115 HR 2763 : The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-10-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IIB
		115th CONGRESS1st Session
		H. R. 2763
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
		October 16, 2017Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and EntrepreneurshipAN ACT
		To amend the Small Business Act to improve the Small Business Innovation Research program and Small
			 Business Technology Transfer program, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title; table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2017.
 (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:  Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Requiring insertion incentives. Sec. 3. Additional SBIR and STTR technology insertion reporting requirement. Sec. 4. Encouraging innovation in United States manufacturing. Sec. 5. Encouraging innovation in cybersecurity. Sec. 6. Compliance of Phase III awards with competitive procedures. Sec. 7. Improvements to technical and business assistance in the SBIR and STTR programs. Sec. 8. Procurement center representatives and other acquisition personnel in the SBIR and STTR programs. Sec. 9. Increased outreach requirements. Sec. 10. Annual meeting. Sec. 11. Establishing the Civilian Agency Commercialization Readiness Program. Sec. 12. Commercialization assistance pilot programs. Sec. 13. Phase 0 Proof of Concept Partnership Pilot Program. Sec. 14. Reporting requirements. Sec. 15. SBIR Phase flexibility. Sec. 16. Extension of deadline for assistance for administrative, oversight, and contract processing costs.  2.Requiring insertion incentivesSection 9(y)(5) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(y)(5)) is amended by striking is authorized to and inserting shall.
 3.Additional SBIR and STTR technology insertion reporting requirementSection 9(y)(6) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(y)(6)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end;
 (2)in subparagraph (C)(iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (3)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (D)not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, and not later than December 31 of each year thereafter, submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate, a report describing the goals set under subparagraph (A) and the incentives used or created under subparagraph (B)..
 4.Encouraging innovation in United States manufacturingSection 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

 (tt)Encouraging innovation in United States manufacturingIn carrying out this section, the Administrator shall— (1)ensure that, in selecting small business concerns to participate in SBIR or STTR programs under this section, Federal agencies give high priority to small manufacturing companies and other small business concerns engaged in or planning to engage in manufacturing research and development for the purpose of developing and producing new products and technologies in the United States; and
 (2)include in the annual report to Congress under subsection (b)(7) a determination of whether the priority described in paragraph (1) is being carried out..
 5.Encouraging innovation in cybersecuritySection 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638), as amended by section 4, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

