116 HRES 526 IH: Improving Transparency for the American People Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-07-25
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.

IV116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 526IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 25, 2019Mr. Kilmer (for himself, Mr. Graves of Georgia, Ms. DelBene, Mr. Rodney Davis of Illinois, Mrs. Brooks of Indiana, Ms. Scanlon, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Woodall, Mr. Pocan, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Timmons, and Mr. Newhouse) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules, and in addition to the Committees on House Administration, and the Judiciary, 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 concernedRESOLUTIONAmending the Rules of the House of Representatives to implement the first set of recommendations adopted by the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.
1.Short titleThis resolution may be cited as the Improving Transparency for the American People Act of 2019.  2.Adoption of standardized format for legislative documentsThe Clerk is authorized and directed to provide periodic updates to the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Rules regarding the implementation of the U.S. Legislative Markup and a plan for its completion including a timeline.
3.Legislation comparison projectThe Clerk shall report to the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Appropriations an assessment of the funding and other resources needed to expedite and complete the legislation comparison project, including the training of staff.  4.Assignment of unique identifiers for reports filed by registered lobbyists (a)Assignment of identifiersThe Clerk, in consultation with the Secretary of the Senate, shall establish and implement a process under which the Clerk shall assign a unique identification number with respect to each person who files a registration statement or other report required to be filed with the Clerk under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), and shall ensure that such unique identification number will be used for all purposes under such Act (including the public availability of such statements and reports) with respect to each statement or report filed by that person with the Clerk under such Act.
(b)DeadlineThe Clerk shall establish and implement the process required under subsection (a) not later than 180 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution. 5.Database of information on expiration of authorizations of programs (a)Duties of the ClerkClause 2 of rule II of the Rules of the House of Representatives is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(l)The Clerk shall— (1)establish and maintain on its public website an up-to-date database of the expiration dates of all Federal programs and the committee of subject matter jurisdiction over each such program;
(2)provide that such database is searchable, sortable, and downloadable; and (3)post all such information within 30 days after receipt of such information..
(b)Duties of CommitteesRule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:    Duty to provide certain information to the Clerk12. (a)Except as provided by paragraph (b), each standing committee shall provide to the Clerk on an ongoing basis an up-to-date list of the expiration dates of all programs within its subject matter jurisdiction so the Clerk can post the information required by clause 2(l) of rule II.
(b)The requirements described in paragraph (a) do not apply to the following committees: the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Ethics, and the Committee on Rules, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.. (c)Effective dateThe committees referred to in the amendment made by subsection (b) to clause 12(a) of rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives shall provide to the Clerk the information so required not later than 90 days after the date of adoption of this subsection.
6.Database of votes taken in committees
(a)Duties of the ClerkClause 2 of rule II of the Rules of the House of Representatives (as amended by section 5) is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:  (m)The Clerk shall—
(1)establish and maintain on its public website a separate database for the 116th and each subsequent Congress of all recorded votes in committees except for the Committee on Ethics or for any votes taken in executive session, and ensure that the database is up-to-date, sortable, and downloadable on a committee-by-committee basis; and (2)incorporate information on such votes on the database with respect to a committee immediately upon receipt of the relevant information from the committee under clause 13 of rule X. .
(b)Duties of CommitteesRule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives (as amended by section 5) is further amended by adding at the end the following new clause:    Duty to provide certain information to the Clerk13. (a)Each standing and select committee shall provide to the Clerk the information respecting recorded votes in that committee so the Clerk can post on a timely basis on its website the information required by clause 2(l) of rule II. For any recorded vote, such information shall be transmitted to the Clerk not later than the 72 hours after the vote is recorded.
(b)In providing information to the Clerk under paragraph (a), the committee shall include a brief description of the matter on which the recorded vote was taken, including the name of each member of the committee voting on that matter and whether the vote was in the affirmative or the negative and the total tally of the votes. (c)The requirements described in this clause do not apply to the Committee on Ethics or to any vote taken in executive session..
(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply to votes taken 72 or more hours after the Clerk notifies all committees that the database established under clause 2 of rule II of the Rules of the House of Representatives has been established.


I
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3267
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 20, 2009
Mr. Meek of Florida introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide relief with respect to the children of members of the Armed Forces of the United States who die as a result of service in a combat zone.

1.Increase in child credit with respect to children of members of the Armed Forces of the United States who die as a result of service in a combat zone
(a)In generalSubsection (a) of section 24 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to allowance of credit) is amended to read as follows:

(a)Allowance of credit
(1)In generalThere shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year with respect to each qualifying child of the taxpayer for which the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under section 151 an amount equal to $1,000.
(2)Increase in credit in case of member of the Armed Forces who dies as a result of service in a combat zoneIn the case of taxpayer—
(A)whose deceased spouse is an individual to whom section 692(a) (relating to general rule for income taxes of members of armed forces on death) applies,
(B)with respect to whom the qualifying child is a child (as defined in section 152(f)(1)) of such deceased spouse, and
(C)who, as of the close of the taxable year, has not remarried after the death of such deceased spouse,paragraph (1) shall be applied with respect to such qualifying child by substituting $5,000 for $1,000..
(b)AGI limitation not applicableSubsection (b) of section 24 of such Code (relating to limitations) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(4)AGI limitation not applicable to increased credit amount with respect to certain deceased members of the Armed ForcesParagraph (1) shall not apply to the portion of the credit amount allowable under subsection (a) by reason of paragraph (2) thereof..
(c)Effective dateThe amendments allowed by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.


110 HR 3060 IH: Colorectal Cancer Screening and

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-07-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3060
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 17, 2007
			Mr. Boren (for
			 himself and Mr. Hall of Texas)
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on
			 Ways and Means,
			 Education and Labor, and
			 Oversight and Government
			 Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
			 Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
			 jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee
		  Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and
		  title 5, United States Code, to require that group and individual health
		  insurance coverage and group health plans and Federal employees health benefit
		  plans provide coverage of colorectal cancer screening.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Colorectal Cancer Screening and
			 Detection Coverage Act of 2007.
		2.Coverage of
			 colorectal cancer screening
			(a)Group health
			 plans
				(1)Public Health Service Act amendments
					(A)In
			 generalSubpart 2 of part A
			 of title XXVII of the Public Health Service
			 Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–4 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
			 following new section:

							2707.Coverage of
				colorectal cancer screening
								(a)Requirement
									(1)In
				generalA group health plan,
				and a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage, shall
				provide coverage under the plan or coverage, respectively, for colorectal
				cancer screening for any participant or beneficiary who is 50 years of age or
				older, or is an individual who is at high risk for colorectal cancer (as
				defined in section 1861(pp)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
				1395x(pp)(2)), under terms and conditions that are no less favorable than the
				terms and conditions applicable to other screening benefits otherwise provided
				under the plan or coverage, respectively.
									(2)Colorectal
				cancer screening definedFor
				purposes of this section, the term colorectal cancer screening
				means procedures that—
										(A)are deemed appropriate by a physician (as
				defined in section 1861(r) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(r)))
				treating the participant or beneficiary, in consultation with the participant
				or beneficiary;
										(B)are—
											(i)described in
				section 1861(pp)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(pp)(1)) or
				section 410.37 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations;
											(ii)specified by the Secretary for the
				detection of colorectal cancer, based upon the recommendations of appropriate
				organizations with special expertise in the field of colorectal cancer,
				including the American Cancer Society and the American College of
				Gastroenterology; or
											(iii)specified by the Secretary, based upon new
				scientific knowledge, technological advances, or other updated medical
				practices with respect to detection of colorectal cancer; and
											(C)are performed at a
				frequency not greater than that—
											(i)described for such
				method in section 1834(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(d)) or
				section 410.37 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations; or
											(ii)specified by the Secretary for such method,
				if the Secretary finds, based upon new scientific knowledge, technological
				advances, or other updated medical practices and consistent with the
				recommendations of appropriate organizations with special expertise in the
				field of colorectal cancer, that a different frequency would not adversely
				affect the effectiveness of such screening.
											(b)ProtectionsA
				group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group health
				insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan, may not—
									(1)deny to an
				individual eligibility, or continued eligibility, to enroll or to renew
				coverage under the terms of the plan, solely for the purpose of avoiding the
				requirements of this section;
									(2)provide monetary
				payments or rebates to individuals to encourage such individuals to accept less
				than the minimum protections available under this section;
									(3)penalize or
				otherwise reduce or limit the reimbursement of a provider because such provider
				provided care to an individual participant or beneficiary in accordance with
				this section; or
									(4)provide incentives
				(monetary or otherwise) to an attending provider to induce such provider to
				provide care to an individual participant or beneficiary in a manner
				inconsistent with this section.
									(c)Rules of
				Construction
									(1)Nothing in this
				section shall be construed to require an individual who is a participant or
				beneficiary to undergo colorectal cancer screening.
									(2)Nothing in this section shall be construed
				as preventing a group health plan or issuer from imposing deductibles,
				coinsurance, or other cost-sharing in relation to colorectal cancer screening
				under the plan (or under health insurance coverage offered in connection with a
				group health plan), except that such coinsurance or other cost-sharing shall
				not discriminate on any basis related to the coverage required under this
				section.
									(d)NoticeA
				group health plan under this part shall comply with the notice requirement
				under section 714(d) of the Employee Retirement
				Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to the requirements of this
				section as if such section applied to such plan.
								(e)Disclosure
				Requirement
									(1)In
				generalA group health plan, and health insurance issuer offering
				group health insurance coverage shall—
										(A)provide to
				participants and beneficiaries at the time of initial coverage under the plan
				(or the effective date of this section, in the case of individuals who are
				participants or beneficiaries as of such date), and at least annually
				thereafter, the information described in paragraph (2);
										(B)provide to
				participants and beneficiaries, within a reasonable period (as specified by the
				appropriate Secretary) before or after the date of significant changes in the
				information described in paragraph (2), information regarding such significant
				changes; and
										(C)upon request, make
				available to participants and beneficiaries, the applicable authority, and
				prospective participants and beneficiaries, the information described in
				paragraph (2).
										(2)Information
				describedFor purposes of paragraph (1), the information
				described in this paragraph, with respect to colorectal cancer screening, is
				the following:
										(A)BenefitsBenefits
				offered under the plan or coverage, including—
											(i)covered benefits,
				including benefit limits and coverage exclusions;
											(ii)cost sharing,
				such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment amounts, including any
				liability for balance billing, any maximum limitations on out of pocket
				expenses, and the maximum out of pocket costs for services that are provided by
				nonparticipating providers or that are furnished without meeting the applicable
				utilization review requirements;
											(iii)the extent to
				which benefits may be obtained from nonparticipating providers; and
											(iv)the extent to
				which a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee may select from among
				participating providers and the types of providers participating in the plan or
				issuer network.
											(B)AccessA
				description of the following:
											(i)The
				number, mix, and distribution of providers under the plan or coverage.
											(ii)Out-of-network
				coverage (if any) provided by the plan or coverage.
											(iii)Any
				point-of-service option (including any supplemental premium or cost-sharing for
				such option).
											(iv)The procedures for
				participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees to select, access, and change
				participating primary and specialty providers.
											(v)The rights and
				procedures for obtaining referrals (including standing referrals) to
				participating and nonparticipating providers.
											(vi)The name,
				address, and telephone number of participating health care providers and an
				indication of whether each such provider is available to accept new
				patients.
											(vii)How the plan or
				issuer addresses the needs of participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees and
				others who do not speak English or who have other special communications needs
				in accessing providers under the plan or coverage, including the provision of
				information under this
				paragraph.
											.
					(B)Section 2723(c) of
			 such Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–23(c)) is amended by striking section
			 2704 and inserting sections 2704 and 2707.
					(2)ERISA
			 Amendments
					(A)Subpart B of part
			 7 of subtitle B of title I of the Employee
			 Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 is amended by adding at the
			 end the following new section:

							714.Coverage of
				colorectal cancer screening
								(a)Requirement
									(1)In
				generalA group health plan,
				and a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage, shall
				provide coverage under the plan or coverage, respectively, for colorectal
				cancer screening for any participant or beneficiary who is 50 years of age or
				older, or is an individual who is at high risk for colorectal cancer (as
				defined in section 1861(pp)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
				1395x(pp)(2)), under terms and conditions that are no less favorable than the
				terms and conditions applicable to other screening benefits otherwise provided
				under the plan or coverage, respectively.
									(2)Colorectal
				cancer screening definedFor
				purposes of this section, the term colorectal cancer screening
				means procedures that—
										(A)are deemed appropriate by a physician (as
				defined in section 1861(r) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(r)))
				treating the participant or beneficiary, in consultation with the participant
				or beneficiary;
										(B)are—
											(i)described in
				section 1861(pp)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(pp)(1)) or
				section 410.37 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations;
											(ii)specified by the Secretary for the
				detection of colorectal cancer, based upon the recommendations of appropriate
				organizations with special expertise in the field of colorectal cancer,
				including the American Cancer Society and the American College of
				Gastroenterology; or
											(iii)specified by the Secretary, based upon new
				scientific knowledge, technological advances, or other updated medical
				practices with respect to detection of colorectal cancer; and
											(C)are performed at a
				frequency not greater than that—
											(i)described for such
				method in section 1834(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(d)) or
				section 410.37 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations; or
											(ii)specified by the Secretary for such method,
				if the Secretary finds, based upon new scientific knowledge, technological
				advances, or other updated medical practices and consistent with the
				recommendations of appropriate organizations with special expertise in the
				field of colorectal cancer, that a different frequency would not adversely
				affect the effectiveness of such screening.
											(b)ProtectionsA
				group health plan, and a health insurance issuer offering group health
				insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan, may not—
									(1)deny to an
				individual eligibility, or continued eligibility, to enroll or to renew
				coverage under the terms of the plan, solely for the purpose of avoiding the
				requirements of this section;
									(2)provide monetary
				payments or rebates to individuals to encourage such individuals to accept less
				than the minimum protections available under this section;
									(3)penalize or
				otherwise reduce or limit the reimbursement of a provider because such provider
				provided care to an individual participant or beneficiary in accordance with
				this section; or
									(4)provide incentives
				(monetary or otherwise) to an attending provider to induce such provider to
				provide care to an individual participant or beneficiary in a manner
				inconsistent with this section.
									(c)Rules of
				Construction
									(1)Nothing in this
				section shall be construed to require an individual who is a participant or
				beneficiary to undergo colorectal cancer screening.
									(2)Nothing in this section shall be construed
				as preventing a group health plan or issuer from imposing deductibles,
				coinsurance, or other cost-sharing in relation to colorectal cancer screening
				under the plan (or under health insurance coverage offered in connection with a
				group health plan), except that such coinsurance or other cost-sharing shall
				not discriminate on any basis related to the coverage required under this
				section.
									(d)Notice under
				group health planThe imposition of the requirements of this
				section shall be treated as a material modification in the terms of the plan
				described in section 102(a), for purposes of assuring notice of such
				requirements under the plan; except that the summary description required to be
				provided under the fourth sentence of section 104(b)(1) with respect to such
				modification shall be provided by not later than 60 days after the first day of
				the first plan year in which such requirements apply.
								(e)Disclosure
				Requirement
									(1)In
				generalA group health plan, and health insurance issuer offering
				group health insurance coverage shall—
										(A)provide to
				participants and beneficiaries at the time of initial coverage under the plan
				(or the effective date of this section, in the case of individuals who are
				participants or beneficiaries as of such date), and at least annually
				thereafter, the information described in paragraph (2);
										(B)provide to
				participants and beneficiaries, within a reasonable period (as specified by the
				appropriate Secretary) before or after the date of significant changes in the
				information described in paragraph (2), information regarding such significant
				changes; and
										(C)upon request, make
				available to participants and beneficiaries, the applicable authority, and
				prospective participants and beneficiaries, the information described in
				paragraph (2).
										(2)Information
				describedFor purposes of paragraph (1), the information
				described in this paragraph, with respect to colorectal cancer screening, is
				the following:
										(A)BenefitsBenefits
				offered under the plan or coverage, including—
											(i)covered benefits,
				including benefit limits and coverage exclusions;
											(ii)cost sharing,
				such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment amounts, including any
				liability for balance billing, any maximum limitations on out of pocket
				expenses, and the maximum out of pocket costs for services that are provided by
				nonparticipating providers or that are furnished without meeting the applicable
				utilization review requirements;
											(iii)the extent to
				which benefits may be obtained from nonparticipating providers; and
											(iv)the extent to
				which a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee may select from among
				participating providers and the types of providers participating in the plan or
				issuer network.
											(B)AccessA
				description of the following:
											(i)The number, mix,
				and distribution of providers under the plan or coverage.
											(ii)Out-of-network
				coverage (if any) provided by the plan or coverage.
											(iii)Any
				point-of-service option (including any supplemental premium or cost-sharing for
				such option).
											(iv)The
				procedures for participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees to select, access,
				and change participating primary and specialty providers.
											(v)The rights and
				procedures for obtaining referrals (including standing referrals) to
				participating and nonparticipating providers.
											(vi)The name,
				address, and telephone number of participating health care providers and an
				indication of whether each such provider is available to accept new
				patients.
											(vii)How the plan or
				issuer addresses the needs of participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees and
				others who do not speak English or who have other special communications needs
				in accessing providers under the plan or coverage, including the provision of
				information under this
				paragraph.
											.
					(B)Section 731(c) of
			 such Act (29 U.S.C. 1191(c)) is amended by striking section 711
			 and inserting sections 711 and 714.
					(C)Section 732(a) of
			 such Act (29 U.S.C. 1191a(a)) is amended by striking section 711
			 and inserting sections 711 and 714.
					(D)The table of
			 contents in section 1 of such Act is amended by inserting after the item
			 relating to section 713 the following new item:

								Sec. 714. Coverage of colorectal cancer
				screening.

