 HR 7440 ENR: Hong Kong Autonomy Act
U.S. House of Representatives

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EN
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One Hundred Sixteenth Congress of the United States of America At the Second SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Friday, the third day of January, two thousand and twenty
H. R. 7440

AN ACT
To impose sanctions with respect to foreign persons involved in the erosion of certain obligations of China with respect to Hong Kong, and for other purposes.

1.Short title; table of contents
(a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Hong Kong Autonomy Act. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Findings.
Sec. 4. Sense of Congress regarding Hong Kong.
Sec. 5. Identification of foreign persons involved in the erosion of the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law and foreign financial institutions that conduct significant transactions with those persons.
Sec. 6. Sanctions with respect to foreign persons that contravene the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law.
Sec. 7. Sanctions with respect to foreign financial institutions that conduct significant transactions with foreign persons that contravene the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law.
Sec. 8. Waiver, termination, exceptions, and congressional review process.
Sec. 9. Implementation; penalties.
Sec. 10. Rule of construction.
2.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)Alien; national; national of the United StatesThe terms alien, national, and national of the United States have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101).
(2)Appropriate congressional committees and leadershipThe term appropriate congressional committees and leadership means— (A)the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Select Committee on Intelligence, and the majority leader and the minority leader of the Senate; and
(B)the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Financial Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on the Judiciary, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Speaker and the minority leader of the House of Representatives. (3)Basic LawThe term Basic Law means the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
(4)ChinaThe term China means the People's Republic of China. (5)EntityThe term entity means a partnership, joint venture, association, corporation, organization, network, group, or subgroup, or any other form of business collaboration.
(6)Financial institutionThe term financial institution means a financial institution specified in section 5312(a)(2) of title 31, United States Code. (7)Hong KongThe term Hong Kong means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
(8)Joint DeclarationThe term Joint Declaration means the Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong, done at Beijing on December 19, 1984. (9)KnowinglyThe term knowingly, with respect to conduct, a circumstance, or a result, means that a person has actual knowledge of the conduct, the circumstance, or the result.
(10)PersonThe term person means an individual or entity. (11)United States personThe term United States person means—
(A)any citizen or national of the United States; (B)any alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States;
(C)any entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including a foreign branch of such an entity); or (D)any person located in the United States.
3.FindingsCongress makes the following findings: (1)The Joint Declaration and the Basic Law clarify certain obligations and promises that the Government of China has made with respect to the future of Hong Kong.
(2)The obligations of the Government of China under the Joint Declaration were codified in a legally-binding treaty, signed by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and registered with the United Nations. (3)The obligations of the Government of China under the Basic Law originate from the Joint Declaration, were passed into the domestic law of China by the National People’s Congress, and are widely considered by citizens of Hong Kong as part of the de facto legal constitution of Hong Kong.
(4)Foremost among the obligations of the Government of China to Hong Kong is the promise that, pursuant to Paragraph 3b of the Joint Declaration, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs which are the responsibilities of the Central People's Government. (5)The obligation specified in Paragraph 3b of the Joint Declaration is referenced, reinforced, and extrapolated on in several portions of the Basic Law, including Articles 2, 12, 13, 14, and 22.
(6)Article 22 of the Basic Law establishes that No department of the Central People’s Government and no province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the Central Government may interfere in the affairs which the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region administers on its own in accordance with this Law.. (7)The Joint Declaration and the Basic Law make clear that additional obligations shall be undertaken by China to ensure the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong.
(8)Paragraph 3c of the Joint Declaration states, as reinforced by Articles 2, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 22 of the Basic Law, that Hong Kong will be vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. (9)On multiple occasions, the Government of China has undertaken actions that have contravened the letter or intent of the obligation described in paragraph (8) of this section, including the following:
(A)In 1999, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress overruled a decision by the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal on the right of abode. (B)On multiple occasions, the Government of Hong Kong, at the advice of the Government of China, is suspected to have not allowed persons entry into Hong Kong allegedly because of their support for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong and China.
(C)The Liaison Office of China in Hong Kong has, despite restrictions on interference in the affairs of Hong Kong as detailed in Article 22 of the Basic Law— (i)openly expressed support for candidates in Hong Kong for Chief Executive and Legislative Council;
(ii)expressed views on various policies for the Government of Hong Kong and other internal matters relating to Hong Kong; and (iii)on April 17, 2020, asserted that both the Liaison Office of China in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council have the right to exercise supervision * * * on affairs regarding Hong Kong and the mainland, in order to ensure correct implementation of the Basic Law.
(D)The National People’s Congress has passed laws requiring Hong Kong to pass laws banning disrespectful treatment of the national flag and national anthem of China. (E)The State Council of China released a white paper on June 10, 2014, that stressed the comprehensive jurisdiction of the Government of China over Hong Kong and indicated that Hong Kong must be governed by patriots.
(F)The Government of China has directed operatives to kidnap and bring to the mainland, or is otherwise responsible for the kidnapping of, residents of Hong Kong, including businessman Xiao Jianhua and bookseller Gui Minhai. (G)The Government of Hong Kong, acting with the support of the Government of China, introduced an extradition bill that would have permitted the Government of China to request and enforce extradition requests for any individual present in Hong Kong, regardless of the legality of the request or the degree to which it compromised the judicial independence of Hong Kong.
(H)The spokesman for the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress said, Whether Hong Kong’s laws are consistent with the Basic Law can only be judged and decided by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee. No other authority has the right to make judgments and decisions.. (10)Paragraph 3e of the Joint Declaration states, as reinforced by Article 5 of the Basic Law, that the current social and economic systems in Hong Kong will remain unchanged, as so will the life-style..
(11)On multiple occasions, the Government of China has undertaken actions that have contravened the letter or intent of the obligation described in paragraph (10) of this section, including the following: (A)In 2002, the Government of China pressured the Government of Hong Kong to introduce patriotic curriculum in primary and secondary schools.
(B)The governments of China and Hong Kong proposed the prohibition of discussion of Hong Kong independence and self-determination in primary and secondary schools, which infringes on freedom of speech. (C)The Government of Hong Kong mandated that Mandarin, and not the native language of Cantonese, be the language of instruction in Hong Kong schools.
(D)The governments of China and Hong Kong agreed to a daily quota of mainland immigrants to Hong Kong, which is widely believed by citizens of Hong Kong to be part of an effort to mainlandize Hong Kong. (12)Paragraph 3e of the Joint Declaration states, as reinforced by Articles 4, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 33, 34, and 39 of the Basic Law, that the rights and freedoms, including those of person, of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of travel, of movement, of correspondence, of strike, of choice of occupation, of academic research and of religious belief will be ensured by law in Hong Kong.
(13)On multiple occasions, the Government of China has undertaken actions that have contravened the letter or intent of the obligation described in paragraph (12) of this section, including the following: (A)On February 26, 2003, the Government of Hong Kong introduced a national security bill that would have placed restrictions on freedom of speech and other protected rights.