 (uu)Encouraging innovation in cybersecurityIn carrying out this section, the Administrator shall— (1)ensure that, in selecting small business concerns to participate in SBIR or STTR programs under this section, Federal agencies engaged in cybersecurity research give high priority to small business concerns that are engaged in cybersecurity research and development, for the purpose of developing and implementing technology services and products to strengthen the security of United States Government and private computer systems, including software, hardware, and portable devices; and
 (2)include in the annual report to Congress under subsection (b)(7) a determination of whether the priority described in paragraph (1) is being carried out..
 6.Compliance of Phase III awards with competitive proceduresSection 9(r)(4) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(r)(4)) is amended by inserting as direct follow-on awards issued without further competition after developed the technology. 7.Improvements to technical and business assistance in the SBIR and STTR programsSection 9(q) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(q)) is amended—
 (1)in the subsection heading, by inserting and business after technical; (2)in paragraph (1)—
 (A)in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)— (i)by striking a vendor selected under paragraph (2) and inserting 1 or more vendors selected under paragraph (2)(A);
 (ii)by inserting and business before assistance services; and (iii)by inserting assistance with product sales, intellectual property protections, market research, market validation, and development of regulatory plans and manufacturing plans, after technologies,; and
 (B)in subparagraph (D), by inserting , including intellectual property protections before the period at the end; (3)in paragraph (2)—
 (A)by striking Each agency may select a vendor to assist small business concerns to meet and inserting the following:  (A)In generalEach agency may select 1 or more vendors from which small business concerns may obtain assistance in meeting; and
 (B)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:  (B)Selection by small business concernA small business concern may, by contract or otherwise, select 1 or more vendors to assist the small business concern in meeting the goals listed in paragraph (1).; and
 (4)in paragraph (3)— (A)by inserting (A) after paragraph (2) each place it appears;
 (B)in subparagraph (A), by striking $5,000 per year each place it appears and inserting $6,500 per project; (C)in subparagraph (B)—
 (i)by striking $5,000 per year each place it appears and inserting $35,000 per project; and (ii)in clause (ii), by striking which shall be in addition to the amount of the recipient's award and inserting which may, as determined appropriate by the head of the agency, be included as part of the recipient's award or be in addition to the amount of the recipient's award;
 (D)in subparagraph (C)— (i)by inserting or business after technical;
 (ii)by striking the vendor and inserting a vendor; and (iii)by adding at the end the following: Business-related services aimed at improving the commercialization success of a small business concern may be obtained from an entity, such as a public or private organization or an agency of or other entity established or funded by a State that facilitates or accelerates the commercialization of technologies or assists in the creation and growth of private enterprises that are commercializing technology.;
 (E)in subparagraph (D)— (i)by inserting or business after technical each place it appears; and
 (ii)in clause (i), by striking the vendor and inserting 1 or more vendors; and (F)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (E)Multiple award recipientsThe Administrator shall establish a limit on the amount of technical and business assistance services that may be received or purchased under subparagraph (B) by a small business concern that has received multiple Phase II SBIR or STTR awards for a fiscal year..
				8.Procurement center representatives and other acquisition personnel in the SBIR and STTR programs
 (a)Definition of senior procurement executiveSection 9(e) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(e)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (12)(B), by striking and at the end;
 (2)in paragraph (13)(B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (3)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (14)the term senior procurement executive means an official designated under section 1702(c) of title 41, United States Code, as the senior procurement executive of a Federal agency participating in a SBIR or STTR program..
				(b)Inclusion of senior procurement executives in SBIR and STTR
 (1)In generalSection 9(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(b)) is amended— (A)in paragraph (8), by striking and at the end;
 (B)in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (C)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (10)to coordinate, where appropriate, with the senior procurement executive of the relevant Federal agency to assist small business concerns participating in a SBIR or STTR program with commercializing research developed under such a program before such small business concern is awarded a contract from such Federal agency..
 (2)Technical amendmentSection 9(b)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(b)(3)) is amended by striking and at the end. (c)Modifications relating to procurement center representatives and other acquisition personnel (1)SBIR amendmentSection 9(j) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(j)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (4)Modifications relating to procurement center representativesUpon the enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall modify the policy directives issued pursuant to this subsection to require procurement center representatives (as described in section 15(l)) to coordinate with the appropriate contracting officer or SBIR program officer, and the appropriate Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization established pursuant to section 15(k) for the agency letting the contract, to assist small business concerns participating in the SBIR program, particularly in Phase III. The procurement center representatives shall coordinate with the appropriate contracting officer and the appropriate Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization established pursuant to section 15(k) for the agency letting the contract..
 (2)STTR amendmentSection 9(p)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(p)(2)) is amended— (A)in subparagraph (E)(ii), by striking and at the end;
 (B)in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (G)procedures to ensure that procurement center representatives (as described in section 15(l))— (i)coordinate with the appropriate contracting officer or STTR program officer, and the appropriate Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization established pursuant to section 15(k) for the agency letting the contract, to assist small business concerns participating in the STTR program, particularly in Phase III; and
 (ii)coordinate with the appropriate contracting officer and the appropriate Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization established pursuant to section 15(k) for the Federal agency letting the contract in providing the assistance described in clause (i); and.
 (d)Amendment to duties of procurement center representativesSection 15(l)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(l)(2)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (I), by striking and at the end;
 (2)by redesignating subparagraph (J) as subparagraph (L); and (3)by inserting after subparagraph (I) the following new subparagraphs:

 (J)coordinate with the appropriate contracting officer or SBIR or STTR program officer, and the appropriate Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization established pursuant to section 15(k) for the agency letting the contract, to assist small business concerns participating in a SBIR or STTR program under section 9 with Phase III;
 (K)coordinate with the appropriate contracting officer and the appropriate Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization established pursuant to subsection (k) for the agency letting the contract; and.
				(e)Amendment to the duties of the Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization for Federal
 agenciesSection 15(k) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(k)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (19), by striking and at the end;
 (2)in paragraph (20), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (3)by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

