114 HR 3399 IH: The Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-07-29
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.

I
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3399
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 29, 2015
Mr. Richmond (for himself, Mr. Chaffetz, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. Rooney of Florida, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, and Mr. Clyburn) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL
To develop and implement national standards for the use of solitary confinement in correctional facilities, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the The Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Act of 2015. 2.PurposesThe purposes of this Act are to—
(1)develop and implement national standards for the use of solitary confinement to ensure that it is used infrequently and only under extreme circumstances; (2)establish a more humane and constitutionally sound practice of segregated detention or solitary confinement in correctional facilities;
(3)accelerate the development of best practices and make reforming solitary confinement a top priority in each correctional facility at the Federal and State levels; (4)increase the available data and information on the incidence of solitary confinement, consequently improving the management and administration of correctional facilities;
(5)standardize the definitions used for collecting data on the incidence of solitary confinement; (6)increase the accountability of correctional facility officials who fail to design and implement humane and constitutionally sound solitary confinement practices;
(7)protect the Eighth Amendment rights of inmates at correctional facilities; and (8)reduce the costs that solitary confinement imposes on interstate commerce.
3.National solitary confinement study and reform commission
(a)EstablishmentThere is established a commission to be known as the National Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Commission. (b)Members (1)In generalThe Commission shall be composed of 9 members, of whom—
(A)3 shall be appointed by the President; (B)2 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, unless the Speaker is of the same party as the President, in which case 1 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and 1 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives;
(C)1 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives (in addition to any appointment made under subparagraph (B)); (D)2 shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, unless the majority leader is of the same party as the President, in which case 1 shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate and 1 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate; and
(E)1 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate (in addition to any appointment made under subparagraph (D)). (2)Persons eligibleEach member of the Commission shall be an individual who has knowledge or expertise in matters to be studied by the Commission.
(3)Consultation requiredThe President, the Speaker and minority leader of the House of Representatives, and the majority leader and minority leader of the Senate shall consult with one another prior to the appointment of the members of the Commission to achieve, to the maximum extent possible, fair and equitable representation of various points of view with respect to the matters to be studied by the Commission. (4)TermEach member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.
(5)Time for initial appointmentsThe appointment of the members shall be made not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (6)VacanciesA vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made, and shall be made not later than 60 days after the date on which the vacancy occurred.
(c)Operation
(1)ChairpersonNot later than 15 days after appointments of all the members are made, the President shall appoint a chairperson for the Commission from among its members. (2)MeetingsThe Commission shall meet at the call of the chairperson. The initial meeting of the Commission shall take place not later than 30 days after the initial appointment of the members is completed.
(3)QuorumA majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum to conduct business, but the Commission may establish a lesser quorum for conducting hearings scheduled by the Commission. (4)RulesThe Commission may establish by majority vote any other rules for the conduct of Commission business, if such rules are not inconsistent with this Act or other applicable law.
(d)Comprehensive study of the impacts of solitary confinement
(1)In generalThe Commission shall carry out a comprehensive legal and factual study of the penological, physical, mental, medical, social, fiscal, and economic impacts of solitary confinement in the United States on— (A)Federal, State, and local governments; and
(B)communities and social institutions generally, including individuals, families, and businesses within such communities and social institutions. (2)Matters includedThe study under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)a review of existing Federal, State, and local government policies and practices with respect to the extent and duration of the use of solitary confinement; (B)an assessment of the relationship between solitary confinement and correctional facility conditions, and existing monitoring, regulatory, and enforcement practices;
(C)an assessment of the characteristics of prisoners and juvenile detainees most likely to be referred to solitary confinement and the effectiveness of various types of treatment or programs to reduce such likelihood; (D)an assessment of the impacts of solitary confinement on individuals, families, social institutions, and the economy generally;
(E)an identification of additional scientific and social science research needed on the prevalence of solitary confinement in correctional facilities as well as a full assessment of existing literature; (F)an assessment of the general relationship between solitary confinement and mental illness;
(G)an assessment of the relationship between solitary confinement and levels of training, supervision, and discipline of the staff of correctional facilities; and (H)an assessment of existing Federal and State systems for collecting and reporting the number and duration of solitary confinement incidents in correctional facilities nationwide.
(3)Report
(A)DistributionNot later than two years after the date of the initial meeting of the Commission, the Commission shall submit a report on the study carried out under this subsection to— (i)the President;
(ii)the Congress; (iii)the Attorney General of the United States;
(iv)the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (v)the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons;
(vi)the Administrator of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; (vii)the chief executive of each State; and
(viii)the head of the department of corrections of each State. (B)ContentsThe report under subparagraph (A) shall include—
(i)the findings and conclusions of the Commission; (ii)the recommended national standards for reducing the use of solitary confinement described in subsection (e); and
(iii)a summary of the materials relied on by the Commission in the preparation of the report. (e)Recommendations (1)In generalAs part of the report submitted under subsection (d)(3), the Commission shall provide the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services with recommended national standards for significantly reducing the use of solitary confinement in correctional facilities.
(2)Matters includedThe information provided under paragraph (1) shall include recommended national standards relating to— (A)how authorities can progress toward significantly limiting the utilization of solitary confinement so that a prisoner or juvenile detainee may be placed in solitary confinement only when the safety or security of the facility or another person is at imminent risk, during an ongoing disciplinary investigation concerning an adult prisoner, or to punish an adult prisoner for an extremely serious disciplinary infraction;
(B)methods that can be employed to ensure that the duration of solitary confinement of a prisoner or juvenile detainee at an institution can be limited to fewer than 30 days in any 45-day period, except in a case in which the head of a correctional facility makes an individualized determination that prolonged solitary confinement of the prisoner or detainee for a serious disciplinary infraction is necessary for the order or security of the institution, or a prisoner or detainee requests such placement; (C)ensuring that prior to being classified, assigned, or subject to long-term solitary confinement, an adult prisoner shall be entitled to a meaningful hearing on the reason for and duration of the confinement and have access to legal counsel for such hearings;