(B)The Liaison Office of China in Hong Kong has pressured businesses in Hong Kong not to advertise in newspapers and magazines critical of the governments of China and Hong Kong. (C)The Hong Kong Police Force selectively blocked demonstrations and protests expressing opposition to the governments of China and Hong Kong or the policies of those governments.
(D)The Government of Hong Kong refused to renew work visa for a foreign journalist, allegedly for hosting a speaker from the banned Hong Kong National Party. (E)The Justice Department of Hong Kong selectively prosecuted cases against leaders of the Umbrella Movement, while failing to prosecute police officers accused of using excessive force during the protests in 2014.
(F)On April 18, 2020, the Hong Kong Police Force arrested 14 high-profile democracy activists and campaigners for their role in organizing a protest march that took place on August 18, 2019, in which almost 2,000,000 people rallied against a proposed extradition bill.  (14)Articles 45 and 68 of the Basic Law assert that the selection of Chief Executive and all members of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong should be by universal suffrage..
(15)On multiple occasions, the Government of China has undertaken actions that have contravened the letter or intent of the obligation described in paragraph (14) of this section, including the following: (A)In 2004, the National People’s Congress created new, antidemocratic procedures restricting the adoption of universal suffrage for the election of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong.
(B)The decision by the National People’s Congress on December 29, 2007, which ruled out universal suffrage in 2012 elections and set restrictions on when and if universal suffrage will be implemented. (C)The decision by the National People’s Congress on August 31, 2014, which placed limits on the nomination process for the Chief Executive of Hong Kong as a condition for adoption of universal suffrage.
(D)On November 7, 2016, the National People’s Congress interpreted Article 104 of the Basic Law in such a way to disqualify 6 elected members of the Legislative Council. (E)In 2018, the Government of Hong Kong banned the Hong Kong National Party and blocked the candidacy of pro-democracy candidates.
(16)The ways in which the Government of China, at times with the support of a subservient Government of Hong Kong, has acted in contravention of its obligations under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, as set forth in this section, are deeply concerning to the people of Hong Kong, the United States, and members of the international community who support the autonomy of Hong Kong. 4.Sense of Congress regarding Hong KongIt is the sense of Congress that—
(1)the United States continues to uphold the principles and policy established in the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.) and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 (Public Law 116–76; 22 U.S.C. 5701 note), which remain consistent with China’s obligations under the Joint Declaration and certain promulgated objectives under the Basic Law, including that—  (A)as set forth in section 101(1) of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5711(1)), The United States should play an active role, before, on, and after July 1, 1997, in maintaining Hong Kong's confidence and prosperity, Hong Kong's role as an international financial center, and the mutually beneficial ties between the people of the United States and the people of Hong Kong.; and
(B)as set forth in section 2(5) of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5701(5)), Support for democratization is a fundamental principle of United States foreign policy. As such, it naturally applies to United States policy toward Hong Kong. This will remain equally true after June 30, 1997.; (2)although the United States recognizes that, under the Joint Declaration, the Government of China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong with effect on 1 July 1997, the United States supports the autonomy of Hong Kong in furtherance of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 and the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019 and advances the desire of the people of Hong Kong to continue the one country, two systems regime, in addition to other obligations promulgated by China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law;
(3)in order to support the benefits and protections that Hong Kong has been afforded by the Government of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, the United States should establish a clear and unambiguous set of penalties with respect to foreign persons determined by the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to be involved in the contravention of the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law and the financial institutions transacting with those foreign persons; (4)the Secretary of State should provide an unclassified assessment of the reason for imposition of certain economic penalties on entities, so as to permit a clear path for the removal of economic penalties if the sanctioned behavior is reversed and verified by the Secretary of State;
(5)relevant Federal agencies should establish a multilateral sanctions regime with respect to foreign persons involved in the contravention of the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law; and (6)in addition to the penalties on foreign persons, and financial institutions transacting with those foreign persons, for the contravention of the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law, the United States should take steps, in a time of crisis, to assist permanent residents of Hong Kong who are persecuted or fear persecution as a result of the contravention by China of its obligations under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law to become eligible to obtain lawful entry into the United States.
5.Identification of foreign persons involved in the erosion of the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law and foreign financial institutions that conduct significant transactions with those persons
(a)In generalNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, if the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines that a foreign person is materially contributing to, has materially contributed to, or attempts to materially contribute to the failure of the Government of China to meet its obligations under the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership a report that includes— (1)an identification of the foreign person; and
(2)a clear explanation for why the foreign person was identified and a description of the activity that resulted in the identification. (b)Identifying foreign financial institutionsNot earlier than 30 days and not later than 60 days after the Secretary of State submits to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership the report under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership a report that identifies any foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts a significant transaction with a foreign person identified in the report under subsection (a).
(c)Exclusion of certain information
(1)IntelligenceThe Secretary of State shall not disclose the identity of a person in a report submitted under subsection (a) or (b), or an update under subsection (e), if the Director of National Intelligence determines that such disclosure could compromise an intelligence operation, activity, source, or method of the United States. (2)Law enforcementThe Secretary of State shall not disclose the identity of a person in a report submitted under subsection (a) or (b), or an update under subsection (e), if the Attorney General, in coordination, as appropriate, with the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the head of any other appropriate Federal law enforcement agency, and the Secretary of the Treasury, determines that such disclosure could reasonably be expected—
(A)to compromise the identity of a confidential source, including a State, local, or foreign agency or authority or any private institution that furnished information on a confidential basis; (B)to jeopardize the integrity or success of an ongoing criminal investigation or prosecution;
(C)to endanger the life or physical safety of any person; or (D)to cause substantial harm to physical property.
(3)Notification requiredIf the Director of National Intelligence makes a determination under paragraph (1) or the Attorney General makes a determination under paragraph (2), the Director or the Attorney General, as the case may be, shall notify the appropriate congressional committees and leadership of the determination and the reasons for the determination. (d)Exclusion or removal of foreign persons and foreign financial institutions (1)Foreign personsThe President may exclude a foreign person from the report under subsection (a), or an update under subsection (e), or remove a foreign person from the report or update prior to the imposition of sanctions under section 6(a) if the material contribution (as described in subsection (g)) that merited inclusion in that report or update—
(A)does not have a significant and lasting negative effect that contravenes the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law; (B)is not likely to be repeated in the future; and
(C)has been reversed or otherwise mitigated through positive countermeasures taken by that foreign person. (2)Foreign financial institutionsThe President may exclude a foreign financial institution from the report under subsection (b), or an update under subsection (e), or remove a foreign financial institution from the report or update prior to the imposition of sanctions under section 7(a) if the significant transaction or significant transactions of the foreign financial institution that merited inclusion in that report or update—
