117 S2024 IS: Filter Bubble Transparency Act
U.S. Senate
2021-06-10
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. 2024IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 10, 2021Mr. Thune (for himself, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Moran, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Warner, and Mr. Schatz) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationA BILLTo require that internet platforms give users the option to engage with a platform without being manipulated by algorithms driven by user-specific data.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Filter Bubble Transparency Act.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Algorithmic ranking systemThe term algorithmic ranking system means a computational process, including one derived from algorithmic decision making, machine learning, statistical analysis, or other data processing or artificial intelligence techniques, used to determine the order or manner that a set of information is provided to a user on a covered internet platform, including the ranking of search results, the provision of content recommendations, the display of social media posts, or any other method of automated content selection.(2)CommissionThe term Commission means the Federal Trade Commission.(3)Connected deviceThe term connected device means a physical object that—(A)is capable of connecting to the internet, either directly or indirectly through a network, to communicate information at the direction of an individual; and(B)has computer processing capabilities for collecting, sending, receiving, or analyzing data.(4)Covered internet platform(A)In generalThe term covered internet platform means any public-facing website, internet application, or mobile application, including a social network site, video sharing service, search engine, or content aggregation service.(B)ExclusionsSuch term shall not include a platform that—(i)is wholly owned, controlled, and operated by a person that—(I)for the most recent 6-month period, did not employ more than 500 employees;(II)for the most recent 3-year period, averaged less than $50,000,000 in annual gross receipts; and(III)collects or processes on an annual basis the personal data of less than 1,000,000 individuals; or(ii)is operated for the sole purpose of conducting research that is not made for profit either directly or indirectly.(5)Input-transparent algorithm(A)In generalThe term input-transparent algorithm means an algorithmic ranking system that does not use the user-specific data of a user to determine the order or manner that information is furnished to such user on a covered internet platform, unless the user-specific data is expressly provided to the platform by the user for such purpose.(B)Inclusion of age-appropriate content filtersSuch term shall include an algorithmic ranking system that uses user-specific data to determine whether a user is old enough to access age-restricted content on a covered internet platform, provided that the system otherwise meets the requirements of subparagraph (A).(C)Data provided for express purpose of interaction with platformFor purposes of subparagraph (A), user-specific data that is provided by a user for the express purpose of determining the order or manner that information is furnished to a user on a covered internet platform—(i)shall include user-supplied search terms, filters, speech patterns (if provided for the purpose of enabling the platform to accept spoken input or selecting the language in which the user interacts with the platform), saved preferences, and the user's current geographical location;(ii)shall include data supplied to the platform by the user that expresses the user's desire that information be furnished to them, such as the social media profiles the user follows, the video channels the user subscribes to, or other sources of content on the platform the user follows;(iii)shall not include the history of the user's connected device, including the user's history of web searches and browsing, geographical locations, physical activity, device interaction, and financial transactions; and(iv)shall not include inferences about the user or the user's connected device, without regard to whether such inferences are based on data described in clause (i).(6)Opaque algorithm(A)In generalThe term opaque algorithm means an algorithmic ranking system that determines the order or manner that information is furnished to a user on a covered internet platform based, in whole or part, on user-specific data that was not expressly provided by the user to the platform for such purpose.(B)Exception for age-appropriate content filtersSuch term shall not include an algorithmic ranking system used by a covered internet platform if—(i)the only user-specific data (including inferences about the user) that the system uses is information relating to the age of the user; and(ii)such information is only used to restrict a user's access to content on the basis that the individual is not old enough to access such content.(7)Search syndication contract; upstream provider; downstream provider(A)Search syndication contractThe term search syndication contract means a contract or subcontract for the sale, license, or other right to access an index of web pages on the internet for the purpose of operating an internet search engine. (B)Upstream providerThe term upstream provider means, with respect to a search syndication contract, the person that grants access to an index of web pages on the internet to a downstream provider under the contract.(C)Downstream providerThe term downstream provider means, with respect to a search syndication contract, the person that receives access to an index of web pages on the internet from an upstream provider under such contract.(8)User-specific dataThe term user-specific data means information relating to an individual or a specific connected device that would not necessarily be true of every individual or device.3.Requirement to allow users to see unmanipulated content on internet platforms(a)In generalBeginning on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, it shall be unlawful— (1)for any person to operate a covered internet platform that uses an opaque algorithm unless the person complies with the requirements of subsection (b); or(2)for any upstream provider to grant access to an index of web pages on the internet under a search syndication contract that does not comply with the requirements of subsection (c).(b)Opaque algorithm requirements(1)In generalThe requirements of this subsection with respect to a person that operates a covered internet platform that uses an opaque algorithm are the following:(A)The person provides notice to users of the platform that the platform uses an opaque algorithm that makes inferences based on user-specific data to select the content the user sees. Such notice shall be presented in a clear, conspicuous manner on the platform whenever the user interacts with an opaque algorithm for the first time, and may be a one-time notice that can be dismissed by the user.(B)The person makes available a version of the platform that uses an input-transparent algorithm and enables users to easily switch between the version of the platform that uses an opaque algorithm and the version of the platform that uses the input-transparent algorithm by selecting a prominently placed icon, which shall be displayed wherever the user interacts with an opaque algorithm.(2)Nonapplication to certain downstream providersParagraph (1) shall not apply with respect to an internet search engine if— (A)the search engine is operated by a downstream provider with fewer than 1,000 employees; and (B)the search engine uses an index of web pages on the internet to which such provider received access under a search syndication contract.(c)Search syndication contract requirementThe requirements of this subsection with respect to a search syndication contract are that—(1)as part of the contract, the upstream provider makes available to the downstream provider the same input-transparent algorithm used by the upstream provider for purposes of complying with subsection (b)(1)(B); and(2)the upstream provider does not impose any additional costs, degraded quality, reduced speed, or other constraint on the functioning of such algorithm when used by the downstream provider to operate an internet search engine relative to the performance of such algorithm when used by the upstream provider to operate an internet search engine.4.Enforcement by Federal Trade Commission(a)Unfair or deceptive acts or practicesA violation of this Act by an operator of a covered internet platform shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)).(b)Powers of commission(1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (3), the Federal Trade Commission shall enforce this Act in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this Act.(2)Privileges and immunitiesExcept as provided in paragraph (3), any person who violates this Act shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.).(3)Common carriers and nonprofit organizationsNotwithstanding section 4, 5(a)(2), or 6 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 44, 45(a)(2), 46) or any jurisdictional limitation of the Commission, the Commission shall also enforce this Act, in the same manner provided in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this paragraph, with respect to—(A)common carriers subject to the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) and Acts amendatory thereof and supplementary thereto; and(B)organizations not organized to carry on business for their own profit or that of their members.(4)Authority preservedNothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority of the Commission under any other provision of law.


113 HR 3802 : To extend the legislative authority of the Adams Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in honor of former President John Adams and his legacy, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-07-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IIB
		113th CONGRESS2d Session
		H. R. 3802
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
		July 23, 2014Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesAN ACT
		To extend the legislative authority of the Adams Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative
			 work in honor of former President John Adams and his legacy, and for other
			 purposes.