							.
					(3)Internal Revenue
			 Code amendments
					(A)Subchapter B of
			 chapter 100 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after
			 section 9812 the following new section:

							9813.Coverage of
				colorectal cancer screening
								(a)Requirement
									(1)In
				generalA group health plan
				shall provide coverage under the plan for colorectal cancer screening for any
				participant or beneficiary who is 50 years of age or older, or is an individual
				who is at high risk for colorectal cancer (as defined in section 1861(pp)(2) of
				the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(pp)(2)), under terms and conditions
				that are no less favorable than the terms and conditions applicable to other
				screening benefits otherwise provided under the plan.
									(2)Colorectal
				cancer screening definedFor
				purposes of this section, the term colorectal cancer screening
				means procedures that—
										(A)are deemed appropriate by a physician (as
				defined in section 1861(r) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(r)))
				treating the participant or beneficiary, in consultation with the participant
				or beneficiary;
										(B)are—
											(i)described in
				section 1861(pp)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(pp)(1)) or
				section 410.37 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations;
											(ii)specified by the Secretary of Health and
				Human Services for the detection of colorectal cancer, based upon the
				recommendations of appropriate organizations with special expertise in the
				field of colorectal cancer, including the American Cancer Society and the
				American College of Gastroenterology; or
											(iii)specified by the Secretary of Health and
				Human Services, based upon new scientific knowledge, technological advances, or
				other updated medical practices with respect to detection of colorectal cancer;
				and
											(C)are performed at a
				frequency not greater than that—
											(i)described for such
				method in section 1834(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(d)) or
				section 410.37 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations; or
											(ii)specified by the Secretary of Health and
				Human Services for such method, if such Secretary finds, based upon new
				scientific knowledge, technological advances, or other updated medical
				practices and consistent with the recommendations of appropriate organizations
				with special expertise in the field of colorectal cancer, that a different
				frequency would not adversely affect the effectiveness of such
				screening.
											(b)ProtectionsA
				group health plan may not—
									(1)deny to an
				individual eligibility, or continued eligibility, to enroll or to renew
				coverage under the terms of the plan, solely for the purpose of avoiding the
				requirements of this section;
									(2)provide monetary
				payments or rebates to individuals to encourage such individuals to accept less
				than the minimum protections available under this section;
									(3)penalize or
				otherwise reduce or limit the reimbursement of a provider because such provider
				provided care to an individual participant or beneficiary in accordance with
				this section; or
									(4)provide incentives
				(monetary or otherwise) to an attending provider to induce such provider to
				provide care to an individual participant or beneficiary in a manner
				inconsistent with this section.
									(c)Rules of
				Construction
									(1)Nothing in this
				section shall be construed to require an individual who is a participant or
				beneficiary to undergo colorectal cancer screening.
									(2)Nothing in this section shall be construed
				as preventing a group health plan from imposing deductibles, coinsurance, or
				other cost-sharing in relation to colorectal cancer screening under the plan,
				except that such coinsurance or other cost-sharing shall not discriminate on
				any basis related to the coverage required under this section.
									(d)Disclosure
				Requirement
									(1)In
				generalA group health plan shall—
										(A)provide to
				participants and beneficiaries at the time of initial coverage under the plan
				(or the effective date of this section, in the case of individuals who are
				participants or beneficiaries as of such date), and at least annually
				thereafter, the information described in paragraph (2);
										(B)provide to
				participants and beneficiaries, within a reasonable period (as specified by the
				appropriate Secretary) before or after the date of significant changes in the
				information described in paragraph (2), information regarding such significant
				changes; and
										(C)upon request, make
				available to participants and beneficiaries, the applicable authority, and
				prospective participants and beneficiaries, the information described in
				paragraph (2).
										(2)Information
				describedFor purposes of paragraph (1), the information
				described in this paragraph, with respect to colorectal cancer screening, is
				the following:
										(A)BenefitsBenefits
				offered under the plan, including—
											(i)covered benefits,
				including benefit limits and coverage exclusions;
											(ii)cost sharing,
				such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment amounts, including any
				liability for balance billing, any maximum limitations on out of pocket
				expenses, and the maximum out of pocket costs for services that are provided by
				nonparticipating providers or that are furnished without meeting the applicable
				utilization review requirements;
											(iii)the extent to
				which benefits may be obtained from nonparticipating providers; and
											(iv)the extent to
				which a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee may select from among
				participating providers and the types of providers participating in the plan or
				issuer network.
											(B)AccessA
				description of the following:
											(i)The
				number, mix, and distribution of providers under the plan.
											(ii)Out-of-network
				coverage (if any) provided by the plan.
											(iii)Any
				point-of-service option (including any supplemental premium or cost-sharing for
				such option).
											(iv)The procedures for
				participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees to select, access, and change
				participating primary and specialty providers.
											(v)The rights and
				procedures for obtaining referrals (including standing referrals) to
				participating and nonparticipating providers.
											(vi)The name,
				address, and telephone number of participating health care providers and an
				indication of whether each such provider is available to accept new
				patients.
											(vii)How the plan or
				issuer addresses the needs of participants, beneficiaries, and enrollees and
				others who do not speak English or who have other special communications needs
				in accessing providers under the plan, including the provision of information
				under this
				paragraph.
											.
					(B)The table of sections of such subchapter of
			 such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 9812 the
			 following new item:

								Sec. 9813. Coverage of colorectal cancer
				screening.

							.
					(C)Section
			 4980D(d)(1) of such Code is amended by striking section 9811 and
			 inserting sections 9811 and 9813.
					(b)Individual
			 health insurance
				(1)In
			 generalPart B of title XXVII of the
			 Public Health Service Act is amended
			 by inserting after section 2752 the following new section:

						2753.Coverage of
				colorectal cancer screening
							(a)In
				GeneralThe provisions of section 2707 (other than subsection
				(d)) shall apply to health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance
				issuer in the individual market in the same manner as it applies to health
				insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in connection with a
				group health plan in the small or large group market.
							(b)NoticeA
				health insurance issuer under this part shall comply with the notice
				requirement under section 714(d) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
				1974 with respect to the requirements referred to in subsection (a)
				as if such section applied to such issuer and such issuer were a group health
				plan.
							.
				(2)Conforming
			 AmendmentSection 2762(b)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
			 300gg–63(b)(2)) is amended by striking section 2751 and
			 inserting sections 2751 and 2753.
				(c)Application
			 under federal employees health benefits program (FEHBP)Section 8902 of title 5, United States
			 Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(p)A contract may not be made or a plan
				approved which does not comply with the requirements of section 2707 of the
				Public Health Service
				Act.
					.
			(d)Effective
			 Dates
				(1)Group health
			 plans and health benefit plansThe amendments made by subsections
			 (a) and (c) shall apply with respect to group health plans (and health
			 insurance coverage offered in connection with group health plans) and health
			 benefit plans, respectively, for plan years beginning on or after January 1,
			 2008.
				(2)Individual
			 health insuranceThe amendments made by subsection (b) shall
			 apply with respect to health insurance coverage offered, sold, issued, or
			 renewed in the individual market on or after January 1, 2008.
				(e)Coordination of
			 AdministrationThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, the
			 Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall ensure, through the
			 execution of an interagency memorandum of understanding among such Secretaries,
			 that—
				(1)regulations,
			 rulings, and interpretations issued by such Secretaries relating to the same
			 matter over which two or more such Secretaries have responsibility under the
			 provisions of this section (and the amendments made thereby) are administered
			 so as to have the same effect at all times; and
				(2)coordination of
			 policies relating to enforcing the same requirements through such Secretaries
			 in order to have a coordinated enforcement strategy that avoids duplication of
			 enforcement efforts and assigns priorities in enforcement.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 4047
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			December 17, 2010
			Mr. Bennett introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Commerce, Science, and
			 Transportation