(A)does not have a significant and lasting negative effect that contravenes the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law; (B)is not likely to be repeated in the future; and
(C)has been reversed or otherwise mitigated through positive countermeasures taken by that foreign financial institution. (3)Notification requiredIf the President makes a determination under paragraph (1) or (2) to exclude or remove a foreign person or foreign financial institution from a report under subsection (a) or (b), as the case may be, the President shall notify the appropriate congressional committees and leadership of the determination and the reasons for the determination.
(e)Update of reports
(1)In generalEach report submitted under subsections (a) and (b) shall be updated in an ongoing manner and, to the extent practicable, updated reports shall be resubmitted with the annual report under section 301 of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5731). (2)Rule of constructionNothing in this subsection shall be construed to terminate the requirement to update the reports under subsections (a) and (b) upon the termination of the requirement to submit the annual report under section 301 of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5731).
(f)Form of reports
(1)In generalEach report under subsection (a) or (b) (including updates under subsection (e)) shall be submitted in unclassified form and made available to the public. (2)Classified annexThe explanations and descriptions included in the report under subsection (a)(2) (including updates under subsection (e)) may be expanded on in a classified annex.
(g)Material contributions related to obligations of China describedFor purposes of this section, a foreign person materially contributes to the failure of the Government of China to meet its obligations under the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law if the person— (1)took action that resulted in the inability of the people of Hong Kong—
(A)to enjoy freedom of assembly, speech, press, or independent rule of law; or (B)to participate in democratic outcomes; or
(2)otherwise took action that reduces the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong. 6.Sanctions with respect to foreign persons that contravene the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law (a)Imposition of sanctions (1)In generalOn and after the date on which a foreign person is included in the report under section 5(a) or an update to that report under section 5(e), the President may impose sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to that foreign person.
(2)Mandatory sanctionsNot later than one year after the date on which a foreign person is included in the report under section 5(a) or an update to that report under section 5(e), the President shall impose sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to that foreign person.  (b)Sanctions describedThe sanctions described in this subsection with respect to a foreign person are the following:
(1)Property transactionsThe President may, pursuant to such regulations as the President may prescribe, prohibit any person from— (A)acquiring, holding, withholding, using, transferring, withdrawing, transporting, or exporting any property that is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and with respect to which the foreign person has any interest;
(B)dealing in or exercising any right, power, or privilege with respect to such property; or (C)conducting any transaction involving such property.
(2)Exclusion from the United States and revocation of visa or other documentationIn the case of a foreign person who is an individual, the President may direct the Secretary of State to deny a visa to, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to exclude from the United States, the foreign person, subject to regulatory exceptions to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United States, or other applicable international obligations. 7.Sanctions with respect to foreign financial institutions that conduct significant transactions with foreign persons that contravene the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration or the Basic Law (a)Imposition of sanctions (1)Initial sanctionsNot later than one year after the date on which a foreign financial institution is included in the report under section 5(b) or an update to that report under section 5(e), the President shall impose not fewer than 5 of the sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to that foreign financial institution.
(2)Expanded sanctionsNot later than two years after the date on which a foreign financial institution is included in the report under section 5(b) or an update to that report under section 5(e), the President shall impose each of the sanctions described in subsection (b).  (b)Sanctions describedThe sanctions described in this subsection with respect to a foreign financial institution are the following:
(1)Loans from United States financial institutionsThe United States Government may prohibit any United States financial institution from making loans or providing credits to the foreign financial institution. (2)Prohibition on designation as primary dealerNeither the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System nor the Federal Reserve Bank of New York may designate, or permit the continuation of any prior designation of, the foreign financial institution as a primary dealer in United States Government debt instruments.
(3)Prohibition on service as a repository of government fundsThe foreign financial institution may not serve as agent of the United States Government or serve as repository for United States Government funds. (4)Foreign exchangeThe President may, pursuant to such regulations as the President may prescribe, prohibit any transactions in foreign exchange that are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and involve the foreign financial institution.
(5)Banking transactionsThe President may, pursuant to such regulations as the President may prescribe, prohibit any transfers of credit or payments between financial institutions or by, through, or to any financial institution, to the extent that such transfers or payments are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and involve the foreign financial institution. (6)Property transactionsThe President may, pursuant to such regulations as the President may prescribe, prohibit any person from—
(A)acquiring, holding, withholding, using, transferring, withdrawing, transporting, importing, or exporting any property that is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and with respect to which the foreign financial institution has any interest; (B)dealing in or exercising any right, power, or privilege with respect to such property; or
(C)conducting any transaction involving such property. (7)Restriction on exports, reexports, and transfersThe President, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, may restrict or prohibit exports, reexports, and transfers (in-country) of commodities, software, and technology subject to the jurisdiction of the United States directly or indirectly to the foreign financial institution.
(8)Ban on investment in equity or debtThe President may, pursuant to such regulations or guidelines as the President may prescribe, prohibit any United States person from investing in or purchasing significant amounts of equity or debt instruments of the foreign financial institution. (9)Exclusion of corporate officersThe President may direct the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to exclude from the United States any alien that is determined to be a corporate officer or principal of, or a shareholder with a controlling interest in, the foreign financial institution, subject to regulatory exceptions to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United States, or other applicable international obligations.
(10)Sanctions on principal executive officersThe President may impose on the principal executive officer or officers of the foreign financial institution, or on individuals performing similar functions and with similar authorities as such officer or officers, any of the sanctions described in paragraphs (1) through (8) that are applicable. (c)Timing of sanctionsThe President may impose sanctions required under subsection (a) with respect to a financial institution included in the report under section 5(b) or an update to that report under section 5(e) beginning on the day on which the financial institution is included in that report or update.
8.Waiver, termination, exceptions, and congressional review process
(a)National security waiverUnless a disapproval resolution is enacted under subsection (e), the President may waive the application of sanctions under section 6 or 7 with respect to a foreign person or foreign financial institution if the President— (1)determines that the waiver is in the national security interest of the United States; and
(2)submits to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership a report on the determination and the reasons for the determination. (b)Termination of sanctions and removal from reportUnless a disapproval resolution is enacted under subsection (e), the President may terminate the application of sanctions under section 6 or 7 with respect to a foreign person or foreign financial institution and remove the foreign person from the report required under section 5(a) or the foreign financial institution from the report required under section 5(b), as the case may be, if the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines that the actions taken by the foreign person or foreign financial institution that led to the imposition of sanctions—
(1)do not have a significant and lasting negative effect that contravenes the obligations of China under the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law; (2)are not likely to be repeated in the future; and