		1.Extension of legislative authority for memorial establishmentSection 1 of Public Law 107–62 (40 U.S.C. 1003 note), as amended by Public Law 111–169, is amended—
			(1)by striking “2013” and inserting “2020” in subsection (c); and
			(2)by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:

					(e)Deposit of Excess Funds for Established Memorial
						(1)If upon payment of all expenses for the establishment of the memorial (including the maintenance
			 and preservation amount required by section 8906(b)(1) of title 40, United
			 States Code), there remains a balance of funds received for the
			 establishment of the commemorative work, the Adams Memorial Foundation
			 shall transmit the amount of the balance to the account provided for in
			 section 8906(b)(3) of title 40, United States Code.
						(2)If upon expiration of the authority for the commemorative work under section 8903(e) of title 40,
			 United States Code, there remains a balance of funds received for the
			 establishment of the commemorative work, the Adams Memorial Foundation
			 shall transmit the amount of the balance to a separate account with the
			 National Park Foundation for memorials, to be available to the Secretary
			 of the Interior or the Administrator (as appropriate) following the
			 process provided for in section 8906(b)(4) of title 40, United States
			 Code, for accounts established under section 8906(b)(2) or (3) of title
			 40, United States Code..

	Passed the House of Representatives July 22, 2014.Karen L. Haas,Clerk


117 S1323 IS: End Price Gouging for Medications Act
U.S. Senate
2021-04-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1323IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESApril 22, 2021Mr. Merkley introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsA BILLTo require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish reference prices for prescription drugs for purposes of Federal health programs, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the End Price Gouging for Medications Act.2.Reference prices for prescription drugs(a)Reference pricesThe Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary), in accordance with subsection (b), shall establish annual reference prices for each prescription drug. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, with respect to enrollees or beneficiaries in any of the Federal health programs described in subsection (c), the retail list price for a drug shall not exceed the reference price for such drug.(b)Criteria(1)In generalEach year, the Secretary shall establish the reference price for each prescription drug under subsection (a)—(A)by determining the median retail list price for the drug among the reference countries in which the drug is available, if drug pricing information is available for at least 3 of such countries; or(B)in the case of a drug for which drug pricing information or dosage equivalents are not available for at least 3 of the reference countries, by determining an appropriate price based on the Secretary's determination of—(i)the added therapeutic effect of the drug;(ii)the value of the drug;(iii)patient access to the drug;(iv)the costs associated with researching and developing the drug; and(v)other factors, as the Secretary determines appropriate.(2)Reference countriesFor purposes of paragraph (1), the reference countries are Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Sweden.(c)Federal health programsThe reference prices established under subsection (a) shall apply with respect to covered inpatient and outpatient drugs under—(1)the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.);(2)a State Medicaid plan under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.);(3)the State Children's Health Insurance Program under title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.);(4)the TRICARE program under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code;(5)hospital care and medical services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs under chapters 17 and 18 of title 38, United States Code;(6)the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program established under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code; and(7)any health program, service, function, activity, or facility funded, in whole or part, under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), including through direct or contract care provided under such Act or through a contract or compact under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304 et seq.).(d)Applicability to other purchasers of drugsNotwithstanding any other provision of law, a drug manufacturer shall offer prescription drugs at the reference price to all individuals, including individuals who are not insured and individuals who are covered under a group health plan or group or individual health insurance coverage. In the case of individuals covered by a group health plan or group or individual health insurance coverage, such requirement is met if the amount covered under such plan or coverage plus the cost-sharing amount does not exceed the reference price.(e)Enforcement(1)Civil penaltyA drug manufacturer who does not comply with the requirements of subsection (a) shall be subject to a civil penalty, for each year in which the violation occurs and with respect to each drug for which the violation occurs, in an amount equal to 5 times the difference between—(A)the total amount received by the manufacturer for sales of the drug under the Federal health programs under subsection (c) for the year; less(B)the total amount the manufacturer would have received for sales of the drug under such programs for the year if the manufacturer had complied with subsection (a).(2)Amounts collectedEach year, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Director of the National Institutes of Health an amount equal to the amount collected in civil penalties under subsection (e) for the previous year. The Director of the National Institutes of Health shall use amounts so transferred for purposes of conducting drug research and development.(f)Applicability to brand and generic drugsThe reference price established under subsection (a) shall apply to drugs approved under subsection (c) or (j) of section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355) or under subsection (a) or (k) of section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262).


110 HR 255 IH: Manufacturing Technology

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-01-05
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 255
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 5, 2007
			Mr. Ehlers introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Science and
			 Technology

		A BILL
		To establish an interagency committee to coordinate
		  Federal manufacturing research and development efforts in manufacturing,
		  strengthen existing programs to assist manufacturing innovation and education,
		  and expand outreach programs for small and medium-sized manufacturers, and for
		  other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Manufacturing Technology
			 Competitiveness Act of 2007.
		2.Interagency
			 Committee and Advisory Committee
			(a)Interagency
			 Committee
				(1)EstablishmentThe
			 President shall establish or designate an interagency committee on
			 manufacturing research and development, which shall include representatives
			 from the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Institute of
			 Standards and Technology, the Science and Technology Directorate of the
			 Department of Homeland Security, the National Science Foundation, the
			 Department of Energy, and any other agency that the President may designate.
			 The Chair of the Interagency Committee shall be designated by the Director of
			 the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
				(2)FunctionsThe
			 Interagency Committee shall be responsible for the planning and coordination of
			 Federal efforts in manufacturing research and development through—
					(A)establishing goals
			 and priorities for manufacturing research and development, including the
			 strengthening of United States manufacturing through the support and
			 coordination of Federal manufacturing research, development, technology
			 transfer, standards, and technical training;
					(B)developing, within
			 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and updating every 3 years
			 for delivery with the President’s annual budget request to Congress, a
			 strategic plan, to be transmitted to the Committee on Science of the House of
			 Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
			 the Senate, for manufacturing research and development that includes an
			 analysis of the research, development, technology transfer, standards,
			 technical training, and integration needs of the manufacturing sector important
			 to ensuring and maintaining United States competitiveness;
					(C)proposing an
			 annual coordinated interagency budget for manufacturing research and
			 development to the Office of Management and Budget; and
					(D)developing and
			 transmitting to Congress an annual report on the Federal programs involved in
			 manufacturing research, development, technical training, standards, and
			 integration, their funding levels, and their impacts on United States
			 manufacturing competitiveness, including the identification and analysis of the
			 manufacturing research and development problems that require additional
			 attention, and recommendations of how Federal programs should address those
			 problems.
					(3)Recommendations
			 and viewsIn carrying out its functions under paragraph (2), the
			 Interagency Committee shall consider the recommendations of the Advisory
			 Committee and the views of academic, State, industry, and other entities
			 involved in manufacturing research and development.
				(b)Advisory
			 Committee
				(1)EstablishmentNot
			 later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the President
			 shall establish or designate an advisory committee to provide advice and
			 information to the Interagency Committee.
				(2)RecommendationsThe
			 Advisory Committee shall assist the Interagency Committee by providing it with
			 recommendations on—
					(A)the goals and
			 priorities for manufacturing research and development;
					(B)the strategic
			 plan, including proposals on how to strengthen research and development to help
			 manufacturing; and
					(C)other issues it
			 considers appropriate.
					(3)ReportThe
			 Advisory Committee shall provide an annual report to the Interagency Committee
			 and the Congress that shall assess—
					(A)the progress made
			 in implementing the strategic plan and challenges to this progress;
					(B)the effectiveness
			 of activities under the strategic plan in improving United States manufacturing
			 competitiveness;
					(C)the need to revise
			 the goals and priorities established by the Interagency Committee; and
					(D)new and emerging
			 problems and opportunities affecting the manufacturing research community,
			 research infrastructure, and the measurement and statistical analysis of
			 manufacturing that may need to be considered by the Interagency
			 Committee.
					(4)Federal advisory
			 committee act applicationSection 14 of the
			 Federal Advisory Committee Act shall
			 not apply to the Advisory Committee.
				3.Collaborative
			 Manufacturing Research Pilot GrantsThe National Institute of Standards and
			 Technology Act is amended—
			(1)by redesignating
			 the first section 32 (15 U.S.C. 271 note) as section 34 and moving it to the
			 end of the Act; and
			(2)by inserting
			 before the section moved by paragraph (1) the following new section:

					33.Collaborative
				Manufacturing Research Pilot Grants
						(a)Authority
							(1)EstablishmentThe
				Director shall establish a pilot program of awards to partnerships among
				participants described in paragraph (2) for the purposes described in paragraph
				(3). Awards shall be made on a peer-reviewed, competitive basis.
							(2)ParticipantsSuch
				partnerships shall include at least—
								(A)1 manufacturing
				industry partner; and
								(B)1 nonindustry
				partner.
								(3)PurposeThe
				purpose of the program under this section is to foster cost-shared
				collaborations among firms, educational institutions, research institutions,
				State agencies, and nonprofit organizations to encourage the development of
				innovative, multidisciplinary manufacturing technologies. Partnerships
				receiving awards under this section shall conduct applied research to develop
				new manufacturing processes, techniques, or materials that would contribute to
				improved performance, productivity, and competitiveness of United States
				manufacturing, and build lasting alliances among collaborators.
							(b)Program
				ContributionAwards under this section shall provide for not more
				than one-third of the costs of a partnership. Not more than an additional
				one-third of such costs may be obtained directly or indirectly from other
				Federal sources.
						(c)ApplicationsApplications
				for awards under this section shall be submitted in such manner, at such time,
				and containing such information as the Director shall require. Such
				applications shall describe at a minimum—
							(1)how each partner
				will participate in developing and carrying out the research agenda of the
				partnership;
							(2)the research that
				the grant would fund; and
							(3)how the research to
				be funded with the award would contribute to improved performance,
				productivity, and competitiveness of the United States manufacturing
				industry.
							(d)Selection
				CriteriaIn selecting applications for awards under this section,
				the Director shall consider at a minimum—
							(1)the degree to which
				projects will have a broad impact on manufacturing;
							(2)the novelty and
				scientific and technical merit of the proposed projects; and
							(3)the demonstrated
				capabilities of the applicants to successfully carry out the proposed
				research.
							(e)DistributionIn
				selecting applications under this section the Director shall ensure, to the
				extent practicable, a distribution of overall awards among a variety of
				manufacturing industry sectors and a range of firm sizes.
						(f)DurationIn
				carrying out this section, the Director shall run a single pilot competition to
				solicit and make awards. Each award shall be for a 3-year
				period.
						.
			4.Manufacturing
			 fellowship ProgramSection 18
			 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278g–1) is
			 amended—
			(1)by inserting
			 (a) In
			 general.— before The Director is
			 authorized; and
			(2)by adding at the
			 end the following new subsection:

					(b)Manufacturing
				Fellowship Program
						(1)EstablishmentTo
				promote the development of a robust research community working at the leading
				edge of manufacturing sciences, the Director shall establish a program to
				award—
							(A)postdoctoral
				research fellowships at the Institute for research activities related to
				manufacturing sciences; and
							(B)senior research
				fellowships to established researchers in industry or at institutions of higher
				education who wish to pursue studies related to the manufacturing sciences at
				the Institute.
							(2)ApplicationsTo
				be eligible for an award under this subsection, an individual shall submit an
				application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such
				information as the Director may require.
						(3)Stipend
				levelsUnder this section, the Director shall provide stipends
				for postdoctoral research fellowships at a level consistent with the National
				Institute of Standards and Technology Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program,
				and senior research fellowships at levels consistent with support for a faculty
				member in a sabbatical
				position.
						.
			5.Manufacturing
			 extension
			(a)Manufacturing
			 Center EvaluationSection 25(c)(5) of the National Institute of
			 Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(c)(5)) is amended by inserting
			 A Center that has not received a positive evaluation by the evaluation
			 panel shall be notified by the panel of the deficiencies in its performance and
			 may be placed on probation for one year, after which time the panel may
			 reevaluate the Center. If the Center has not addressed the deficiencies
			 identified by the panel, or shown a significant improvement in its performance,
			 the Director may conduct a new competition to select an operator for the Center
			 or may close the Center. after sixth year at declining
			 levels..
			(b)Federal
			 ShareStrike section 25(d) of the National Institute of Standards
			 and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(d)) and insert the following:

					(d)Acceptance of
				FundsIn addition to such sums as may be appropriated to the
				Secretary and Director to operate the Centers program, the Secretary and
				Director also may accept funds from other Federal departments and agencies and
				under section 2(c)(7) from the private sector for the purpose of strengthening
				United States manufacturing. Such funds, if allocated to a Center or Centers,
				shall not be considered in the calculation of the Federal share of capital and
				annual operating and maintenance costs under subsection
				(c).
					.
			(c)Manufacturing
			 Extension Center Competitive Grant ProgramSection 25 of the
			 National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended
			 by adding at the end the following new subsections:

					(e)Competitive
				Grant Program
						(1)EstablishmentThe
				Director shall establish, within the Manufacturing Extension Partnership
				program under this section and section 26 of this Act, a program of competitive
				awards among participants described in paragraph (2) for the purposes described
				in paragraph (3).
						(2)ParticipantsParticipants
				receiving awards under this subsection shall be the Centers, or a consortium of
				such Centers.
						(3)PurposeThe
				purpose of the program under this subsection is to develop projects to solve
				new or emerging manufacturing problems as determined by the Director, in
				consultation with the Director of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership
				program, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Advisory Board, and
				small and medium-sized manufacturers. One or more themes for the competition
				may be identified, which may vary from year to year, depending on the needs of
				manufacturers and the success of previous competitions. These themes shall be
				related to projects associated with manufacturing extension activities,
				including supply chain integration and quality management, or extend beyond
				these traditional areas.
						(4)ApplicationsApplications
				for awards under this subsection shall be submitted in such manner, at such
				time, and containing such information as the Director shall require, in
				consultation with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Advisory
				Board.
						(5)SelectionAwards
				under this subsection shall be peer reviewed and competitively awarded. The
				Director shall select proposals to receive awards—
							(A)that utilize
				innovative or collaborative approaches to solving the problem described in the
				competition;
							(B)that will improve
				the competitiveness of industries in the region in which the Center or Centers
				are located; and
							(C)that will
				contribute to the long-term economic stability of that region.
							(6)Program
				contributionRecipients of awards under this subsection shall not
				be required to provide a matching contribution.
						(f)AuditsA
				center that receives assistance under this section shall submit annual audits
				to the Secretary in accordance with Office of Management and Budget Circular
				A–133 and shall make such audits available to the public on
				request.
					.
			(d)Programmatic and
			 Operational PlanNot later than 120 days after the date of
			 enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
			 Technology shall transmit to the Committee on Science of the House of
			 Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
			 the Senate a 3-year programmatic and operational plan for the Manufacturing
			 Extension Partnership program under sections 25 and 26 of the National
			 Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C. 278k and 278l). The plan
			 shall include comments on the plan from the Manufacturing Extension Partnership
			 State partners and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Advisory
			 Board.
			6.Scientific and
			 technical research and services
			(a)Laboratory
			 ActivitiesThere are authorized to be appropriated to the
			 Secretary of Commerce for the scientific and technical research and services
			 laboratory activities of the National Institute of Standards and
			 Technology—
				(1)$505,340,000 for fiscal year 2008;
				(2)$555,874,000 for
			 fiscal year 2009; and
				(3)$611,461,000 for
			 fiscal year 2010.
				(b)Malcolm Baldrige
			 National Quality Award ProgramThere are authorized to be
			 appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce for the Malcolm Baldrige National
			 Quality Award program under section 17 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology
			 Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3711a)—
				(1)$7,828,000 for fiscal year 2008;
				(2)$8,063,000 for
			 fiscal year 2009; and
				(3)$8,305,000 for
			 fiscal year 2010.
				(c)Construction and
			 MaintenanceThere are authorized to be appropriated to the
			 Secretary of Commerce for construction and maintenance of facilities of the
			 National Institute of Standards and Technology—
				(1)$94,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
				(2)$94,000,000 for
			 fiscal year 2009; and
				(3)$94,000,000 for
			 fiscal year 2010.
				(d)Advanced
			 Technology Program Elimination ReportNot later than 3 months
			 after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the
			 Congress a report detailing the impacts of the possible elimination of the
			 Advanced Technology Program on the laboratory programs at the National
			 Institute of Standards Technology.
			(e)Loss of
			 FundingAt the time of the
			 President’s budget request for fiscal year 2009, the Secretary shall provide
			 the Congress a report on how the Department of Commerce plans to absorb the
			 loss of Advanced Technology Program funds to the laboratory programs at the
			 National Institute of Standards and Technology, or otherwise mitigate the
			 effects of this loss on its programs and personnel.
			7.Standards
			 Education Program
			(a)Program
			 Authorized(1)As part of the Teacher
			 Science and Technology Enhancement Institute Program, the Director of the
			 National Institute of Standards and Technology shall carry out a Standards
			 Education program to award grants to institutions of higher education to
			 support efforts by such institutions to develop curricula on the role of
			 standards in the fields of engineering, business, science, and economics. The
			 curricula should address topics such as—
					(A)development of technical
			 standards;
					(B)demonstrating conformity to
			 standards;
					(C)intellectual property and antitrust
			 issues;
					(D)standardization as a key element of
			 business strategy;
					(E)survey of organizations that develop
			 standards;
					(F)the standards life cycle;
					(G)case studies in effective
			 standardization;
					(H)managing standardization activities;
			 and
					(I)managing organizations that develop
			 standards.
					(2)Grants shall be awarded under this
			 section on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis and shall require cost-sharing
			 from non-Federal sources.
				(b)Selection
			 Process(1)An
			 institution of higher education seeking funding under this section shall submit
			 an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing
			 such information as the Director may require. The application shall include at
			 a minimum—
					(A)a description of the content and
			 schedule for adoption of the proposed curricula in the courses of study offered
			 by the applicant; and
					(B)a description of the source and amount
			 of cost-sharing to be provided.
					(2)In evaluating the applications
			 submitted under paragraph (1) the Director shall consider, at a minimum—
					(A)the level of commitment demonstrated
			 by the applicant in carrying out and sustaining lasting curricula changes in
			 accordance with subsection (a)(1); and
					(B)the amount of cost-sharing
			 provided.
					(c)Authorization of
			 AppropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the
			 Secretary of Commerce for the Teacher Science and Technology Enhancement
			 Institute program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology—
				(1)$773,000 for fiscal year 2008;
				(2)$796,000 for
			 fiscal year 2009; and
				(3)$820,000 for
			 fiscal year 2010.
				8.Authorization of
			 appropriations
			(a)Manufacturing
			 Extension Partnership ProgramThere are authorized to be
			 appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce, or other appropriate Federal
			 agencies, for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program under sections 25
			 and 26 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (15 U.S.C.
			 278k and 278l)—
				(1)$120,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, of which
			 not more than $1,000,000 shall be for the competitive grant program under
			 section 25(e) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(e));
				(2)$125,000,000 for
			 fiscal year 2009, of which not more than $4,000,000 shall be for the
			 competitive grant program under section 25(e) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 278k(e));
			 and
				(3)$130,000,000 for
			 fiscal year 2010, of which not more than $4,100,000 shall be for the
			 competitive grant program under section 25(e) of such Act (15 U.S.C.
			 278k(e)).
				(b)Collaborative
			 Manufacturing Research Pilot Grants ProgramThere are authorized
			 to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce for the Collaborative
			 Manufacturing Research Pilot Grants program under section 33 of the National
			 Institute of Standards and Technology Act—
				(1)$10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
				(2)$10,000,000 for
			 fiscal year 2009; and
				(3)$10,000,000 for
			 fiscal year 2010.
				(c)FellowshipsThere
			 are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce for
			 Manufacturing Fellowships at the National Institute of Standards and Technology
			 under section 18(b) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act,
			 as added by section 4 of this Act—
				(1)$1,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;
				(2)$1,750,000 for
			 fiscal year 2009; and
				(3)$2,000,000 for
			 fiscal year 2010.


116 S190 IS: Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-01-17
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.