(D)ensuring that indefinite sentencing of an adult prisoner to long-term solitary confinement will not be allowed and that the prisoner will be afforded a meaningful review of the confinement at least once every 30 days that the prisoner remains in solitary confinement and that correctional facility officials must record and provide a transcript of the review proceedings for the prisoner under review to the prisoner or the prisoner’s designee; (E)ensuring that correctional facility officials design and implement programming that allows adult prisoners subject to long-term solitary confinement to earn placement in less restrictive housing through positive behavior;
(F)limiting the use of involuntary solitary confinement for the purpose of protective custody solely because of a personal characteristic that makes the prisoner or juvenile detainee particularly vulnerable to harm, including age, gender identity, race, or religion; (G)ensuring that correctional facility officials improve access to mental health treatment for prisoners and juvenile detainees in solitary confinement;
(H)ensuring that correctional facility officials work toward systems wherein prisoners and juvenile detainees diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional with a serious mental illness are not held in long-term solitary confinement; (I)ensuring that correctional facility officials do all that is feasible to make certain that prisoners and juvenile detainees are not held in solitary confinement for any duration, except under extreme emergency circumstances;
(J)ensuring that correctional facility officials develop alternative methods to manage issues with prisoners and juvenile detainees other than solitary confinement; and (K)such other matters as may reasonably be related to the goal of reducing solitary confinement in correctional facilities.
(3)LimitationThe Commission shall not propose a recommended standard that would impose substantial additional costs compared to the costs presently expended by correctional facilities, and shall seek to propose standards that reduce the costs of incarceration at such facilities. (f)Consultation with accreditation organizationsIn developing recommended national standards for the reduction of solitary confinement under subsection (e), the Commission shall consider any standards that have already been developed, or are being developed simultaneously to the deliberations of the Commission. The Commission shall consult with accreditation organizations responsible for the accreditation of correctional facilities that have developed or are developing standards related to solitary confinement. The Commission shall also consult with national associations representing the corrections profession, the legal profession, the medical profession, or any other pertinent professional body that has developed or is developing standards related to solitary confinement.
(g)Hearings
(1)In generalThe Commission shall hold public hearings. The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out its duties under this section. (2)Witness expensesWitnesses requested to appear before the Commission shall be paid the same fees as are paid to witnesses under section 1821 of title 28, United States Code. The per diem and mileage allowances for witnesses shall be paid from funds appropriated to the Commission.
(h)Information from federal or state agenciesThe Commission may secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out its duties under this section. The Commission may request the head of any State or local department or agency to furnish such information to the Commission. (i)Personnel matters (1)Travel expensesThe members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of service for the Commission.
(2)Detail of federal employeesWith the affirmative vote of 2⁄3 of the Commission, any Federal Government employee, with the approval of the head of the appropriate Federal agency, may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status, benefits, or privileges. (3)Procurement of temporary and intermittent servicesUpon the request of the Commission, the Attorney General shall provide reasonable and appropriate office space, supplies, and administrative assistance.
(j)Contracts for research
(1)National institute of justiceWith a 2⁄3 affirmative vote, the Commission may select nongovernmental researchers and experts to assist the Commission in carrying out its duties under this Act. The National Institute of Justice shall contract with the researchers and experts selected by the Commission to provide funding in exchange for their services. (2)Other organizationsNothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the ability of the Commission to enter into contracts with other entities or organizations for research necessary to carry out the duties of the Commission under this section.
(k)TerminationThe Commission shall terminate on the date that is 60 days after the date on which the Commission submits the reports required by this section. (l)ExemptionThe Commission shall be exempt from the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
4.Adoption and effect of national standards
(a)Publication of standards
(1)Final ruleNot later than two years after receiving the report specified in section (3)(d)(3), the Attorney General shall publish a final rule adopting national standards for the reduction of solitary confinement in correctional facilities.  (2)Independent judgmentThe standards referred to in paragraph (1) shall be based upon the independent judgment of the Attorney General, after giving consideration to the recommended national standards provided by the Commission under section 3(e), and being informed by such data, opinions, and proposals that the Attorney General determines to be appropriate to consider.
(3)LimitationThe Attorney General shall not establish a national standard under this section that would impose substantial additional costs compared to the costs presently expended by Federal and State correctional systems. The Attorney General may, however, provide a list of improvements for consideration by correctional facilities. (4)Transmission to StatesNot later than 90 days after publishing the final rule under paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall transmit the national standards adopted under that paragraph to the chief executive of each State, the head of the department of corrections of each State, the head of the department of juvenile justice of each State, and to the appropriate authorities in those units of local government who oversee operations in one or more correctional facilities.
(b)Applicability to federal bureau of prisonsThe national standards referred to in subsection (a) shall apply to the Federal Bureau of Prisons immediately upon adoption of the final rule under subsection (a)(1). (c)Eligibility for Federal funds (1)In generalBeginning in the second fiscal year that begins after the date on which the Attorney General issues a the final rule under subsection (a)(1), in order to be eligible to receive a grant under a program identified by the Attorney General under paragraph (2), the chief executive of a State or unit of local government seeking such a grant shall submit to the Attorney general a certification that the State or local government has adopted, and is in full compliance with the national standards described in subsection (a)(1).
(2)Covered grant programsThe Attorney General shall identify grant programs carried out by the Department of Justice which provide funding to States and units of local government for the construction, maintenance, or operation of correctional facilities, and make a list of such programs publicly available.   5.DefinitionsFor purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall apply:
(1)Attorney GeneralThe term Attorney General means the Attorney General of the United States. (2)CommissionThe term Commission means the National Solitary Confinement Study and Reform Commission established under section 3 of this Act.
(3)Long-termThe term long-term means any period lasting more than 30 days, consecutive or nonconsecutive, in any 45-day period. (4)Qualified mental health professionalThe term qualified mental health professional means a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric social worker, licensed professional counselor, psychiatric nurse, or another individual who, by virtue of education, credentials, and experience, is permitted by law to evaluate and provide mental health care.
(5)Serious mental illnessThe term serious mental illness means a substantial disorder that— (A)significantly impairs judgment, behavior, or capacity to recognize reality or cope with the ordinary demands of life; and
(B)is manifested by substantial pain or disability, the status of being actively suicidal, a severe cognitive disorder that results in significant functional impairment, or a severe personality disorder that results in significant functional impairment. (6)Solitary confinementThe term solitary confinement means confinement of a prisoner or juvenile detainee in a cell or other place, alone or with other persons, for approximately 22 hours or more per day with severely restricted activity, movement, and social interaction, which is separate from the general population of that correctional facility.
(7)Correctional facilityThe term correctional facility means a Federal, State, local, or privately run prison, jail, or juvenile detention facility.