		A BILL
		To establish the Federal Acceleration of State
		  Technologies Deployment Program and for related purposes.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Federal Acceleration of State Technologies Deployment
			 Act of 2009 or the FAST Deployment Act of 2010.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)Individual States
			 are currently investing approximately $5,000,000,000 annually into new
			 technology development and deployment to support the local economies in the
			 States and to create jobs, with little or no direct high technology deployment
			 assistance from the Federal Government.
			(2)Based on 2
			 National Centers of Excellence reports, the level of technology deployment
			 investment by States is now more than 10 times the amount of the investment
			 nationwide just a decade ago and State budgets for technology deployment
			 investment are increasing 8 to 10 times faster than State budgets as a
			 whole.
			(3)In order to
			 continue the investment by States into the deployment and commercialization of
			 new technologies and innovations under increasingly difficult economic
			 circumstances, it is essential that the Federal Government become a strategic
			 partner in the technology deployment efforts of the States.
			(4)The Federal
			 Government is investing less than 2 percent (approximately $2,650,000,000) of
			 the annual Federal budget for research and development budget of
			 $150,000,000,000 into industry for the benefit of small business concerns and
			 the Nation through the Small Business Innovative Research program and the Small
			 Business Technology Transfer program under section 9 of the Small Business Act
			 (15 U.S.C. 638), to help create innovative products a Federal agency, not the
			 private sector market, has determined are needed.
			(5)The Association
			 of University Technology Managers that represents all research universities in
			 the United States recently conducted a survey of 157 major research
			 universities and found the total return on investment on funded research in the
			 form of royalties received back by the universities over a 10-year period was
			 less than 5 percent, meaning, on average, for every $100,000,000 invested in
			 research during the past decade, the aggregate return over that 10-year period
			 is less than $5,000,000.
			(6)Most university
			 technologies have been licensed to a limited number of the 3,000 largest
			 manufacturers in the United States representing less than 2 percent of all
			 manufacturers in the United States, while small- and medium-sized manufacturing
			 entities constitute 98 percent of all manufacturing in the United States, and
			 have little to no interaction with research universities or national labs, and
			 research institutions do not have the resources to promote technologies to each
			 of the 300,000 small- and medium-sized manufacturing entities in the United
			 States.
			(7)Only about 10
			 percent of the new technologies and innovations from research universities and
			 national labs are ever licensed for incorporation into commercial private
			 sector products while the remaining 90 percent of new technologies and
			 innovations resulting from such national research and development remain in
			 inventory, completely unlicensed and unused.
			(8)Private industry
			 generates 15 to 20 times more patented innovations and technologies each year
			 than structured research universities and Federal labs combined and private
			 industry consistently commercializes about 35 percent of the patented ideas
			 developed by private industry, compared to less than 10 percent from higher
			 education and Federal labs.
			(9)The Federal
			 Government should allocate a portion of the total annual Federal research and
			 development budget each year to match funding that individual States are
			 appropriating from their budgets to expand and accelerate the development and
			 deployment of new technologies and innovations through small manufacturing
			 businesses in the United States, which comprise more than 95 percent of all
			 manufacturing companies in the United States.
			3.PurposesThe purposes of this Act are—
			(1)to establish within the Economic
			 Development Administration the Federal Acceleration of State Technologies
			 Deployment Program or FAST Deployment Program to provide matching funds to
			 qualified States for the acceleration of local commercialization of newly
			 developed technologies and the promotion of small manufacturing and the
			 innovation and deployment of new technologies by small manufacturing
			 enterprises in the United States; and
			(2)to establish a national manufacturing
			 technology needs database.
			4.Federal
			 Acceleration of State Technologies Deployment Program
			(a)DefinitionsIn
			 this section.
				(1)Assistant
			 SecretaryThe term Assistant Secretary means the
			 Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development.
				(2)DeploymentThe
			 term deployment, relating to technology, means—
					(A)detailed
			 designing of a new or improved product resulting from a new innovation or
			 technology;
					(B)developing
			 production processes, techniques, and methods relating specifically to a new or
			 improved product;
					(C)identifying,
			 securing, or developing facilities, equipment, and related supply chain
			 necessary to produce a new or improved product;
					(D)developing
			 expertise and training of the employees or contractors necessary to produce a
			 new or improved product; and
					(E)developing and
			 implementing marketing activities necessary to introduce a new or improved
			 product into the market place.
					(3)Extramural
			 budget and research and developmentThe terms extramural
			 budget and research and development have the meanings given
			 those terms in section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638).
				(4)FAST Deployment
			 ProgramThe term FAST Deployment Program means the
			 Federal Acceleration of State Technologies Deployment Program established under
			 subsection (b).
				(5)FAST Deployment
			 Program fundsThe term FAST Deployment Program funds
			 means the amounts appropriated to the Assistant Secretary pursuant to
			 subsection (c)(1).
				(6)FAST grant
			 fundsThe term FAST grant funds means 94 percent of
			 the FAST Deployment Program funds for a fiscal year.
				(7)Qualified
			 StateThe term qualified State means a State that
			 meets the criteria established by the Assistant Secretary under subsection
			 (d).
				(8)Small
			 manufacturing enterpriseThe term small manufacturing
			 enterprise means a business concern with less than 500 employees in an
			 industry assigned a North American Industry Classification System code for
			 manufacturing that is majority-owned by citizens of the United States.
				(9)StateThe
			 term State has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the
			 Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3122).
				(b)EstablishmentThe
			 Assistant Secretary shall establish a Federal Acceleration of State
			 Technologies Deployment Program to distribute matching Federal funds to
			 qualifying States in accordance with this section.
			(c)FAST Deployment
			 Program authority
				(1)Authorization
			 of appropriationsIn each fiscal year, there is authorized to be
			 appropriated to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development to
			 carry out the FAST Deployment Program an amount equal to 0.05 percent of the
			 aggregate of the amounts appropriated for that fiscal year for the extramural
			 budgets of all other Federal agencies for research and development.
				(2)Matching
			 grantsFor each fiscal year, the Assistant Secretary shall make
			 grants from FAST Deployment Program funds to qualified States.
				(3)AvailabilityFAST
			 Deployment Program funds shall remain available to the Assistant Secretary
			 until expended.
				(4)Establishment
			 of manufacturing technology databaseThe Assistant Secretary
			 shall, in accordance with subsection (k), establish as part of the FAST
			 Deployment Program a national manufacturing technology database.
				(d)Qualification
			 for grantsThe Assistant Secretary shall promulgate regulations
			 establishing criteria for being designated a qualified State, which shall
			 include that—
				(1)for the fiscal
			 year before the fiscal year for which a grant under subsection (c)(2) is made
			 (in this paragraph referred to as the previous fiscal year), the
			 State funded—
					(A)the promotion of
			 manufacturing;
					(B)deployment of new
			 technologies and innovations;
					(C)the acceleration
			 of new technology deployment; or
					(D)the promotion of
			 new product development by small manufacturing enterprises located in the
			 State; and
					(2)a State desiring
			 to be designated as a qualified State shall certify for each fiscal year that
			 if the State received funds under the FAST Deployment Program during the
			 previous fiscal year, the State complied with subsection (g) during such
			 previous fiscal year.
				(e)Distribution of
			 funds
				(1)In
			 generalThe Assistant Secretary shall make grants using the FAST
			 grant funds to qualified States for making competitive grants to small
			 manufacturing enterprises to support specific, detailed technology deployment
			 projects.
				(2)Minimum
			 distributionFor each fiscal year, the Assistant Secretary shall
			 make available to each qualified State not less than $10,000,000 in FAST grant
			 funds.
				(3)Remaining
			 fundsSubject to paragraph (4), for each fiscal year, the
			 Assistant Secretary shall distribute the FAST grant funds remaining after the
			 minimum distribution under paragraph (2) to qualified States on a pro rata
			 basis, based on the number of small manufacturing enterprises located in each
			 qualified State.
				(4)Maximum
			 distributionA qualified State may not receive more than 5
			 percent of the FAST grant funds available for any fiscal year.
				(5)Undistributed
			 fundsIf all FAST grant funds are not distributed to qualified
			 States under paragraphs (1) through (4), the Assistant Secretary may use the
			 undistributed FAST grant funds—
					(A)to award grants
			 on a competitive basis to States—
						(i)to
			 assist a State that is not a qualified State in developing investment programs
			 to promote the rapid deployment of new technologies for manufacturing within
			 the State; and
						(ii)to
			 accelerate the establishment of the national manufacturing technology database
			 established pursuant to subsection (c)(4); and
						(B)for activities of
			 the Economic Development Administration that promote and provide training on
			 implementing manufacturing best practices and deployment of technology.
					(f)Use of
			 funds
				(1)In
			 generalA qualified State shall—
					(A)use FAST grant
			 funds exclusively to make grants to small manufacturing enterprises on a
			 competitive basis for technology deployment project assistance projects
			 approved by the qualified State;
					(B)allocate FAST
			 grant funds based on guidelines that the Assistant Secretary shall establish,
			 qualifications established by the qualified State, and the technology needs as