 (21)shall coordinate with the appropriate contracting officer of SBIR or STTR program officer to assist small business concerns participating in a SBIR or STTR program under section 9 with researching applicable solicitations for the award of a Federal contract (particularly with the Federal agency that has a funding agreement (as defined under section 9) with the concern) to market the research developed by such concern under such SBIR or STTR program; and
 (22)shall provide technical assistance to small business concerns participating in a SBIR or STTR program under section 9 to submit a bid for an award of a Federal contract, including coordination with procurement center representatives and the appropriate senior procurement executive for the agency letting the contract..
				9.Increased outreach requirements
			(a)In general
 (1)SBIR amendmentSection 9(j) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(j)), as amended by section 8, is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (5)Increased outreach requirementsUpon the enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall modify the policy directives issued pursuant to this subsection to require outreach efforts to increase the participation in technological innovation under the SBIR programs among individuals conducting research at minority institutions (as defined in section 365(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965) and Hispanic-serving institutions (as defined in section 502(a)(5) of such Act)..
 (2)STTR amendmentSection 9(p)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(p)(2)), as amended by section 8, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (H)procedures for outreach efforts to increase the participation in technological innovation under the SBIR programs among individuals conducting research at minority institutions (as defined in section 365(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965) and Hispanic-serving institutions (as defined in section 502(a)(5) of such Act).
						.
 (b)Funding for outreachSection 9(mm)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(mm)(1)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (I), by striking the and at the end;
 (2)in subparagraph (J), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (3)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (K)the outreach efforts described under subsections (j)(4) and (p)(2)(G); and. 10.Annual meeting (a)In generalSection 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638), as amended by section 5, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(vv)Annual meeting
 (1)In generalThe head of each Federal agency required to have a program under this section (or a designee) and the Administrator (or a designee) shall meet annually to discuss methods—
 (A)to improve the collection of data under this section; (B)to improve the reporting of data to the Administrator under this section;
 (C)to make the application processes for programs under this section more efficient; and (D)to increase participation in the programs established under this section.
 (2)ReportNot later than 60 days after the date on which an annual meeting required under paragraph (1) is held, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, a report on the findings of such meeting and recommendations on how to implement changes to programs under this section..
 (b)Funding for annual meetingSection 9(mm)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(mm)(1)) as amended by section 9, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (L)the annual meeting required under subsection (vv).. 11.Establishing the Civilian Agency Commercialization Readiness ProgramSection 9(gg) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(gg)) is amended—
 (1)by amending the subsection heading to read as follows: Civilian Agency Commercialization Readiness Program; (2)in paragraph (1), by inserting to establish a Civilian Agency Commercialization Readiness Program for civilian agencies after the covered Federal agency;
 (3)in paragraph (2)(A)— (A)by striking establish a pilot program and inserting establish a Civilian Agency Commercialization Readiness Program under this subsection; and
 (B)by striking the pilot program and inserting such Civilian Agency Commercialization Readiness Program; (4)in paragraphs (3) and (4), by striking a pilot program each place such term appears and inserting a Civilian Commercialization Readiness Program;
 (5)in paragraph (6), by striking the pilot program and inserting a Civilian Agency Commercialization Readiness Program; (6)by striking paragraph (7) and redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (7); and
 (7)in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated), by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:  (B)the term Civilian Agency Commercialization Readiness Program means each program established under paragraph (1)..
 12.Commercialization assistance pilot programsSection 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638), as amended by section 10, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