(3)have been reversed or otherwise mitigated through positive countermeasures taken by that foreign person or foreign financial institution. (c)Termination of Act (1)Report (A)In generalNot later than July 1, 2046, the President, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the heads of such other Federal agencies as the President considers appropriate, shall submit to Congress a report evaluating the implementation of this Act and sanctions imposed pursuant to this Act.
(B)ElementsThe President shall include in the report submitted under subparagraph (A) an assessment of whether this Act and the sanctions imposed pursuant to this Act should be terminated. (2)TerminationThis Act and the sanctions imposed pursuant to this Act shall remain in effect unless a termination resolution is enacted under subsection (e) after July 1, 2047.
(d)Exception relating to importation of goods
(1)In generalThe authorities and requirements to impose sanctions under sections 6 and 7 shall not include the authority or requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of goods. (2)Good definedIn this subsection, the term good means any article, natural or manmade substance, material, supply, or manufactured product, including inspection and test equipment, and excluding technical data.
(e)Congressional review
(1)Resolutions
(A)Disapproval resolutionIn this section, the term disapproval resolution means only a joint resolution of either House of Congress— (i)the title of which is as follows: A joint resolution disapproving the waiver or termination of sanctions with respect to a foreign person that contravenes the obligations of China with respect to Hong Kong or a foreign financial institution that conducts a significant transaction with that person.; and
(ii)the sole matter after the resolving clause of which is the following: Congress disapproves of the action under section 8 of the Hong Kong Autonomy Act relating to the application of sanctions imposed with respect to a foreign person that contravenes the obligations of China with respect to Hong Kong, or a foreign financial institution that conducts a significant transaction with that person, on _______ relating to ________., with the first blank space being filled with the appropriate date and the second blank space being filled with a short description of the proposed action. (B)Termination resolutionIn this section, the term termination resolution means only a joint resolution of either House of Congress—
(i)the title of which is as follows: A joint resolution terminating sanctions with respect to foreign persons that contravene the obligations of China with respect to Hong Kong and foreign financial institutions that conduct significant transactions with those persons.; and (ii)the sole matter after the resolving clause of which is the following: The Hong Kong Autonomy Act and any sanctions imposed pursuant to that Act shall terminate on ____., with the blank space being filled with the termination date.
(C)Covered resolutionIn this subsection, the term covered resolution means a disapproval resolution or a termination resolution. (2)IntroductionA covered resolution may be introduced—
(A)in the House of Representatives, by the majority leader or the minority leader; and (B)in the Senate, by the majority leader (or the majority leader's designee) or the minority leader (or the minority leader's designee).
(3)Floor consideration in House of RepresentativesIf a committee of the House of Representatives to which a covered resolution has been referred has not reported the resolution within 10 legislative days after the date of referral, that committee shall be discharged from further consideration of the resolution. (4)Consideration in the Senate (A)Committee referral (i)Disapproval resolutionA disapproval resolution introduced in the Senate shall be—
(I)referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs if the resolution relates to an action that is not intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with regard to China; and (II)referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations if the resolution relates to an action that is intended to significantly alter United States foreign policy with regard to China.
(ii)Termination resolutionA termination resolution introduced in the Senate shall be referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the Committee on Foreign Relations. (B)Reporting and dischargeIf a committee to which a covered resolution was referred has not reported the resolution within 10 legislative days after the date of referral of the resolution, that committee shall be discharged from further consideration of the resolution and the resolution shall be placed on the appropriate calendar.
(C)Proceeding to considerationNotwithstanding Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, it is in order at any time after the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs or the Committee on Foreign Relations, as the case may be, reports a covered resolution to the Senate or has been discharged from consideration of such a resolution (even though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the resolution, and all points of order against the resolution (and against consideration of the resolution) are waived. The motion to proceed is not debatable. The motion is not subject to a motion to postpone. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order. (D)Rulings of the Chair on procedureAppeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the rules of the Senate, as the case may be, to the procedure relating to a covered resolution shall be decided without debate.
(E)Consideration of veto messagesDebate in the Senate of any veto message with respect to a covered resolution, including all debatable motions and appeals in connection with the resolution, shall be limited to 10 hours, to be equally divided between, and controlled by, the majority leader and the minority leader or their designees. (5)Rules relating to Senate and House of Representatives (A)Treatment of Senate resolution in HouseIn the House of Representatives, the following procedures shall apply to a covered resolution received from the Senate (unless the House has already passed a resolution relating to the same proposed action):
(i)The resolution shall be referred to the appropriate committees. (ii)If a committee to which a resolution has been referred has not reported the resolution within 10 legislative days after the date of referral, that committee shall be discharged from further consideration of the resolution.
(iii)Beginning on the third legislative day after each committee to which a resolution has been referred reports the resolution to the House or has been discharged from further consideration thereof, it shall be in order to move to proceed to consider the resolution in the House. All points of order against the motion are waived. Such a motion shall not be in order after the House has disposed of a motion to proceed on the resolution. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the motion to its adoption without intervening motion. The motion shall not be debatable. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is disposed of shall not be in order. (iv)The resolution shall be considered as read. All points of order against the resolution and against its consideration are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the resolution to final passage without intervening motion except 2 hours of debate equally divided and controlled by the offeror of the motion to proceed (or a designee) and an opponent. A motion to reconsider the vote on passage of the resolution shall not be in order.
(B)Treatment of House resolution in Senate
(i)Received before passage of Senate resolutionIf, before the passage by the Senate of a covered resolution, the Senate receives an identical resolution from the House of Representatives, the following procedures shall apply: (I)That resolution shall not be referred to a committee.
(II)With respect to that resolution— (aa)the procedure in the Senate shall be the same as if no resolution had been received from the House of Representatives; but
(bb)the vote on passage shall be on the resolution from the House of Representatives. (ii)Received after passage of Senate resolutionIf, following passage of a covered resolution in the Senate, the Senate receives an identical resolution from the House of Representatives, that resolution shall be placed on the appropriate Senate calendar.
(iii)No Senate companionIf a covered resolution is received from the House of Representatives, and no companion resolution has been introduced in the Senate, the Senate procedures under this subsection shall apply to the resolution from the House of Representatives. (C)Application to revenue measuresThe provisions of this paragraph shall not apply in the House of Representatives to a covered resolution that is a revenue measure.
(6)Rules of House of Representatives and SenateThis subsection is enacted by Congress— (A)as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, and as such is deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, and supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent with such rules; and
(B)with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that House. 9.Implementation; penalties (a)ImplementationThe President may exercise all authorities provided under sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to the extent necessary to carry out this Act.
(b)PenaltiesA person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of section 6 or 7 or any regulation, license, or order issued to carry out that section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act described in subsection (a) of that section.  10.Rule of constructionNothing in this Act shall be construed as an authorization of military force against China.
 Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