			 assessed by the Assistant Secretary and the qualified State;
					(C)evaluate
			 applications for grants under the FAST Deployment Program and rank the
			 applications in accordance with the qualifications established by the qualified
			 State and the economic needs and interests of the qualified State; and
					(D)make grants from
			 FAST grant funds to the small manufacturing enterprises with the highest
			 scores, determined in accordance with subparagraph (C), for deployment of a
			 technology that is—
						(i)a
			 newly patented technology or a technology for which the small manufacturing
			 enterprise has applied for a patent;
						(ii)a
			 licensed technology from a public research and development institution, a
			 Federal laboratory, or the private sector; or
						(iii)an innovation
			 that, when incorporated into a product, will provide a distinct difference and
			 a substantial benefit, based on an evaluation using a nationally accepted
			 system of business idea evaluation and assessment.
						(2)Prohibited
			 usesFAST grant funds may not be used by a qualified State or a
			 small manufacturing enterprise receiving a grant under the FAST Deployment
			 Program—
					(A)for start-up
			 capital; or
					(B)to enhance the
			 availability of venture capital within a State.
					(3)Period of
			 availability
					(A)In
			 generalA qualified State shall expend FAST grant funds not later
			 than 2 years after the date on which the qualified State receives the FAST
			 grant funds.
					(B)RescissionAny
			 FAST grant funds not expended by a qualified State during the period specified
			 in subparagraph (A) shall be rescinded.
					(g)Matching fund
			 requirementsFor each fiscal year, a qualified State that
			 receives FAST Deployment Program funds shall make available non-Federal funds
			 to carry out the FAST Deployment Program in an amount not less than the total
			 amount of FAST Deployment Program funds received by the qualified State.
			(h)Reporting
				(1)Annual reports
			 by qualified States to Assistant SecretaryEach fiscal year, each
			 qualified State that receives FAST Deployment Program funds for a fiscal year
			 shall submit to the Assistant Secretary a report describing—
					(A)the use of the
			 FAST Deployment Program funds by the qualified State during the fiscal year;
			 and
					(B)the benefits to
			 manufacturing within the qualified State, including the new technologies and
			 innovations deployed and the jobs created or retained.
					(2)Semiannual
			 reports by Assistant Secretary to Federal agenciesIn order to
			 assist the heads of Federal agencies in carrying out the responsibilities of
			 such Federal agencies relating to research and development budgeted for under
			 the extramural budgets of such agencies, the Assistant Secretary shall, not
			 less frequently than twice each year, submit to such heads a report on the FAST
			 Deployment Program.
				(i)Administrative
			 funding
				(1)In
			 generalThe Assistant Secretary may use not more than 6 percent
			 of the FAST Deployment Program funds for a fiscal year for administrative and
			 project support purposes, in accordance with this subsection.
				(2)Program support
			 and operationsThe Assistant Secretary may use not more than 3
			 percent of the FAST Deployment Program funds for a fiscal year for
			 administration and management of the FAST Deployment Program and other programs
			 of the Economic Development Administration relating to technology innovation
			 and deployment, including—
					(A)training of
			 officials of qualified States regarding the operation and management of the
			 FAST Deployment Program, and other programs of the Administration relating to
			 technology innovation and deployment determined appropriate by the Assistant
			 Secretary;
					(B)to assist small
			 manufacturing enterprises to secure low interest funding for new or modified
			 facilities and equipment in order to manufacture the products resulting from
			 technology deployment;
					(C)providing small
			 manufacturing enterprises receiving a grant under the FAST Deployment Program
			 with uniform guidance relating to strategic and business planning, in
			 accordance with the metrics established under paragraph (3); and
					(D)facilitating
			 access for small manufacturing enterprises receiving a grant under the FAST
			 Deployment Program to the metrics established under paragraph (3) to conduct
			 detailed enterprise, product, and staffing assessments.
					(3)MetricsThe
			 Assistant Secretary shall establish a system of metrics to evaluate the
			 performance of the FAST Deployment Program and the participants in such
			 program.
				(4)States program
			 support and operations
					(A)In
			 generalThe Assistant Secretary shall make available to qualified
			 States that receive FAST grant funds for a fiscal year 0.9 percent of the FAST
			 Deployment Program funds for the fiscal year for program implementation and
			 management, in accordance with this paragraph.
					(B)Minimum
			 distribution
						(i)In
			 generalExcept as provided in clause (ii), for each fiscal year,
			 the Assistant Secretary shall make available to each qualified State receiving
			 FAST grant funds for the fiscal year $300,000 for program support and
			 operations.
						(ii)ModificationThe
			 Assistant Secretary may modify the minimum distribution under clause (i) for a
			 fiscal year based on the total amount of FAST Deployment Program funds
			 available for the fiscal year.
						(C)Remaining
			 fundsSubject to subparagraph (D), for each fiscal year, the
			 Assistant Secretary shall distribute the amounts described in subparagraph (A)
			 remaining after the minimum distribution under subparagraph (B) on a prorated
			 basis, based on the number of small manufacturing enterprises located in each
			 qualified State receiving FAST grant funds for the fiscal year.
					(D)Maximum
			 amountA qualified State may not receive more than 5 percent of
			 the total amount made available under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal
			 year.
					(E)Use of
			 fundsAmounts made available to a qualified State under this
			 paragraph shall be used for—
						(i)soliciting,
			 evaluating, and prioritizing proposals for technology deployment funding from
			 small manufacturing enterprises, consistent with the economic development
			 objectives of the qualified State;
						(ii)supporting
			 projects to implement technology deployment; and
						(iii)administering
			 the solicitation and evaluation activities of the FAST Deployment
			 Program.
						(5)Operational
			 support
					(A)In
			 generalFor each fiscal year, the Assistant Secretary shall use 1
			 percent of the FAST Deployment Program funds—
						(i)to
			 assess the technology needs of small manufacturing enterprises;
						(ii)to
			 maintain a database of all projects receiving funds under the FAST Deployment
			 Program; and
						(iii)to develop best
			 practices to refine and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the FAST
			 Deployment Program.
						(B)GrantsThe
			 Assistant Secretary may carry out the requirements of subparagraph (A) through
			 the awarding of grants to non-Federal experts.
					(j)Coordination
			 with Federal agenciesIn carrying out the FAST Deployment
			 Program, the Assistant Secretary shall coordinate with the heads of other
			 Federal agencies to ensure the grants made under the FAST Deployment Program
			 are a complement to and enhance the efforts and programs of other Federal
			 agencies to promote and support small manufacturing enterprises in the United
			 States.
			(k)Establishment
			 of manufacturing technology database
				(1)Establishment
			 of national manufacturing technology needs databaseThe Assistant
			 Secretary shall establish a national manufacturing technology database for the
			 purposes of assembling information relating to new manufacturing technologies
			 created throughout the United States to efficiently disseminate the information
			 to manufacturing enterprises within the United States. Such database shall
			 include comprehensive information about patents held by United States persons
			 that are available for licensing and the technology needs of United States
			 manufacturers.
				(2)Coordination
			 with existing databaseThe Assistant Secretary shall ensure that
			 the database established under paragraph (1) is coordinated with the national
			 manufacturing technology needs database established by the Garn Advanced
			 Manufacturing Business Innovation and Technologies Center to ensure the ongoing
			 maintenance of a national repository for new manufacturing technologies.
				(3)Protection of
			 intellectual propertyThe Assistant Secretary shall take
			 appropriate measures to protect the intellectual property of participants in
			 the database established under paragraph (1).
				(4)AvailabilityThe
			 Assistant Secretary shall make the database established under paragraph (1)
			 available to—
					(A)manufacturers
			 located in the United States that seek new technologies or innovations to
			 improve manufacturing or to promote new manufacturing for the primary purpose
			 of deploying new technologies and innovations developed within the United
			 States to small manufacturing enterprises located in the United States;
					(B)National
			 Laboratories, research universities in the United States, and other patent
			 holders in the United States for—
						(i)determining if
			 any technologies already developed or under development have potential for
			 filling the technology needs defined in the database;
						(ii)identifying
			 technology needs to improve manufacturing in the United States or to introduce
			 new products to small manufacturing enterprises;
						(iii)identifying the
			 technology needs of small manufacturing enterprises which might be addressed by
			 technologies or innovations developed or used by other small manufacturing
			 enterprises and that could be licensed or otherwise accessed; and
						(iv)promoting the
			 use of patents of such laboratories, research universities, and other patent
			 holders.
						(5)AssessmentThe
			 Assistant Secretary shall—
					(A)annually survey
			 not less than 10 percent of small manufacturing enterprises in the United
			 States to assess the technology needs of small manufacturing enterprises;
			 and
					(B)incorporate
			 information from each annual survey under subparagraph (A) into the database
			 established under this subsection, in a manner that appropriately protects
			 confidentiality and intellectual property rights.
					(l)RegulationsThe
			 Assistant Secretary shall, in consultation with the States, promulgate
			 regulations for the distribution of FAST Deployment Program funds to all
			 qualified States and the use of FAST Deployment Program funds in accordance
			 with this section.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6037
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 27, 2012
			Mr. Coffman of
			 Colorado (for himself and Mr.
			 Perlmutter) introduced the following bill; which was referred to
			 the Committee on Financial
			 Services