115 HRES 390 IH: Expressing strong disapproval of the President’s announcement to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement.
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-06-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 390IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 16, 2017Mr. Schneider (for himself, Ms. Adams, Mr. Aguilar, Ms. Barragán, Ms. Bass, Mr. Bera, Mr. Beyer, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Mr. Blumenauer, Ms. Bonamici, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Brendan F. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania, Mr. Brown of Maryland, Ms. Brownley of California, Mrs. Bustos, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Capuano, Mr. Carbajal, Mr. Cárdenas, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Mr. Cartwright, Ms. Castor of Florida, Ms. Judy Chu of California, Mr. Cicilline, Ms. Clark of Massachusetts, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Clay, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Clyburn, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Costa, Mr. Courtney, Mr. Crist, Mr. Crowley, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois, Mrs. Davis of California, Mr. DeFazio, Ms. DeGette, Mr. Delaney, Ms. DeLauro, Ms. DelBene, Mrs. Demings, Mr. DeSaulnier, Mr. Deutch, Mrs. Dingell, Mr. Michael F. Doyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Ellison, Mr. Engel, Ms. Eshoo, Mr. Espaillat, Ms. Esty of Connecticut, Mr. Evans, Mr. Foster, Ms. Frankel of Florida, Ms. Fudge, Ms. Gabbard, Mr. Gallego, Mr. Garamendi, Mr. Gene Green of Texas, Mr. Gonzalez of Texas, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Gutiérrez, Mr. Hastings, Mr. Heck, Mr. Higgins of New York, Mr. Himes, Mr. Huffman, Ms. Jayapal, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Keating, Ms. Kelly of Illinois, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Kihuen, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Kilmer, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Ms. Kuster of New Hampshire, Mr. Larsen of Washington, Mr. Larson of Connecticut, Mrs. Lawrence, Mr. Lawson of Florida, Ms. Lee, Mr. Levin, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, Mr. Ted Lieu of California, Mr. Lipinski, Mr. Loebsack, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Lowenthal, Mrs. Lowey, Mr. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, Ms. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, Mr. Lynch, Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, Ms. Matsui, Mr. Meeks, Ms. Meng, Ms. McCollum, Mr. McEachin, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Moulton, Ms. Moore, Mrs. Murphy of Florida, Mr. Nadler, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Nolan, Ms. Norton, Mr. O'Halleran, Mr. O'Rourke, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Panetta, Mr. Pascrell, Mr. Payne, Mr. Perlmutter, Mr. Peters, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Polis, Mr. Price of North Carolina, Mr. Quigley, Mr. Raskin, Miss Rice of New York, Mr. Richmond, Ms. Rosen, Ms. Roybal-Allard, Mr. Ruppersberger, Mr. Rush, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Sablan, Ms. Sánchez, Mr. Sarbanes, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Schrader, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Mr. Serrano, Ms. Sewell of Alabama, Ms. Shea-Porter, Mr. Sherman, Ms. Slaughter, Mr. Smith of Washington, Ms. Speier, Mr. Soto, Mr. Suozzi, Mr. Swalwell of California, Mr. Takano, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Thompson of California, Ms. Titus, Mr. Tonko, Mrs. Torres, Ms. Tsongas, Mr. Vargas, Ms. Velázquez, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr. Veasey, Ms. Maxine Waters of California, Mr. Welch, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mr. Yarmuth, and Ms. Blunt Rochester) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign AffairsRESOLUTIONExpressing strong disapproval of the President’s announcement to withdraw the United States from
			 the Paris Agreement.