				(ww)Commercialization assistance pilot programs
					(1)Pilot programs implemented
 (A)In generalExcept as provided in subparagraph (B), not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, a covered agency shall implement a commercialization assistance pilot program, under which an eligible entity may receive a subsequent Phase II SBIR award.
 (B)ExceptionIf the Administrator determines that a covered agency has a program that is sufficiently similar to the commercialization assistance pilot program established under this subsection, such covered agency shall not be required to implement a commercialization assistance pilot program under this subsection.
 (2)Percent of agency fundsThe head of each covered agency may allocate not more than 5 percent of the funds allocated to the SBIR program of the covered agency for the purpose of making a subsequent Phase II SBIR award under the commercialization assistance pilot program.
 (3)TerminationA commercialization assistance pilot program established under this subsection shall terminate on September 30, 2022.
 (4)ApplicationTo be selected to receive a subsequent Phase II SBIR award under a commercialization assistance pilot program, an eligible entity shall submit to the covered agency implementing such pilot program an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the covered agency may require, including—
 (A)an updated Phase II commercialization plan; and (B)the source and amount of the matching funding required under paragraph (5).
						(5)Matching funding
 (A)In generalThe Administrator shall require, as a condition of any subsequent Phase II SBIR award made to an eligible entity under this subsection, that a matching amount (excluding any fees collected by the eligible entity receiving such award) equal to the amount of such award be provided from an eligible third-party investor.
 (B)Ineligible sourcesAn eligible entity may not use funding from ineligible sources to meet the matching requirement of subparagraph (A).
 (6)AwardA subsequent Phase II SBIR award made to an eligible entity under this subsection— (A)may not exceed the limitation described under subsection (aa)(1); and
 (B)shall be disbursed during Phase II. (7)Use of fundsThe funds awarded to an eligible entity under this subsection may only be used for research and development activities that build on eligible entity’s Phase II program and ensure the research funded under such Phase II is rapidly progressing towards commercialization.
 (8)SelectionIn selecting eligible entities to participate in a commercialization assistance pilot program under this subsection, the head of a covered agency shall consider—
 (A)the extent to which such award could aid the eligible entity in commercializing the research funded under the eligible entity’s Phase II program;
 (B)whether the updated Phase II commercialization plan submitted under paragraph (4) provides a sound approach for establishing technical feasibility that could lead to commercialization of such research;
 (C)whether the proposed activities to be conducted under such updated Phase II commercialization plan further improve the likelihood that such research will provide societal benefits;
 (D)whether the small business concern has progressed satisfactorily in Phase II to justify receipt of a subsequent Phase II SBIR award;
 (E)the expectations of the eligible third-party investor that provides matching funding under paragraph (5); and
 (F)the likelihood that the proposed activities to be conducted under such updated Phase II commercialization plan using matching funding provided by such eligible third-party investor will lead to commercial and societal benefit.
 (9)Evaluation ReportNot later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate, a report including—
 (A)a summary of the activities of commercialization assistance pilot programs carried out under this subsection;
 (B)a detailed compilation of results achieved by such commercialization assistance pilot programs, including the number of eligible entities that received awards under such programs;
 (C)the rate at which each eligible entity that received a subsequent Phase II SBIR award under this subsection commercialized research of the recipient;
 (D)the growth in employment and revenue of eligible entities that is attributable to participation in a commercialization assistance pilot program;
 (E)a comparison of commercialization success of eligible entities participating in a commercialization assistance pilot program with recipients of an additional Phase II SBIR award under subsection (ff);
 (F)demographic information, such as ethnicity and geographic location, of eligible entities participating in a commercialization assistance pilot program;
 (G)an accounting of the funds used at each covered agency that implements a commercialization assistance pilot program under this subsection;
 (H)the amount of matching funding provided by eligible third-party investors, set forth separately by source of funding;
 (I)an analysis of the effectiveness of the commercialization assistance pilot program implemented by each covered agency; and
 (J)recommendations for improvements to the commercialization assistance pilot program. (10)DefinitionsFor purposes of this subsection:
 (A)Covered agencyThe term covered agency means a Federal agency required to have an SBIR program. (B)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means a small business concern that has received a Phase II award under an SBIR program and an additional Phase II SBIR award under subsection (ff) from the covered agency to which such small business concern is applying for a subsequent Phase II SBIR award.
 (C)Eligible third-party investorThe term eligible third-party investor means a small business concern other than an eligible entity, a venture capital firm, an individual investor, a non-SBIR Federal, State or local government, or any combination thereof.
 (D)Ineligible sourcesThe term ineligible sources means the following: (i)The eligible entity’s internal research and development funds.
 (ii)Funding in forms other than cash, such as in-kind or other intangible assets. (iii)Funding from the owners of the eligible entity, or the family members or affiliates of such owners.
 (iv)Funding attained through loans or other forms of debt obligations. (E)Subsequent Phase II SBIR awardThe term subsequent Phase II SBIR award means an award granted to an eligible entity under this subsection to carry out further commercialization activities for research conducted pursuant to an SBIR program..
		13.Phase 0 Proof of Concept Partnership Pilot Program
 (a)Inclusion of additional agencies in pilot programSection 9(jj) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(jj) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1)—
 (A)by striking The Director of the National Institutes of Health and inserting Each covered agency head; and (B)by striking the Director and inserting each covered agency head;
 (2)by amending subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) to read as follows:  (A)the term covered agency head means the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Director of the National Science Foundation, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Secretary of Energy;;
 (3)in paragraph (4)— (A)in subparagraph (A), by striking The Director and inserting Each covered agency head; and
 (B)in subparagraph (B), by striking the Director shall consider, in addition to any other criteria the Director and inserting each covered agency head shall consider, in addition to any other criteria the appropriate covered agency head; and
 (4)in paragraph (6), by striking The Director and inserting Each covered agency head. (b)Extension of pilot program authoritySection 9(jj)(7) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(jj)(7)) is amended by striking fiscal year 2017 and inserting fiscal year 2022.
			14.Reporting requirements
 (a)Annual report to CongressSection 9(b)(7) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(b)(7)) is amended by striking to report not less than annually and inserting to submit a report not later than December 31 of each year. (b)Annual report to SBA and the Office of Science and Technology PolicySection 9(g)(9) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(g)(9)) is amended—
 (1)by striking make an annual report and inserting not later than March 30 of each year, submit a report; and (2)by striking and the Office of Science and Technology Policy and inserting , the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate.
 15.SBIR Phase flexibilitySection 9(cc) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(cc)) is amended by striking During fiscal years and all that follows through may each provide and inserting During fiscal years 2018 through 2022, all agencies participating in the SBIR program may provide. 16.Extension of deadline for assistance for administrative, oversight, and contract processing costsSection 9(mm)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(mm)(1)), as amended by this Act, is further amended by striking September 30, 2017 and inserting September 30, 2022.

	Passed the House of Representatives October 11, 2017.Karen L. Haas,Clerk


113 S1624 IS: VOW to Hire Heroes Extension Act of 2013
U.S. Senate

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.

