		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 220
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 13, 2009
			Mr. Grassley introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		A BILL
		To amend title 28, United States Code, to provide an
		  Inspector General for the judicial branch, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Judicial Transparency and Ethics
			 Enhancement Act of 2009.
		2.Inspector general
			 for the judicial branch
			(a)Establishment
			 and DutiesPart III of title 28, United States Code, is amended
			 by adding at the end the following:

					60INSPECTOR GENERAL
				FOR THE JUDICIAL BRANCH

							Sec.
							1021. Establishment.
							1022. Appointment, term, and removal of Inspector
				  General.
							1023. Duties.
							1024. Powers.
							1025. Reports.
							1026. Whistleblower protection.

						1021.EstablishmentThere is established for the judicial branch
				of the Government the Office of Inspector General for the Judicial Branch (in
				this chapter referred to as the Office).
						1022.Appointment,
				term, and removal of Inspector General
							(a)AppointmentThe
				head of the Office shall be the Inspector General, who shall be appointed by
				the Chief Justice of the United States after consultation with the majority and
				minority leaders of the Senate and the Speaker and minority leader of the House
				of Representatives.
							(b)TermThe
				Inspector General shall serve for a term of 4 years and may be reappointed by
				the Chief Justice of the United States for any number of additional
				terms.
							(c)RemovalThe Inspector General may be removed from
				office by the Chief Justice of the United States. The Chief Justice shall
				communicate the reasons for any such removal to both Houses of Congress.
							1023.DutiesWith respect to the judicial branch, the
				Office shall—
							(1)conduct
				investigations of alleged misconduct in the judicial branch (other than the
				United States Supreme Court) under chapter 16, that may require oversight or
				other action within the judicial branch or by Congress;
							(2)conduct
				investigations of alleged misconduct in the United States Supreme Court, that
				may require oversight or other action within the judicial branch or by
				Congress;
							(3)conduct and
				supervise audits and investigations;
							(4)prevent and detect
				waste, fraud, and abuse; and
							(5)recommend changes
				in laws or regulations governing the judicial branch.
							1024.Powers
							(a)PowersIn
				carrying out the duties of the Office, the Inspector General shall have the
				power to—
								(1)make
				investigations and reports;
								(2)obtain information
				or assistance from any Federal, State, or local governmental agency, or other
				entity, or unit thereof, including all information kept in the course of
				business by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the judicial councils
				of circuits, the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, and the
				United States Sentencing Commission;
								(3)require, by
				subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses, and the
				production of such books, records, correspondence memoranda, papers, and
				documents, which subpoena, in the case of contumacy or refusal to obey, shall
				be enforceable by civil action;
								(4)administer to or
				take from any person an oath, affirmation, or affidavit;
								(5)employ such
				officers and employees, subject to the provisions of title 5, governing
				appointments in the competitive service, and the provisions of chapter 51 and
				subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and
				General Schedule pay rates;
								(6)obtain services as
				authorized by section 3109 of title 5 at daily rates not to exceed the
				equivalent rate for a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under
				section 5315; and
								(7)the extent and in
				such amounts as may be provided in advance by appropriations Acts, to enter
				into contracts and other arrangements for audits, studies, analyses, and other
				services with public agencies and with private persons, and to make such
				payments as may be necessary to carry out the duties of the Office.
								(b)Chapter 16
				mattersThe Inspector General
				shall not commence an investigation under section 1023(1) until the denial of a
				petition for review by the judicial council of the circuit under section 352(c)
				of this title or upon referral or certification to the Judicial Conference of
				the United States of any matter under section 354(b) of this title.
							(c)LimitationThe Inspector General shall not have the
				authority to—
								(1)investigate or
				review any matter that is directly related to the merits of a decision or
				procedural ruling by any judge, justice, or court; or
								(2)punish or
				discipline any judge, justice, or court.
								1025.Reports
							(a)When To Be
				MadeThe Inspector General shall—
								(1)make an annual
				report to the Chief Justice and to Congress relating to the activities of the
				Office; and
								(2)make prompt
				reports to the Chief Justice and to Congress on matters that may require action
				by the Chief Justice or Congress.
								(b)Sensitive
				MatterIf a report contains sensitive matter, the Inspector
				General may so indicate and Congress may receive that report in closed
				session.
							(c)Duty To Inform
				Attorney GeneralIn carrying out the duties of the Office, the
				Inspector General shall report expeditiously to the Attorney General whenever
				the Inspector General has reasonable grounds to believe there has been a
				violation of Federal criminal law.
							1026.Whistleblower
				protection
							(a)In
				GeneralNo officer, employee, agent, contractor or subcontractor
				in the judicial branch may discharge, demote, threaten, suspend, harass or in
				any other manner discriminate against an employee in the terms and conditions
				of employment because of any lawful act done by the employee to provide
				information, cause information to be provided, or otherwise assist in an
				investigation regarding any possible violation of Federal law or regulation, or
				misconduct, by a judge, justice, or any other employee in the judicial branch,
				which may assist the Inspector General in the performance of duties under this
				chapter.
							(b)Civil
				ActionAn employee injured by a violation of subsection (a) may,
				in a civil action, obtain appropriate
				relief.
							.
			(b)Technical and
			 conforming amendmentThe table of chapters for part III of title
			 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

						60. Inspector General for the judicial
				branch.

					.


		IB
		Union Calendar No. 176
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 715
		[Report No.
		  111–310]
		IN THE HOUSE OF
		  REPRESENTATIVES

			January 27, 2009
			Mr. Grijalva
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Natural
			 Resources

			October 21, 2009
			Additional sponsor: Ms.
			 Giffords

			October 21, 2009
			Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State
			 of the Union and ordered to be printed

		A BILL
		To expand the boundary of Saguaro National
		  Park, to study additional land for future adjustments to the boundary of the
		  Park, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Saguaro National Park Boundary
			 Expansion and Study Act of 2009.
		2.Boundary of
			 saguaro national parkSection
			 4 of the Saguaro National Park Establishment Act of 1994 (Public
			 Law 103–364, 108 Stat. 3467), is amended—
			(1)in subsection
			 (a)—
				(A)by inserting
			 (1) before The boundaries of the park; and
				(B)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(2)The boundary of
				the park is further modified to include approximately 975 acres, as generally
				depicted on the map titled Saguaro National Park Proposed Boundary
				Adjustment, numbered 151/80,045A, and dated August 2008. The map shall
				be on file and available for inspection in the appropriate offices of the
				National Park
				Service.
						;
				(2)by striking
			 subsection (b)(2) and inserting the following new paragraphs:

					(2)The Secretary may,
				with the consent of the State and in accordance with Federal and State law,
				acquire from the State land or interests in land within the boundary of the
				park.
					(3)If the Secretary
				is unable to acquire the State land under paragraph (2), the Secretary may
				enter into an agreement that would allow the National Park Service to manage
				State land within the boundary of the
				park.
					;
				and
			(3)by
			 adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(d)Boundary
				study
						(1)In
				generalThe Secretary shall conduct a study to identify lands
				that would be a part of any future boundary adjustments for the park.
						(2)CriteriaThe
				study shall examine the natural, cultural, recreational, and scenic values and
				characters of lands identified under paragraph (1).
						(3)ReportNot
				later than 2 years after the date funds are made available for the study under
				this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural
				Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and
				Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the findings, conclusions, and
				recommendations of the
				study.
						.

