		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1668
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			September 14, 2009
			Mr. Bennet 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 provide for the
		  inclusion of certain active duty service in the Reserve components as
		  qualifying service for purposes of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program,
		  and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 National Guard Education Equality
			 Act.
		2.FindingsCongress makes the following
			 findings:
			(1)The National
			 Guard, first established in 1636, is the oldest component of the United States
			 Armed Forces.
			(2)National Guard
			 members have been Always Ready and Always There to protect and
			 defend the United States in times of crisis, both foreign and domestic.
			(3)Thirty-five
			 thousand members of the National Guard in State status under title 32, United
			 States Code, have served the United States admirably since September 11, 2001,
			 but do not qualify for veterans educational assistance under chapter 33 of
			 title 38, United States Code (commonly referred to as Post-9/11
			 Educational Assistance).
			(4)These National
			 Guard members have dutifully served in the following capacities while in State
			 status:
				(A)As domestic
			 emergency responders, notably after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
				(B)In homeland
			 security missions, such as Operation Jump Start, which deployed National Guard
			 members to secure the United States-Mexico border during 2007 and 2008.
				(C)In Operation
			 Noble Eagle, an initiative by United States Northern Command to monitor and
			 protect North American skies after September 11, 2001.
				3.Inclusion of
			 certain active duty service in the reserve components as qualifying service for
			 purposes of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance ProgramSection 3301(1) of title 38, United States
			 Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

				(C)In the case of members of the Army National
				Guard or Air National Guard of any State, full-time duty under title 32,
				including such duty—
					(i)under orders from the Governor of a State
				or territory of the United States in response to a domestic emergency;
					(ii)as part of the
				Active Guard Reserve;
					(iii)as part of Air
				Sovereignty Alert;
					(iv)as part of
				Operation Jumpstart;
					(v)in
				response to Hurricane Katrina;
					(vi)as part of an
				airport security mission; or
					(vii)as part of a
				counterdrug
				activity.
					.


113 HR 736 IH: Responsible Homeowner Refinancing Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-02-14
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 736
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 14, 2013
			Mr. Welch (for
			 himself, Mr. Costa,
			 Mr. Cicilline,
			 Mr. Sires,
			 Ms. Schakowsky,
			 Mrs. Davis of California,
			 Mr. Ellison, and
			 Ms. Bonamici) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Financial Services