		II
		116th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 190
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 17, 2019
			Mr. Lee (for himself, Mr. Braun, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Rounds, Mrs. Hyde-Smith, Mr. Blunt, Ms. Ernst, Mr. Daines, Mr. Rubio, Mr. Hawley, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Sasse, Mr. Cotton, Mr. Risch, Mr. Thune, Mr. Barrasso, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Scott of South Carolina, Mr. Moran, Mr. Lankford, Mrs. Fischer, and Mr. Enzi) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

		A BILL
		To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to prohibit assistance to nonprofits, foreign
			 nongovernmental organizations, and quasi-autonomous nongovernmental
			 organizations that promote or perform abortions.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance Act of 2019.
		2.Prohibition on assistance to foreign nonprofits, foreign nongovernmental organizations, and
			 quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organizations  that promote or perform
 abortionsChapter 1 of part III of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2351 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

				620N.Prohibition on assistance to foreign nonprofits, foreign nongovernmental organizations, and
			 quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organizations  that promote or perform
 abortionsNo assistance may be furnished under this Act to any foreign nonprofit, foreign nongovernmental organization, or quasi-autonomous nongovernmental organization that promotes or performs abortion, except in cases of rape or incest or when the life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term..


114 S3367 IS: Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act of 2016
U.S. Senate
2016-09-21
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.

		II
		114th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 3367
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			September 21, 2016
			Mr. Warner (for himself, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Burr, Ms. Collins, Mr. Daines, Mr. Gardner, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Kaine, Mr. King, Mr. Markey, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Peters, Mr. Schumer, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Tester, Mr. Tillis, and Ms. Warren) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs

		A BILL
		To authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out certain major medical facility leases
			 of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act of 2016.
		2.Authorization of certain major medical facility leases of the Department of Veterans Affairs
 (a)In generalThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry out the following major medical facility leases at the locations specified and in an amount for each lease not to exceed the amount specified for such location (not including any estimated cancellation costs):
 (1)For an outpatient clinic, Ann Arbor, Michigan, an amount not to exceed $17,093,000. (2)For an outpatient mental health clinic, Birmingham, Alabama, an amount not to exceed $6,971,000.
 (3)For an outpatient specialty clinic, Birmingham, Alabama, an amount not to exceed $10,479,000. (4)For research space, Boston, Massachusetts, an amount not to exceed $5,497,000.
 (5)For research space, Charleston, South Carolina, an amount not to exceed $6,581,000. (6)For an outpatient clinic, Daytona Beach, Florida, an amount not to exceed $12,664,000.
 (7)For Chief Business Office Purchased Care office space, Denver, Colorado, an amount not to exceed $17,215,000.
 (8)For an outpatient clinic, Gainesville, Florida, an amount not to exceed $4,686,000. (9)For an outpatient clinic, Hampton Roads, Virginia, an amount not to exceed $18,124,000.
 (10)For research space, Mission Bay, California, an amount not to exceed $23,454,000. (11)For an outpatient clinic, Missoula, Montana, an amount not to exceed $7,130,000.
 (12)For an outpatient clinic, Northern Colorado, Colorado, an amount not to exceed $8,776,000. (13)For an outpatient clinic, Ocala, Florida, an amount not to exceed $5,279,000.
 (14)For an outpatient clinic, Oxnard, California, an amount not to exceed $6,297,000. (15)For an outpatient clinic, Pike County, Georgia, an amount not to exceed $5,757,000.
 (16)For an outpatient clinic, Portland, Maine, an amount not to exceed $6,846,000. (17)For an outpatient clinic, Raleigh, North Carolina, an amount not to exceed $21,607,000.
 (18)For an outpatient clinic, Santa Rosa, California, an amount not to exceed $6,498,000. (19)For a replacement outpatient clinic, Corpus Christi, Texas, an amount not to exceed $7,452,000.
 (20)For a replacement outpatient clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, an amount not to exceed $18,136,000. (21)For a replacement outpatient clinic, Pontiac, Michigan, an amount not to exceed $4,532,000.
 (22)For a replacement outpatient clinic, phase II, Rochester, New York, an amount not to exceed $6,901,000.
 (23)For a replacement outpatient clinic, Tampa, Florida, an amount not to exceed $10,568,000. (24)For a replacement outpatient clinic, Terre Haute, Indiana, an amount not to exceed $4,475,000.
 (b)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2017 or the year in which funds are appropriated for the Medical Facilities account $243,018,000 for the leases authorized in subsection (a).


116 HR 7594 IH: Reshoring American Manufacturing Act of 2020
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-07-13
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.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7594IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 13, 2020Mr. Posey introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a tax credit for certain expenses of moving manufacturing equipment from China to the United States, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Reshoring American Manufacturing Act of 2020 or as the RAM Act of 2020. 2.Credit for certain expenses of moving manufacturing equipment from China to the United States(a)In generalSubpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:45U.Manufacturing reshoring credit(a)In generalFor purposes of section 38, the manufacturing reshoring credit for any taxable year is the applicable percentage of the eligible reshoring expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer during such taxable year.(b)LimitationThe credit determined under subsection (a) with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year shall not exceed $25,000,000.(c)Applicable percentageFor purposes of this section, the term applicable percentage means—(1)in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2020 or 2021, 100 percent,(2)in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2022, 80 percent, and(3)in the case of any taxable year beginning in 2023, 60 percent.(d)Eligible reshoring expensesFor purposes of this section—(1)In generalThe term eligible reshoring expenses means, with respect to any taxpayer, amounts paid or incurred by such taxpayer for the transportation (including any import duties, fees, or tariffs imposed with respect to such transportation) of qualified manufacturing equipment from China to the United States.(2)Qualified manufacturing equipmentThe term qualified manufacturing equipment means, with respect to any taxpayer, manufacturing equipment owned by such taxpayer which—(A)before the transportation referred to in paragraph (1) was used by such taxpayer to manufacture tangible property in China, and(B)after the transportation referred to in paragraph (1) is used by such taxpayer to manufacture tangible property in the United States.(e)RecaptureIf any qualified manufacturing equipment with respect to which a credit was allowed under this section is transported outside the United States (after transportation to the United States as described in subsection (d)) during the 3-year period beginning on the date (after such transportation) on which such property is placed in service by the taxpayer in the United States, the tax imposed under this chapter on such taxpayer for the taxable year which includes the date on which such property is so transported outside the United States shall be increased by the amount of the credit determined under this section with respect to such property.(f)Special rules(1)Denial of double benefitAny deduction or credit allowed under this title (other than this section) with respect to any eligible reshoring expenses shall be reduced by the amount of the credit determined under this section.(2)Aggregation ruleFor purposes of the dollar limitation imposed under subsection (b), all members of the same controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of section 267(f)) and all persons under common control (within the meaning of section 52(b) but determined by treating an interest of more than 50 percent as a controlling interest) shall be treated as 1 person and such dollar limitation shall be allocated in such manner as the Secretary may provide.(3)Election to not have section applyNo credit shall be determined under subsection (a) with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year if such taxpayer make an election under this paragraph (at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may provide) to have such subsection not apply for such taxable year.(g)TerminationNo credit shall be determined under this section for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2023..(a)Credit allowed as part of general business creditSection 38(b) of such Code is amended by striking plus at the end of paragraph (32), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (33) and inserting , plus, and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(34)the manufacturing reshoring credit determined under section 45U(a)..(b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections for subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:Sec. 45U. Manufacturing reshoring credit..(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to amounts paid or incurred after the date of the enactment of this Act, in taxable years ending after such date.