		October 21, 2009
		Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State
		  of the Union and ordered to be printed


115 S3492 IS: Get the Lead Out of Assisted Housing Act of 2018
U.S. Senate
2018-09-25
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.

		II
		115th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 3492
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			September 25, 2018
			Ms. Duckworth (for herself, Mr. Young, and Mr. Durbin) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

		A BILL
		To improve the removal of lead from drinking water in public housing.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Get the Lead Out of Assisted Housing Act of 2018.
 2.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)AdministratorThe term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
 (2)DepartmentThe term Department means the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (3)Lead service lineThe term lead service line has the meaning given the term in section 141.2 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto.
 (4)Pilot programThe term pilot program means the program for providing grants established under section 6(a). (5)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
 3.Sense of the SenateIt is the sense of the Senate that— (1)lead is a dangerous neurotoxin that can permanently impact brain development, especially in young children;
 (2)the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency, the American Association of Pediatrics, and many other entities have determined that there is no safe level of lead exposure;
 (3)for vulnerable populations like young children, pregnant mothers, and the elderly, exposure to lead can be life altering;
 (4)evidence is mounting that the lead in drinking water problem in the United States is grossly underestimated and inadequately addressed;
 (5)according to the Environmental Protection Agency, lead service lines are the single largest source of lead in drinking water; and
 (6)partial lead service line replacement, where only a portion of a lead service line is replaced, can increase lead exposure.
 4.Uniform physical condition standardsThe Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, shall amend the physical condition standards set forth in section 5.703 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations, to require that—
 (1)the entities responsible for maintaining housing inspect building systems to determine, using tests that incorporate the best available technology and science, if—
 (A)there are lead service lines; or (B)there is lead in the service line that connects the interior plumbing to the public water supply; and
 (2)if a lead service line is found or lead is found in a service line that connects to the interior plumbing of the housing at the water meter, the entity responsible for maintaining the housing shall—
 (A)not later than 1 day after the date on which the lead is found, notify each tenant of the housing that the lead was found and of safety precautions that should be taken;
 (B)disclose that information within 30 days to any water utility entity relevant to the housing;
 (C)provide necessary interim measures to reduce exposure to the lead, such as water filters designed to remove lead and other innovative technologies, based on guidance from the Administrator; and
 (D)prohibit the partial replacement of lead service lines. 5.Authority to inspect all sources of leadThe Secretary may inspect all sources of lead contamination in housing assisted by a program of the Department and work in coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency to mitigate sources of lead exposure as a result of water from the public water supply and ambient air levels or industrial emissions.
		6.Healthy homes lead in drinking water pilot program
			(a)Establishment
 (1)In generalNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall begin providing grants to State and local governments responsible for developing consolidated plans under part 91 of title 24, Code of Federal Regulations.
 (2)PurposeThe Secretary shall design the grants under the pilot program to— (A)identify lead service lines and other sources of lead in drinking water serving housing units and take steps to remediate those threats; and
 (B)optimize corrosion control treatment in public water systems serving housing units. (b)ActivitiesA State or local government receiving a grant under the pilot program shall prioritize the following activities:
 (1)Creating an inventory of lead service lines, which shall— (A)be published on the website of the State or local government; and
 (B)involve— (i)working with local water utilities that may have a similar inventory;
 (ii)inspecting for lead service lines at their entry point into a building using methods that do not disturb the pipe;
 (iii)conducting an inspection of visible pipes at all access points; and (iv)prioritizing buildings based on the age of the building, historical records, and the size of the service line.
 (2)Testing for lead in the drinking water at child care facilities and schools and providing remediation, as appropriate.
 (3)Testing for lead in the drinking water at water fountains in public facilities and providing remediation, as appropriate.
				7.Healthy homes and lead hazard control office
 (a)In generalThe Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes of the Department shall, when providing grants for lead-based paint hazard reduction in target housing under section 1011 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 4852)—
 (1)ensure that testing for lead in drinking water is conducted;
 (2)require notification of tenants of the level of lead in drinking water found; and (3)implement interim controls, such as the installation of water filters known to remove lead.
 (b)Use of funds for replacementThe Secretary shall allow recipients of assistance from the Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes of the Department or another program of the Department to use the funds to replace leaded water fixtures and lead service lines.
 8.Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.


114 HR 2407 IH: School Milk Nutrition Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-05-19
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. 2407
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 19, 2015
Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania (for himself and Mr. Courtney) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

A BILL
To reverse declining milk consumption in schools.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the School Milk Nutrition Act of 2015. 2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
(1)The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that most school-age children and adolescents consume three servings of milk or other dairy foods daily, with two-and-a-half servings recommended for students younger than nine years. (2)Most Americans, including most children and adolescents, consume on average only about half of the recommended amounts of dairy foods daily.
(3)Milk is a source of many nutrients essential to health, and is the leading source of nine essential nutrients in the diets of children and adolescents, including three nutrients of public health concern: vitamin D, calcium, and potassium. (4)Every eight ounces of low-fat and skim milk provides eight grams of protein.
(5)Dairy foods are associated with improved bone health, a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, a beneficial or neutral effect on blood pressure, and may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, and stroke. (6)Throughout the history of school-based Federal meal programs, milk has been offered with each meal.
(7)Declines in average daily participation in the National School Lunch Program may result in fewer students consuming milk during the school day. (8)Declines in milk consumption in schools may exceed what would be expected from declines in average daily participation in the National School Lunch Program alone.
(9)It is in the public interest to promote the health of the Nation’s school-age population by encouraging and promoting consumption of milk in schools. 3.Fluid milkSection 9(a)(2) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(a)(2)) is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following:

(A)In generalLunches served by schools participating in the school lunch program under this Act— (i)shall offer students a variety of fluid milk. Such milk shall be consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5341);
(ii)may offer students flavored and unflavored fluid milk (including low-fat flavored milk that contains no more than 150 calories per 8-ounce serving) and lactose-free fluid milk; and (iii)shall provide a substitute for fluid milk for students whose disability restricts their diet, on receipt of a written statement from a licensed physician that identifies the disability that restricts the student’s diet and that specifies the substitute for fluid milk.
(B)Substitutes
(i)Standards for substitutionA school may substitute for the fluid milk provided under subparagraph (A) a nondairy beverage that is nutritionally equivalent to low-fat fluid milk and meets nutritional standards established by the Secretary (which shall, among other requirements to be determined by the Secretary, include fortification of calcium, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, and vitamin B–12) for students who cannot consume fluid milk because of a medical or other special dietary need other than a disability described in subparagraph (A)(iii). (ii)NoticeThe substitutions may be made if the school notifies the State agency that the school is implementing a variation allowed under this subparagraph, and if the substitution is requested by written statement of a medical authority or by a student’s parent or legal guardian that identifies the medical or other special dietary need that restricts the student’s diet, except that the school shall not be required to provide beverages other than beverages the school has identified as acceptable substitutes.
(iii)Excess expenses borne by school food authorityExpenses incurred in providing substitutions under this subparagraph that are in excess of expenses covered by reimbursements under this Act shall be paid by the school food authority.. 4.Fluid milk and competing beveragesSection 10(b)(1)(C) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1779(b)(1)(C)) is amended—
(1)in clause (i), by striking and at the end; (2)in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
(3)by adding at the end the following:  (iii)provide that containers of all beverages sold in schools have the same maximum volume..
5.Evaluation of school milk trends
(a)StudyThe Secretary of Agriculture (hereafter referred to in this Act as the Secretary) shall carry out a study of recent trends in fluid milk consumption in schools, which shall include— (1)consideration of factors that may adversely affect consumption, including student preferences for types of milk, changes in average daily participation in meal programs, the types of milk offered, conditions within the school affecting consumption of milk, and other factors determined to be relevant by the Secretary;
(2)assessment of each Federal program under which milk is offered in schools; (3)review of scientific studies pertinent to school milk consumption; and
(4)consultation with school food service professionals, nutritionists, and other scientific experts, proprietary and cooperative fluid milk processors, and national and State research and promotion programs for fluid milk and dairy products. (b)ReportNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that shall—
(1)include the results of the study required under subsection (a);  (2)include recommendations, if any, for actions by the Department of Agriculture, the States, schools, and the private and non-profit sectors to increase milk consumption in schools; and
(3)take into account the work of school-based nutrition education programs that have been shown to increase average daily participation in the National School Lunch Program, including the Fuel Up to Play 60 program sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League. 6.Fluid milk promotion (a)Pilot programBeginning not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act the Secretary, acting through the Commodity Credit Corporation, shall carry out a pilot program to test and demonstrate effective, affordable, and sustainable strategies by which schools can increase the consumption of fluid milk.
(b)Program elementsThe pilot program shall— (1)provide grants, as determined by the Secretary, that compensate schools participating in the pilot program for any increased costs resulting from such participation;
(2)assess the effectiveness of offering milk in a variety of school venues, which may include breakfast in the classroom, enhanced products for a la carte sales, offering products in athletic facilities, and other venues as determined by the Secretary; and (3)assess the effectiveness of improved refrigeration, more attractive packaging and merchandising, and additional flavors.
(c)TerminationThe pilot program shall terminate 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d)ReportNot later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a written report to Congress summarizing the findings and results of the pilot program.
7.Lactose-free milkThe Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, make available to schools lactose-free milk with an extended shelf life in 8-ounce containers under section 14 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1762a). 8.Milk choice for women, infants, and childrenNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary shall allow women participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children under section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786) to receive reduced fat (2 percent) milk for themselves and their children 24-months old and older in accordance with the amounts prescribed for fluid milk under section 246.10(e)(10) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, after presentation of a written request to the Secretary by such participant.