II113th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1624IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESOctober 30, 2013Mr. Blumenthal (for himself, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, Mr. Merkley, Mrs. Shaheen, and Mr. Cardin) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the work opportunity credit for hiring veterans, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 VOW to Hire Heroes Extension Act of 2013.2.Extension of work
			 opportunity credit for veterans(a)In
			 generalSubparagraph (B) of section
			 51(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking
			 after December 31, 2013. and inserting “after—(i)December 31, 2017, in the case of a qualified veteran, and(ii)December 31, 2013, in the case of any other individual..(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to
			 individuals who begin work for the employer after December 31, 2013.3.Simplified
			 certification of veteran status(a)In
			 generalSubparagraph (D) of section 51(d)(13) of the Internal
			 Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:(D)Pre-screening
				of qualified veterans(i)In
				generalSubparagraph (A) shall be applied without regard to
				subclause (II) of clause (ii) thereof in the case of an individual seeking
				treatment as a qualified veteran with respect to whom the pre-screening notice
				contains—(I)qualified veteran
				status documentation,(II)qualified proof
				of unemployment compensation, and(III)an affidavit
				furnished by the individual stating, under penalty of perjury, that the
				information provided under subclauses (I) and (II) is true.(ii)Qualified
				veteran status documentationFor purposes of clause (i), the term
				qualified veteran status documentation means any documentation
				provided to an individual by the Department of Defense or the National Guard
				upon release or discharge from the Armed Forces which includes information
				sufficient to establish that such individual is a veteran.(iii)Qualified
				proof of unemployment compensationFor purposes of clause (i),
				the term qualified proof of unemployment compensation means, with
				respect to an individual, checks or other proof of receipt of payment of
				unemployment compensation to such individual for periods aggregating not less
				than 4 weeks (in the case of an individual seeking treatment under paragraph
				(3)(A)(iii)), or not less than 6 months (in the case of an individual seeking
				treatment under clause (ii)(II) or (iv) of paragraph (3)(A)), during the 1-year
				period ending on the hiring
				date..(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to
			 individuals who begin work for the employer after the date of the enactment of
			 this Act.4.Credit made
			 available against payroll taxes in certain circumstances(a)In
			 generalParagraph (2) of section 52(c) of the Internal Revenue
			 Code of 1986 is amended—(1)by striking
			 qualified tax-exempt
			 organizations in the heading and inserting
			 certain
			 employers, and(2)by striking
			 by qualified tax-exempt organizations and inserting by
			 certain employers.(b)Credit allowed
			 to certain for-Profit employersSubsection (e) of section 3111 of
			 the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—(1)by inserting
			 or a qualified for-profit employer after If a qualified
			 tax-exempt organization in paragraph (1),(2)by striking
			 with respect to whom a credit would be allowable under section 38 by
			 reason of section 51 if the organization were not a qualified tax-exempt
			 organization in paragraph (1),(3)by inserting
			 or for-profit employer after employees of the
			 organization each place it appears in paragraphs (1) and (2),(4)by inserting
			 in the case of a qualified tax-exempt organization, before
			 by only taking into account in subparagraph (C) of paragraph
			 (3),(5)by inserting
			 or for-profit employer after the organization in
			 paragraph (4),(6)by redesignating
			 subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) as subparagraph (C) of such paragraph, by
			 striking and at the end of subparagraph (A) of such paragraph,
			 and by inserting after subparagraph (A) of such paragraph the following new
			 subparagraph:(B)the term
				qualified for-profit employer means, with respect to a taxable
				year, an employer not described in subparagraph (A), but only if—(i)such employer
				does not have profits for any of the 3 taxable years preceding such taxable
				year, and(ii)such employer
				elects under section 51(j) not to have section 51 apply to such taxable year,
				and,
				and(7)by striking
			 has meaning given such term by section 51(d)(3) in subparagraph
			 (C) of paragraph (5), as so redesignated, and inserting means a
			 qualified veteran (within the meaning of section 51(d)(3)) with respect to whom
			 a credit would be allowable under section 38 by reason of section 51 if the
			 employer of such veteran were not a qualified tax-exempt organization or a
			 qualified for-profit employer.(c)Transfers to
			 Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust FundThere are
			 hereby appropriated to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Trust Fund and the
			 Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund established under section 201 of the
			 Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401) amounts equal to the reduction in revenues
			 to the Treasury by reason of the amendments made by subsections (a) and (b).
			 Amounts appropriated by the preceding sentence shall be transferred from the
			 general fund at such times and in such manner as to replicate to the extent
			 possible the transfers which would have occurred to such Trust Fund had such
			 amendments not been enacted.(d)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply
			 to individuals who begin work for the employer after the date of the enactment
			 of this Act.5.ReportNot later than 2 years after the date of the
			 enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Internal
			 Revenue, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall report to the
			 Congress on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the amendments made by
			 sections 2, 3, and 4 in increasing the employment of veterans. Such report
			 shall include the results of a survey, conducted, if needed, in consultation
			 with the Veterans' Employment and Training Service of the Department of Labor,
			 to determine how many veterans are hired by each employer that claims the
			 credit under section 51, by reason of subsection (d)(1)(B) thereof, or 3111(e)
			 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.6.Treatment of
			 Possessions(a)Payments to
			 possessions(1)Mirror code
			 possessionsThe Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to each
			 possession of the United States with a mirror code tax system amounts equal to
			 the loss to that possession by reason of the amendments made by this Act. Such
			 amounts shall be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury based on
			 information provided by the government of the respective possession of the
			 United States.(2)Other
			 possessionsThe Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to each
			 possession of the United States which does not have a mirror code tax system
			 the amount estimated by the Secretary of the Treasury as being equal to the
			 loss to that possession that would have occurred by reason of the amendments
			 made by this Act if a mirror code tax system had been in effect in such
			 possession. The preceding sentence shall not apply with respect to any
			 possession of the United States unless such possession establishes to the
			 satisfaction of the Secretary that the possession has implemented (or, at the
			 discretion of the Secretary, will implement) an income tax benefit which is
			 substantially equivalent to the income tax credit in effect after the
			 amendments made by this Act.(b)Coordination
			 with credit allowed against united states income taxesThe credit
			 allowed against United States income taxes for any taxable year under the
			 amendments made by this Act to section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
			 to any person with respect to any qualified veteran shall be reduced by the
			 amount of any credit (or other tax benefit described in subsection (a)(2))
			 allowed to such person against income taxes imposed by the possession of the
			 United States by reason of this section with respect to such qualified veteran
			 for such taxable year.(c)Definitions and
			 special rules(1)Possession of
			 the united statesFor purposes of this section, the term
			 possession of the United States includes American Samoa, Guam, the
			 Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
			 and the United States Virgin Islands.(2)Mirror code tax
			 systemFor purposes of this section, the term mirror code
			 tax system means, with respect to any possession of the United States,
			 the income tax system of such possession if the income tax liability of the
			 residents of such possession under such system is determined by reference to
			 the income tax laws of the United States as if such possession were the United
			 States.(3)Treatment of
			 paymentsFor purposes of section 1324(b)(2) of title 31, United
			 States Code, the payments under this section shall be treated in the same
			 manner as a refund due from credit provisions described in such section.