		A BILL
		To provide for the expansion of affordable refinancing of
		  mortgages held by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal
		  Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Responsible Homeowner Refinancing Act
			 of 2013.
		2.DefinitionsIn this Act—
			(1)the term
			 current borrower means a mortgagor who is current on the subject
			 mortgage at the time of the refinancing, and has had no late payments in the
			 preceding 6 months and not more than 1 late payment in the preceding 12
			 months;
			(2)the term
			 eligible mortgage means any mortgage, regardless of current
			 loan-to-value, that—
				(A)is an existing
			 first mortgage that was made for purchase of, or refinancing of another first
			 mortgage on, a 1- to 4-family dwelling, including a condominium or a share in a
			 cooperative ownership housing association;
				(B)was originated or
			 refinanced on or before May 31, 2009, unless that date is extended by the
			 Director under FHFA’s preexisting authority to do so;
				(C)is owned or
			 guaranteed by an enterprise; and
				(D)with respect to
			 which, the mortgagor is a current borrower;
				(3)the term
			 enterprise means the Federal National Mortgage Association and
			 the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation;
			(4)the terms
			 FHFA and Director mean the Federal Housing
			 Finance Agency and the Director thereof, respectively;
			(5)the terms
			 Home Affordable Refinance Program and Program
			 mean the Home Affordable Refinance Program, administered by the FHFA and the
			 enterprises as part of the Making Home Affordable initiative announced on March
			 4, 2009;
			(6)the term—
				(A)LTV
			 means loan-to-value, or the ratio of the amount of the primary mortgage on a
			 property to the value of that property; and
				(B)CLTV
			 means combined loan-to-value, or the ratio of all mortgage debt on a property
			 to the value of the property;
				(7)the term
			 same servicer means a lender that is providing refinancing for a
			 borrower whose loan they already service;
			(8)the term
			 qualified lender means a lender that is participating in the
			 Program;
			(9)the term
			 guarantee fee has the same meaning as in section 1327(a) of the
			 Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4547(a)); and
			(10)the term
			 average fees means the average contractual fee rate of
			 single-family guaranty arrangements charged by an enterprise on January 1,
			 2013, plus the recognition of any up-front cash payments over an estimated
			 average life, expressed in terms of basis points, such definition to be
			 interpreted in a manner consistent with the annual report on guarantee fees by
			 the FHFA.
			3.Streamlined
			 refinancing criteria under the program
			(a)In
			 generalIn carrying out the Home Affordable Refinance Program,
			 each enterprise shall adopt and adhere to the criteria established under this
			 section.
			(b)Borrower
			 eligibilityThe enterprises shall include as eligible borrowers
			 in the Home Affordable Refinance Program all current borrowers who have an
			 eligible mortgage and meet those underwriting requirements for eligibility for
			 same servicer refinancing in the Program as of January 1, 2013, except that the
			 enterprises may not disqualify or impose varying rules within the Program for
			 borrowers based on LTV, CLTV, employment status or income.
			(c)Additional
			 relief from representations and warrantiesThe enterprises shall
			 not require of any qualified lender executing a loan under the Program any
			 representations or warranties—
				(1)for the value,
			 marketability, condition, or property type of the loan, as such loan
			 characteristics are evidenced by an appraisal or alternative valuation method,
			 provided that the lender complies with the enterprises’ required methods and
			 standards for ordering an appraisal under the Program; or
				(2)that are not
			 required of same servicers under the Program as of January 1, 2013, whether
			 that loan is manually underwritten or underwritten through an automated system,
			 except that, under no circumstances shall greater representations and
			 warranties be required for a loan that is manually underwritten than for one
			 that is underwritten through an automated system.
				(d)Prohibition on
			 up-Front feesIn carrying out the Program, the enterprises may
			 not charge the qualified lender any loan level price adjustment, post
			 settlement delivery fee, adverse delivery charge, or other similar up-front
			 fee.
			(e)AppraisalsThe
			 enterprises shall develop and allow alternative streamlined methods to
			 determine the value of the property for which refinancing is sought through the
			 Program that eliminate the costs to the borrower and qualified lender
			 associated with such determination. Until such time as such method is
			 developed, and when the existing automated valuation models of the enterprises
			 are unable to determine the value of a certain property for which refinancing
			 is sought through the Program, the enterprises shall bear the costs associated
			 with the use of manual appraisal of that property, without passing on such
			 costs to the borrower or qualified lender.
			(f)LimitationNotwithstanding
			 any provision of the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act (12
			 U.S.C. 1716 et seq.) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (12
			 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.), an enterprise may purchase or guarantee any new mortgage
			 resulting from the refinancing of an eligible mortgage pursuant to this
			 section, if at the time of origination of the eligible mortgage, the eligible
			 mortgage complied with the applicable limitation governing the maximum original
			 principal obligation on conventional mortgages that may be purchased or
			 guaranteed by that enterprise.
			(g)Guarantee
			 fees
				(1)In
			 general
					(A)Average
			 feeOn each mortgage refinanced under the Program in accordance
			 with this section, the enterprises shall set the average fee required under
			 this Act, as determined by the Director in an amount not less than the average
			 fees charged by the enterprises as of January 1, 2013, for such guarantees. The
			 Director shall prohibit an enterprise from offsetting the cost of the fee to
			 the mortgage originators, borrowers, and investors by decreasing other charges,
			 fees, or premiums, or in any other manner.
					(B)Authority to
			 limit offer of guaranteeThe Director shall prohibit an
			 enterprise from consummating any offer for a guarantee to a qualified lender
			 for mortgage-backed securities, if the guarantee is inconsistent with the
			 requirements of this section.
					(2)Information
			 collection and analysisThe Director shall require each
			 enterprise to provide to the Director, as part of its annual report submitted
			 to Congress, for loans refinanced under the Program—
					(A)a description of
			 changes made to up-front fees and annual fees as part of the guarantee fees
			 negotiated with qualified lenders; and
					(B)an assessment of
			 how the changes in the guarantee fees described in subparagraph (A) met the
			 requirements of paragraph (1).
					(h)RegulationsNot
			 later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall
			 issue any regulations or guidance necessary to carry out the changes to the
			 Program established under this section, which regulations or guidance shall be
			 put into effect not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this
			 Act.
			(i)TerminationThe
			 Program shall expire on December 31, 2014 and the requirements of this section
			 shall expire concurrent with the expiration of the Program. Notwithstanding the
			 prior sentence, the Director, at his or her discretion, may extend the Program
			 and the requirements established under this section shall apply during any such
			 extension.
			(j)Rule of
			 construction
				(1)In
			 generalNothing in this section shall be construed to supersede,
			 preempt, or otherwise nullify the requirement that a loan refinanced under the
			 Program must benefit the borrower.
				(2)DefinitionFor
			 purposes of paragraph (1), a loan refinanced under the Program benefits the
			 borrower, if the refinanced loan results in—
					(A)reduction in
			 payment;
					(B)reduction in
			 interest rate;
					(C)movement to a more
			 stable product, such as from an adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed rate
			 mortgage; or
					(D)reduction in
			 amortization term.
					4.Information for
			 borrowers on eligibility for the program
			(a)Notice to
			 borrowersNot later than 60 days after the date of enactment of
			 this Act, the enterprises shall notify all borrowers with a mortgage owned or
			 guaranteed by an enterprise about the Program and its eligibility criteria, and
			 inform borrowers of the website required under subsection (b).
			(b)Public access to
			 eligibility criteriaThe Director shall establish, and the
			 enterprises shall display a link on their homepages to, a single website where
			 borrowers may—
				(1)determine their
			 potential eligibility for participation in the Program;
				(2)see a complete
			 list of and links to qualified lenders;
				(3)use a mortgage
			 refinance calculator to calculate potential payment savings based on different
			 interest rates; and
				(4)obtain tips on
			 refinancing their loan.
				5.Consistent
			 refinancing guidelines requiredNot later than 60 days after the date of
			 enactment of this Act, the Director shall issue guidance to require the
			 enterprises to make their refinancing guidelines consistent to ease the
			 compliance requirements of qualified lenders, and in particular with respect to
			 loans with less than an 80 percent loan-to-value ratio and closing cost
			 policies of the enterprises, which regulations or guidance shall be put into
			 effect not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
		6.Progress
			 reportsThe Director shall
			 provide to Congress monthly reports on the progress of the Program, and each
			 enterprise shall include and disclose, as part of its filings with the
			 Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10–Q, Form 10–K, or any successors
			 thereto, detailed information on each enterprise’s progress and results in
			 implementing and executing the Program.
		7.SeverabilityIf any portion of this Act or the
			 application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, such
			 invalidity shall not affect the portions or applications of this Act which can
			 be given effect without the invalid portion or application.


113 HRES 623 IH: Recognizing the importance of dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities and promoting research, education, and awareness.
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-06-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IV
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 623
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 12, 2014
			Mrs. Beatty (for herself, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Ms. Norton, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Mr. Ruppersberger, Mr. Himes, Ms. Shea-Porter, Ms. Brownley of California, Ms. Kuster, Ms. Jackson Lee, Ms. Lee of California, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Payne, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Swalwell of California, Mr. Sherman, Mr. Quigley, Mr. Stivers, and Ms. Kelly of Illinois) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

		RESOLUTION
		Recognizing the importance of dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities and promoting
			 research, education, and awareness.