117 HR 4082 IH: Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-06-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4082IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 23, 2021Mr. Curtis (for himself and Mr. O'Halleran) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Armed Services, and 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 concernedA BILLTo prevent catastrophic wildland fires by establishing a commission to study and recommend wildland fire prevention, mitigation, suppression, management, and rehabilitation policies for the Federal Government, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission Act of 2021.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Appropriate committees of CongressThe term appropriate committees of Congress means—(A)the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate;(B)the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate;(C)the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;(D)the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; (E)the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives;(F)the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives;(G)the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives;(H)the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and(I)the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives. (2)CommissionThe term Commission means the commission established under section 3(a).(3)High-risk Indian tribal governmentThe term high-risk Indian tribal government means an Indian tribal government, during not fewer than 4 of the 5 years preceding the date of enactment of this Act— (A)that received fire management assistance under section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187); or (B)land of which included an area for which the President declared a major disaster for fire in accordance with section 401 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 5170). (4)High-risk StateThe term high-risk State means a State that, during not fewer than 4 of the 5 years preceding the date of enactment of this Act—(A)received fire management assistance under section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187); or(B)included an area for which the President declared a major disaster for fire in accordance with section 401 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 5170).(5)Indian tribal governmentThe term Indian tribal government has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122).(6)SecretariesThe term Secretaries means—(A)the Secretary of the Interior; (B)the Secretary of Agriculture; and (C)the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.(7)StateThe term State has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122).(8)Wildland-urban interfaceThe term wildland-urban interface has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511). 3.Establishment of Commission(a)EstablishmentNot later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretaries shall jointly establish a commission to study and make recommendations to improve Federal policies relating to—(1)the prevention, mitigation, suppression, and management of wildland fires in the United States; and (2)the rehabilitation of land in the United States devastated by wildland fires.(b)Membership(1)CompositionThe Commission shall be composed of—(A)each of the Secretaries (or designees), who shall jointly serve as the co-chairpersons of the Commission;(B)not greater than 8 representatives of Federal departments or agencies, to be appointed by the Secretaries, including—(i)not fewer than 1 representative from each of—(I)the Bureau of Land Management;(II)the National Park Service;(III)the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and(IV)the Forest Service; (ii)a representative of or liaison to the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; (iii)a representative to the National Interagency Coordination Center, which is part of the National Wildfire Coordination Group;(iv)a representative from 1 of the coordinating agencies of the Recovery Support Function Leadership Group; and(v)if the Secretaries determine it to be appropriate, a representative of any other Federal department or agency, such as the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, or the Department of Defense; and(C)not greater than 17 non-Federal stakeholders with expertise in wildland fire preparedness, mitigation, suppression, or management, who collectively have a combination of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints and are representative of rural, urban, and suburban areas, to be appointed by the Secretaries, including— (i)not fewer than 1 State hazard mitigation officer of a high-risk State (or a designee);(ii)with preference given to representatives from high-risk States and high-risk Indian tribal governments, not fewer than 1 representative from each of—(I)a State department of natural resources, forestry, or agriculture or a similar State agency;(II)a State department of energy or a similar State agency;(III)a county government, with preference given to counties at least a portion of which is in the wildland-urban interface; and(IV)a municipal government, with preference given to municipalities at least a portion of which is in the wildland-urban interface;(iii)with preference given to representatives from high-risk States and high-risk Indian tribal governments, not fewer than 1 representative from each of— (I)the public utility industry;(II)the property development industry; and(III)Indian tribal governments; and (iv)any other appropriate non-Federal stakeholders, which may include the private sector, with preference given to non-Federal stakeholders from high-risk States and high-risk Indian tribal governments. (2)State limitationEach member of the Commission appointed under clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (1)(C) shall represent a different State.(3)DateThe appointments of the members of the Commission shall be made not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.(c)Period of appointment; vacancies(1)In generalA member of the Commission shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.(2)VacanciesA vacancy in the Commission—(A)shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and(B)shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.(d)Meetings(1)Initial meetingNot later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission shall hold the first meeting of the Commission.(2)FrequencyThe Commission shall meet not less frequently than once every 30 days.(3)TypeThe Commission may hold meetings, and a member of the Commission may participate in a meeting, remotely through teleconference, video conference, or similar means.(4)QuorumA majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.4.Duties of Commission(a)Report on recommendations To mitigate and manage wildland fires(1)In generalNot later than 1 year after the date of the first meeting of the Commission, the Commission shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing recommendations to prevent, mitigate, suppress, and manage wildland fires, including—(A)policy recommendations, including recommendations—(i)to maximize the protection of human life, community water supplies, homes, and other essential structures, which may include recommendations to expand the use of initial attack strategies; (ii)to facilitate efficient short- and long-term forest management in residential and nonresidential at-risk areas;(iii)to manage the wildland-urban interface; (iv)to manage utility corridors; and(v)to rehabilitate land devastated by wildland fire;(B)policy recommendations described in subparagraph (A) with respect to any recommendations for categorical exclusions from the requirement to prepare an environmental impact statement or analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.);(C)policy recommendations for modernizing and expanding the use of technology, including satellite technology, to prevent, mitigate, suppress, and manage wildland fires, including any recommendations with respect to—(i)the implementation of section 1114 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (43 U.S.C. 1748b–1); or (ii)improving early wildland fire detection;(D)an assessment of Federal spending on wildland fire-related disaster management, including—(i)a description and assessment of Federal grant programs for States and units of local government for pre- and post-wildland fire disaster mitigation and recovery, including—(I)the amount of funding provided under each program;(II)the effectiveness of each program with respect to long-term forest management and maintenance; and(III)recommendations to improve the effectiveness of each program, including with respect to—(aa)the conditions on the use of funds received under the program; and (bb)the extent to which additional funds are necessary for the program; (ii)an evaluation, including recommendations to improve the effectiveness in mitigating wildland fires, of—(I)the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program under section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133);(II)the Pre-Disaster Mitigation program under that section (42 U.S.C. 5133);(III)the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program under section 404 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c); and(IV)Hazard Mitigation Grant Program post-fire assistance under sections 404 and 420 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c, 5187);(iii)an assessment of the definition of small impoverished community under section 203(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133(a)), specifically—(I)the exclusion of the percentage of land owned by an entity other than a State or unit of local government; and (II)any related economic impact of that exclusion; and(iv)recommendations for Federal budgeting for wildland fires;(E)any recommendations for matters under subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) specific to—(i)forest type, vegetation type, or forest and vegetation type; or(ii)State land, Tribal land, or private land; and(F)(i)a review of the national strategy described in the report entitled The National Strategy: The Final Phase in the Development of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and dated April 2014; and(ii)any recommendations for changes to that national strategy to improve its effectiveness. (2)Specific policy recommendationsTo the maximum extent practicable, the report described in paragraph (1) shall include detailed short- and long-term policy recommendations, including any recommendations for Federal legislation.(3)Interim reportsBefore the submission of the report under paragraph (1), on approval of all members of the Commission, the Commission may submit to the appropriate committees of Congress 1 or more interim reports, as the Commission determines to be appropriate, relating to any matters described in paragraph (1).(b)Report on aerial wildland firefighting equipment strategy and inventory assessment(1)Submission of inventory to the CommissionNot later than 45 days after the date on which the Commission holds the first meeting of the Commission, the Secretary of Defense and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies shall submit to the Commission an inventory of surplus cargo and passenger aircraft and excess common-use aircraft parts that may be used for wildland firefighting purposes, excluding any aircraft or aircraft parts that are—(A)reasonably anticipated to be necessary for military operations, readiness, or fleet management in the future; or (B)already obligated for purposes other than fighting wildland fires. (2)Submission of report to CongressNot later than 90 days after the date on which the Commission receives the inventory described in paragraph (1), the Commission shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report outlining a strategy to meet aerial firefighting equipment needs through 2030 in the most cost-effective manner, including—(A)an assessment of the expected number of aircraft and aircraft parts needed to fight wildland fires through 2030;(B)an assessment of existing authorities of the Secretary of Defense and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies to provide or sell surplus aircraft or aircraft parts to Federal, State, or local authorities for wildland firefighting use, including—(i)a description of the current use of each existing authority; and (ii)a description of any additional authorities that are needed for the Secretary of Defense and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies to provide or sell surplus aircraft or aircraft parts to Federal, State, or local authorities for wildland firefighting use; and(C)recommendations to ensure the availability of aircraft and aircraft parts that the Commission expects will be necessary to fight wildland fires through 2030 in the most cost-effective manner. (3)Considerations for accessing aircraft and aircraft partsIn developing the strategy in the report required under paragraph (2) and the recommendations under paragraph (2)(C), the Commission shall consider all private and public sector options for accessing necessary aircraft and aircraft parts, including procurement, contracting, retrofitting, and public-private partnerships. (4)Unclassified reportThe inventory and report submitted under paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively—(A)shall be unclassified; but(B)may include a classified annex.(c)Majority requirementNot less than 2/3 of the members of the Commission shall approve the recommendations contained in each report submitted under subsection (a) or (b)(2).5.Powers of Commission(a)HearingsThe Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out this Act.(b)Information from Federal agencies(1)In generalThe Commission may secure directly from a Federal department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this Act.(2)Furnishing informationOn request of the Chairpersons of the Commission, the head of the department or agency shall furnish the information to the Commission.(c)Postal servicesThe Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.(d)GiftsThe Commission may accept, use, and dispose of such gifts or donations of services or property as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this Act.6.Commission personnel matters(a)No compensationA member of the Commission shall serve without compensation.(b)Travel expensesA member of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission.(c)Staff(1)In generalThe Chairpersons of the Commission may, without regard to the civil service laws (including regulations), appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties, except that the employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission.(2)CompensationThe Chairpersons of the Commission may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of that title.(d)Detail of government employeesA Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.(e)Procurement of temporary and intermittent servicesThe Chairpersons of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under 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 that title.7.Termination of CommissionThe Commission shall terminate on the date that is 180 days after the date on which the Commission has submitted the reports under subsections (a) and (b) of section 4.8.Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $1,000,000.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2898
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

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

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on cyasorb
		  2908.

