than July 1, 2020, the Commission shall complete and submit to Congress a final report that contains— (1)a summary of the activities of the Commission;
(2)a final accounting of funds received and expended by the Commission; and  (3)the findings and recommendations of the Commission.
8.Termination of Commission
(a)Date of terminationThe Commission shall terminate on July 1, 2020.  (b)Transfer of documents and materialsBefore the date of termination specified in subsection (a), the Commission shall transfer all documents and materials of the Commission to the National Archives or another appropriate Federal entity.
9.Expenditures of CommissionAll expenditures of the Commission shall be made solely from donated funds.   Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


110 HR 4391 IH: To extend the temporary suspension of duty on

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-12-11
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4391
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			December 11, 2007
			Mr. Burton of Indiana
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To extend the temporary suspension of duty on
		  Propiconazole.

		1.Propiconazole
			(a)In
			 generalHeading 9902.29.80 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.


113 S2390 IS: Foster Care Tax Credit Act
U.S. Senate
2014-05-22
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.

		II
		113th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 2390
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 22, 2014
			Ms. Heitkamp (for herself and Mr. Kaine) 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 create a tax credit for foster families.

	1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Foster Care Tax Credit Act.2.Foster care tax credit(a)In generalSubpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended
			 by inserting after section 25D the following new section:25E.Foster care tax credit(a)Allowance of creditWith respect to each qualifying foster child of an eligible taxpayer, for each calendar month
			 occurring during the
			 taxable year that such child resides in the home of such taxpayer, there
			 shall be allowed as a
			 credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year  an
			 amount equal to 1/12 of the amount determined under subsection (b).(b)Amount determined(1)In generalThe amount determined under this subsection with respect to an eligible taxpayer and a taxable year
			 is—(A)$1,000, reduced by(B)$50 for each
			 $1,000 (or fraction thereof) by which the eligible taxpayer's modified
			 adjusted gross income exceeds the threshold amount.For purposes of the
			 preceding sentence, the term modified adjusted gross income means adjusted gross income increased by any amount excluded from gross income under section 911,
			 931, or 933.(2)Threshold amountFor purposes of paragraph (1), the term threshold amount has the meaning given such term by section 24(b)(2).(c)Qualifying foster childFor purposes of this section, the term qualifying foster child means an eligible foster child (within the meaning of section 152(f)(1)(C)) of the eligible
			 taxpayer—(1)who has not attained age 17,(2)who is a citizen, national, or resident of the United States,(3)who resides in the home of the eligible taxpayer for not less than 1 calendar month during the
			 taxable year,
			 and(4)with respect to whom the credit under section 24 is not allowable to the eligible taxpayer or any
			 other taxpayer who would be an eligible taxpayer but for paragraph (3) of
			 subsection (d).(d)Eligible taxpayerFor purposes of this section, the term eligible taxpayer means any taxpayer, except that—(1)no single household shall include more than 1 eligible taxpayer,(2)married individuals
			 filing a joint return shall be treated as 1 eligible taxpayer, and(3)in the case of individuals not described in paragraph (2) who are members of the same household,
			 only the taxpayer with the highest adjusted gross income for the taxable
			 year shall be treated as an eligible taxpayer.(e)Calendar monthFor purposes of this section, if a foster child resides in the home of the taxpayer for more than
			 15 consecutive days of a calendar month but fewer than the total number of
			 days in such calendar month, such foster child shall be treated as
			 residing in the home of the taxpayer for the full calendar month.(f)Portion of credit refundable(1)In generalThe aggregate credits allowed to a taxpayer under subpart C shall be increased by the lesser of—(A)the credit which would be allowed under this section without regard to this subsection and the
			 limitation under section 26(a) (determined after any reduction of the
			 credit under section 24(a) by reason of section 24(d)), or(B)the amount by which the aggregate amount of credits allowed by this subpart (determined without
			 regard to this subsection, and after any reduction of the credit under
			 section 24(a) by reason of section 24(d)) would increase if the limitation
			 imposed by section 26(a) were increased by the greater of—(i)15 percent of so much of the taxpayer's earned income (within the meaning of section 32) which is
			 taken into account in computing taxable income for the taxable year as
			 exceeds $10,000, or(ii)in the case of a taxpayer with 3 or more qualifying foster children residing in the home of the
			 taxpayer for all months in the taxable year (without regard to whether the
			 same 3 children reside in the home of the taxpayer for all such months),
			 the excess (if any) of—(I)the taxpayer's social security taxes for the taxable year, over(II)the credit allowed under section 32 for the taxable year.The amount of the credit allowed under this subsection shall not be treated as a credit allowed
			 under this subpart and shall reduce the amount of credit otherwise
			 allowable under subsection (a) without regard to section 26(a).  For
			 purposes of subparagraph (B), any amount excluded from gross income by
			 reason of section 112 shall be treated as earned income which is taken
			 into account in computing taxable income for the taxable year.(2)Social security taxesFor purposes of paragraph (1), the term social security taxes has the same meaning as when used in section 24(d)(1).(3)Inflation adjustmentIn the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2001, the $10,000 amount
			 contained in paragraph (1)(B)(i) shall be adjusted in the same manner as
			 the
			 $10,000 amount under section 24(d)(1)(B) is adjusted under section
			 24(d)(3).(g)Identification requirementNo credit shall be allowed under this section to an eligible taxpayer with respect to any
			 qualifying foster child unless the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer
			 identification number of such qualifying foster child on the return of tax
			 for the taxable year..(b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections for subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue
			 Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
			 25D the following new item:Sec. 25E. Foster care tax credit..(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to calendar months beginning after December 31,
			 2013, in taxable years beginning after such date.
			(d)EducationThe Secretary of Health and Human Services (or the Secretary's delegate), in coordination with the
			 Secretary of the Treasury or such Secretary's delegate, shall identify
			 provisions in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that can be used by or can
			 benefit foster families, and shall increase outreach efforts to provide
			 information and educational materials regarding such provisions to State
			 and Indian tribal foster care agencies and to foster families.