		Whereas this resolution may be cited as the Sydney Crawford Resolution;
		Whereas dyslexia is a brain-based learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability
			 to read;
		Whereas a specific learning disability is a brain-based genetic characteristic that results in the
			 imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do
			 mathematical calculations, and often impacts overall school success;
		Whereas dyslexia is a specific learning disability;
		Whereas common characteristics among people with dyslexia include difficulty with phonological
			 processing, spelling, and rapid visual-verbal responding;
		Whereas an estimated 10 percent of individuals have some form of dyslexia;
		Whereas dyslexia is more common in boys than in girls;
		Whereas specific learning disabilities are highly prevalent yet 1 in 20 public school students are
			 identified with them;
		Whereas learning and attention issues often affect students who have a weakness in a specific skill
			 area, but it is important to recognize that these students have strengths
			 in higher-level cognitive functions, such as reasoning, critical thinking,
			 concept formation, and problem-solving;
		Whereas dyslexia can be inherited, and recent studies have identified a number of genes that may
			 predispose an individual to developing dyslexia;
		Whereas treatment for dyslexia should include modifying teaching methods and the educational
			 environment to meet the specific needs of the individual with dyslexia;
		Whereas dyslexia affects a wide range of people and produces different symptoms at varying degrees
			 of severity so predictions are hard to make;
		Whereas the prognosis for individuals with dyslexia is generally good for individuals whose
			 dyslexia is identified early, who have supportive family and friends and a
			 strong self-image, and who are involved in a proper remediation program;
		Whereas current research avenues focus on developing techniques to diagnose and treat dyslexia and
			 other learning disabilities, increasing the understanding of the
			 biological and possible genetic bases of learning disabilities, and
			 exploring the relationship between neurophysiological processes and
			 cognitive functions with regard to reading ability and learning;
		Whereas great progress has been made in understanding learning and attention deficient issues at a
			 scientific level, including their epidemiology, cognitive and
			 neurobiological bases, and in the use of assistive technology to improve
			 access to learning;
		Whereas early identification of learning and attention issues is critical and must lead to focused,
			 evidenced-based interventions, necessary accommodations, self-awareness,
			 self-empowerment, and school and life success; and
		Whereas enforcing existing Federal civil rights and education law on this matter will improve
			 access to learning for all: Now, therefore, be it

		That the House of Representatives—
			(1)recognizes the importance of conducting research, education, and awareness on dyslexia and other
			 specific learning disabilities;
			(2)recognizes that all people of the United States should become more informed about and aware of
			 dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities;
			(3)recognizes the importance of acknowledging the struggles and successes of those, like Sydney
			 Crawford, who live with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities;
			 and
			(4)commends the excellent work of organizations dedicated to dyslexia research to educate, support,
			 and provide hope for people with dyslexia and their families.


115 S797 IS: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Permanence Act of 2017
U.S. Senate
2017-03-30
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.

		II
		115th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 797
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 30, 2017
			Mr. Brown (for himself and Mr. Heller) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
			 matching grant program.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Permanence Act of 2017.

			2.
			Return preparation programs for low-income taxpayers
 (a)In generalChapter 77 is amended by inserting after section 7526 the following new section:  7526A.Return preparation programs for low-income taxpayers (a)Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Matching Grant Program (1)Establishment of ProgramThe Secretary, through the Internal Revenue Service, shall establish a Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Matching Grant Program (hereinafter in this section referred to as the VITA grant program). Except as otherwise provided in this section, the VITA grant program shall be administered in a manner which is substantially similar to the Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance matching grants demonstration program established under title I of division D of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008.
							(2)Matching
			 grants
								(A)In
 generalThe Secretary may, subject to the availability of appropriated funds, make available grants under the VITA grant program to provide matching funds for the development, expansion, or continuation of qualified return preparation programs assisting low-income taxpayers and members of underserved populations.
								(B)Application
 (i)In generalSubject to clause (ii), in order to be eligible for a grant under this section, a qualified return preparation program shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require.
 (ii)Accuracy reviewIn the case of any qualified return preparation program which was awarded a grant under this section and was subsequently subject to a field site visit by the Internal Revenue Service (including through the Stakeholder Partnerships, Education, and Communication office) in which it was determined that the average accuracy rate for preparation of tax returns through such program was less than 90 percent, such program shall not be eligible for any additional grants under this section unless such program provides, as part of their application, sufficient documentation regarding the corrective measures established by such program to address the deficiencies identified following the field site visit.
 (C)PriorityIn awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to applications—
 (i)demonstrating assistance to low-income taxpayers, with emphasis on outreach to and services for such taxpayers,
 (ii)demonstrating taxpayer outreach and educational activities relating to eligibility and availability of income supports available through the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, such as the earned income tax credit, and
 (iii)demonstrating specific outreach and focus on one or more underserved populations.
 (D)Duration of grantsUpon application of a qualified return preparation program, the Secretary is authorized to award a multi-year grant not to exceed 3 years.
								(3)
 Aggregate limitationUnless otherwise provided by specific appropriation, the Secretary shall not allocate more than $30,000,000 per fiscal year (exclusive of costs of administering the program) to carry out the purposes of this section.
							(b)Use of funds
 (1)In generalQualified return preparation programs receiving a grant under this section may use the grant for—
 (A)ordinary and necessary costs associated with program operation in accordance with Cost Principles Circulars as set forth by the Office of Management and Budget, including—
 (i)for wages or salaries of persons coordinating the activities of the program, (ii)to develop training materials, conduct training, and perform quality reviews of the returns for which assistance has been provided under the program, and
 (iii)for equipment purchases and vehicle-related expenses associated with remote or rural tax preparation services,
 (B)outreach and educational activities described in subsection (a)(2)(C)(ii), and (C)services related to financial education and capability, asset development, and the establishment of savings accounts in connection with tax return preparation.
 (2)Use of grants for overhead expenses prohibitedNo grant made under this section may be used for overhead expenses that are not directly related to any qualified return preparation program.
							(c)Promotion and
			 referral
 (1)PromotionThe Secretary shall promote the benefits of, and encourage the use of, tax preparation through qualified return preparation programs through the use of mass communications, referrals, and other means.
							(2)Internal revenue
 service referralsThe Secretary may refer taxpayers to qualified return preparation programs receiving funding under this section.
							(3)VITA grantee
 referralQualified return preparation programs receiving a grant under this section are encouraged to refer, as appropriate, to local or regional Low Income Taxpayer Clinics individuals who are eligible to receive services at such clinics.
 (d)DefinitionsFor purposes of this section— (1)Qualified return preparation programThe term qualified return preparation program means any program—
 (A)which provides assistance to individuals, not less than 90 percent of whom are low-income taxpayers, in preparing and filing Federal income tax returns,
 (B)which is administered by a qualified entity,
 (C)in which all of the volunteers who assist in the preparation of Federal income tax returns meet the training requirements prescribed by the Secretary, and
 (D)which uses a quality review process which reviews 100 percent of all returns.
								(2)Qualified
			 entity
								(A)In
 generalThe term qualified entity means any entity which—
 (i)is an eligible organization (as described in subparagraph (B)),
 (ii)is in compliance with Federal tax filing and payment requirements,
 (iii)is not debarred or suspended from Federal contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements, and
 (iv)agrees to provide documentation to substantiate any matching funds provided under the VITA grant program.
									(B)Eligible organization
 (i)In generalSubject to clause (ii), the term eligible organization means— (I)an institution of higher education which is described in section 102 (other than subsection (a)(1)(C) thereof) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1088), as in effect on the date of the enactment of this section, and which has not been disqualified from participating in a program under title IV of such Act,
 (II)an organization described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code,
 (III)a local government agency, including— (aa)a county or municipal government agency, and
 (bb)an Indian tribe, as defined in section 4(13) of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103(13)), including any tribally designated housing entity (as defined in section 4(22) of such Act (25 U.S.C. 4103(22))), tribal subsidiary, subdivision, or other wholly owned tribal entity, or
 (IV)a local, State, regional, or national coalition (with one lead organization which meets the eligibility requirements of subclause (I), (II), or (III) acting as the applicant organization).
 (ii)Alternative eligible organizationIf no eligible organization described in clause (i) is available to assist the targeted population or community, the term eligible organization shall include—
 (I)a State government agency, and (II)a Cooperative Extension Service office.
										(3)Low-income
 taxpayersThe term low-income taxpayer means a taxpayer who has income for the taxable year which does not exceed an amount equal to the completed phaseout amount under section 32(b) for a married couple filing a joint return with three or more qualifying children, as determined in a revenue procedure or other published guidance.
							(4)Underserved
 populationThe term underserved population includes populations of persons with disabilities, persons with limited English proficiency, Native Americans, individuals living in rural areas, members of the Armed Forces and their spouses, and the elderly.
							.
 (b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections for chapter 77 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7526 the following new item:
				7526A. Return preparation programs for low-income taxpayers..