114 HRES 690 IH: Recognizing and celebrating April as “National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month”.
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-04-18
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
114th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 690
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 18, 2016
Mr. Honda submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

RESOLUTION
Recognizing and celebrating April as National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month.

Whereas the National Association for Bilingual Education has made invaluable contributions to the efforts nationally to advance educational equity and excellence for bilingual/multilingual students, and as part of this effort has initiated the recognition of April 2016 as the first National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month; Whereas National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month recognizes that bilingual/multilingual learners are one of the fastest growing student populations in U.S. schools, that this group of students brings multiple assets to schools and adds to the rich diversity among students;
Whereas National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month is an opportunity to draw attention to the persistent gap between bilingual/multilingual learners and native English-speaking students; Whereas National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month calls on stakeholders at all levels to examine the diverse needs of bilingual/multilingual learners and to build an inclusive and respectful culture;
Whereas National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month highlights a commitment to ensure educational equity and access leading these learners to thrive academically and become productive biliterate/multiliterate global citizens; Whereas National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month encourages institutions to adopt policies and practices such as dual language instructional programs that value and use students’ languages and cultural assets to learn high academic content, promote long-term academic achievement, and increase graduation rates;
Whereas National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month calls for the need to prepare highly qualified bilingual teachers in all disciplines to address the unique needs of bilingual/multilingual learners in diverse settings; Whereas National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month calls for the need to engage parents and guardians of bilingual/multilingual learners in their student’s educational journey; and
Whereas the National Association for Bilingual Education recognizes the significant languages and cultural assets that bilingual/multilingual learners bring to schools: Now, therefore, be it  That the House of Representatives recognizes and celebrates National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month.


116 S523 IS: Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-02-14
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II
116th CONGRESS1st Session
S. 523
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

February 14, 2019
Mr. Markey (for himself, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Warren, Mr. Merkley, and Ms. Klobuchar) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