113 HR 2841 IH: Guard and Reserve Equal Access to Health Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-07-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2841
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 25, 2013
			Mr. Rahall introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Armed
			 Services

		A BILL
		To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that the
		  Secretary of Defense affords each member of a reserve component of the Armed
		  Forces with the opportunity for a physical examination before the member
		  separates from the Armed Forces.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Guard and Reserve Equal Access to
			 Health Act.
		2.Physical examinations
			 for members of a reserve component who are separating from the Armed
			 ForcesSection 1145 of title
			 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
			 subsection:

				(f)Physical
				examinations for members of a reserve component(1)The Secretary concerned
				shall provide a physical examination pursuant to subsection (a)(5) to each
				member of a reserve component who—
						(A)will not otherwise receive such an
				examination under such subsection; and
						(B)elects to receive such a physical
				examination.
						(2)The Secretary concerned shall—
						(A)provide the physical examination under
				paragraph (1) to a member during the 90-day period before the date on which the
				member is scheduled to be separated from the armed forces; and
						(B)issue orders to such a member to
				receive such physical examination.
						(3)A member may not be entitled to
				health care benefits pursuant to subsection (a), (b), or (c) solely by reason
				of being provided a physical examination under paragraph (1).
					(4)In providing to a member a physical
				examination under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall provide to the
				member a record of the physical
				examination.
					.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5134
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 22, 2010
			Ms. Tsongas (for
			 herself, Mr. Payne,
			 Ms. Norton,
			 Mr. Sires,
			 Mr. Ellison,
			 Mr. Cao, Ms. Moore of Wisconsin,
			 Mrs. Lowey, and
			 Mr. Blumenauer) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in
			 addition to the Committees on Natural
			 Resources and Financial
			 Services, 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 the Interior, in
		  consultation with the Groundwork USA national office, to provide grants to
		  certain nonprofit organizations.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Groundwork USA Trust Act of
			 2010.
		2.FindingsCongress finds that—
			(1)locally organized
			 and controlled entities that are linked together through a national program
			 office have the ability to lead cost-effective projects and programs that are
			 responsive to community needs and essential to improving the local environment,
			 economy, and quality of life;
			(2)local community
			 involvement with how land is being used is an essential component to the
			 economic success of a neighborhood;
			(3)underutilized and
			 neglected vacant lands significantly erode nearby property values and burden
			 municipal tax bases;
			(4)landscaping and
			 maintenance, especially when local citizens are involved in the process,
			 decreases negative stigma and generates civic pride, which in turn
			 significantly reduces vandalism and illicit activities typically associated
			 with idle lands;
			(5)cleaning,
			 landscaping, and tree planting within vacant and abandoned land and brownfields
			 adds economic value to a community through increased occupancy rates, and
			 improved sales appeal of nearby residential and commercial real estate;
			 and
			(6)the transformation
			 of idle lands and brownfields into cleaner, greener, community assets has been
			 exemplified by a network of federally backed Groundwork USA Trusts for over 8
			 years.
			3.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)BrownfieldsThe
			 term brownfields means real property, the expansion,
			 redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or
			 potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
			(2)Eligible
			 organizationThe term eligible organization means
			 a—
				(A)nonprofit
			 organization that applies for a grant award under section 4(b) to establish a
			 Ground USA Trust; and
				(B)Groundwork USA
			 Trust.
				(3)Groundwork usa
			 national officeThe term Groundwork USA national
			 office means the independent, nonprofit, environmental business
			 incorporated under the laws of the State of New York, which overseas and
			 creates a link between local Groundwork USA Trust offices.
			(4)Groundwork usa
			 trustThe term Groundwork USA Trust means an
			 independent, nonprofit, environmental organization that works with communities
			 to improve their environment, economy, and quality of life through local
			 action.
			(5)Nonprofit
			 organizationThe term nonprofit organization means
			 an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
			 Code of 1986 and is exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code.
			(6)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
			4.Establishment of
			 groundwork usa trust program
			(a)Authorization of
			 grant programThe Secretary, in consultation with the Groundwork
			 USA national office, is authorized to award grants to eligible
			 organizations.
			(b)ApplicationAn
			 eligible organization desiring a grant under the program shall submit an
			 application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such
			 information as the Secretary, in consultation with the Groundwork USA national
			 office, may require.
			5.Criteria for
			 selectionEach grant award
			 provided under section 4(a) shall be made on the basis of the quality of the
			 application submitted, taking into consideration such factors as the
			 following:
			(1)The population and
			 demographics of the community and the environmental, community, or economic
			 development issues which an eligible entity could help address.
			(2)The level of
			 experience with community and environmental improvement activities of an
			 eligible organization and the role such organization will play in the
			 implementation of Groundwork USA Trust activities.
			(3)The level in which
			 the community or local government in which the eligible organization is based
			 is a current or past recipient of funding or assistance from the EPA
			 Brownfields Program and demonstrated success in those efforts.
			(4)The level in which
			 the eligible organization has partnered with the National Park Service and
			 demonstrated success in those efforts.
			(5)The level of
			 community interest and commitment to learn about, evaluate, and partner with a
			 Groundwork USA Trust.
			(6)The number and
			 level of opportunities to improve the local environment for conservation,
			 recreation, and economic development, including:
				(A)The potential to
			 facilitate the creation, improvement, and stewardship of parks, greenways, open
			 space, and nature reserves and increase opportunities for recreation,
			 conservation, food security, environmental education, and other environmental
			 improvements in communities impacted by brownfields.
				(B)The potential to
			 stimulate economic and environmental rejuvenation of communities impacted by
			 brownfield issues.
				(C)The potential to
			 increase the capacity of communities with limited means to improve their
			 environment, economy, and quality of life.
				(D)The potential to
			 engage the local community in the planning and development of projects and
			 programs to improve its local environment, including the assessment, cleanup,
			 and reuse of brownfield sites for parks, recreation facilities, nature areas,
			 gardens, trails, and other community benefits.
				(E)The potential to
			 contribute to the use or reuse of existing infrastructure.
				(7)The ability to
			 address the issue of brownfields in the community or target area,
			 including:
				(A)The potential to
			 leverage or stimulate funds from other sources to support the assessment and
			 remediation of brownfields and their reuse for parks, recreation facilities,
			 nature areas, and other community benefits.
				(B)The potential to
			 engage the local community in the planning and implementation of projects and
			 programs to assess, cleanup, and reuse brownfields for parks, recreation
			 facilities, nature areas, and other community benefits.
				(C)The potential to
			 help reduce the threats to human health and the local environment associated
			 with the presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
				(D)The potential to
			 help address or facilitate the identification and reduction of threats to the
			 health and welfare of populations at risk.
				6.Use
			 of fundsA grant award
			 provided under the program may be used to—
			(1)provide training,
			 research, and technical assistance to individuals and organizations, as
			 appropriate, to facilitate the inventory of brownfield sites, site assessments,
			 remediation of brownfield sites, community involvement, or site
			 preparation;
			(2)increase the
			 capacity of communities to improve and care for their local environment;
			(3)reclaim vacant and
			 derelict lands for conservation, recreation, and economic development;
			(4)clean up and care
			 for neglected areas to signal community pride and rejuvenation;
			(5)return brownfields
			 to economically productive use while restoring blighted landscapes with healthy
			 environments;
			(6)integrate
			 environmental education, food security, health and fitness, resource
			 management, and job training;
			(7)encourage
			 businesses, local governments, nonprofits, and communities to work together for
			 sustainable environmental care and enhancement;
			(8)support
			 businesses, local governments, nonprofits, and communities in efforts to
			 improve their local environment;
			(9)raise the profile
			 of urban environmental improvements as part of a comprehensive approach to
			 smart growth strategies and rejuvenation of inner city communities;
			(10)acquire real
			 property and buildings to rehabilitate and improve upon for the local community
			 and perform maintenance on such property and buildings, including mowing,
			 irrigating, landscaping, painting, and providing structural repairs;
			(11)expand operations
			 and locations of offices to benefit a larger geographic area, and increase
			 staff;
			(12)develop
			 information systems and utilize such systems for community- and regional-based
			 research and data dissemination; and
			(13)develop programs
			 that encourage regional and national partnering with other environmental
			 organizations.
			7.Maximum grant
			 awardA grant award under the
			 program shall not exceed $400,000 for any fiscal year.
		8.Limitation on
			 administrative costsThe
			 Secretary may reserve not more than 15 percent of the amount made available
			 under this Act to carry out the program in a fiscal year for administrative
			 costs, including managing, administering, and assisting with technical support
			 of operations for national and local Groundwork USA offices.
		9.Annual
			 reportEach grant recipient
			 shall submit to the Secretary and the national Groundwork USA national office
			 an annual report at such time, in such manner, and containing such information
			 as the Secretary, in consultation with the Groundwork USA national office, may
			 require.
		10.Authorization of
			 appropriationsThere are
			 authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program $15,000,000 for each of
			 the fiscal years 2011 through 2016.


114 SCON 23 IS: Supporting the establishment of a bipartisan Museum Study Commission to study the establishment of a National Museum of the American People to tell the immigration and migration stories of all people of the United States.
U.S. Senate
2015-10-07
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.

III114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. CON. RES. 23IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESOctober 7, 2015Mr. Schatz submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesCONCURRENT RESOLUTIONSupporting the establishment of a bipartisan Museum Study Commission to study the establishment of
			 a National Museum of the American People to tell the immigration and
			 migration stories of all people of the United States.