115 HRES 32 IH: Recognizing July 28, 2017, as “World Hepatitis Day”.
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-01-06
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IV
		115th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 32
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 6, 2017
			Ms. Meng submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the  Committee on Energy and Commerce

		RESOLUTION
		Recognizing July 28, 2017, as World Hepatitis Day.

 Whereas hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and the incidence of liver disease caused by these viruses, have become urgent problems of a global proportion;
 Whereas an estimated 1,400,000 people worldwide die each year due to hepatitis; Whereas an estimated 240,000,000 people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B, and an estimated 686,000 people worldwide die each year due to a liver-related illness caused by hepatitis B;
 Whereas an estimated 150,000,000 people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C, and an estimated 700,000 people worldwide die each year due to a liver-related illness caused by hepatitis C;
 Whereas up to an estimated 6,100,000 people in the United States are infected with either hepatitis B or hepatitis C, and up to an estimated 2,200,000 who are chronically infected with hepatitis B and up to an estimated 3,900,000 people who are chronically infected with hepatitis C;
 Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that there were 19,200 new acute hepatitis B infections and 30,500 new acute hepatitis C infections, respectively, in the United States in 2014;
 Whereas the CDC has found significant increases in the transmission of new hepatitis cases in the United States since 2010, including a 158 percent increase between 2010 and 2014 in new transmissions of hepatitis C in the United States;
 Whereas chronic viral hepatitis claims thousands of lives each year in the United States, with an estimated 19,659 deaths due to hepatitis C in the United States in 2014;
 Whereas, in 2014, $4,700,000,000 in Medicare funds were spent on hepatitis C treatments; Whereas up to an estimated 80 percent of people with acute Hepatitis C do not have any symptoms;
 Whereas African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, Latinos, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, gay and bisexual men, and persons who inject drugs intravenously all have higher rates of chronic viral hepatitis infections in the United States than other groups of people;
 Whereas Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders bear the greatest burden of hepatitis B-related deaths in the United States;
 Whereas hepatitis C is 10 times more infectious than human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); Whereas hepatitis B is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV;
 Whereas an estimated 25 percent of people who live in the United States and are infected with HIV are also infected with hepatitis C;
 Whereas life expectancies for persons infected with HIV have increased with antiretroviral treatment, and liver disease, much of which is related to hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections, has become the most common cause of death among this population that is not related to acquired immune deficiency syndrome;
 Whereas, despite the fact that chronic viral hepatitis is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States, 65 percent of people living with hepatitis B and an estimated 75 percent of people living with hepatitis C are unaware of their infection;
 Whereas hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination, and both hepatitis B and hepatitis C are preventable with proper public health interventions, including programs that offer access to sterile injection equipment for people who inject drugs intravenously;
 Whereas effective and safe treatment is available for people living with hepatitis B and hepatitis C, including new curative treatments for hepatitis C; and
 Whereas the goals of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, 2017, are to— (1)highlight the global nature of chronic viral hepatitis epidemics;
 (2)recognize that hepatitis can be prevented and eliminated in part through a comprehensive public education and awareness campaign designed to identify those at risk for, and living with, hepatitis;
 (3)inform patients about new treatments that are available for hepatitis; and (4)help increase the length and quality of life for people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections: Now, therefore, be it

 That the House of Representatives— (1)recognizes World Hepatitis Day;
 (2)supports broad access to hepatitis B and hepatitis C treatments; (3)supports raising awareness of the risks and consequences of undiagnosed chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections; and
 (4)calls for a robust governmental and public health response to protect the health of the approximately 5,300,000 people in the United States and 400,000,000 people worldwide who suffer from chronic viral hepatitis.