 Whereas global climate change is a threat to the United States national security, public health, national economy, and the legacy we will leave to our children;
 Whereas the National Intelligence Council’s 2016 report on Implications for U.S. National Security of Anticipated Climate Change stated that climate change is projected to produce more intense and frequent extreme weather events, multiple weather disturbances, along with broader climatological effects, such as sea level rise, and that these outcomes are almost certain to have significant direct and indirect social, economic, political, and security implications during the next 20 years;
 Whereas in March 2017, Secretary of Defense James Mattis, in written testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated that climate change can be a driver of instability and the Department of Defense must pay attention to potential adverse impacts generated by this phenomenon;
 Whereas according to the 2014 National Climate Assessment, climate change poses increased health risks, including respiratory disease and asthma attacks resulting from higher levels of ground-level ozone, heat stroke, and cardiovascular failure due to warmer temperatures, increased distribution of vector-borne diseases due to a changing climate, and mental health problems and fatalities related to extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires;
 Whereas the most vulnerable among us, including children, the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with underlying health conditions, face even greater health risks as a result of climate change;
 Whereas investing in energy efficiency and clean energy technologies is an extraordinary job creation opportunity for the United States with the Department of Energy reporting that the solar and wind energy industries employed almost 475,000 people in 2016, and that in 2016 the solar workforce increased by 25 percent and wind employment increased by 32 percent;
 Whereas the United States can lead the world in innovation and manufacturing clean energy technologies, creating good-paying jobs, modernizing the energy grid, and growing new companies that will be the titans of a new clean energy economy;
 Whereas leaders of the world’s religious communities recognize the grave threat to humanity posed by climate change and our moral obligation to protect the earth and its people publicly have called upon politicians, business leaders, and the faithful to take action to address climate change;
 Whereas the Paris Agreement is an international accord that aims to limit the increase in global temperatures to less than two degrees Celsius and urges efforts to limit the increase to one and a half degrees Celsius by 2100;
 Whereas the Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015, opened for signature on April 22, 2016, and entered into force on November 4, 2016;
 Whereas 195 parties, including the largest emitters of carbon pollution—China, the European Union, and India—have signed the Paris Agreement;
 Whereas United States withdrawal from the Paris Agreement reneges on our commitment to the global community to fulfill our responsibility as a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and as a major emitter of carbon pollution to reduce our emissions;
 Whereas the United States exit from the Paris Agreement will cede leadership on clean energy technologies, and the jobs they create, to China and other nations;
 Whereas in an open letter to President Trump, Members of Congress, and global leaders, more than 1,000 companies and investors expressed support for United States participation in the Paris Agreement and for upholding our commitment to cut carbon emissions in order to create jobs and boost our economic competitiveness;
 Whereas, on April 26, 2017, more than a dozen major energy and technology companies sent a letter to President Trump expressing support for the Paris Agreement stating that U.S. business interests are best served by a stable and practical framework facilitating an effective and balanced global response;
 Whereas in the days after President Trump signaled his intention to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, leaders from more than 100 nations reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement and called on all parties to uphold it, and to strengthen efforts over time;
 Whereas a group of States, including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the territory of Puerto Rico, have all joined the United States Climate Alliance, a bipartisan group of States committed to upholding the goals of the Paris Agreement;
 Whereas following the President’s announcement more than 1,000 mayors, college and university leaders, businesses, and investors in the United States announced their continued support for the Paris Agreement; and
 Whereas millions of Americans have made their voices heard in support of the Paris Agreement, and the United States upholding its commitments to the international community to reduce carbon pollution for the benefit of good-paying jobs, families, and the environment now and in future generations: Now, therefore, be it

 That the House of Representatives— (1)strongly disapproves of the President’s announcement to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement;
 (2)commends the group of States, cities, colleges and universities, businesses, investors, and individuals who have publicly expressed their support for the Paris Agreement; and
 (3)urges the President to reverse his decision and maintain United States participation in the Paris Agreement.


110 HRES 1034 EH: Electing Minority Members to certain

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-03-11
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IV
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 1034
		In the House of Representatives, U.
		  S.,

			March 11, 2008

		RESOLUTION
		Electing Minority Members to certain
		  standing committees of the House of Representatives.

		That the following named Members be, and
			 are hereby, elected to the following standing committees of the House of
			 Representatives:
			 Committee on Armed
			 Services:Mr. Wittman of Virginia.
			 Committee on Homeland
			 Security:Mrs. Miller of Michigan.

			Lorraine C. Miller,
			Clerk.