 Whereas the United States was founded and built by people from every country who made the United States the economic, military, scientific, and cultural leader of the world;
 Whereas as of October 2015, there is no national museum in Washington, DC, that— (1)celebrates the making of the people of the United States; or
 (2)tells the migration history of any group of people to or within the United States; Whereas a National Museum of the American People would—
 (1)recount the history of all groups of people who came to the United States and the contributions of those people to the United States;
 (2)have the theme E Pluribus Unum, the original motto of the United States; (3)celebrate every ethnic and minority group in the United States;
 (4)foster a sense of belonging to the United States;
 (5)contribute to a common national identity as people of the United States;
 (6)highlight the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, the founding documents of the United States;
 (7)explore the ways in which those documents shaped the character of the people of the United States and infused the people of the United States with common values; and
 (8)be a resource for State, local, and ethnic museums throughout the United States that present exhibits that celebrate the heritage of the people of the United States;
 Whereas the people of the United States do not have a comprehensive and accurate picture of the history of all of the people who founded and continue to build the United States;
 Whereas people from every ethnic group in the United States would visit a National Museum of the American People to learn their own history and the history of every other ethnic group in the United States;
 Whereas a National Museum of the American People would attract foreign visitors and dignitaries because few foreigners know the story of the individuals who—
 (1)became citizens of the United States at the founding of the country; and (2)migrated to the United States from other countries;
 Whereas a museum that tells the story of the making of the people of the United States and celebrates all individuals who migrated and settled in the United States and the territories of the United States belongs near the National Mall in Washington, DC;
 Whereas Canada and Mexico have major popular museums in, or adjacent to, the capital cities of those countries that tell the story of the making of the people of Canada and Mexico, respectively;
 Whereas the goals of a National Museum of the American People would be— (1)to be the best storytelling museum in the world;
 (2)to recount 1 of the most amazing stories in human history;
 (3)to celebrate all of the people who have become people of the United States; and (4)to foster learning at the museum and throughout the United States;
 Whereas non-Federal funding sources will be sought to defray the costs of a Museum Study Commission to study the establishment of a National Museum of the American People and the funding will commence on the date on which the President signs an Executive order creating the bipartisan commission;
 Whereas no Federal appropriations will be sought to provide funding for— (1)the design, construction, or operation a National Museum of the American People; or
 (2)the exhibitions or components of the museum; and
 Whereas the National Museum of the American People will benefit all people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it

 That Congress supports the establishment of a bipartisan Museum Study Commission to study the establishment of a National Museum of the American People to tell the immigration and migration stories of all people of the United States, if none of the funding to plan, construct, or operate the museum is from Federal appropriations.


115 S1750 IS: American Job Protection Act
U.S. Senate
2017-08-03
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II115th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1750IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESAugust 3, 2017Mr. Hatch introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo protect American job creation by striking the Federal mandate on employers to offer health
			 insurance.

		1.Short
 titleThis Act may be cited as the American Job Protection Act.
		2.Protect job
			 creation
			(a)Repeal of shared responsibility payment for employers regarding health coverage
 (1)In generalChapter 43 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking section 4980H (and the item relating to such section in the table of sections for such chapter).
 (2)Conforming amendmentSection 1513 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is amended by striking subsection (c).
 (3)Effective dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall apply to months after December 31, 2016. (b)Repeal of reporting of employer health insurance coverage (1)In generalSubpart D of part III of subchapter A of chapter 61 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking section 6056 (and the item relating to such section in the table of sections for such subpart).
 (2)Effective dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall apply to periods beginning after December 31, 2016.


113 HR 2974 IH: To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the eligibility for beneficiary travel for veterans seeking treatment or care for military sexual trauma in specialized outpatient or residential programs at facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-08-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2974
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			August 1, 2013
			Mrs. Walorski (for
			 herself and Ms. Kuster) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the
		  eligibility for beneficiary travel for veterans seeking treatment or care for
		  military sexual trauma in specialized outpatient or residential programs at
		  facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Beneficiary travel for
			 veterans seeking treatment or care for military sexual trauma in specialized
			 outpatient or residential programs of the Department of Veterans
			 Affairs
			(a)EligibilitySection 111 of title 38, United States
			 Code, is amended—
				(1)in subsection
			 (b)(1), by adding at the end the following subparagraph:

						(G)A
				veteran whose travel to a specialized outpatient or residential program at a
				Department facility is in connection with treatment or care for military sexual
				trauma.
						;
				and
				(2)by adding at the
			 end the following new subsection:

						(g)In this section:
							(1)The term
				military sexual trauma means psychological trauma, which in the
				judgment of a Department mental health professional, resulted from a physical
				assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment
				which occurred while the veteran was serving on active duty or active duty for
				training.
							(2)The term sexual harassment
				means repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which
				is threatening in
				character.
							.
				(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with
			 respect to travel occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act.


116 HR 4297 IH: Enhance Access To SNAP Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-09-12
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.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4297IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 12, 2019Mr. Gomez (for himself, Mr. Aguilar, Ms. Bass, Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Cárdenas, Mr. Castro of Texas, Mr. Cisneros, Mr. Correa, Mr. Costa, Mr. Cox of California, Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois, Ms. DeLauro, Mr. Gallego, Mr. García of Illinois, Mr. Gonzalez of Texas, Ms. Haaland, Mr. Harder of California, Ms. Hill of California, Mr. Kennedy, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Ted Lieu of California, Ms. Matsui, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Moore, Mrs. Napolitano, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Ms. Omar, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Rouda, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Soto, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Swalwell of California, Mr. Takano, Mr. Thompson of California, Mr. Vela, Ms. Sánchez, Mrs. Torres of California, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Khanna, and Mr. Lowenthal) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on AgricultureA BILLTo amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to treat attendance at an institution of higher
			 education the same as work for the purpose of determining eligibility to
			 participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Enhance Access To SNAP Act of 2019 or EATS Act of 2019. 2.AmendmentsSection 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2015) is amended—
 (1)in subsection (e)(4) by striking employed and inserting attending an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)) or employed, in the aggregate,; and
 (2)in subsection (o)(2)(A) by striking work and inserting attending an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)) or work, in the aggregate,.
 3.Effective dateThis Act shall take effect on January 2, 2020.


113 HR 2210 IH: Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship Improvements Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-05-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2210
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 23, 2013
			Mr. Young of Florida
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Veterans’
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the
		  eligibility of children of certain deceased veterans to educational assistance
		  under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of
		  Veterans Affairs.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
			 Improvements Act of 2013.
		2.Entitlement of
			 children of certain deceased veterans to educational assistance under the
			 Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans
			 Affairs
			(a)In
			 generalSection 3311(b)(9) is
			 amended—
				(1)by striking
			 2001, dies in line of duty while serving on active duty as a member of
			 the Armed Forces. and inserting 2001—; and
				(2)by adding at the
			 end the following new subparagraphs:

						(A)dies in line of duty while serving on
				active duty as a member of the Armed Forces; or
						(B)is awarded the
				Purple Heart for an injury and dies as a result of that injury during the
				60-day period beginning on the date of the person’s discharge or release from
				active duty service in the Armed
				Forces.
						.
				(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with
			 respect to a person who dies on or after September 11, 2001.


		IIB
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5958
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			July 24, 2012
			Received; read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Environment and Public
			 Works

		AN ACT
		To name the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
		  Visitor Contact Station of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge unit of Gateway
		  National Recreation Area in honor of James L. Buckley.

		1.Naming of Jamaica Bay
			 Wildlife Refuge Visitor Contact Station, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge unit,
			 Gateway National Recreation Area
			(a)NamingThe Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor
			 Contact Station of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge unit of Gateway National
			 Recreation Area in the State of New York shall be known and designated as the
			 James L. Buckley Visitor Contact Station.
			(b)ReferencesAny reference in any statute, rule,
			 regulation, Executive order, publication, map, paper, or other document of the
			 United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to
			 be a reference to the James L. Buckley Visitor Contact
			 Station.