114 HR 1124 IH: CAM TIP Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-02-26
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1124
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 26, 2015
			Mr. Al Green of Texas (for himself and Mr. Cleaver) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To establish a grant program providing for the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of body-worn
			 cameras for law enforcement officers, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Camera Accountability Maintenance and Transparency in Policing Act of 2015 or the CAM TIP Act of 2015. 2.Body-worn camera grantsTitle I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3711 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

				MMBody-Worn Camera Grants
 3031.In generalFrom amounts made available to carry out this part, the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance may make grants to States, units of local government, and Indian tribes for the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of body-worn cameras for law enforcement officers. In making such grants, the Director shall assess the program proposed by the applicant for the elements described in section 3033.
 3032.Uses of fundsGrants awarded under this section shall be— (1)distributed directly to the State, unit of local government, or Indian tribe; and
 (2)used for the program described under section 3033. 3033.Program describedThe program described in this section is any program implemented by a grantee requiring the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers in that jurisdiction, which—
 (1)establishes policies and procedures for when law enforcement officers should wear, activate, and deactivate body-worn cameras;
 (2)ensures the protection of the civil liberties of members of general public relating to the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers;
 (3)establishes policies limiting the use of recordings of body-worn cameras to monitor the conduct of law enforcement officers outside of their interactions, in an official capacity, with members of the general public;
 (4)establishes or proposes to develop standards relating to the effective placement, on a law enforcement officer’s body, of a body-worn camera;
 (5)describes the best practices for receiving an accurate narrative from the recordings of body-worn cameras;
 (6)establishes policies for the collection and storage of the recordings of body-worn cameras; (7)establishes policies relating to the availability of recordings of body-worn cameras—
 (A)to the general public; (B)to victims of crimes; and
 (C)for internal use by the law enforcement agency; and (8)has in place guidelines and training courses for law enforcement officers relating to the proper management and use of body-worn cameras.
 3034.Allocation of fundsFunds available under this part shall be awarded to each qualifying unit of local government with fewer than 100,000 residents. Any remaining funds available under this part shall be awarded to other qualifying applicants on a pro rata basis.
					3035.Matching Requirements
 (a)Federal shareThe portion of the costs of a program provided by a grant under subsection (a) may not exceed 50 percent. Any funds appropriated by Congress for the activities of any agency of an Indian tribal government or the Bureau of Indian Affairs performing law enforcement functions on any Indian lands may be used to provide the non-Federal share of a matching requirement funded under this subsection.
 (b)Non-Federal shareThe non-Federal share of payments made under this part may be made in cash or in-kind fairly evaluated, including planned equipment or services..
		3.Study on the cost of the purchase and use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement agencies
 (a)StudyThe Attorney General shall conduct a study on the cost to State and local law enforcement agencies of purchasing and using body-worn cameras or other similar cameras, including gun-mounted cameras.
 (b)ReportNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress a report that contains the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
 4.Establishment of task force on community policing and body camera accountabilityThere shall be established in the Department of Justice a task force to do the following: (1)The task force shall be created to provide recommendations on community policing, including best practices for creating accountability and transparency.
 (2)Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the task force shall provide a report to the Congress, which shall include the recommendations under paragraph (1).
 (3)Membership shall include representatives of civil rights organizations, Federal, State, and local law enforcement personnel, and community policing experts.
 (4)The task force shall develop proper body-worn camera training protocol. (5)The task force shall study the impact that citizen review boards could have on investigating cases of alleged police misconduct.
 (6)Not later than 1 year after implementation of the body camera requirement policy under section 3033 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control Act of 1968, the task force shall conduct a survey to determine best practices and effectiveness of the policy with findings to be reported back to the Congress.
 5.GAO report on pentagon’s 1033 programNot later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Congress a report on the Department of Defense Excess Personal Property Program established pursuant to section 1033 the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104–201), that includes information on—
 (1)which jurisdictions equipment is sent to; (2)the value of equipment sent to each jurisdiction;
 (3)the level of training provided to officers; and (4)how the equipment is used in the jurisdiction.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4646
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 25, 2012
			Mr. Bishop of Georgia
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on certain grill
		  brushes.

		1.Certain grill
			 brushes
			(a)In
			 generalSubchapter II of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff
			 Schedule of the United States is amended by inserting in numerical sequence the
			 following new heading:

								9902.01.00Heavy-duty grill cleaning brushes with both removable steel
						bristle heads and multi-blade scrapers (provided for in subheading
						9603.90.80)FreeNo changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2015

					.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods
			 entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day
			 after the date of the enactment of this Act.


113 HRES 591 IH: Commending the Government of Afghanistan for certifying the results of the national election held on April 5, 2014, and urging the Government of Afghanistan to continue to pursue a “transparent, credible, and inclusive” run-off presidential election on June 14, 2014, while ensuring the safety of voters and candidates.
U.S. House of Representatives

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

		IV
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 591
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 21, 2014
			Mr. Grayson submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		RESOLUTION
		Commending the Government of Afghanistan for certifying the results of the national election held
			 on April 5, 2014, and urging the Government of Afghanistan to continue to
			 pursue a transparent, credible, and inclusive run-off presidential
			 election on June 14, 2014, while ensuring the safety of voters and
			 candidates.