A BILL
To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a national strategic action plan and program to assist health professionals and systems in preparing for and responding to the public health effects of climate change, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act of 2019.  2.Sense of congress on public health and climate change (a)FindingsThe U.S. Global Change Research Program Climate and Health Assessment states that—
(1)the impacts of human-induced climate change are increasing nationwide;  (2)rising greenhouse gas concentrations result in increases in temperature, changes in precipitation, increases in the frequency and intensity of some extreme weather events, and rising sea levels;
(3)these climate change impacts endanger our health by affecting our food and water sources, the air we breathe, the weather we experience, and our interactions with the built and natural environments; and  (4)as the climate continues to change, the risks to human health continue to grow.
(b)Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that— (1)climate change is real;
(2)human activity significantly contributes to climate change;  (3)climate change negatively impacts health;
(4)climate change disproportionately impacts communities of color and low-income communities; and  (5)the Federal Government, in cooperation with international, State, tribal, and local governments, concerned public, private and Native American organizations, and citizens, should use all practicable means and measures—
(A)to assist the efforts of public health and health care professionals, first responders, health care systems, States, the District of Columbia, territories, municipalities, and Native American and local communities to incorporate measures to prepare public health and health care systems to respond to the impacts of climate change;  (B)to ensure—
(i)that the Nation’s public health and health care professionals have sufficient information to prepare for and respond to the adverse health impacts of climate change;  (ii)the application of scientific research in advancing understanding of—
(I)the health impacts of climate change; and  (II)strategies to prepare for and respond to the health impacts of climate change;
(iii)the identification of communities and populations vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change, including infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with disabilities or pre-existing illnesses, low-income populations, and unhoused individuals, and the development of strategic response plans to be carried out by public health and health care professionals for those communities;  (iv)the improvement of health status and health equity through efforts to prepare for and respond to climate change; and
(v)the inclusion of health impacts in the development of climate change responses;  (C)to encourage further research, interdisciplinary partnership, and collaboration among stakeholders in order to—
(i)understand and monitor the health impacts of climate change;  (ii)improve public health knowledge and response strategies to climate change;
(iii)identify actions and policies that are beneficial to health and that mitigate climate health impacts; and  (iv)develop strategies to address water-, food-, and vector-borne infectious diseases and other public health emergencies;
(D)to enhance preparedness activities, and health care and public health infrastructure, relating to climate change and health;  (E)to encourage each and every community to learn about the impacts of climate change on health; and
(F)to assist the efforts of developing nations to incorporate measures to prepare public health and health care systems to respond to the impacts of climate change.  3.Relationship to other lawsNothing in this Act limits the authority provided to or responsibility conferred on any Federal department or agency by any provision of any law (including regulations) or authorizes any violation of any provision of any law (including regulations), including any health, energy, environmental, transportation, or any other law or regulation.
4.National strategic action plan and program
(a)Requirement
(1)In generalThe Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this Act as the Secretary), on the basis of the best available science, and in consultation pursuant to paragraph (2), shall publish a strategic action plan and establish a program to ensure the public health and health care systems are prepared for and can respond to the impacts of climate change on health in the United States and other nations.  (2)ConsultationIn developing or making any revision to the national strategic action plan and program, the Secretary shall—
(A)consult with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans & Atmosphere, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Director of the Indian Health Service, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, other appropriate Federal agencies, Indian tribes, State and local governments, public health organizations, scientists, representatives of at-risk populations, and other interested stakeholders; and  (B)provide opportunity for public input and consultation with Indian tribes and Native American organizations.
(b)Activities
(1)National strategic action plan
(A)In generalNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in collaboration with other Federal agencies as appropriate, shall, on the basis of the best available science, and in consultation with the entities described in subsection (a)(2)(A), publish a national strategic action plan under subparagraph (B) to guide the climate and health program and assist public health and health care professionals in preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate change on public health in the United States and other nations, particularly developing nations.  (B)National strategic action plan componentsThe national strategic plan shall include an assessment of the health system capacity of the United States to address climate change including—
(i)identifying and prioritizing communities and populations vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change;  (ii)providing outreach and communication aimed at public health and health care professionals and the public to promote preparedness and response strategies;
(iii)providing for programs across Federal agencies to advance research related to the impacts of climate change on health;  (iv)identifying and assessing existing preparedness and response strategies for the health impacts of climate change;
(v)prioritizing critical public health and health care infrastructure projects;  (vi)providing modeling and forecasting tools of climate change health impacts, including local impacts, where feasible;
(vii)establishing academic and regional centers of excellence;  (viii)providing technical assistance and support for preparedness and response plans for the health threats of climate change in States, municipalities, territories, Indian tribes, and developing nations; and
(ix)developing, improving, integrating, and maintaining domestic and international disease surveillance systems and monitoring capacity to respond to health-related impacts of climate change, including on topics addressing— (I)water-, food-, and vector-borne infectious diseases and climate change;
(II)pulmonary effects, including responses to aeroallergens and toxic exposures;  (III)cardiovascular effects, including impacts of temperature extremes;
(IV)air pollution health effects, including heightened sensitivity to air pollution;  (V)harmful algal blooms;
(VI)mental and behavioral health impacts of climate change;  (VII)the health of migrants, refugees, displaced persons, and vulnerable communities;