			Passed the House of
			 Representatives July 23, 2012.
			Karen L. Haas,
			Clerk


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6330
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 29, 2010
			Mr. Garrett of New
			 Jersey (for himself, Mr.
			 Hoekstra, Mr. Coffman of
			 Colorado, Mr. Shadegg,
			 Mr. Culberson,
			 Mr. Bishop of Utah,
			 Mr. Gingrey of Georgia,
			 Mr. Gohmert,
			 Mr. Franks of Arizona,
			 Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas,
			 Mr. Pence,
			 Mr. Pitts,
			 Mr. Marchant,
			 Mr. Hensarling,
			 Mr. Carter,
			 Mrs. Schmidt, and
			 Mr. Posey) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Ways and Means

		A BILL
		To make permanent the reduced individual income tax rate
		  on dividends.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Preserving American Income on
			 Dividends Act of 2010.
		2.Reduced individual
			 income tax rate on dividends made permanentThe Jobs and Growth Tax Relief
			 Reconciliation Act of 2003 (relating to sunset of title) is amended by striking
			 section 303.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1054
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 29, 2007
			Mrs. Feinstein
			 introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and
		  Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior
		  to participate in the Inland Empire regional recycling project and in the
		  Cucamonga Valley Water District recycling project.

		1.Inland Empire and Cucamonga
			 Valley recycling projects
			(a)Short
			 titleThis section may be cited as the Inland Empire
			 Regional Water Recycling Initiative.
			(b)In
			 generalThe Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and
			 Facilities Act (Public Law 102–575, title XVI;
			 43 U.S.C. 390h et
			 seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					1639.Inland Empire
				Regional Water Recycling Project
						(a)In
				generalThe Secretary, in cooperation with the Inland Empire
				Utilities Agency, may participate in the design, planning, and construction of
				the Inland Empire regional water recycling project described in the report
				submitted under section 1606(c).
						(b)Cost
				sharingThe Federal share of the cost of the project described in
				subsection (a) shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the
				project.
						(c)LimitationFunds
				provided by the Secretary shall not be used for operation and maintenance of
				the project described in subsection (a).
						(d)Authorization of
				appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry
				out this section $20,000,000.
						(e)Sunset of
				authorityThe authority of the Secretary to carry out any
				provisions of this section shall terminate 10 years after the date of the
				enactment of this section.
						1640.Cucamonga
				Valley Water Recycling Project
						(a)In
				generalThe Secretary, in cooperation with the Cucamonga Valley
				Water District, may participate in the design, planning, and construction of
				the Cucamonga Valley Water District satellite recycling plants in Rancho
				Cucamonga, California, to reclaim and recycle approximately 2 million gallons
				per day of domestic wastewater.
						(b)Cost
				sharingThe Federal share of the cost of the project described in
				subsection (a) shall not exceed 25 percent of the capital cost of the
				project.
						(c)LimitationFunds
				provided by the Secretary shall not be used for operation and maintenance of
				the project described in subsection (a).
						(d)Authorization of
				appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry
				out this section, $10,000,000.
						(e)Sunset of
				authorityThe authority of the Secretary to carry out any
				provisions of this section shall terminate 10 years after the date of the
				enactment of this
				section.
						.
			(c)Conforming
			 amendmentsThe table of
			 sections in section 2 of the Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment
			 Act of 1992 (43 U.S.C. prec. 371) is amended by inserting after the item
			 relating to section 1638 the following:

						1639. Inland Empire Regional Water
				Recycling Program.
						1640. Cucamonga Valley Water Recycling
				Project.

					.


113 S2524 IS: Pathways to Prosperity Act of 2014
U.S. Senate
2014-06-24
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. 2524
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 24, 2014
			Mr. Warner (for himself and Mr. Kaine) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

		A BILL
		To support access to career and technical education programs  of study that provide students with
			 education and training
			 combining rigorous academics with technical curricula focused on specific
			 high-skill, high-wage, high-demand and  high-growth occupations and
			 industries.

		1.Short title
			This Act may be cited as the
		  Pathways to Prosperity Act of 2014.2.ReferencesExcept as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in
			 terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the
			 reference shall be considered to be made to a
 section or other provision of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (20 U.S.C.
			 2301 et seq.).3.DefinitionsSection 3 (20 U.S.C. 2302) is amended—(1)by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (9), (10) through (17), (18), (19), and (20) through (34)
			 as paragraphs (7) through (10), (12) through (19), (21), (22), and (24)
			 through (38), respectively;(2)by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:(6)Career and technical education program of studyThe term career and technical education program of study means a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of secondary and postsecondary academic and
			 technical
			 courses that—(A)contain rigorous, State-identified college and career readiness standards that address both
			 academic and technical content and align to local, regional, or State
			 labor market needs, as identified by employers and labor market
			 information;(B)support attainment of career readiness skills;(C)progress in content specificity (beginning with all aspects of an industry or career cluster
			 leading to more occupationally specific instruction);(D)incorporate multiple entry and exit points with portable demonstrations of technical competency,
			 which may include postsecondary education credits as recognized by credit
			 transfer or articulation agreements  or industry-recognized
			 credentials; and(E)culminate in the attainment of an industry-recognized credential, an apprenticeship
			 or postsecondary certificate, or an associate or baccalaureate degree.;(3)by inserting after paragraph (10), as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this section, the following:(11)Credit transfer agreementThe term ‘credit transfer agreement’ refers to an opportunity for secondary students to be awarded
			 transcripted postsecondary credit, supported with formal agreements among
			 secondary and postsecondary education systems, such as dual enrollment,
			 dual credit, 2-year to 4-year college articulation agreements, or
			 articulated credit, which may include credit awarded for
			 performance on technical assessments.;(4)by inserting after paragraph (19), as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this section, the following:(20)Industry-recognized credentialThe term ‘industry-recognized credential’ means a credential that—(A)is sought or accepted by employers within the industry or sector involved as a recognized,
			 preferred, or required credential for recruitment, screening, hiring,
			 retention or advancement purposes; and(B)if appropriate, is endorsed by a nationally recognized trade association or organization
			 representing a significant part of the  industry or sector.; and(5)by inserting after paragraph (22), as redesignated by paragraph (1) of this section, the following:(23)Labor market informationThe term labor market information means economic, social, and demographic information that—(A)pertains to labor markets for the purposes of determining the supply of, and demand for, labor and
			 related skills and competencies; and(B)supports students, job seekers, employers, developers of curricula, and other relevant stakeholders
			 in understanding labor market and economic trends to help make informed
			 labor market decisions..4.AccountabilitySection 113(b)(2) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (20 U.S.C. 2323(b)(2))
			 is
			 amended—(1)in subparagraph (A), by striking clause (vi); and(2)in subparagraph (B), by striking clause (v) and inserting the following:(v)the median earnings of students who are employed during the second quarter after completing a
			 career and technical education program of study in the State. The
			 Secretary shall, consistent with State law, ensure that the necessary wage
			 records are available to enable eligible agencies to collect data relating
			 to this State performance measure..5.National ActivitiesSection 114(d)(4)(A) (20 U.S.C. 2324) is amended—(1)by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v);(2)in clause (iii), by striking and after the semicolon; and(3)by inserting after clause (iii) the following:(iv)to engage in evaluation and technical assistance activities that will assist in—(I)collecting information on the industry-recognized credentials awarded to participants in career and
			 technical education
			 programs of study, including—(aa)the name of such industry-recognized credentials;(bb)the awarding body;(cc)the duration of the program of study for the credential; and(dd)the number of such participants receiving the credential; and(II)developing the necessary infrastructure to support the State and local reporting of information
			 described in subclause (I),
			 including through activities such as establishing—(aa)data sharing agreements with State licensing agencies and with industry associations and employers
			 who award certifications or other industry-recognized credentials;(bb)a consistent reporting method across States; and(cc)a collection system to process reports in a timely fashion; and.6.State Leadership ActivitiesSection 124(b) (20 U.S.C. 2341(a)) is amended—(1)in paragraph (8), by striking and after the semicolon;(2)in paragraph (9) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(10)establishing statewide credit transfer agreements aligned to approved career and technical
			 education programs of study..7.Local Plan for Career and Technical Education ProgramsSection 134(b) (20 U.S.C. 2354(b)) is amended—(1)in paragraph (11), by striking and after the semicolon;(2)in paragraph (12) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(13)describe how the eligible recipient will partner with business and industry to—(A)identify opportunities for experiential and work-based learning opportunities either in-person or
			 virtually;(B)ensure career and technical education programs of study are responsive to community and employment
			 demands and are—(i)aligned with employment priorities in the State, regional, or local economy identified by employers
			 and other relevant stakeholders identified in section 134(b)(5);(ii)informed by labor market information; and(iii)designed to meet current, intermediate, and long term labor market projections;(C)ensure funding under this Act is spent in a coordinated manner with other local resources..8.Amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965Section 1502(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6492(a)) is
			 amended by striking challenging State academic content standards and challenging State student academic achievement
			 standards and inserting rigorous, State-identified college and career readiness standards that address both academic
			 content and career and technical education content identified under
			 section 113(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical
			 Education Act..