116 HR 6532 IH: COVID Special Enrollment Act of 2020
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-04-17
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.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6532IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 17, 2020Mr. Doggett (for himself, Ms. Wild, and Mrs. Bustos) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a special enrollment period during the COVID–19 emergency period and to carry out outreach and educational activities, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the COVID Special Enrollment Act of 2020.2.Special enrollment period through Exchanges; Federal Exchange outreach and educational activities(a)Special enrollment period through ExchangesSection 1311(c) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031(c)) is amended—(1)in paragraph (6)—(A)in subparagraph (C), by striking at the end and;(B)in subparagraph (D), by striking at the end the period and inserting ; and; and(C)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:(E)subject to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (8), the special enrollment period described in subparagraph (A) of such paragraph.; and(2)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(8)Special enrollment period for certain public health emergency(A)In generalThe Secretary shall, subject to subparagraph (B), require an Exchange to provide—(i)for a special enrollment period during the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act—(I)which shall begin on the date that is one week after the date of the enactment of this paragraph and which, in the case of an Exchange established or operated by the Secretary within a State pursuant to section 1321(c), shall be an 8-week period; and(II)during which any individual who is otherwise eligible to enroll in a qualified health plan through the Exchange may enroll in such a qualified health plan; and(ii)that, in the case of an individual who enrolls in a qualified health plan through the Exchange during such enrollment period, the coverage period under such plan shall begin, at the option of the individual, on April 1, 2020, or on the first day of the month following the day the individual selects a plan through such special enrollment period.(B)ExceptionThe requirement of subparagraph (A) shall not apply to a State-operated or State-established Exchange if such Exchange, prior to the date of the enactment of this paragraph, established or otherwise provided for a special enrollment period to address access to coverage under qualified health plans offered through such Exchange during the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act. .(b)Federal Exchange outreach and educational activitiesSection 1321(c) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18041(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(3)Outreach and educational activities(A)In generalIn the case of an Exchange established or operated by the Secretary within a State pursuant to this subsection, the Secretary shall carry out outreach and educational activities for purposes of informing potential enrollees in qualified health plans offered through the Exchange of the availability of coverage under such plans and financial assistance for coverage under such plans. Such outreach and educational activities shall be provided in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate to the needs of the populations being served by the Exchange (including hard-to-reach populations, such as racial and sexual minorities, limited English proficient populations, and young adults).(B)Limitation on use of fundsNo funds appropriated under this paragraph shall be used for expenditures for promoting non-ACA compliant health insurance coverage.(C)Non-aca compliant health insurance coverageFor purposes of subparagraph (B): (i)The term non-ACA compliant health insurance coverage means health insurance coverage, or a group health plan, that is not a qualified health plan.(ii)Such term includes the following:(I)An association health plan. (II)Short-term limited duration insurance.(D)FundingOut of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there are hereby appropriated $25,000,000 to carry out this paragraph. Funds appropriated under this subparagraph shall remain available until expended..(c)ImplementationThe Secretary of Health and Human Services may implement the provisions of (including amendments made by) this section through subregulatory guidance, program instruction, or otherwise.


109 HR 6170 IH: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify and

U.S. House of Representatives
2006-09-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		109th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6170
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 25, 2006
			Mr. Burton of Indiana
			 (for himself, Mr. Paul,
			 Mr. Fortuño,
			 Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, and
			 Mr. Delahunt) 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 modify and
		  make permanent the deduction for qualified tuition and related
		  expenses.

		1.Deduction for qualified
			 tuition and related expenses
			(a)Deduction made
			 permanent
				(1)In
			 generalSection 222 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
			 amended by striking subsection (e).
				(2)EGTRRA
			 sunsetTitle IX of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief
			 Reconciliation Act of 2001 shall not apply to section 431 of such Act.
				(b)Increase in
			 dollar limitation; repeal of AGI phaseoutSubsection (b) of
			 section 222 of such Code is amended to read as follows:

					(b)Dollar
				limitationThe amount allowed as a deduction under subsection (a)
				with respect to the taxpayer for any taxable year shall not exceed
				$5,000.
					.
			(c)Allowance of
			 deduction to grandparentsSubsection (d) of section 222 of such
			 Code is amended by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7) and inserting
			 after paragraph (5) the following new paragraph:

					(6)Grandchildren
				treated as dependents
						(A)In
				generalFor purposes of determining qualified tuition and related
				expenses for purposes of this section, any grandchild of the taxpayer shall be
				treated as a dependent of the taxpayer.
						(B)GrandchildrenFor
				purposes of this paragraph, the term grandchild means a child of
				any child of the
				taxpayer.
						.
			(d)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable
			 years beginning after December 31, 2005.


116 S542 RS: Interstate Transport Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-02-25
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.

IICalendar No. 161116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 542[Report No. 116–65]IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 25, 2019Mr. Enzi (for himself, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Risch, Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Merkley, and Mr. Manchin) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationJuly 24, 2019Reported by Mr. Wicker, without amendmentA BILLTo protect the right of law-abiding citizens to transport knives interstate, notwithstanding a
			 patchwork of local and State prohibitions.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Interstate Transport Act of 2019.
		2.Interstate transportation of knives
 (a)DefinitionIn this Act, the term transport— (1)includes staying in temporary lodging overnight, common carrier misrouting or delays, stops for food, fuel, vehicle maintenance, emergencies, or medical treatment, and any other activity related to the journey of a person; and
 (2)does not include transport of a knife with the intent to commit an offense punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year involving the use or threatened use of force against another person, or with knowledge, or reasonable cause to believe, that such an offense is to be committed in the course of, or arising from, the journey.
				(b)Transport of knives
 (1)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, a person who is not otherwise prohibited by any Federal law from possessing, transporting, shipping, or receiving a knife shall be entitled to transport a knife for any lawful purpose from any place where the person may lawfully possess, carry, or transport the knife to any other place where the person may lawfully possess, carry, or transport the knife if—
 (A)in the case of transport by motor vehicle, the knife— (i)is not directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle; or
 (ii)in the case of a motor vehicle without a compartment separate from the passenger compartment, is contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console; and
 (B)in the case of transport by means other than a motor vehicle, including any transport over land or on or through water, the knife is contained in a locked container.
 (2)LimitationThis subsection shall not apply to the transport of a knife or tool in the cabin of a passenger aircraft subject to the rules and regulations of the Transportation Security Administration.
				(c)Emergency knives
 (1)In generalA person— (A)may carry in the passenger compartment of a mode of transportation a knife or tool—
 (i)the blades of which consist only of a blunt tipped safety blade, a guarded blade, or both; and (ii)that is specifically designed for enabling escape in an emergency by cutting safety belts; and
 (B)shall not be required to secure a knife or tool described in subparagraph (A) in a locked container.
 (2)LimitationThis subsection shall not apply to the transport of a knife or tool in the cabin of a passenger aircraft subject to the rules and regulations of the Transportation Security Administration.
 (d)No arrestA person who is transporting a knife in compliance with this section may not be arrested for violation of any law, rule, or regulation of a State or political subdivision of a State related to the possession, transport, or carrying of a knife, unless there is probable cause to believe that the person is not in compliance with subsection (b).
 (e)CostsIf a person who asserts this section as a claim or defense in a civil or criminal action or proceeding is a prevailing party on the claim or defense, the court shall award costs and reasonable attorney's fees incurred by the person.
 (f)ExpungementIf a person who asserts this section as a claim or defense in a criminal proceeding is a prevailing party on the claim or defense, the court shall enter an order that directs that there be expunged from all official records all references to—
 (1)the arrest of the person for the offense as to which the claim or defense was asserted; (2)the institution of any criminal proceedings against the person relating to such offense; and
 (3)the results of the proceedings, if any. (g)Rule of constructionNothing in this section shall be construed to limit any right to possess, carry, or transport a knife under applicable State law.July 24, 2019Reported without amendment