117 HR 3054 IH: 21st Century Federal Writers’ Project Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-05-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
117th CONGRESS1st Session
H. R. 3054
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 7, 2021
Mr. Lieu (for himself and Ms. Leger Fernandez) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL
To establish a grant program in the Department of Labor to assist unemployed and under employed workers following the COVID–19 pandemic.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the 21st Century Federal Writers’ Project Act. 2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
(1)In 1935, during the Great Depression, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established The Federal Writers’ Project of the New Deal Era. This program was organized to employ writers, editors, historians, researchers, journalists, librarians, broadcasters, photographers, and others to document American society.  (2)The Federal Writers Project employed up to 10,000 people between its founding in 1935 during the Great Depression and the publication of its first guides in 1943.
(3)The original Federal Writers’ Project had many successes, such as— (A)the American Guide Series, which covered 48 States, 40 cities, 18 regions and territories and countless counties, with John Steinbeck calling the Series, “the most comprehensive account of the United States ever got together, and nothing since has even approached it. It was compiled during the depression by the best writers in America’’;
(B)creating opportunities for writers who went on to become some of America’s greatest authors, including Ralph Ellison, Richard Wright, Saul Bellow, and Zora Neale Hurston;  (C)developing the Slave Narrative Project, the largest project to document the experience of formerly enslaved people, which included oral histories and photography telling the story of 10,000 Americans in 17 States;
(D)creating over 1,000 books and pamphlets covering local and regional histories, folklore collections, humor, ethnic studies, and nature studies.  (4)The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the decline of local newspapers and other local news outlets, with more than 60 local newsrooms closing over the course of 2020 and other newsrooms enduring cutbacks. More than 200 counties have no daily or weekly newspaper and 68 percent of these counties are nonmetro areas, home to small towns and rural communities.
(5)Following the death of more than 550,000 people due to COVID-19 and more than a year of physical restrictions, the United States has experienced a historic period with a profound and lasting impact on society. (6)The original Federal Writers' Project provided the opportunity to observe and document the Great Depression. Further, the impact of COVID-19, including the lives lost, should be documented by a renewed Federal Writers' Project.
3.DOL grant program
(a)In generalNot later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor, working through the Employment Training Administration, shall establish a grant program to provide eligible entities with funds to assist individuals who are unemployed or under employed in order to document in writing and images American society and the broad impacts and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. (b)Grant featuresIn administering the grant program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall determine the parameters of the grant program, the amount and duration of grant awards, with an individual grant award not to exceed 7.5 percent of the total amounts of available grant funds, and the eligibility of individuals to receive funds from a grant recipient (using the Standard Occupational Classification for categories 25-000 and 27-000).
(c)Eligible entitiesTo be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity shall submit an application to the Secretary of Labor at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require and be— (1)a nonprofit institution of higher education or a nonprofit organization each of which has experience in writing, researching, collecting, curating, and disseminating educational information;
(2)a newsroom that may be a nonprofit or for profit entity;  (3)a public or nonprofit library; or
(4)a communications union or guild. (d)Geographic diversityIn selecting the recipients for a grant under this section the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, ensure equitable geographic distribution, including urban and rural areas.
(e)RepositoryThe Secretary shall establish a repository of works developed through the grant program in which grantees submit completed works from subgrantees, including giving credit to each writer or artist. and make such works available to the public. Not later than 90 days after receipt of a completed work, the Secretary shall forward such work to the Librarian of Congress to archive such material in accordance with subsection (f). (f)ArchiveThe Librarian of Congress shall establish an archive program in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress to collect and make publicly available in a digital format, including giving credit to each writer or artist, written and visual works collected by the Secretary under subsection (e).
(g)Reporting requirements
(1)Grantee reportingThe Secretary shall develop reporting guidelines for grant recipients to include, at a minimum, information regarding— (A)the amount of funds received by each grantee, the amount provided to subgrantees, the number of projects completed;
(B)the race, ethnicity, age, location in terms of local or rural, and regional diversity of subgrantees; (C)the number of requests made to review the completed projects (when available); and
(D)such other data the Secretary considers important. (2)Reporting to CongressNot less than once each year while the program is in operation, the Secretary shall submit a report summarizing the data collected under paragraph (1) to the Committees on Appropriations and Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Appropriations and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions of the Senate.
(h)Administrative costsThe Secretary may withhold 5 percent of funds made available to carry out this program for administrative costs. An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section may reserve not more than 10 percent of funds received to administer its program. (i)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2022.