		1.Cyasorb 2908
			(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:

								9902.01.003,5-Di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid (CAS No. 67845–93–6)
						(provided for in subheading 2918.29.75)FreeNo
						changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2015

					.
			(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.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1666
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 23, 2009
			Mr. Doggett (for
			 himself, Mr. Cooper,
			 Mr. Shuler,
			 Mr. Thompson of California,
			 Mr. Blumenauer,
			 Mr. Stark,
			 Mr. Lewis of Georgia,
			 Ms. Berkley,
			 Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California,
			 Mr. Yarmuth,
			 Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania,
			 Mr. Cohen,
			 Mr. Fattah,
			 Mr. Johnson of Georgia,
			 Mr. Rothman of New Jersey,
			 Mr. Sires,
			 Mr. Nadler of New York,
			 Mr. Farr, Mr. Cummings, Ms.
			 Clarke, Mr. Ackerman, and
			 Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas)
			 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 the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish
		  an auction and revenue collection mechanism for a carbon market that ensures
		  price stability with environmental integrity.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Safe Markets Development Act of
			 2009.
		2.FindingsThe Congress finds—
			(1)a
			 market-based, national emissions cap and trade program for greenhouse gases
			 shall help meet national mitigation goals with a high degree of certainty while
			 creating a new market for emissions allowances;
			(2)ensuring a smooth
			 startup of the program is critical for meeting short- and long-term emissions
			 goals and maintaining public and political support for the program;
			(3)the economy-wide
			 scale of the new allowance market and participation in the market of many
			 regulated entities with little or no experience with cap and trade programs
			 call for a careful startup phase for the program;
			(4)stable and
			 predictable prices for allowances shall support development of cost-effective
			 mitigation technologies and ease the transition for businesses and consumers
			 making long-term investment decisions;
			(5)recent experiences
			 in the oil, housing, electricity and financial markets suggest that many
			 markets are subject to boom and bust cycles and can be vulnerable to market
			 manipulation or speculative excesses and that lessons from these experiences
			 should guide the design of the new cap and trade program; and
			(6)the risks of
			 speculative excess and market manipulation are highest in the initial period of
			 a cap and trade program while the regulatory systems to monitor allowance
			 markets are under development and regulated sources are less experienced in
			 market participation.
			3.PurposesThe purposes of this Act are to—
			(1)establish an
			 auction mechanism for the collection of revenue that ensures a smooth price
			 path while achieving the emissions reductions necessary to stop climate change;
			 and
			(2)direct the revenue
			 raised from the auction to a trust fund to be used for important public
			 purposes.
			4.Issuing,
			 auctioning, and administering emissions allowances and collection of
			 revenue
			(a)In
			 GeneralThe Internal Revenue
			 Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subtitle:

					LAuction Based
				Carbon Market
						101EMISSION
				ALLOWANCES

									Subchapter A. Allowance auctions and
					 compliance obligations.
									Subchapter B. Climate Oversight and
					 Coordination Board.
									Subchapter C. Auction Revenue Trust
					 Fund.
									Subchapter D. Assurance of cumulation
					 emissions.
									Subchapter E.
					 Definitions.

							AAllowance Auctions
				and Compliance Obligations

									Sec. 9901. Allowance auctions.
									Sec. 9902. Allowance transfer system.
									Sec. 9903. Compliance obligation.
									Sec. 9904. Excess Emissions Penalty.
									Sec. 9905. Allowance banking.

								9901.Allowance
				auctions
									(a)AuctionsThe Secretary shall conduct auctions of
				allowances in accordance with procedures established by the Board established
				under subchapter B to meet the target allowance price for the year determined
				by the Board. The auction schedule is as follows:
										(1)Four auctions
				shall be undertaken during each trading year.
										(2)The first auction
				of each trading year shall occur between April and June and at least three
				weeks after the Board announces a target price for the trading year.
										(3)The fourth auction
				for each trading year shall be in the last month (March) of the trading
				year.
										(b)Auction
				revenueAll revenue from the auctions under this section shall be
				deposited in the Auction Revenue Trust Fund established under subchapter C.
				Amounts deposited in such trust fund may be used, subject to annual
				appropriation, only for the purposes specified in other provisions of
				law.
									9902.Allowance
				transfer system
									(a)EstablishmentThe
				Secretary shall establish a system for issuing, recording, and tracking
				emission allowances, and shall maintain a registry of allowances for each
				recorded holder of allowances.
									(b)Recording
				requirementThe Secretary shall establish, by rule, a mechanism
				for the recording of emission allowances.
									(c)Holders not
				restrictedThe privilege of purchasing, holding, and transferring
				emission allowances shall not be restricted to the owners and operators of
				covered facilities.
									9903.Compliance
				obligation
									(a)Submission of
				allowancesNot later than 90 days after the end of a calendar
				year, the owner or operator of a covered facility shall submit to the Secretary
				an emission allowance for each carbon dioxide equivalent attributable to such
				facility as calculated by the Administrator under the Emissions
				Registry.
									(b)Retirement of
				allowancesUpon receipt of an emission allowance under subsection
				(a), the Secretary shall retire the allowance, and shall reduce that covered
				entity’s registry account by a corresponding amount. The Secretary may also
				retire other allowances as specified in section 9905.
									9904.Excess
				Emissions Penalty
									(a)Imposition of
				PenaltyThe owner or operator
				of any covered facility that fails for any year to submit to the Secretary, by
				the deadline described in section 9903(a), 1 or more of the emission allowances
				due pursuant to that section shall be liable for the payment to the Secretary
				of an excess emissions penalty on the date of such failure.
									(b)AmountThe
				amount of an excess emissions penalty required to be paid under paragraph (1)
				shall be an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying—
										(1)the number of
				excess emission allowances that the owner or operator failed to submit;
				and
										(2)the greater
				of—
											(A)$200; or
											(B)3 times the mean
				market value (as determined by the Secretary) of an emission allowance during
				the calendar year for which the emission allowance were due.
											(c)Deficiency
				Procedures not To applySubchapter B of chapter 63 (relating to
				deficiency procedure for income, estate, gift, and certain excise taxes) shall
				not apply in respect of the assessment or collection of any penalty imposed by
				subsection (a).
									(d)Coordination
				with other penaltiesThe penalty imposed by this section shall be
				in addition to any other penalty imposed under any other provision of
				law.
									9905.Allowance
				bankingIn Phase I of the
				program, the Secretary shall allow a covered entity to retain, after the
				retirement of allowances equal to its emissions in the previous calendar year,
				a sum of allowances equal to 5 percent of its emissions in the previous
				calendar year. The Secretary shall retire from a covered entity’s account any
				remaining allowances in excess of 5 percent of the entity’s emissions during
				the previous calendar year. The Secretary shall also retire all allowances in
				the registry accounts of non-covered entities at the end of each trading year
				in Phase I of the program.
								BClimate Oversight
				and Coordination Board

									Sec. 9911. Establishment of a Climate Program Oversight and
				  Coordination Board.
									Sec. 9912. Initial expectations for annual
				  emissions.