114 S2224 IS: Child Poverty Reduction Act of 2015
U.S. Senate
2015-10-29
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.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2224IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESOctober 29, 2015Mr. Casey (for himself, Ms. Baldwin, and Mr. Brown) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsA BILLTo establish in the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human
			 Services the Federal Interagency Working Group on Reducing Child Poverty
			 to develop a national strategy to eliminate child poverty in the United
			 States, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Child Poverty Reduction Act of 2015. 2.Table of contentsSec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. TITLE I—Federal Interagency Working Group on Reducing Child Poverty Sec. 101. Establishment of Working Group. Sec. 102. National plan to reduce child poverty. Sec. 103. Other duties. Sec. 104. Membership. Sec. 105. Director and staff. Sec. 106. Reporting requirements. TITLE II—Workshops by National Academy of Sciences Sec. 201. Requirement to enter into agreement with National Academy of Sciences. Sec. 202. Workshop topics. Sec. 203. Reporting requirement. Sec. 204. Authorization of appropriations. TITLE III—Definitions Sec. 301. Definitions.  IFederal Interagency Working Group on Reducing Child Poverty 101.Establishment of Working GroupThere is established in the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services a group which shall be known as the Federal Interagency Working Group on Reducing Child Poverty (in this Act referred to as the Working Group).
			102.National plan to reduce child poverty
				(a)Primary goal
 (1)Development of national planThe primary goal of the Working Group is to develop a national plan— (A)to reduce, within 10 years after the date on which funding is made available to carry out this Act—
 (i)the number of children living in poverty in the United States to half of the number of such children as reported in the report of the United States Census Bureau on Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2014 (issued in September 2015); and
 (ii)the number of children living in extreme poverty in the United States to zero; and (B)to reduce, within 20 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this Act, the number of children living in poverty in the United States to zero.
 (2)Consultation with National Academy of SciencesIn developing the national plan under paragraph (1), the Working Group shall consider all recommendations, research papers, and reports published by the National Academy of Sciences as a result of the workshops conducted pursuant to title II.
 (3)DeadlineNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Working Group shall make substantial progress toward the development of the national plan.
 (b)Additional goalsThe national plan under subsection (a) shall include recommendations for achieving the following goals:
 (1)Understanding the root causes of child poverty, including persistent intergenerational poverty, taking into account social, economic, and cultural factors.
 (2)Improving the accessibility of anti-poverty programs and increasing the rate of enrollment in such programs among eligible children and families by reducing the complexity and difficulty of enrolling in such programs.
 (3)Eliminating disparate rates of child poverty based on race, ethnicity, gender, and age. (4)Improving the ability of individuals living in poverty, low-income individuals, and unemployed individuals to access quality jobs that help children and their families rise above poverty.
 (5)Connecting low-income children, disconnected youth, and their families to education, job training, work, and their communities.
 (6)Shifting the measures and policies of Federal anti-poverty programs from the goal of helping individuals and families living in poverty to achieve freedom from deprivation toward the goal of helping such individuals and families rise above poverty and achieve long-term economic stability.
 (c)MethodsIn developing the national plan under subsection (a), the Working Group shall employ methods for achieving the goals described in subsections (a) and (b) that include—
 (1)entering into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for a workshop series on the economic and social costs of child poverty, as described in title II;
 (2)studying the effect of child poverty on the health and welfare of children, including the access of children living in poverty to health care, housing, proper nutrition, and education;
 (3)measuring the effect of child poverty on the ability of individuals to achieve economic stability, including such effect on educational attainment, rates of incarceration, lifetime earnings, access to healthcare, and access to housing;
 (4)updating and applying improved measures of poverty that can meaningfully account for other aspects relating to the measure of poverty, such as the Supplemental Poverty Measure used by the United States Census Bureau; and
 (5)using and applying fact-based measures to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of anti-poverty programs, taking into account the long-term savings and value to the Federal Government and to State, local, and tribal governments of practices and policies designed to prevent poverty.
 103.Other dutiesIn addition to developing the national plan under section 102(a), the Working Group shall— (1)monitor, in consultation with the Domestic Policy Council and the National Economic Council, all Federal activities, programs, and services related to child welfare and child poverty;
 (2)establish guidelines, policies, goals, and directives related to the achievement of the goals of the national plan, in consultation with nongovernmental entities providing social services to low-income children and families, advocacy groups that directly represent low-income children and families, policy experts, and officials of State, local, and tribal governments who administer or direct policy for anti-poverty programs;
 (3)advise all relevant Federal agencies regarding how to effectively administer and coordinate programs, activities, and services related to child welfare and child poverty and how to resolve any disputes that arise between or among such agencies as a result of such administration or coordination;
 (4)provide recommendations to the Congress regarding how to ensure that Federal agencies administering programs, activities, and services related to child welfare and child poverty have adequate resources to increase public awareness of such programs, activities, and services and how to maximize enrollment of eligible individuals;
 (5)identify methods for improving communication and collaboration among and between State and Federal governmental entities regarding the implementation of State programs related to child welfare and child poverty, such as State programs funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (relating to block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families), and submit recommendations regarding such methods to relevant Federal agencies and congressional committees; and
 (6)hold hearings in different geographic regions of the United States to collect information and feedback from the public regarding personal experiences related to child poverty and anti-poverty programs, and make such information and feedback publicly available.
				104.Membership
 (a)Number of membersThe Working Group shall be composed of no less than 6 members. (b)Executive pay rateEach member shall be an official of an Executive department who occupies a position for which the rate of pay is equal to or greater than the rate of pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5, United States Code.
 (c)Required participation of certain Executive departmentsThe Working Group shall include at least one member who is an official of each of the following Executive departments:
 (1)The Department of Justice. (2)The Department of Agriculture.
 (3)The Department of Labor. (4)The Department of Health and Human Services.
 (5)The Department of Housing and Urban Development. (6)The Department of Education.
 (d)AppointmentEach member shall be appointed by the head of the Executive department that employs such member. (e)Obtaining official dataOn request of the Chairperson, any head of a Federal agency shall furnish directly to the Working Group any information necessary to enable the Working Group to carry out this Act.
 (f)TermsEach member shall be appointed for the life of the Working Group. (g)VacanciesA vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
 (h)QuorumA majority of members shall constitute a quorum. (i)ChairpersonThe Chairperson of the Working Group shall be appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