		III

		109th CONGRESS

		1st Session

		S. RES. 162

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 7, 2005

			Ms. Snowe (for herself,

			 Mr. Obama, Mr.

			 Corzine, Mrs. Boxer,

			 Mrs. Murray, Mrs. Clinton, Mr.

			 Harkin, Mr. Durbin,

			 Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Reid, Mr.

			 Feingold, and Mr. Jeffords)

			 submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the

			 Committee on the

			 Judiciary

		RESOLUTION

		Expressing the sense of the Senate

		  concerning Griswold v. Connecticut.

		Whereas June 7, 2005, marks the 40th anniversary of the

			 United States Supreme Court decision in Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) in which

			 the Court recognized the constitutional right of married couples to use

			 contraception—a right that the Court would extend to unmarried individuals

			 within less than a decade;

		Whereas the decision in Griswold v. Connecticut paved the

			 way for widespread use of birth control among American women;

		Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

			 recognized family planning in its published list of the Ten Great Public

			 Health Achievements in the 20th Century;

		Whereas the typical woman in the United States wants only

			 2 children and therefore spends roughly 30 years of her life trying to prevent

			 pregnancy;

		Whereas birth control is a critical component of basic

			 preventive health care for women and has been the driving force in reducing

			 national rates of unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion;

		Whereas the ability of women to control their fertility

			 and avoid unintended pregnancy has led to dramatic declines in maternal and

			 infant mortality rates and has improved maternal and infant health;

		Whereas in 1965, there were 31.6 maternal deaths per

			 100,000 live births and in 2000 there were 9.8 maternal deaths per 100,000 live

			 births;

		Whereas in 1965, 24.7 infants under 1 year of age died per

			 1,000 live births and in 2003 this figure had declined to 7 infant deaths per

			 1,000 live births;

		Whereas the ability of women to control their fertility

			 has enabled them to achieve personal educational and professional goals

			 critical to the economic success of the United States;

		Whereas in 1965, 7 percent of women completed 4 or more

			 years of college compared to 26 percent in 2004;

		Whereas in 1965, women age 16 and over constituted 39

			 percent of the workforce compared to 59 percent in 2004;

		Whereas publicly-funded family planning programs have

			 increased the ability of women, regardless of economic status, to access birth

			 control and experience the resulting health and economic benefits;

		Whereas public investment in this most basic preventive

			 health care is extremely cost effective—for every dollar spent on publicly

			 funded family planning, $3 is saved in pregnancy-related and newborn care cost

			 to the Medicaid program alone;

		Whereas Congress had repeatedly recognized the importance

			 of a women’s ability to access contraceptives through support for Medicaid,

			 title X of the Public Health Service Act, and the Federal Employee Health

			 Benefits Program;

		Whereas 40 years after the Griswold decision, many women

			 still face challenges in accessing birth control and using it

			 effectively;

		Whereas the United States has one of the highest rates of

			 unintended pregnancy among Western nations and each year, half of all

			 pregnancies in the United States are unintended, and nearly half of those end

			 in abortion;

		Whereas teen pregnancy rates have dramatically declined,

			 still, 78 percent of teen pregnancies are unintended and more than one-third of

			 teen girls will become pregnant before age 20; and

		Whereas publicly funded family planning clinics are the

			 only source of healthcare for many uninsured and low-income women: Now,

			 therefore, be it

		That it is the sense of the Senate

			 that—

			(1)forty years ago

			 the United States Supreme Court in Griswold v. Connecticut held that married

			 people have a constitutional right to use contraceptives, a right that the

			 Court would extend to unmarried individuals within less than a decade;

			(2)the ability of

			 women to control their fertility through birth control has vastly improved

			 maternal and infant health, has reduced national rates of unintended pregnancy,

			 and has allowed women the ability to achieve personal educational and

			 professional goals critical to the economic success of the United States;

			 and

			(3)Congress should

			 take further steps to ensure that all women have universal access to affordable

			 contraception.


110 HRES 346 IH: Expressing the sense of the House of

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-05-01
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.

		IV
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 346
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 1, 2007
			Mr. Issa (for himself
			 and Ms. Watson) submitted the
			 following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Oversight and Government
			 Reform

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of the House of
		  Representatives that Jack Valenti should be recognized for his contributions to
		  public service and public entertainment.

		Whereas Jack Valenti was a proud service member, a loyal
			 Presidential advisor, a Hollywood icon, and industry advocate;
		Whereas Jack Valenti was born on September 5, 1921, in
			 Houston, Texas to the son and daughter of Italian immigrants;
		Whereas Jack Valenti was raised with a passion for public
			 service;
		Whereas Jack Valenti attended Harvard Business School on
			 the G.I. bill;
		Whereas Jack Valenti served as a trusted advisor and
			 personal friend to President Lyndon Johnson, assisting with the passage of
			 Great Society legislation;
		Whereas for 38 years Jack Valenti served as the President
			 of the Motion Picture Association of America, during which he created the film
			 industry’s movie-rating system;
		Whereas Jack Valenti was continually a passionate advocate
			 of American cinema and protection of artistic property;
		Whereas Jack Valenti’s passion for life will be remembered
			 many years beyond his tireless persona; and
		Whereas Jack Valenti passed away on April 26, 2007: Now,
			 therefore, be it

		That it is the sense of House of
			 Representatives that Jack Valenti should be recognized for his contributions to
			 public service and public entertainment.


		III
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 283
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			July 30, 2007
			Mr. Casey submitted the
			 following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Homeland Security and
			 Governmental Affairs

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of the Senate that the
		  United States Postal Service should discontinue the practice of contracting out
		  mail delivery services.

		Whereas letter carriers of the United States Postal
			 Service provide mail delivery service to over 144,000,000 homes and businesses
			 across the Nation;
		Whereas the contracting out of mail delivery services is
			 being increasingly promoted by the Postal Service as a key business strategy
			 for its core function;
		Whereas by contracting out letter carrier positions, the
			 Postal Service is bypassing the hiring process that ensures that only qualified
			 people handle America's mail;
		Whereas the contracting out of mail delivery services
			 limits the ability of the Postal Service to prevent, investigate, and prosecute
			 mail theft, mail fraud, and other illegal uses of the mail; and
		Whereas the protection of our mail delivery services is a
			 vital component of our national security: Now, therefore, be it

		That it is the sense of the Senate
			 that the United States Postal Service should discontinue the practice of
			 contracting out mail delivery services.