		A BILL
		To include focusing on credit availability in the mission
		  of each Federal banking regulator, to provide insured depository institutions
		  with certain amortization authority and authority to include allowances for
		  loan and lease losses when calculating the institution’s capital, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Small Business Lending for Jobs Act of
			 2012.
		2.Focus on credit
			 availability
			(a)Mission
			 modification
				(1)In
			 generalIn addition to the
			 missions of the Federal banking agencies included in other law, the Federal
			 banking agencies shall include focusing on—
					(A)generally fostering and facilitating credit
			 availability to customers of insured depository institutions, so long as that
			 credit is provided in a safe and sound manner; and
					(B)generally assisting insured depository
			 institutions to provide such credit responsibly, so as to encourage business
			 development and employment, by utilizing regulatory policies and procedures
			 that promote credit availability in a safe and sound manner.
					(2)ProhibitionIn carrying out the elements of their
			 missions added by paragraph (1), the Federal banking agencies may not require
			 or pressure insured depository institutions, directly or indirectly, to provide
			 particular kinds of credit or on particular terms.
				(3)Implementation
			 planNot later than the end
			 of the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, each
			 Federal banking agency shall issue a report to the Congress containing an
			 implementation plan that addresses—
					(A)how the agency will modify specific rules,
			 regulations, interpretative opinions, and other policies of the agency to
			 address the modification of the agency’s mission under paragraph (1);
					(B)how and when those modifications will be
			 put into effect, but in no case later than the end of the 180-day period
			 beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act; and
					(C)how examiners, other agency personnel who
			 have direct contact with insured depository institutions, and the supervisors
			 of those agency personnel are to be trained and evaluated on their individual
			 performance on implementation of the modified mission.
					(4)ReportsNot later than the end of the 360-day
			 period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually
			 thereafter, each Federal banking agency shall issue a report to the Congress
			 on—
					(A)a current assessment of the degree to which
			 the agency’s policies foster and facilitate the availability of credit to
			 customers of insured depository institutions in a safe and sound manner;
					(B)the agency's
			 progress on implementing the modified mission;
					(C)results of ongoing evaluation methods to
			 assess how the agency and its individual examiners, other employees who have
			 direct contact with insured depository institutions, and supervisors of those
			 personnel have performed in implementing the modified mission; and
					(D)corrective
			 measures the agency will take to address deficiencies in accomplishing the
			 requirements described under subparagraphs (A) through (C).
					(b)Credit
			 Availability CouncilThere is hereby established the Credit
			 Availability Council, which shall—
				(1)consist of the
			 head of each Federal banking agency, or a designee; and
				(2)coordinate the
			 efforts of the Federal banking agencies in—
					(A)fostering and facilitating credit
			 availability to customers of insured depository institutions, so long as that
			 credit is provided in a safe and sound manner; and
					(B)assisting insured depository institutions
			 to provide such credit responsibly, so as to encourage business development and
			 employment.
					(c)DefinitionsFor
			 purposes of this section:
				(1)Federal banking
			 agencyThe term Federal banking agency
			 means—
					(A)the Board of
			 Governors of the Federal Reserve System;
					(B)the Bureau of
			 Consumer Financial Protection;
					(C)the Federal
			 Deposit Insurance Corporation;
					(D)the Office of the
			 Comptroller of the Currency; and
					(E)the National
			 Credit Union Administration.
					(2)Insured
			 depository institutionThe
			 term insured depository institution means—
					(A)an insured
			 depository institution, as such term is defined under section 3(c)(2) of the
			 Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(c)(2)); and
					(B)an insured credit union, as such term is
			 defined under section 101 of the Federal Credit Union Act (12 U.S.C.
			 1752).
					3.Commercial real
			 estate loan loss amortization
			(a)In
			 generalFor purposes of
			 capital calculation under the Financial Institutions Examination Council’s
			 Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income, an insured depository institution
			 with assets of less than $10,000,000,000 may choose to amortize any loss or
			 write-down, on a quarterly straight-line basis over the 7-year period beginning
			 with the month in which such loss or write-down occurs, incurred with respect
			 to—
				(1)a loan secured by commercial real estate;
			 or
				(2)other real estate
			 owned.
				(b)Effective
			 dateThe provisions of this
			 section shall apply to capital calculations described under subsection (a)
			 occurring after the date of the enactment of this Act for losses and
			 write-downs that occurred—
				(1)on or after
			 January 1, 2007; and
				(2)before the end of
			 the 2-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
				(c)Disclosure on
			 Consolidated Reports of Condition and IncomeWith respect to an insured depository
			 institution choosing to make use of the amortization provided for under
			 subsection (a), such institution shall, on the Financial Institutions
			 Examination Council's Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income, disclose
			 the difference between the amount of the institution's capital when calculated
			 using such amortization and when calculated without using such
			 amortization.
			(d)Reporting on
			 prior losses and write-downsAn insured depository institution that
			 chooses to make use of the amortization provided for under subsection (a) with
			 respect to losses and write-downs occurring prior to the date of the enactment
			 of this Act shall do so by making a one-time adjustment to the institution's
			 Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income.
			(e)DefinitionsFor
			 purposes of this section:
				(1)Insured
			 depository institutionThe
			 term insured depository institution shall have the meaning given
			 such term under section 3(c)(2) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C.
			 1813(c)(2)).
				(2)Other real
			 estate ownedThe term other real estate owned shall
			 have the meaning given such term under section 34.81 of title 12, Code of
			 Federal Regulations.
				4.Inclusion of loan
			 loss reserves in computation of capital reserves
			(a)In
			 generalThe appropriate
			 Federal banking agencies shall issue regulations to permit an insured
			 depository institution to include all of such institution’s allowance for loan
			 and lease losses when computing such institution’s capital for purposes of
			 satisfying risk-based capital requirements.
			(b)Exception for
			 loss classificationNotwithstanding subsection (a), this section
			 shall not apply to allowances for loans or lease losses where such loan or
			 lease is classified as a loss.
			(c)RulemakingThe
			 appropriate Federal banking agencies shall issue regulations required under
			 this section no later than the end of the 120-day period beginning on the date
			 of the enactment of this Act.
			(d)Report to the
			 CongressNot later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of
			 this Act, and annually thereafter, each appropriate Federal banking agency
			 shall issue a report to the Congress on—
				(1)the implementation
			 of the provisions of this section;
				(2)the impact of the
			 provisions of this section on the availability of lending; and
				(3)the impact of the
			 provisions of this section on the safety and soundness of insured depository
			 institutions.
				(e)DefinitionsFor
			 purposes of this section:
				(1)Allowance for
			 loan and lease losses
					(A)In
			 generalThe term allowance for loan and lease
			 losses means those general valuation allowances that have been
			 established through charges against earnings to absorb losses on loans and
			 lease financing receivables.
					(B)ExclusionThe
			 term allowance for loan and lease losses does not include
			 allocated transfer risk reserves established pursuant to section 905 of the
			 International Lending Supervision Act of 1983 (12 U.S.C. 3904) and specific
			 reserves created against identified losses.
					(2)Appropriate
			 Federal banking agenciesThe term appropriate Federal
			 banking agencies shall have the meaning given such term under section
			 3(q) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(q)).
				(3)Insured
			 depository institutionThe term insured depository
			 institution shall have the meaning given such term under section
			 3(c)(2) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(c)(2)).