	Whereas, on May 11, 2013, in Kabul, Afghanistan, United States Deputy Secretary of State William
			 Burns stated: a successful political transition is an essential prerequisite for sustainable security. It is
			 vitally important that the elections next April be transparent, credible,
			 and inclusive.;Whereas, on July 9, 2013, the United States Senate unanimously agreed to S. Res. 151: A resolution urging the Government of Afghanistan to ensure transparent and credible presidential
			 and provincial elections in April 2014 by adhering to internationally
			 accepted democratic standards, establishing a transparent electoral
			 process, and ensuring security for voters and candidates.;Whereas, on April 5, 2014, the Government of Afghanistan held the first round of a presidential
			 election;Whereas, on May 15, 2014, the Independent Election Commission of Afghanistan (IEC) certified the results of the national election held 40 days prior, and announced a run-off
			 election date of June 14, 2014, for the two top presidential candidate
			 vote
			 recipients;Whereas voter participation increased from approximately 35 percent in the 2009 Afghan presidential
			 election to almost 60 percent for the election held on April 5, 2014, and
			 the percentage of newly registered female voters slightly increased;Whereas the 2009 Afghan presidential election experienced low female voter turnout due to the
			 insufficient number of female poll workers, and the United Nations
			 Development Programme’s Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan approved
			 a Ministry of Interior request to fund the hiring of 13,000 female
			 election security officers in order to bolster female voter turnout for
			 the 2014 presidential election—but 40 out of Afghanistan’s 407 districts
			 still did not have female election staff due to security concerns;Whereas 27 Afghans were killed on election day in 2009, and 17 members of the Afghan National
			 Security Forces (ANSF) were killed over the course of nearly 300 insurgent attacks carried out during the election held
			 on April 5, 2014;Whereas after the 2009 Afghan presidential election, the Independent Electoral Complaints
			 Commission
			 (IECC) ordered the results from 210 polling stations be invalidated, and later, after investigating 579
			 more polling stations quarantined by the IEC, found that all but 18 of
			 those should be excluded as well—and on May 14, 2014, the IEC, based on
			 IECC decisions, invalidated the results from 331 polling stations during
			 the 2014 election and removed them from the final tabulation;Whereas, to date, 809,349 votes cast for the first place presidential candidate,  165,339 votes
			 cast for the second place presidential candidate, and 39,555 votes cast
			 for the third place presidential candidate during the June 14, 2014,
			 election have been invalidated for fraud;Whereas there have been widespread reports of voter and election monitor
intimidation, as well as attempts to bribe members of the IEC, the IECC, and other election
			 monitoring organizations;Whereas vote counting by the IEC was performed behind closed doors instead of
in front of international monitors, and information was leaked to some
candidates but not others;Whereas investigations by the IECC, and their coordination with the IEC, have not
been conducted in a transparent manner;Whereas the Government of Afghanistan eliminated text messaging capabilities the
evening prior to the 2014 presidential election until 5:00 p.m. on election day—greatly inhibiting
			 monitoring efforts by international organizations—explaining that the
			 decision was made in response to two candidates sending more than one
			 million text messages during the silent period and to combat further advertising—an explanation denied by the Chairman of the IEC who requested
			 that texting capabilities be restored;Whereas members of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) were killed during
an attack at the Serena Hotel in Kabul on March 20, 2014, causing NDI to remove significant numbers
			 of staff from Afghanistan and spreading fear among other monitors;Whereas a run-off date of June 14, 2014, means the snows will have melted across
Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to move more freely, leading to a greater chance of disruption
			 during the run-off presidential election;Whereas some candidates, and some campaign staff, have proclaimed that should
their opponents prevail, Afghanistan will be a less secure nation in which more civilians will
			 die—thereby creating a climate that is not conducive to democratic
			 transition;Whereas some polling places used the entirety of their allotted 600 ballots in one to two hours
			 leading some candidates, or their representatives, to call for more
			 ballots—even though it is highly implausible that so many ballots could be
			 exhausted in such a short time; andWhereas the United States contributed approximately $175 million toward
conducting the 2009 Afghan presidential election, and will contribute approximately $200 million
			 toward the 2014 Afghan presidential election: Now, therefore, be it
		That the House of Representatives—
			(1)commends the Government of Afghanistan for holding the
first round of a presidential election on April 5, 2014, and for preparing for the peaceful
			 transition to a new government, in accordance with the rule of law;(2)encourages the Government of Afghanistan to continue to
pursue the standard of transparent, credible, and inclusive for the constitutionally required run-off presidential election to be held on June 14, 2014;(3)supports the mandate of Afghan electoral bodies such as
the Independent Election Commission and Elections Complaints Commission to administer, adjudicate,
			 and manage polls, as well as oversee logistical and technical preparations
			 in a transparent, fair, and credible manner to prevent fraud and
			 misconduct;(4)encourages the Government of Afghanistan to implement
measures that will increase voter participation—particularly among
the Afghan female population, and salutes the bravery of the citizenry in facing violence, and even
			 death, to exercise their holy right to vote and determine their own
			 destiny;(5)encourages, on the other hand, the Government of
Afghanistan to not use security as an excuse to shut down polling sites where there are minimal
			 security threats, at the expense of some candidates and to the benefit of
			 others;(6)encourages all elements of Afghan society, not just the
recognized insurgency, to restrain themselves and their supporters from fomenting violence and
			 other disturbances in voting areas;(7)advises, in the strongest terms, that the Ministry of
Communications leave texting capabilities functional on election day;(8)commends the Afghan Government for reducing the
number of casualties experienced on election day, and urges the ANSF to continue to make every
			 necessary effort to ensure the safety of voters and candidates during the
			 June 14, 2014, presidential run-off, including greater coordination
			 between NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and ANSF forces when deploying troops to protect vote-counters, members of the IEC and IECC, and
			 members of international organizations dedicated to, and engaged in,
			 election monitoring;(9)solemnly remembers those members of the ANSF who
gave their lives protecting their democracy on April 5, 2014, and honors those servicemembers from
			 United States, coalition, and Afghan forces who have been killed or
			 injured since October 2001 in defense of the democratic rights of the
			 Afghan people;(10)calls on the Government of Afghanistan to continue to
combat instances of voter fraud and improve the transparency of the
polling and counting processes—particularly by opening the processes of vote counting and complaint
			 resolution to both candidate and international monitors;(11)supports the United Nations mandate to use its offices to
assist Afghan electoral bodies and other stakeholders with technical preparations and the promotion
			 of a timely and inclusive democratic process so that the results of the
			 presidential run-off election will reflect the will of the people, leading
			 to broad acceptance;(12)recommends a pause in the drawdown of United States
and ISAF security, intelligence, and diplomatic assets until June 14, 2014;(13)recognizes the substantial investments made by United States taxpayers in support of stability,
			 democracy, and the rule of law in Afghanistan, including efforts to end
			 public corruption;(14)reaffirms the policy position of the United States that
successful political transition is an essential prerequisite for sustainable security in Afghanistan, and legitimate governance is important to ensuring its long-term stability; and(15)concurs in the United States Senate’s urging of the U.S.
Secretary of State to condition financial and logistical support for future Afghanistan elections
			 on the implementation of reforms that would increase female participation
			 and combat fraud throughout the electoral process.