								9911.Establishment
				of a Climate Program Oversight and Coordination Board
									(a)EstablishmentThere
				is established a Climate Program Oversight and Coordination Board (hereafter in
				this Act referred to as the Board).
									(b)PurposesThe purposes of the Board are to—
										(1)coordinate and
				review the work of the Secretary, the Administrator, and other agencies in
				implementing this Act;
										(2)make forecasts and
				to set targets for green house gas allowance prices;
										(3)review the
				functioning of carbon markets, including allowance auctions, secondary markets
				in allowances and associated financial instruments (including futures,
				forwards, options, swaps, and other derivative contracts);
										(4)review the
				regulation and oversight of carbon markets; and
										(5)provide reports
				and testimony to Congress in April or May of each year beginning in
				2012.
										(c)Membership(1)The Board shall include 6 members who shall
				be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
				In appointing members of the Board, the President shall select individuals with
				recognized expertise in relevant areas, including climate science and
				economics, and energy and financial markets. Such persons shall have no other
				employment. At least one member shall be a scientist with expertise in climate
				change and the effects of climate change on the environment. In addition, Board
				shall include the following three voting, ex-officio members: The Secretaries
				of the Treasury and Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental
				Protection Agency.
										(2)The ex-officio members of the Board
				shall serve without additional compensation and may not serve as Chairman or
				Vice Chairman. The ex-officio members of the Board may, from time to time,
				designate other officers or employees of their respective organizations to
				carry out their duties on the Board.
										(d)Compensation
										(1)In
				generalA member of the Board shall be compensated at the annual
				rate of basic pay prescribed for level II of the Executive Schedule under
				section 5313 of title 5, United States Code.
										(2)ChairpersonThe
				Chairperson of the Board shall be compensated at the annual rate of basic pay
				prescribed for level I of the Executive Schedule under section 5312 of title 5,
				United States Code.
										(e)Terms;
				vacancies
										(1)TermsThe term of a member of the Board shall be
				10 years, except that the members first appointed to the Board shall be
				appointed for terms in a manner that ensures that the term of not more than 1
				member shall expire during any 2-year period, and no member serves a term of
				more than 10 years.
										(2)Oath of
				officeA member shall take the oath of office of the Board by not
				later than 15 days after the date on which the member is appointed.
										(3)RemovalA
				member may be removed from the Board on determination of the President for
				cause. The President shall submit to Congress a notification of any
				determination by the President to remove a member of the Board for
				cause.
										(4)VacanciesA member of the Board the term of whom has
				expired or otherwise been terminated shall continue to serve until the date on
				which a replacement is appointed under subparagraph (A)(ii), if the President
				determines that service to be appropriate. A vacancy on the Board shall not
				affect the powers of the Board and shall be filled in the same manner as the
				original appointment was made.
										(5)Chairperson and
				Vice-chairpersonFrom among members of the Board, the President
				shall appoint 1 member to serve as Chairperson of the Board for a term of 4
				years and member to serve as Vice-Chairperson of the Board for a term of 4
				years.
										(6)Ex-officio
				members not coveredThe provisions of this subsection apply only
				to Board members who are not ex-officio members.
										(f)Prohibitions
										(1)Conflicts of
				interestThe President shall not appoint to the Board an
				individual employed by, or holding any official relationship (including any
				shareholder) with, any entity engaged in the generation, transmission,
				distribution, or sale of energy, an individual who has any pecuniary interest
				in the generation, transmission, distribution, or sale of energy, or an
				individual who has a pecuniary interest in the implementation of this
				Act.
										(2)No other
				employmentA member of the Board (other than an ex-officio
				member) shall not hold any other employment during the term of service of the
				member.
										(g)ResourcesThe
				Board may obtain the services of such experts and consultants as are necessary
				to carry out the provisions of this Act. The administrative costs of the Board
				shall be paid out of the revenue from auctions of greenhouse gas
				allowances.
									(h)Powers and duties
				of the Board
										(1)Forecast
				emissions and allowance pricesBefore April 30, 2012, and before
				April 30 of each successive year through 2019, the Board shall publish a
				forecast of gradually rising allowance prices for the trading years through
				2020 that the Board expects shall be associated with a gradual reduction in
				emissions of greenhouse gases of covered entities until reaching the level of
				4,911 million tons in 2020. In deciding upon a forecast of allowance prices the
				Board shall—
											(A)review forecasts
				made by the Secretary of Energy (acting through the Energy Information Agency)
				and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as those
				of private sector forecasters; and
											(B)in the years 2013
				through 2019, review and update its allowance price forecast as part of the
				assessment under paragraph (4) of this subsection.
											(2)Select annual
				price targetsBefore April 30, 2012, and before April 30 of each
				successive year through 2019, the Board shall select a target allowance price
				for the trading year that begins on April 1 of that calendar year, as
				follows:
											(A)In 2012, the
				target price shall be set at the price the Board determines will achieve the
				annual emission expectation for the year as set forth in section 9912.
											(B)In 2013 through
				2019, the target price shall be the same as its forecast price for that year,
				which may have been revised according to paragraph (4).
											(3)Auction
				proceduresThe Board shall
				establish procedures for auctions of allowances that would achieve the target
				price on average over all trading of allowances during the year, including the
				sales of allowances in auctions as well as in secondary market trading. To
				achieve the target price, the total number of emission allowances issued in
				auctions in any particular year may be more or less than the expected emissions
				for that year as set forth in section 9912.
										(4)Conduct an
				annual assessmentOn or before April 30 of each year beginning in
				2013, in consultation with the Secretary, the Secretary of Energy, and the
				Administrator, the Board shall prepare an assessment of the program. In Phase I
				of the program, the assessment shall include each of the following:
											(A)Actual emissions of covered entities in
				the previous calendar year.
											(B)The progress in achieving the
				environmental goals of the program.
											(C)The effectiveness of the monitoring of
				emissions, the registration of allowances, and the enforcement of compliance
				requirements for covered entities.
											(D)An analysis of the behavior of greenhouse
				gases markets.
											(E)The effectiveness of the price
				target.
											(F)The reasons for the difference between
				actual emissions and the expected levels given in section 9912. In considering
				the difference between actual and expected emissions, the Board shall
				estimate—
												(i)the amount of the difference that was
				attributable to influences that pertain only to the given calendar year,
				including but not limited to unusual weather or other transitory changes in
				economic activity and energy use; and
												(ii)the amount of the difference
				attributable to influences that shall likely persist for multiple calendar
				years and the likely duration of each such influence.
												(G)A revision in its forecast of allowance
				prices through 2020 in response to the persistent influences identified in
				clause (ii) of subparagraph (F), but not in response to the transitory
				influences identified in clause (i) of subparagraph (F).
											(5)Make annual
				reports to congressThe Chairman of the Board shall present the
				assessment in a written report and in testimony before each house of Congress
				in April or May of each year.
										(6)Conduct a program
				review in 2017The Board
				shall present a report containing a thorough review of the program to the
				Congress by October 1, 2017, and include in this report its recommendations for
				any adjustments in the design features for Phase II of the program.
										(i)Review by
				government accountability officeNot later than January 1, 2015,
				and every three years thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States
				shall conduct a review of the efficacy of the Board in fulfilling the purposes
				and duties of the Board under this Act.
									9912.Initial
				expectations for annual emissionsThe initial expectation of the greenhouse
				gas emissions of covered facilities in the cap and trade program are the
				amounts for each of the calendar years 2012 through 2050 set forth in the
				following table:

												Calendar YearInitial Expectation of Emissions
						(millions of tons of greenhouse gases)

												20126,153

												2013
						5,998

												20145,843

												20155,687

												20165,532

												20175,377

												20185,222

												20195,066

												20204,911

												20214,756

												20224,600

												20234,445

												20244,290

												20254,135

												20263,979

												20273,824

												20283,669

												20293,514

												20303,358

												20313,203

												20323,048

												20332,892

												20342,737

												20352,582

												20362,427

												20372,271

												20382,116

												20391,961

												20401,806

												20411,650

												20421,495

												20431,340

												20441,184

												20451,029

												2046874

												2047719

												2048563

												2049408

												2050253

								CAuction Revenue
				Trust Fund

									Sec. 9921. Trust Fund.

								9921.Trust
				Fund
									(a)Creation of
				Auction Revenue Trust FundThere is established in the Treasury of the
				United States, the Auction Revenue Trust Fund.
									(b)FundsAn
				amount equivalent to all revenues received from the auction in subchapter A
				shall be credited to the Trust Fund.
									DAssurance of
				Cumulation Emissions

									Sec. 9931. Assurance of cumulative emissions
				  reductions.

								9931.Assurance of
				cumulative emissions reductions
									(a)Excess emissions
				2012–2019If the cumulative emissions of covered entities over
				the years 2012 through 2019 exceed 1.1 times the sum of the expected emissions
				over those years shown in the table in section 9912 (1.1 times 44,878 million
				tons = 49,366 million tons), the excess over 49,366 million tons shall be made
				up through a reduction in the target for emissions in the year 2020 by an
				equivalent amount of tons.
									(b)Excess emissions
				2012–2020If the cumulative emissions of covered entities over
				the years 2012 through 2020 exceed the sum of the expected emissions over those
				years shown in section 9912 (49,789 million tons), the difference shall be made
				up through reductions in the expected emissions for the years 2021 through
				2030. Equal percentage reductions shall be made in expected emissions for the
				years 2021 through 2030 so that the sum of those reductions equals the excess
				of actual emissions over the expected cumulative emissions for the years 2012
				through 2020.
									(c)Lower
				emissionsIf the cumulative emissions of covered entities over
				the years 2012 to 2020 are less than the sum of the expected emissions over
				those years shown in the above table (49,789 million tons), no adjustment shall
				be made in expected emissions in the years 2021 through 2030.
									EDefinitions

									Sec. 9941. Definitions.

								9941.DefinitionsFor purposes of this subtitle:
									(1)The term
				Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental
				Protection Agency.
									(2)The term
				carbon dioxide equivalent means, for each greenhouse gas, the
				quantity of greenhouse gas that the Administrator determines makes the same
				contribution to global warming as 1 metric ton of carbon dioxide.
									(3)The term covered facility
				means, for each calendar year, a facility that emits greenhouse gases in that
				year and that has an obligation to submit emission allowances for such
				greenhouse gas emissions under any cap-and-trade program.
									(4)The term emission
				allowance means an authorization, under any cap-and-trade
				program, to emit 1 carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gas.
									(5)The term
				Emissions Registry means a greenhouse gases
				emissions registry for all United States emissions of greenhouse gases
				developed by the Administrator.
									(6)The term
				program or cap and trade program means an
				economy-wide program enacted by Congress that auctions emission allowances for
				the control of greenhouse gases.
									(7)The term
				Phase I of the program means the years 2012 through
				2019.
									(8)The term
				Phase II of the program means the years 2020
				through 2050.
									(9)The term
				price path is the forecast of emission allowance prices by the
				Climate Program Oversight and Coordination Board.
									(10)The term
				Secretary means the Secretary of the Treasury.
									(11)The term
				trading year means the period from April 1 of the concurrent
				calendar year through March 31 of the following calendar year (or the first
				subsequent business day if those dates fall on a weekend or holiday).
									(12)The term
				Auction Revenue Trust Fund means the trust fund established in the
				Treasury under section
				9921.
									.
			(b)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of subtitles for the Internal Revenue Code of
			 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

						Subtitle L. Auction based carbon
				market.

					.


117 SRES 338 ATS: Designating September 2021 as National Democracy Month as a time to reflect on the contributions of the system of government of the United States to a more free and stable world.
U.S. Senate
2021-08-05
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.

III117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. RES. 338IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESAugust 5, 2021Mr. Durbin (for himself, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Reed, Mr. Markey, Mr. Murphy, Ms. Hassan, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Booker, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Braun, Mr. Rubio, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Warner, Ms. Klobuchar, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Carper, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Casey, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Smith, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Warnock, Mr. King, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Tester, Mr. Boozman, Ms. Collins, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Brown, Mr. Coons, Mr. Graham, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Scott of Florida, and Mr. Luján) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciarySeptember 30, 2021Committee discharged; considered and agreed toRESOLUTIONDesignating September 2021 as National Democracy Month as a time to reflect on the contributions of the system of government of the United States to a more free and stable world.Whereas, 2,000 years after the ancient Greeks laid the groundwork for democracy, the founders of the United States built an even greater system of government, a democratic republic, propelling the United States to become the most advanced nation in human history;Whereas the model of government of the United States has been reproduced around the world;Whereas, according to Freedom House, more than 1 in 3 people in the world do not live in states considered free;Whereas the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, including the addition of the Reconstruction Era amendments, enshrine the rights and civil liberties of citizens of the United States, including the right to vote in free and fair elections;Whereas the perpetuation of the ideals of democracy does not happen on its own and can be stalled or reversed;Whereas surveys show that citizens of the United States are losing faith in the democratic system;Whereas former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor said, The practice of democracy is not passed down through the gene pool. It must be taught and learned anew by each generation of citizens.;Whereas President John F. Kennedy said, Democracy is never a final achievement. It is a call to untiring effort, to continual sacrifice and to the willingness, if necessary, to die in its defense.;Whereas President Ronald Reagan said, Democracy is worth dying for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.;Whereas Congressman John R. Lewis said, in his final words to the United States, Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.;Whereas World War II demonstrated the fragility of democracy and the civilized life that accompanies democracy;Whereas British Prime Minister Winston Churchill observed that, Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time … .;Whereas President George Washington said the United States must recognize the immense value of the national Union and work towards preservation of that Union with jealous anxiety and wrote that the security of a free Constitution may be accomplished by teaching the people themselves to know and to value their own rights;Whereas President Thomas Jefferson wrote, Educate and inform the whole mass of the people … . They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.; andWhereas the Government of the United States must teach and educate the people by taking appropriate actions to highlight and emphasize the importance of democratic principles and the essential role of democratic principles in the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the people of the United States: Now, therefore, be itThat the Senate—(1)designates September 2021 as National Democracy Month;(2)encourages States and local governments to designate September 2021 as National Democracy Month;(3)recognizes the celebration of National Democracy Month as a time to reflect on the contributions of the system of government of the United States to a more free and stable world; and(4)encourages the people of the United States to observe National Democracy Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities that—(A)provide appreciation for the system of government of the United States; and(B)demonstrate that the people of the United States shall never forget the sacrifices made by past generations of people of the United States to preserve the freedoms and principles of the United States.