115 HR 5948 IH: Small Carrier Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act of 2018
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-05-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 5948IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 23, 2018Mr. Peterson (for himself, Mr. Gianforte, and Mr. King of Iowa) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureA BILLTo exempt motor carriers that own or operate 10 or fewer commercial vehicles from the electronic
			 logging device mandates, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Small Carrier Electronic Logging Device Exemption Act of 2018. 2.Exception to the electronic logging device requirements for motor carriers that own or operate 10 or fewer commercial vehiclesSection 31137(b)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

				(3)Exception
 (A)In generalAn excepted motor carrier may comply with the hours of service requirements by requiring each driver to use—
 (i)a paper record of duty status form; or (ii)an electronic logging device.
 (B)Excepted motor carrier definedIn this subsection, the term excepted motor carrier means— (i)a motor carrier when transporting a motor home or recreation vehicle trailer within the definition of the term driveaway-towaway operation (as defined in section 390.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations); and
 (ii)a motor carrier that owns or operates 10 or fewer commercial motor vehicles, including commercial motor vehicles owned or operated by all motor carriers affiliated with that motor carrier by common ownership, common management, common control, or common familiar relationship..
 3.Requirement to prescribe regulationsNot later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out the amendment made by section 2 of this Act.


114 HR 4553 IH: CARE Act of 2016
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-02-12
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.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4553
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 12, 2016
			Mr. Harper (for himself, Mr. Loebsack, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Palazzo, Mr. Kelly of Mississippi, and Mr. Thompson of Mississippi) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to clarify reasonable costs for critical access
			 hospital payments under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Critical Access and Rural Equity Act of 2016 or the CARE Act of 2016. 2.Clarifying reasonable costs for critical access hospital Medicare payments (a)Inclusion of certain costs as reasonable costs (1)Inpatient critical access hospital servicesSection 1814(l) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(l)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (6)In determining payment and reasonable costs under paragraph (1) for inpatient critical access services, the Secretary shall recognize as allowable costs of the critical access hospital at least the following:
 (A)Costs of services that would be considered bona fide emergency services (as defined in section 1861(v)(1)(K)(ii)) if provided in a hospital emergency room, including professional services and any associated surgical on-call and standby costs.
 (B)Costs of a test or procedure performed at a critical access hospital or an entity owned by the critical access hospital, including a clinical diagnostic laboratory test, mammogram (as defined in section 354(a)(5) of the Public Health Service Act), colonoscopy, cardiac stress test, pulmonary function test, echocardiogram, and bone density study.
 (C)Standby and on-call costs for certified registered nurse anesthetist services, regardless of the number of surgical procedures requiring anesthesia services and regardless of the number of full-time equivalent physicians.
 (D)Costs of services provided by the critical access hospital or satellite facility of the critical access hospital that improve the total health of communities, including immunization programs, health clinics, and medical homes.
 (E)Costs of services provided by an off-campus provider-based clinic described in section 1820(c)(2)(F) of the critical access hospital, regardless of distance of such clinic from a hospital or another critical access hospital.
							.
 (2)Outpatient critical access hospital servicesSection 1834(g) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(g)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (6)Coverage of certain additional costs as reasonable costsIn determining the reasonable costs of outpatient critical access hospital services under paragraphs (1) and (2)(A), the Secretary shall recognize as allowable the costs described in paragraph (6) of section 1814(l)..
 (3)Conforming amendmentSection 1861(v)(7) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(v)(7)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (E)For provisions further describing costs recognized as reasonable costs for inpatient and outpatient critical access hospital services, see sections 1814(l)(6) and 1834(g)(6)..
 (b)Treatment of provider-Based clinics of critical access hospitalsSection 1820(c)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–4(c)(2)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (B)(i)(I), by striking is located and inserting subject to subparagraph (E), is located; and
 (2)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:  (F)Treatment of off-campus provider-based clinicsSubparagraph (B)(i)(I) shall not apply to an off-campus provider-based clinic (as described in section 485.610 of title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations) of a facility designated as a critical access hospital..
 (c)Allowing coordination for provision of emergency servicesSection 1820(c)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–4(c)(2)), as amended by subsection (b), is further amended—
 (1)in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking makes and inserting subject to subparagraph (G), makes; and (2)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (G)Allowing coordination for provision of emergency servicesThe Secretary may waive the requirements under subparagraph (B)(ii), with respect to a facility, if such facility—
 (i)is located not more than 15 miles of another facility or hospital that has an emergency department that satisfies the requirement of subparagraph (B)(ii); and
 (ii)coordinates with such other facility or hospital with respect to furnishing 24-hour emergency care services described in such subparagraph to the area served by such facility..
				(d)Treatment of Medicaid provider taxes for critical access hospital reasonable costs
 (1)Inpatient critical access hospital servicesSection 1814(l) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(l)), as amended by subsection (a)(1), is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