(VIII)the implications for communities and populations vulnerable to the health effects of climate change, as well as strategies for responding to climate change within these communities;  (IX)tribal, local, and community-based health interventions for climate-related health impacts;
(X)extreme heat and weather events, including drought;  (XI)decreased nutritional value of crops; and
(XII)disruptions in access to routine and acute medical care.  (2)Climate and health programThe Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and in collaboration with other Federal agencies, as appropriate, shall ensure that the climate and health program established under this section addresses priority health actions including the following:
(A)Serve as a credible source of information on the physical, mental, and behavioral health consequences of climate change for the United States population and globally.  (B)Track data on environmental conditions, disease risks, and disease occurrence related to climate change.
(C)Expand capacity for modeling and forecasting health effects that may be climate-related.  (D)Enhance the science base to better understand the relationship between climate change and health outcomes.
(E)Identify locations and population groups at greatest risk for specific health threats and effects, such as increased heat stress, degraded air and water quality, food or water-related infections, vector-borne illnesses, pulmonary and cardiovascular effects, mental and behavioral health effects and food, water, and nutrient insecurity.  (F)Communicate the health-related aspects of climate change, including risks and associated costs and ways to reduce them, to the public, decisionmakers, public health professionals, and health care providers.
(G)Develop partnerships with other government agencies, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations, universities, and international organizations to more effectively address domestic and global health aspects of climate change.  (H)Provide leadership to State and local governments, community leaders, health care professionals, nongovernmental organizations, environmental justice networks, faith-based communities, the private sector and the public, domestically and internationally, regarding health protection from climate change effects.
(I)Develop and implement preparedness and response plans for health threats such as heat waves, severe weather events, and infectious diseases.  (J)Provide technical advice and support to State and local health departments, the private sector, and others in developing and implementing national and global preparedness measures related to the health effects of climate change.
(K)Promote workforce development by helping to ensure the training of a new generation of competent, experienced public health and health care professionals to respond to the health threats posed by climate change.  (c)Periodic assessment and revisionNot later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary shall periodically assess, and revise as necessary, the national strategic action plan under subsection (b)(1) and the climate and health program under subsection (b)(2), to reflect new information collected pursuant to the implementation of the national strategic action plan and program and otherwise, including information on—
(1)the status of critical environmental health indicators and related human health impacts;  (2)the impacts of climate change on public health; and
(3)advances in the development of strategies for preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate change on public health.  (d)Implementation (1)Implementation through HHSThe Secretary shall exercise the Secretary’s authority under this Act and other Federal statutes to achieve the goals and measures of the national strategic action plan and climate and health program.
(2)Other public health programs and initiativesThe Secretary and Federal officials of other relevant Federal agencies shall administer public health programs and initiatives authorized by laws other than this Act, subject to the requirements of such laws, in a manner designed to achieve the goals of the national strategic action plan and climate and health program.  5.Advisory board (a)EstablishmentThe Secretary shall, pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), establish a permanent science advisory board to be comprised of not less than 10 and not more than 20 members.
(b)Appointment of membersThe Secretary shall appoint the members of the science advisory board from among individuals who— (1)are recommended by the President of the National Academy of Sciences and the President of the National Academy of Medicine; and
(2)have expertise in essential public health and health care services, including those related to vulnerable populations, climate change, and other relevant disciplines. The Secretary shall ensure that the science advisory board includes members with practical or lived experience with relevant issues. (c)FunctionsThe science advisory board shall—
(1)provide scientific and technical advice and recommendations to the Secretary on the domestic and international impacts of climate change on public health, populations and regions particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and strategies and mechanisms to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change on public health; and  (2)advise the Secretary regarding the best science available for purposes of issuing the national strategic action plan and conducting the climate and health program.
6.Climate change health protection and promotion reports
(a)In generalThe Secretary shall offer to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, under which such National Academies will prepare periodic reports to aid public health and health care professionals in preparing for and responding to the adverse health effects of climate change that— (1)review scientific developments on health impacts of climate change; and
(2)recommend changes to the national strategic action plan and climate and health program.  (b)SubmissionThe agreement under subsection (a) shall require a report to be submitted to Congress and the Secretary and made publicly available not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 4 years thereafter.


113 HR 2526 IH: To amend title 28, United States Code, to add a Federal defender representative as a nonvoting member of the United States Sentencing Commission, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-06-26
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. 2526
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 26, 2013
			Mr. Scott of Virginia
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		A BILL
		To amend title 28, United States Code, to add a Federal
		  defender representative as a nonvoting member of the United States Sentencing
		  Commission, and for other purposes.

		1.Federal defender
			 representative as a nonvoting member of U.S. Sentencing
			 CommissionSubsection (a) of
			 section 991 of title 28, United States Code, is amended—
			(1)by striking
			 one nonvoting member. at the end of the first sentence and
			 inserting two nonvoting members.; and
			(2)by inserting
			 before the last sentence the following: A Federal defender
			 representative designated by the Judicial Conference of the United States shall
			 be a nonvoting member of the Commission..
			2.Conforming
			 amendmentThe final sentence
			 of section 235(b)(5) of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 (18 U.S.C.
			 3551 note) is amended by striking nine members, including two ex
			 officio, nonvoting members and inserting ten members, including
			 three nonvoting members.