114 S812 IS: Community Lending Enhancement and Regulatory Relief Act of 2015
U.S. Senate
2015-03-19
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.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 812IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 19, 2015Mr. Moran (for himself, Mr. Tester, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Portman, Mr. Barrasso, and Ms. Heitkamp) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban AffairsA BILLTo enhance the ability of community financial institutions to foster economic growth and serve
			 their communities, boost small businesses, increase individual savings,
			 and for other purposes.

		1.Short
 titleThis Act may be cited as the Community Lending Enhancement and Regulatory Relief Act of 2015 or the CLEAR Relief Act of 2015.
		2.Community bank
			 exemption from annual management assessment of internal controls
			 requirement of
 the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 7262) is amended by adding at the end the following:

				(d)Community bank
				exemption
 (1)DefinitionsIn this subsection—
 (A)the term bank holding company has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841);
 (B)the term insured depository institution has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813); and
 (C)the term savings and loan holding company has the same meaning as in section 10 of the Home Owners' Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1467a).
						(2)In
 generalThis section and the rules prescribed under this section shall not apply in any fiscal year to any bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or insured depository institution which, as of the end of the preceding fiscal year, had total consolidated assets of $1,000,000,000 or less.
					(3)Adjustment of
 amountThe Commission shall annually adjust the dollar amount in paragraph (1) by an amount equal to the percentage increase, for the most recent year, in total assets held by all bank holding companies, savings and loan holding companies, and insured depository institutions, as reported by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation..
		3.Escrow
 requirements relating to certain consumer credit transactionsSection 129D(c) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1639d(c)) is amended—
 (1)by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) as subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D), respectively, and moving the margins 2 ems to the right;
 (2)by striking The Bureau and inserting the following:

					(1)In
 generalThe Bureau;
				and
 (3)by adding at the end the following:

					(2)Treatment of
 loans held by smaller institutionsThe Bureau shall, by regulation, exempt from the requirements of subsection (a) any loan secured by a first lien on the principal dwelling of a consumer, if such loan is held by an insured depository institution having assets of $10,000,000,000 or less..
			4.Minimum
 standards for residential mortgage loansSection 129C(b)(2) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1639c(b)(2)) is amended—
 (1)by adding at the end the following:

					(F)Safe
 HarborIn this section— (i)the term qualified mortgage includes any mortgage loan that is originated and retained in portfolio for a period of not less than 3 years by a depository institution having less than $10,000,000,000 in total assets; and
 (ii)loans described in clause (i) shall be deemed to meet the requirements of subsection (a).;
				and
 (2)in subparagraph (E)—
 (A)by striking The Bureau may, by regulation, and inserting The Bureau shall, by regulation,; and
 (B)by striking clause (iv) and inserting the following:

 (iv)that is extended by an insured depository institution that—
 (I)originates and retains the balloon loans in portfolio for a period of not less than 3 years; and
 (II)together with its affiliates has less than $10,000,000,000 in total consolidated assets..


116 S4942 IS: Mollie Baldwin Upskilling of Personal and Home Care Aides Act
U.S. Senate
2020-12-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 4942IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESDecember 1, 2020Mr. King introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend subtitle A of title XX of the Social Security Act to fund additional projects that focus on competency-based training for personal or home care aides, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Mollie Baldwin Upskilling of Personal and Home Care Aides Act.2.Expansion of health and human services professions workforce projectsSection 2008 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397g) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:(e)Expansion of health and human services professions workforce projects(1)Authority to award grantsThe Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall award grants to eligible entities to conduct projects— (A)that employ upskilling training models that focus on competency-based training for— (i)personal or home care aides (as defined in subsection (b));(ii)direct support professionals;(iii)home health aides; and(iv)nursing assistants; and (B)that are designed to provide eligible individuals with the opportunity to obtain education and training for positions as personal or home care aides (as so defined), direct support professionals, home health aides, or nursing assistants that pay a living wage and are expected to either experience labor shortages or be in high demand; and (C)for which grants were awarded under subsection (a).(2)Selection of projects(A)Requirements for eligible entitiesAn eligible entity seeking to receive a grant under this subsection to conduct a project shall demonstrate—(i)that the eligible entity has successfully conducted the project in the past; and(ii)that the project implements the core training competencies for personal or home care aides described in subsection (b)(3)(A). (B)Priority for rural areas and underserved urban areas(i)In generalIn awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that support— (I)rural areas (as defined in section 2007(f)); or(II)underserved urban areas (including urban health professional shortage areas (as defined in section 332 of the Public Health Service Act)).(ii)Threshold for prioritized projectsIn awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure that not less than 50 percent of the grants awarded under this subsection shall be for projects described in clause (i).(3)Reports and evaluation(A)Eligible entitiesAn eligible entity awarded a grant to expand a project under this subsection shall submit interim reports to the Secretary on the activities carried out under the project and a final report on such activities upon the conclusion of the entities' participation in the project.(B)EvaluationThe Secretary shall, by grant, contract, or interagency agreement, evaluate the projects conducted under this subsection. Such evaluation shall include identification of successful activities for creating opportunities for developing and sustaining, particularly with respect to low-income individuals and other entry-level workers, a health and human services professions workforce that has accessible entry points, that meets high standards for education, training, certification, and professional development, that provides increased wages and affordable benefits, including health care coverage, that are responsive to the workforce's needs, and that is responsive to the needs of diverse racial and ethnic communities.(C)Report to CongressThe Secretary shall submit interim reports and, based on the evaluation conducted under subparagraph (B), a final report to Congress on the projects conducted under this subsection.(4)DefinitionsAny term used in this subsection that is also used in subsection (a) shall have the same meaning for purposes of this subsection as such term has in such subsection (a).(5)FundingOut of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this subsection $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2031..