				(j)Meetings
 (1)Initial meeting periodThe Working Group shall meet on a monthly basis during the 180-day period beginning with the date on which funds are made available to carry out this Act.
 (2)Subsequent meetingsAfter such 180-day period, the Working Group shall meet not less than once every 6 months and at the call of the Chairperson or a majority of members.
					105.Director and staff
 (a)DirectorThe Working Group shall have a Director who shall be appointed by the Chairperson. (b)StaffThe Director may appoint and fix the pay of additional personnel as the Director considers appropriate.
 (c)DutiesThe duties of the Director and staff shall be to achieve the goals and carry out the duties of the Working Group.
				106.Reporting requirements
 (a)Annual reportNot later than September 30, 2017, and annually thereafter, the Chairperson shall submit to the Congress a report describing the activities, projects, and plans of the Federal Government to carry out the goals of the Working Group, which shall include—
 (1)an accounting of— (A)any increase in efficiency in the delivery of Federal, State, local, and tribal social services and benefits related to child welfare and child poverty;
 (B)any reduction in the number of children living in poverty; (C)any reduction in the demand for such social services and benefits for which children living in poverty and near poverty are eligible; and
 (D)any savings to the Federal Government as a result of such increases or reductions; (2)an accounting of any increase in the national rate of employment due to the efforts of the Working Group;
 (3)a summary of the efforts of each State to reduce child poverty within such State, including the administration of State programs funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (relating to block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families); and
 (4)legislative language and recommendations regarding reducing child poverty and achieving the other goals and duties of the Working Group.
					(b)Public reporting requirements
 (1)Annual report available to publicA version of the annual report required by subsection (a) shall be made publicly available. (2)Annual update from Federal agenciesThe head of each relevant Federal agency shall post on the public Internet Web site of such agency an annual summary of any plans, activities, and results of the agency related to the goals and duties of the Working Group.
					IIWorkshops by National Academy of Sciences
			201.Requirement to enter into agreement with National Academy of Sciences
 (a)In GeneralNot later than 90 days after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences for 2 public workshops to provide the Working Group with information to assist in the development of the national plan under section 102(a).
 (b)Steering committeeThe agreement under subsection (a) shall include the creation of a steering committee to plan and conduct such workshops.
 (c)ExpertsThe agreement under subsection (a) shall include the commission of experts to prepare research papers that summarize and critique literature on the economic and social costs of child poverty.
 202.Workshop topicsThe purpose of the workshops required by section 201(a) shall be to collect information and input from the public on the economic and social costs of child poverty, addressing topics that include—
 (1)the macroeconomic costs of child poverty, including the effects of child poverty on productivity and economic output;
 (2)the health-related costs of child poverty, including the costs incurred by the Federal Government and State, local, and tribal governments due to child illnesses, other child medical problems, and other child health-related expenditures;
 (3)the effect of child poverty on crime rates; (4)the short-term and long-term effects of child poverty on the Federal budget, including outlays for anti-poverty programs;
 (5)poverty metrics such as income poverty, food insecurity, and other measures of deprivation, and the role of such metrics in assessing the effects of poverty and the performance of anti-poverty programs;
 (6)the effect of child poverty on certain population groups, including immigrants, single parent families, individuals who have attained the age of 16 but have not attained the age of 25 with large student loans, individuals living in areas of concentrated poverty, and individuals living on Indian reservations; and
 (7)the effect of child poverty on individuals and families living in extreme poverty, as compared with such effect on individuals and families living in poverty or near poverty.
				203.Reporting requirement
 (a)Research papersThe agreement under section 201(a) shall include the publication of the research papers required under such section on the public Web site of the National Academy of Sciences.
 (b)Workshop summaryThe agreement under section 201(a) shall include the publication of a summary of each workshop required under such section on the public Web site of the National Academy of Sciences.
 204.Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 to carry out this title. IIIDefinitions 301.DefinitionsIn this Act:
 (1)Anti-poverty programThe term anti-poverty program means a program or institution with the primary goal of lifting children or families out of poverty and improving economic opportunities for children or families that operates in whole or in part using Federal, State, local, or tribal government funds.
 (2)ChildThe term child means an individual who has not attained the age of 18. (3)DeprivationThe term deprivation means, with respect to an individual, that such individual lacks adequate nutrition, health care, housing, or other resources to provide for basic human needs.
 (4)Disconnected youthThe term disconnected youth means individuals who have attained the age of 16 but have not attained the age of 25 who are unemployed and not enrolled in school.
 (5)Economic stabilityThe term economic stability means, with respect to an individual or family, that such individual or family has access to the means and support necessary to effectively cope with adverse or costly life events and to effectively recover from the consequences of such events while maintaining a decent standard of living.
 (6)Extreme povertyThe term extreme poverty means, with respect to an individual or family, that such individual or family has a total annual income that is less than the amount that is 50 percent of the official poverty threshold for such individual or family, as provided in the report of the United States Census Bureau on Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2014 (issued in September 2015).
 (7)Federal agencyThe term Federal agency means an Executive department, a Government corporation, and an independent establishment. (8)Near povertyThe term near poverty means, with respect to an individual or family, that such individual or family has a total annual income that is less than the amount that is 200 percent of the official poverty threshold for such individual or family, as provided in the report of the United States Census Bureau on Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2014 (issued in September 2015).
 (9)PovertyThe term poverty means, with respect to an individual or family, that such individual or family has a total annual income that is less than the amount that is the official poverty threshold for such individual or family, as provided in the report of the United States Census Bureau on Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2014 (issued in September 2015).


113 S55 IS: To prohibit Members of Congress and the President from receiving pay during Government shutdowns.
U.S. Senate
2013-01-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 55
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 22
			 (legislative day, January 3), 2013
			Mrs. Boxer (for herself
			 and Mr. Casey) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Homeland Security and
			 Governmental Affairs

		A BILL
		To prohibit Members of Congress and the
		  President from receiving pay during Government shutdowns.

		1.Prohibition on pay during Government
			 shutdown
			(a)In generalMembers of Congress and the President shall
			 not receive basic pay for any period in which—
				(1)there is more than a 24-hour lapse in
			 appropriations for any Federal agency or department as a result of a failure to
			 enact a regular appropriations bill or continuing resolution; or
				(2)the Federal Government is unable to make
			 payments or meet obligations because the public debt limit under section 3101
			 of title 31, United States Code, has been reached.
				(b)Retroactive pay prohibitedNo pay forfeited in accordance with
			 subsection (a) may be paid retroactively.