						(7)
 (A)In determining payment and reasonable costs under paragraph (1) for inpatient critical access services—
 (i)with respect to a current permissible health care related tax imposed and paid by the critical access hospital for a cost reporting period beginning before the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall not, through recoupment or otherwise, disallow payment to the critical access hospital under this subsection on the basis that payments to the critical access hospital under this subsection offset some or all of the costs of such tax; and
 (ii)with respect to a current permissible health care related tax imposed and paid by the critical access hospital for a cost reporting period beginning on or after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall—
 (I)assess the percentage of individuals entitled to benefits under this part who are furnished inpatient critical access hospital services at such critical access hospital during such cost reporting period and who are also receiving medical assistance under the Medicaid program under title XIX during such period; and
 (II)adjust payments under this subsection with respect to such services furnished during such period in a manner specified by the Secretary based on such percentage to take into account such tax.
 (B)For purposes of this paragraph and section 1834(g)(7), the term current permissible health care related tax means a broad-based health care related tax (as defined in paragraph (3)(B) of such section) that is in effect prior to enactment of this paragraph and for which there is not in effect a hold harmless provision described in paragraph (4) of such section.
							.
 (2)Outpatient critical access hospital servicesSection 1834(g) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(g)), as amended by subsection (a)(2), is further amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (7)Treatment of Medicaid provider taxesIn determining payment for outpatient critical access hospital services under paragraphs (1) and (2), the provisions of paragraph (7) of section 1814(l) shall apply to payment for such services under this subsection in the same manner as such provisions apply to payment for inpatient critical access hospital services under section 1814(l), except that in applying subparagraph (B) of such paragraph (7), the reference to individuals entitled to benefits under this part shall be deemed a reference to individuals enrolled under part B..


113 S2843 IS: National Guard and Reserve Access to Counsel Act
U.S. Senate
2014-09-17
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
		113th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 2843
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			September 17 (legislative day, September 16), 2014
			Ms. Klobuchar (for herself and Ms. Ayotte) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services

		A BILL
		To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide certain members of the reserve components of the
			 Armed Forces who are victims of sex-related offenses with access to a
			 special victims’ counsel.

		1.Short title
			This Act may be cited as the
		  National Guard and Reserve Access to Counsel Act.2.Access to special victims’ counsel
				(a)
				In general
				Subsection (a) of section 1044e of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

						(a)
						Designation; purposes
						(1)
							The Secretary concerned shall designate legal counsel (to be known as Special Victims’ Counsel) for the purpose of providing legal assistance to an individual described in paragraph (2) who is
			 the victim of an alleged sex-related offense, regardless of whether the
			 report of that offense is restricted or unrestricted.

							(2)
							An individual described in this paragraph is any of the following:

								(A)
								An individual eligible for military legal assistance under section 1044 of this title.

								(B)
								An individual who is—

									(i)
									not covered under subparagraph (A);

									(ii)
									a member of a reserve component of the armed forces; and

									(iii)
									a victim of an alleged sex-related offense as described in paragraph (1)—

										(I)
										during a period in which the individual served on active duty, full-time National Guard duty, or
			 inactive-duty training; or

										(II)
										during any period, regardless of the duty status of the individual, if the circumstances of the
			 alleged sex-related offense have a nexus to the military service of the
			 victim, as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of
			 Defense.
									.
			(b)Conforming amendmentSubsection (f) of such section is amended by striking eligible for military legal assistance under section 1044 of this title each place it appears and inserting described in subsection (a)(2).


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5718
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 13, 2010
			Mr. Ackerman
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		A BILL
		To amend chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, to
		  restrict the ability of a person whose Federal license to import, manufacture,
		  or deal in firearms has been revoked, whose application to renew such a license
		  has been denied, or who has received a license revocation or renewal denial
		  notice, to transfer business inventory firearms, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Fire Sale Loophole Closing
			 Act.
		2.Restrictions on
			 the ability of a person whose Federal license to import, manufacture, or deal
			 in firearms has been revoked, whose application to renew such a license has
			 been denied, or who has received a license revocation or renewal denial notice,
			 to transfer business inventory firearms
			(a)RestrictionsSection 922 of title 18, United States
			 Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

					(aa)(1)(A)It shall be unlawful for
				a person who has been notified by the Attorney General that the Attorney
				General has made a determination to revoke a license issued to the person under
				this chapter to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms, or to deny an
				application of the person to renew such a license, to—
								(i)transfer a business inventory
				firearm of the person—
									(I)into
				a personal collection of the person; or
									(II)to an employee of the person, or to an
				individual described in section 923(d)(1)(B) with respect to the person;
				or
									(ii)receive a firearm that was a business
				inventory firearm of the person as of the date the person received the
				notice.
								(B)Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with
				respect to a license revocation or denial determination that is
				rescinded.
							(2)(A)It shall be unlawful for
				a person, on or after the effective date of the revocation of a license issued
				to the person under this chapter to import, manufacture, or deal in firearms,
				or (in the case that the application of the person to renew such a license is
				denied) on or after the date the license expires, to—
								(i)engage in conduct prohibited by
				paragraph (1); or
								(ii)transfer to any other person (except
				a person licensed under this chapter or a Federal, State, or local law
				enforcement agency) a firearm that was a business inventory firearm of the
				person as of the effective date or expiration date, as the case may be.
								(B)Subparagraph (A) shall not apply with
				respect to a license revocation or denial determination that is
				reversed.
							.
			(b)Business
			 inventory definedSection 921(a) of such title is amended by
			 adding at the end the following:

					(36)Business inventory
				firearmThe term
				business inventory firearm means, with respect to a person, a
				firearm required by law to be recorded in the acquisition and disposition logs
				of any firearms business of the
				person.
					.
			(c)Conforming
			 amendmentSection 923(c) of such title is amended in the 2nd
			 sentence by inserting section 922(aa) and to after
			 subject only to.
			(d)PenaltiesSection
			 924(a) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:.