115 S1564 IS: Refund Equality Act of 2017
U.S. Senate
2017-07-13
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II115th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1564IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 13, 2017Ms. Warren (for herself, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Markey, Mr. Coons, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Hassan, Ms. Baldwin, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Heinrich, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Booker, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Carper, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Franken, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Murphy, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Warner, Mr. Udall, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Reed, Mr. Sanders, Mrs. Murray, Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Cantwell, Ms. Harris, and Ms. Klobuchar) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit legally married same-sex couples to amend
			 their filing status for returns outside the 3-year limitation.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Refund Equality Act of 2017. 2.Extension of period of limitation for certain legally married couples (a)In generalSubsection (d) of section 6511 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

					(9)Rules relating to certain legally married couples
 (A)In generalIn the case of spouses— (i)who were married under state law (as such term is used in Revenue Ruling 2013–17) before September 16, 2013, and
 (ii)who were first treated as married for purposes of this title by the application of the holdings of Revenue Ruling 2013–17,
							with
			 respect to the
			 taxable year in
			 which the marriage was entered into and any subsequent taxable year that,
			 but for this paragraph, would be outside the 3-year
			 period of limitation prescribed in subsection (a), such period  shall be
			 extended
			 until the date prescribed by law (including extensions) for filing the
			 return of tax for the
			 taxable year that includes the
			 date of the enactment of
			 this paragraph.	The preceding
			 sentence shall apply only with respect to amendments to the return of tax,
			 and claims for credit or refund, relating to a change in the marital
			 status of such
 spouses.(B)Waiver of limit on amount of claimIn the case of a claim for credit or refund which is allowed by reason of subparagraph (A), the amount of the refund may exceed the portion of the tax paid within the period provided in subsection (b)(2) to the extent of the amount of the overpayment attributable to the change in the marital status of the spouses..
 (b)Filing of joint return for prior taxable yearSection 6013 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(i)Joint return after filing separate returns for certain legally married couples
 (1)In generalIf— (A)an individual has filed a separate return for a taxable year for which a joint return could have been made by the individual and the individual's spouse, but for the fact that the spouses were first treated as married for purposes of this title by the application of the holdings of Revenue Ruling 2013–17 after the filing of the return of tax for such taxable year, and
 (B)the time prescribed by law for filing the return for such taxable year has expired, such individual and the individual's spouse may nevertheless make a joint return for such taxable year.(2)Rules and limitations (A)In generalThe election provided for under paragraph (1) may not be made after the later of—
 (i)the expiration of 3 years from the last date prescribed by law for filing the return for such taxable year (determined without regard to any extension of time granted to either spouse), or
 (ii)the date prescribed by law (including extensions) for filing the return of tax for the taxable year that includes the date of the enactment of this subsection.
 (B)Other rulesThe rules of— (i)so much of subsection (b)(1) as follows the first sentence,
 (ii)subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) of subsection (b)(2), and (iii)paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of subsection (b),
								shall apply to a joint return under this subsection as if it were a joint return under subsection
			 (b)..


116 S4240 IS: No WHO Withdrawal Act
U.S. Senate
2020-07-21
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 4240IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 21, 2020Mr. Coons (for himself and Mr. Leahy) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign RelationsA BILLTo prohibit the use of funds to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization. 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the No WHO Withdrawal Act.2.FindingsCongress makes the following findings:(1)In 1948, the United States became a state party to the Constitution of the World Health Organization, done at New York July 22, 1946, and entered into force April 7, 1948 (62 Stat. 2679; TIAS 1808), a multilateral treaty to which the United States was an original signatory and the terms of which the United States helped draft.(2)Pursuant to Article 4 of the Constitution of the World Health Organization, the United States accepted that Constitution's terms in accordance with the provisions of that Constitution and in accordance with the constitutional processes of the United States.(3)The Constitution of the World Health Organization lacks an explicit withdrawal provision.(4)Congress passed the joint resolution entitled Joint Resolution providing for membership and participation by the United States in the World Health Organization and authorizing an appropriation therefor., approved June 14, 1948 (62 Stat. 441, chapter 469), authorizing the President to accept United States membership in the World Health Organization and specifying that the United States could withdraw from the Organization upon the satisfaction of the following two conditions:(A)The United States would provide notice one year before withdrawing.(B)The United States would continue to meet its financial obligations to the World Health Organization for the Organization's current fiscal year.(5)That joint resolution authorized an annual appropriation to the Department of State for the payment by the United States of its share of the expenses of the World Health Organization, and in doing so, Congress exercised both its constitutional power of the purse and its power to approve international agreements.(6)President Harry Truman’s statement of the acceptance of the United States of the Constitution of the World Health Organization expressly acknowledged that he was acting pursuant to the authority granted by the joint resolution … and subject to the provisions of that joint resolution (62 Stat. 2792).(7)On July 2, 1948, the World Health Assembly unanimously recognized the validity of the ratification of the Constitution of the World Health Organization by the United States.(8)The World Health Organization plays an essential role in the global governance of health and infectious disease, including through setting norms and sharing information, facilitating international coordination, providing technical support, and monitoring health trends around the world.(9)The United States was the World Health Organization’s largest donor in 2018 and 2019, providing $893,000,000, or about 15 percent, of the Organization’s budget.(10)On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (commonly known as COVID–19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.(11)The World Health Organization is working to help countries manage and respond to COVID–19 and a multitude of other public health threats, including by improving preparedness and response capacity, accelerating research and development for treatment and therapeutics, distributing essential supplies, and coordinating across regions to assess, respond, and mitigate risk.(12)On April 14, 2020, in the midst of the deadliest global pandemic in decades, President Donald J. Trump announced the suspension of United States funding to the World Health Organization pending a review into the Organization’s response to the spread of COVID–19.(13)On July 6, 2020, President Trump sent a formal notice to Congress and the World Health Organization that the United States will withdraw from the Organization after 72 years of membership, despite the Organization’s vital role in the global response to the COVID–19 pandemic.(14)The United States may not legally withdraw from the World Health Organization Constitution until, at the earliest, July 6, 2021, one year after the date of the formal withdrawal notice, and the United States would still be legally obligated to pay the balance of its financial obligations to the World Health Organization.3.Statement of policyIt is the policy of the United States—(1)to remain a member in good standing of the World Health Organization, including by payment of the financial obligations of the United States to the Organization;(2)to reject any efforts to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization, either directly, or indirectly through condemnation of the Organization; and(3)to continue to work within the World Health Organization to reform and improve the Organization.4.Prohibition on the use of funds to withdraw from the World Health Organization(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds described in subsection (b) may be obligated or expended to take any action to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization. (b)Funds describedThe funds described in this subsection are funds—(1)authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2021 or any fiscal year thereafter; or(2)authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for any fiscal year before fiscal year 2021 and available for obligation as of the date of the enactment of this Act.


117 S1475 IS: Livestock Regulatory Protection Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-04-29
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1475IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESApril 29, 2021Mr. Thune (for himself and Ms. Sinema) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public WorksA BILLTo amend the Clean Air Act to prohibit the issuance of permits under title V of that Act for certain emissions from agricultural production.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act of 2021.2.Prohibition on permitting certain emissions from agricultural productionSection 502(f) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7661a(f)) is amended—(1)by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively, and indenting appropriately;(2)in the undesignated matter following clause (iii) (as so redesignated), by striking Approval of and inserting the following:(B)No relief of obligationApproval of;(3)by striking the subsection designation and heading and all that follows through No partial in the matter preceding clause (i) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following:(f)Prohibitions(1)Partial permit
 programs(A)In generalNo partial; and(4)by adding at the end the following:(2)Certain
 emissions from agricultural productionNo permit shall be issued under a permit program under this title for any carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, water vapor, or methane emissions resulting from biological processes associated with livestock production..


117 HR 4897 IH: Support Recovery from Addiction Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-07-30
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4897IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 30, 2021Ms. Spanberger (for herself and Mr. McKinley) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo amend the Public Health Service Act to require States receiving a block grant for prevention and treatment of substance abuse to allocate not less than 10 percent for recovery support services, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Support Recovery from Addiction Act of 2021.2.Allocations of block grants for recovery support servicesSection 1922 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300x–22) is amended by adding at the end the following:(c)Allocations regarding recoveryA funding agreement for a grant under section 1921 is that, in expending the grant, the State involved will expend not less than 10 percent for recovery support services for individuals with a substance use disorder..