117 HR 2363 IH: Voluntary Protection Program Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-04-05
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.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2363IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 5, 2021Mrs. Harshbarger (for herself, Mr. Thompson of California, and Ms. Stefanik) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and LaborA BILLTo authorize the Department of Labor’s voluntary protection program.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Voluntary Protection Program Act.2.Voluntary protection program(a)Cooperative agreementsThe Secretary of Labor shall establish a program of entering into cooperative agreements with employers to encourage the establishment of comprehensive safety and health management systems that include—(1)requirements for systematic assessment of hazards;(2)comprehensive hazard prevention, mitigation, and control programs;(3)active and meaningful management and employee participation in the voluntary program described in subsection (b); and(4)employee safety and health training.(b)Voluntary protection program(1)In generalThe Secretary of Labor shall establish and carry out a voluntary protection program (consistent with subsection (a)) to encourage excellence and recognize the achievement of excellence in both the technical and managerial protection of employees from occupational hazards.(2)Program requirementsThe voluntary protection program shall include the following:(A)ApplicationEmployers who volunteer under the program shall be required to submit an application to the Secretary of Labor demonstrating that the worksite with respect to which the application is made meets such requirements as the Secretary of Labor may require for participation in the program.(B)Onsite evaluationsThere shall be onsite evaluations by representatives of the Secretary of Labor to ensure a high level of protection of employees. The onsite visits shall not result in enforcement of citations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.).(C)InformationEmployers who are approved by the Secretary of Labor for participation in the program shall assure the Secretary of Labor that information about the safety and health program shall be made readily available to the Secretary of Labor to share with employees.(D)ReevaluationsPeriodic reevaluations by the Secretary of Labor of the employers shall be required for continued participation in the program.(3)MonitoringTo ensure proper controls and measurement of program performance for the voluntary protection program under this section, the Secretary of Labor shall direct the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health to take the following actions:(A)Develop a documentation policy regarding information on follow-up actions taken by the regional offices of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in response to fatalities and serious injuries at worksites participating in the voluntary protection program.(B)Establish internal controls that ensure consistent compliance by the regional offices of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration with the voluntary protection program policies of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for conducting onsite reviews and monitoring injury and illness rates, to ensure that only qualified worksites participate in the program.(C)Establish a system for monitoring the performance of the voluntary protection program by developing specific performance goals and measures for the program.(4)ExemptionsA site with respect to which a voluntary protection program has been approved shall, during participation in the program, be exempt from inspections or investigations and certain paperwork requirements to be determined by the Secretary of Labor, except that this paragraph shall not apply to inspections or investigations arising from employee complaints, fatalities, catastrophes, or significant toxic releases.(5)No payments requiredThe Secretary of Labor shall not require any form of payment for an employer to qualify or participate in the voluntary protection program.(c)TransitionThe Secretary of Labor shall take such steps as may be necessary for the orderly transition from the cooperative agreements and voluntary protection programs carried out by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as of the day before the date of enactment of this Act, to the cooperative agreements and voluntary protection program authorized under this section. In making such transition, the Secretary shall ensure that—(1)the voluntary protection program authorized under this section is based upon and consistent with the voluntary protection programs carried out on the day before the date of enactment of this Act; and(2)each employer that, as of the day before the date of enactment of this Act, had an active cooperative agreement under the voluntary protection programs carried out by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and was in good standing with respect to the duties and responsibilities under such agreement, shall have the option to continue participating in the voluntary protection program authorized under this section.(d)Regulations and implementationNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall issue final regulations for the voluntary protection program authorized under this section and shall begin implementation of the program.3.Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act such sums as may be necessary.


		III
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 10
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 4, 2007
			Mr. Reid (for himself
			 and Mr. McConnell) submitted the
			 following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		Notifying the House of Representatives of
		  the election of a Secretary of the Senate.

		That the House of Representatives be
			 notified of the election of the Honorable Nancy Erickson as Secretary of the
			 Senate.


114 S1615 IS: Domestic Refugee Resettlement Reform and Modernization Act of 2015
U.S. Senate
2015-06-18
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1615IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 18, 2015Ms. Stabenow (for herself, Mr. King, and Mr. Peters) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo reform and modernize domestic refugee resettlement programs, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Domestic Refugee Resettlement Reform and Modernization Act of 2015. 2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)Community-based
 organizationThe term community-based organization means a nonprofit organization providing a variety of social, health, educational and community services to a population that includes refugees resettled into the United States.
 (2)DirectorThe term Director means the Director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement in the Department of Health and Human Services.
			(3)National
 resettlement agenciesThe term national resettlement agencies means voluntary agencies contracting with the Department of State to provide sponsorship and initial resettlement services to refugees entering the United States.
			3.Assessment of refugee domestic resettlement programs
			(a)In
 generalAs soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study regarding the effectiveness of the domestic refugee resettlement programs operated by the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
			(b)Matters To be
 studiedIn the study required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall determine and analyze—
 (1)how the Office of Refugee Resettlement defines self-sufficiency and integration and if these definitions adequately represent refugees’ needs in the United States;
 (2)the effectiveness of Office of Refugee Resettlement programs in helping refugees to meet self-sufficiency and integration;
 (3)technological solutions for consistently tracking secondary migration, including opportunities for interagency data sharing;
 (4)the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s budgetary resources and project the amount of additional resources needed to fully address the unmet needs of refugees with regard to self-sufficiency and integration;
 (5)the role of community-based organizations in serving refugees in areas experiencing a high number of new refugee arrivals;
 (6)how community-based organizations can be better utilized and supported in the Federal domestic resettlement process;
 (7)recertification processes for high-skilled refugees, specifically considering how to decrease barriers for Special Immigrant Visa holders to use their skills; and
 (8)recommended statutory changes to improve the Office of Refugee Resettlement and the domestic refugee program in relation to the matters analyzed under paragraphs (1) through (7).
 (c)ReportNot later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress that contains the results of the study conducted under this section.
			4.Refugee
			 assistance
			(a)Assistance made
 available to secondary migrantsSection 412(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1522(a)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (C)The Director shall ensure that assistance under this section is provided to refugees who are secondary migrants and meet all other eligibility requirements for such assistance..
			(b)Report on
 secondary migrationSection 412(a)(3) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1522(a)(3)) is amended—
 (1)by inserting (A) after (3); (2)by striking periodic and inserting annual; and
 (3)by adding at the end the following:

 (B)At the end of each fiscal year, the Director shall submit a report to Congress that includes— (i)States experiencing departures and arrivals due to secondary migration;
 (ii)likely reasons for migration;
 (iii)the impact of secondary migration on States hosting secondary migrants;
 (iv)the availability of social services for secondary migrants in those States; and
 (v)unmet needs of those secondary migrants.. (c)Amendments to social services fundingSection 412(c)(1)(B) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1522(c)(1)(B)) is amended—
 (1)by inserting a combination of— after based on;
 (2)by striking the total number and inserting the following:  (i)the total number; and
 (3)by striking the period at the end and inserting the following:

 (ii)the total number of all other eligible populations served by the Office during the period described who are residing in the State as of the beginning of the fiscal year; and
 (iii)projections on the number and nature of incoming refugees and other populations served by the Office during the subsequent fiscal year..
				(d)Notice and
 rulemakingNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and not later than 30 days before the effective date set forth in subsection (e), the Director shall—
 (1)issue a proposed rule for a new formula by which grants and contracts are to be allocated pursuant to the amendments made by subsection (c); and
 (2)solicit public comment regarding such proposed rule. (e)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
			5.Resettlement
			 data
			(a)In
 generalThe Director shall expand the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s data analysis, collection, and sharing activities in accordance with the requirements set forth in subsections (b) through (e).
			(b)Data on mental
 and physical medical casesThe Director shall— (1)coordinate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, national resettlement agencies, community-based organizations, and State refugee health programs to track national and State trends on refugees arriving with Class A medical conditions and other urgent medical needs;
 (2)examine the information sharing process, from country of arrival through refugee resettlement, to determine if access to additional mental health data could—
 (A)help determine placements; and (B)enable agencies to better prepare to meet refugee mental health needs; and
 (3)in collecting information under this paragraph, utilize initial refugee health screening data, including—
 (A)a history of severe trauma, torture, mental health symptoms, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder recorded during domestic and international health screenings; and
 (B)Refugee Medical Assistance utilization rate data. (c)Data on housing needsThe Director shall partner with State refugee programs, community-based organizations, and national resettlement agencies to collect data relating to the housing needs of refugees, including—
 (1)the number of refugees who have become homeless; and
 (2)the number of refugees who are at severe risk of becoming homeless.
				(d)Data on refugee
 employment and self-SufficiencyThe Director shall gather longitudinal information relating to refugee self-sufficiency, integration, and employment status during the 2-year period beginning 1 year after the date on which the refugees arrived in the United States.
			(e)Availability of
 dataThe Director shall annually— (1)update the data collected under this section; and
 (2)submit a report to Congress that contains the updated data.
				6.Guidance
			 regarding refugee placement decisions
 (a)ConsultationThe Secretary of State shall provide guidance to national resettlement agencies and State refugee coordinators on consultation with local stakeholders pertaining to refugee resettlement.
			(b)Best
 practicesThe Secretary of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Secretary of State, shall collect best practices related to the implementation of the guidance on stakeholder consultation on refugee resettlement from voluntary agencies and State refugee coordinators and disseminate such best practices to such agencies and coordinators.
			7.Effective
 dateThis Act (except for the amendments made by section 4) shall take effect on the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.


110 HR 3831 IH: Family Tax Relief Act of 2007
U.S. House of Representatives
2007-10-15
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.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3831
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			October 15, 2007
			Mr. English of
			 Pennsylvania (for himself, Mr. Camp of
			 Michigan, Mr. Brady of
			 Texas, Mr. Nunes, and
			 Mr. Tiberi) 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 increase,
		  and make permanent certain improvements to, the child tax
		  credit.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Family Tax Relief Act of 2007.
		2.Increase in child
			 tax credit amount
			(a)In
			 generalSubsection (a) of section 24 of the Internal Revenue Code
			 of 1986 (relating to child tax credit) is amended by striking
			 $1,000 and inserting $1,200.
			(b)Provision not
			 subject to EGTRRA sunsetTitle IX of the Economic Growth and Tax
			 Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 shall not apply to the amendments made by
			 section 201 of such Act.
			(c)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable
			 years beginning after December 31, 2007.


109 HR 2582 IH: To suspend temporarily the duty on ortho nitro aniline.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-05-24
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2582
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 24, 2005
Mr. Bonner introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To suspend temporarily the duty on ortho nitro aniline.

1.Ortho nitro aniline
(a)In generalSubchapter II of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by inserting in numerical sequence the following:

9902.34.24 2-Nitroaniline (CAS No. 88-74-4) (provided for in subheading 2921.42.90)FreeNo ChangeNo ChangeOn or Before 12/31/2008.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.


113 HR 5014 IH: Illegal Entry Accountability Act of 2014
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-06-30
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.

I
113th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5014
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 30, 2014
Mr. Weber of Texas (for himself, Mr. Yoho, Mr. Chabot, Mr. Stockman, Mr. Sessions, and Mr. Neugebauer) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

A BILL
To suspend foreign assistance to certain countries related to unlawful migration.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Illegal Entry Accountability Act of 2014.
2.Findings Congress finds the following:
(1)The border between the United States and Mexico is not secure on either side, thereby allowing hundreds of thousands of individuals annually to enter the United States illegally.
(2)The majority of the individuals illegally crossing the United States-Mexico border are from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
(3)Today, tens of thousands of unaccompanied alien children are crossing the United States-Mexico border sparking a humanitarian crisis and endangering thousands of children.
(4)The Department of Homeland Security is spending millions of Americans’ tax dollars to process and provide housing and healthcare services to unaccompanied alien children.
(5)The countries previously listed have failed to secure their borders and have failed to adopt and enforce policies that discourage illegal immigration into the United States.
3.Suspension of foreign assistance
(a)In generalUpon enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall immediately suspend all United States foreign assistance to the countries of Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Such assistance may be reinstated only if Congress determines that Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador have taken sufficient action to mitigate unlawful United States-Mexico border crossings by their respective citizens.
(b)ReportThe Secretary of State shall annually submit to Congress a report documenting the measures taken by Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador to mitigate unlawful entry into the United States by its citizens.
(c)ExceptionForeign assistance distributed under the International Narcotic Control Law Enforcement program shall not be considered under subsection (a).