					(8)Whoever knowingly violates section 922(aa)
				shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year (or, if the
				violation was willful, 5 years), or
				both.
					.
			(e)Requirement that
			 license revocation or application denial notice include text of law prohibiting
			 dealing in firearms without a Federal firearms license and restricting transfer
			 of firearms after receipt of official license revocation or renewal application
			 denial noticeSection 923(f)(1) of such title is amended in the
			 last sentence by inserting , and shall set forth the provisions of
			 Federal law and regulation which prohibit a person not licensed under this
			 chapter from engaging in the business of dealing in firearms or are relevant in
			 determining whether a person is doing so, and the provisions of section
			 922(aa) before the period.


IV
112th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. CON. RES. 125
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 18, 2012
Mr. Larsen of Washington (for himself and Mr. McDermott) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Celebrating the centennial of the birth of Senator Henry M. Scoop Jackson.

Whereas the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of Washington's most revered and favorite sons, Henry Martin Jackson, on May 31, 2012, will be celebrated by friends and well-wishers in Everett and other Snohomish County communities, and in other towns and neighborhoods throughout his beloved State of Washington;
Whereas the centennial of the birth of this great patriot and public servant, United States Senator Henry M. Scoop Jackson, should be honored by true friends of human rights and democracy nationwide and all across the globe;
Whereas Congressman and later Senator Scoop Jackson, in more than four decades of unswerving public service until taken from family and country by his untimely death on September 1, 1983, established a steady and respected grasp of subjects ranging from public-lands and other environmental issues, to hydroelectric-power and other energy concerns, to national-security and other public-safety matters;
Whereas Scoop Jackson, born in the Everett home of his Norwegian-immigrant parents, Peter and Marine Jackson, was elected Snohomish County prosecuting attorney in 1938, at the age of 26, just two years after he graduated from the University of Washington School of Law;
Whereas earning a strong reputation as a dedicated foe and prosecutor of illegal gambling and bootlegging activities, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, for the Evergreen State's Second District, in 1940;
Whereas the then-Congressman Jackson enlisted in World War II until he and other national legislators were recalled to their congressional duties and responsibilities by President Franklin Roosevelt;
Whereas Scoop Jackson was re-elected five times to his congressional seat, won election to the United States Senate in 1952, and was re-elected five times to his Senate seat;
Whereas Mr. Jackson was a tireless voice for nuclear deterrence, from production of fissionable material, to the nuclear submarine program, and the land-based ballistic missile program, he was a leading supporter of nuclear parity with the Soviet Union;
Whereas throughout his career, Jackson remained a steadfast supporter of a strong military, placing principles over politics to ensure the United States Armed Forces maintained their global stature;
Whereas an environmentalist many years before the word became part of the United States lexicon, Scoop Jackson wrote the groundbreaking National Environmental Policy Act, and championed legislation preserving such enormous and unspoiled Washington treasures as North Cascades National Park and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness;
Whereas Scoop Jackson sponsored the Endangered American Wilderness Act, the Redwoods National Parks Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, the Federal Lands for Parks and Recreation Act, the Youth Conservation Corps Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Trail System Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, and the National Wilderness Act;
Whereas Scoop Jackson also sponsored legislation establishing the Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, which was later named in his honor, to work toward medical and other scientific programs and advancement that help members of the United States Armed Forces and civilians alike; and
Whereas Henry M. and Helen Jackson raised two children, Anna Marie Jackson Laurence and Peter Jackson: Now, therefore, be it

That Congress celebrates the centennial of the birth of Senator Henry M. Scoop Jackson.


		IV
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. CON. RES. 298
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 15, 2010
			Mr. Towns submitted
			 the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of Congress that the
		  videotaping or photographing of police engaged in potentially abusive activity
		  in a public place should not be prosecuted in State or Federal
		  courts.

		Whereas prosecutors in several States are applying State
			 wiretapping laws in the prosecution of individuals for the videotaping of
			 police engaged in potentially abusive activity;
		Whereas State and Federal wiretapping laws were not
			 intended to be used for such charges;
		Whereas some police departments have been using national
			 security as a justification for the harassment, charges, or an arrest of
			 individuals, based solely on a citizen recording, with no additional factors
			 considered;
		Whereas a study conducted by the U.S. Department of
			 Justice in 2000 indicated that 22 percent of police officers claim their fellow
			 officers sometimes, often, or always use excessive force; and
		Whereas the privacy and safety rights of the police
			 officers in the line of duty must be balanced carefully with the public’s right
			 to transparency and accountability of public servants: Now, therefore, be
			 it

		That it is the sense of Congress
			 that—
			(1)citizen recording fills in gaps in existing
			 checks against law enforcement abuses, when balanced with the needs of law
			 enforcement, police privacy, and citizen privacy;
			(2)national security
			 alone is insufficient justification for harassment, charges, or an arrest for
			 otherwise innocent behavior, such as videotaping; and
			(3)members of the
			 public have a right to observe, and if they choose, to make video or sound
			 recordings of the police during the discharge of their public duties, as long
			 as they do not physically or otherwise interfere with the officers’ discharge
			 of their duties, or violate any other State or Federal law, intended to protect
			 the safety of police officers, in the process of the recording.