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3378
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			July 31, 2008
			Mr. Vitter introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To require all public school employees and those employed
		  in connection with a public school to receive FBI background checks prior to
		  being hired, and for other purposes.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Safety for Our Schoolchildren Act
			 of 2008.
		2.Background
			 checks for public school employees
			(a)In
			 generalTitle IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
			 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
			 following:

					DBackground checks
				for public school employees
						4401.Definitions
							(a)Crime of
				violenceThe term crime of violence has the meaning
				given the term in section 924(c)(3) of title 18, United States Code.
							(b)Drunk
				drivingThe term drunk driving means driving while
				intoxicated or driving under the influence of alcohol.
							(c)FBI background
				checkThe term FBI background check means a criminal
				history background check as described in section 231 of the Crime Control Act
				of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 13041).
							(d)School
				employeeThe term school employee means—
								(1)an employee of a
				local educational agency or State educational agency who works either in a
				public school or has a job duty that results in exposure to students, including
				administrators, teachers, substitute teachers, custodians, cafeteria workers,
				and school bus drivers; and
								(2)an employee of a
				company, or a subsidiary of a company, that has a contract with a local
				educational agency or State educational agency who works in a public school or
				has a job duty that results in exposure to students.
								(e)Serious moving
				violationThe term serious moving violation means a
				felonious driving violation, as determined by State law.
							(f)Sexual
				predatorThe term sexual predator means an
				individual 18 years of age or older who has been convicted of, or pled guilty
				to, a sexual offense against a minor.
							4402.Background
				checks for public school employees
							(a)In
				generalA local educational agency or State educational agency
				that receives Federal funds shall obtain an FBI background check on an
				individual prior to making an offer of employment as a school employee with
				such agency to such individual.
							(b)Prohibition
				against employment of felons or violent criminalsA local
				educational agency or State educational agency that receives Federal funds may
				not make an offer of employment to an individual for a position as a school
				employee with such agency if such individual has been convicted of a crime of
				violence or other felony.
							(c)Reporting
				sexual predatorsA local educational agency or State educational
				agency that receives information from an FBI background check that an
				individual who has applied for employment with such agency as a school employee
				is a sexual predator shall report to local law enforcement that such individual
				has so applied.
							(d)TransportationA
				local educational agency or State educational agency that receives Federal
				funds may not make an offer of employment to an individual for a position as a
				school bus driver if such individual has been convicted of, or pled guilty to,
				drunk driving or a serious moving violation.
							4403.Loss of
				Federal funds for failure to comply
							(a)State
				educational agencies
								(1)In
				generalIf a State educational agency fails to take an action
				required under this part or takes an action prohibited under this part
				for—
									(A)6 months or less,
				the Secretary shall withhold from such agency 50 percent of the amount of funds
				such agency has allocated for planning and administrative use under section
				2113(d); and
									(B)longer than 6
				months but not longer than 12 months, the Secretary shall withhold from such
				agency 100 percent of the amount of funds such agency has allocated for
				planning and administrative use under section 2113(d).
									(2)Loss of title
				II administrative fundsIf a State educational agency fails to
				take an action required under this part or takes an action prohibited under
				this part for longer than 12 months, the Secretary shall withhold from such
				agency the amount of funds such agency has allocated for planning and
				administrative use under title II.
								(3)Prohibition
				against reallocation
									(A)In
				generalA State educational agency that fails to take an action
				under this part or takes an action prohibited under this part as described in
				paragraph (1) or (2) may not reallocate Federal funds provided for teacher
				development under title II for planning and administrative use by the
				agency.
									(B)PenaltyThe
				Secretary shall withhold all Federal funds under title II to a State
				educational agency if such agency reallocates funds as prohibited under
				subparagraph (A) until such agency restores the funds for teacher
				development.
									(b)Local
				educational agenciesIf a local educational agency fails to take
				an action required under this part or takes an action prohibited under this
				part, the local educational agency shall not be eligible to receive a subgrant
				or any additional funds under section
				2121.
							.
			(b)Conforming
			 amendmentsThe table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary
			 and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after the item
			 relating to section 4304 the following:

						Part D—Background checks for public school employees
						Sec. 4401. Definitions.
						Sec. 4402. Background checks for public school
				employees.
						Sec. 4403. Loss of Federal funds for failure to
				comply.

					.


115 S2433 IS: Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2018
U.S. Senate
2018-02-15
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II115th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 2433IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 15, 2018Mr. Schatz (for himself and Ms. Murkowski) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo amend title 38, United States Code, to deem certain service in the organized military forces of
			 the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and the Philippine
			 Scouts to have been active service for purposes of benefits under programs
			 administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act of 2018.
		2.Certain service
			 in the organized military forces of the Philippines and the Philippine
			 Scouts
			 deemed to be active service
			(a)In
 GeneralSection 107 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
 (1)in subsection (a)—
 (A)by striking not after Army of the United States, shall; and
 (B)by striking , except benefits under— and all that follows in that subsection and inserting a period;
 (2)in subsection (b)—
 (A)by striking not after Armed Forces Voluntary Recruitment Act of 1945 shall; and
 (B)by striking except— and all that follows in that subsection and inserting a period;
 (3)by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

						(c)Determination of
 eligibility(1)In determining the eligibility of the service of an individual under this section, the Secretary shall take into account any alternative documentation regarding such service, including documentation other than the Missouri List, that the Secretary determines relevant.
 (2)Not later than March 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report that includes—
 (A)the number of individuals applying for benefits pursuant to this section during the previous year; and
 (B)the number of such individuals that the Secretary approved for benefits.;
				and
 (4)by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

						(d)Relation to
 Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation FundSection 1002(h) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (title X of division A of Public Law 111–5; 123 Stat. 200; 38 U.S.C. 107 note) shall not apply to an individual described in subsection (a) or (b) of this section..
				(b)Conforming
			 and clerical amendments
 (1)Conforming amendmentThe heading of such section is amended to read as follows:

						107.Certain service
				deemed to be active service: service in organized military forces
			 of the
				Philippines and in the Philippine
				Scouts.
 (2)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 1 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 107 and inserting the following:
					107. Certain service deemed to be active
				service: service in organized military forces of the Philippines
			 and in the
				Philippine Scouts..

				(c)Effective
			 date
				(1)In
 generalThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (2)ApplicabilityNo benefits shall accrue to any person for any period before the effective date specified in paragraph (1) by reason of the amendments made by this section.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3049
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 9, 2012
			Mr. Begich (for himself
			 and Mr. Boozman) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Veterans'
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the
		  definition of homeless veteran for purposes of benefits under the laws
		  administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

		1.Expansion of definition of
			 homeless veteran for purposes of benefits under the laws administered by the
			 Secretary of Veterans AffairsSection 2002(1) of title 38, United States
			 Code, is amended striking in section 103(a) of the McKinney–Vento
			 Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(a)) and inserting in
			 subsection (a) or (b) of section 103 of the McKinney–Vento Homeless Assistance
			 Act (42 U.S.C. 11302).


116 S3942 IS: Securing America’s Medical Supply Chain and Advancing the Production of Life Saving Medicines Act
U.S. Senate
2020-06-11
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3942IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 11, 2020Mrs. Loeffler introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILL
To establish the position of Chief Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Chain Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative, to be responsible for conducting trade negotiations and enforcing trade agreements related to acts, policies, and practices of foreign governments that fail to appropriately reward United States innovation with respect to pharmaceuticals, to advance domestic production of life-saving medicines, and to secure the United States medical supply chain to eliminate reliance on foreign governments, and for other purposes.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Securing America’s Medical Supply Chain and Advancing the Production of Life Saving Medicines Act.2.Chief Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Chain Negotiator(a)In generalSection 141 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2171) is amended—(1)in subsection (b)(2)—(A)by striking and one Chief Innovation and Intellectual Property Negotiator and inserting one Chief Innovation and Intellectual Property Negotiator, and one Chief Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Chain Negotiator;(B)by striking or the Chief Innovation and Intellectual Property Negotiator and inserting the Chief Innovation and Intellectual Property Negotiator, or the Chief Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Chain Negotiator; and(C)by striking and the Chief Innovation and Intellectual Property Negotiator and inserting the Chief Innovation and Intellectual Property Negotiator, and the Chief Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Chain Negotiator; and(2)in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(7)The principal function of the Chief Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Chain Negotiator shall be to conduct trade negotiations and to enforce trade agreements relating to United States pharmaceutical products and services and medical supply chains. The Chief Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Chain Negotiator shall be a vigorous advocate on behalf of United States pharmaceutical and medical supply chain interests. The Chief Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Chain Negotiator shall perform such other functions as the United States Trade Representative may direct..(b)CompensationSection 5314 of title 5, United States Code is amended by striking Chief Innovation and Intellectual Property Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative. and inserting the following:Chief Innovation and Intellectual Property Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative.Chief Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Chain Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Representative..(c)Report requiredNot later than one year after the appointment of the first Chief Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Chain Negotiator pursuant to paragraph (2) of section 141(b) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended by subsection (a), and annually thereafter, the United States Trade Representative shall submit to the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives a report describing in detail—(1)enforcement actions taken by the Trade Representative during the one-year period preceding the submission of the report to ensure the protection of United States pharmaceutical products and services and medical supply chains; and(2)other actions taken by the Trade Representative to advance United States pharmaceutical products and services and medical supply chain interests.