115 HR 4201 IH: Young and Beginning Farmers Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-11-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4201IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 1, 2017Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York (for himself and Mr. Costello of Pennsylvania) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo improve the ability of beginning farmers in the United States to acquire farms and participate
			 in agricultural production, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title; table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Young and Beginning Farmers Act. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
					Title I—Improved Access to Land
					Sec. 101. Land trust eligibility for assistance for agricultural land easements.
					Sec. 102. Priority for option to purchase at agricultural value in agricultural land easements.
					Sec. 103. Prequalification of prospective applicants for credit from Farm Service Agency programs.
					Sec. 104. Increase in limitation on amount of direct farm ownership loans; inflation indexation of
			 limit.
					Sec. 105. Report and action plan on agricultural conservation easement program.
					Title II—Improved Access to Department of Agriculture Training and Programs
					Sec. 201. Beginning farmer coordination.
					Sec. 202. Transfer of Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers to jurisdiction of Farm
			 Service Agency.
					Sec. 203. Department of Agriculture on-line customer self-service portal.
					Sec. 204. Beginning farmer and rancher development program to provide training, education,
			 outreach, and technical assistance initiatives.
					Sec. 205. Reauthorization of beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot
			 program.
					Sec. 206. Sale of surplus farm equipment or property to socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers,
			 veteran farmers or ranchers, and beginning farmers or ranchers.
					Title III—Investment in Local and Regional Food Systems
					Sec. 301. Mandatory funding for farmers’ market and local food promotion program.
					Sec. 302. Grants to support farm viability programs.

			IImproved Access to Land
			101.Land trust eligibility for assistance for agricultural land easements
 (a)Land trustsSection 1265B of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b) is amended by adding at the end the following:

						(e)Land trusts
 (1)Eligibility for assistanceNotwithstanding section 1001D(b), an eligible entity that is a qualified land trust, as determined by the Secretary, may receive assistance under this section.
 (2)Assistance for reservation of easementThe Secretary may provide assistance to an eligible entity that is a qualified land trust to supplement the sale price of eligible land to a farmer or rancher, who is not ineligible to receive assistance under section 1001D, if the eligible entity that is a qualified land trust reserves for itself an agricultural land easement in the eligible land..
 (b)Conforming amendmentSection 1001D(b)(1) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(b)(1)) is amended by striking Notwithstanding and inserting Except as provided in section 1265B(e), notwithstanding.
 102.Priority for option to purchase at agricultural value in agricultural land easementsSection 1265B(b)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865b(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (D)PriorityIn evaluating applications under the program, the Secretary shall give priority to an application for the purchase of an agricultural land easement that, as determined by the Secretary—
 (i)maintains agricultural viability; (ii)includes, as a condition of the easement, a requirement that any subsequent purchase of the land subject to the easement shall be at agricultural value; or
 (iii)achieves the objectives of both clauses (i) and (ii).. 103.Prequalification of prospective applicants for credit from Farm Service Agency programsNot later than October 1, 2018, the Secretary of Agriculture shall develop and implement procedures to ensure that the Farm Service Agency is prepared, in advance, to respond to a request by a prospective loan applicant (other than a request for preapproval) for a preliminary determination on—
 (1)whether the prospective applicant would likely qualify for credit under any program administered by the Farm Service Agency; or
 (2)the amount of credit for which the prospective applicant would likely qualify under any such program.
 104.Increase in limitation on amount of direct farm ownership loans; inflation indexation of limitSection 305 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1925) is amended to read as follows:

					305.Limitations on amount of farm ownership loans
 (a)In generalThe Secretary shall make or insure no loan under section 302, 303, 304, 310D, or 310E of this title that would cause the unpaid indebtedness under such sections of any 1 borrower to exceed the smaller of—
 (1)the value of the farm or other security; or (2) (A)in the case of a loan other than a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $500,000 (increased, beginning with the fiscal year 2019, by the regional farm real estate inflation percentage applicable to the region where the farm involved is located for the fiscal year in which the loan is made, and decreased by the amount of any unpaid indebtedness of the borrower on direct loans under subtitle B); or
 (B)in the case of a loan guaranteed by the Secretary, $700,000 (increased, beginning with fiscal year 2000, by the cost inflation percentage applicable to the fiscal year in which the loan is guaranteed and reduced by the amount of any unpaid indebtedness of the borrower on loans under subtitle B that are guaranteed by the Secretary).
 (b)Determination of valueIn determining the value of the farm, the Secretary shall consider appraisals made by competent appraisers under rules established by the Secretary.
 (c)Cost inflation percentageFor purposes of this section, the cost inflation percentage applicable to a fiscal year is the percentage (if any) by which—
 (1)the average of the Prices Paid By Farmers Index (as compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the Department of Agriculture) for the 12-month period ending on August 31 of the immediately preceding fiscal year; exceeds
 (2)the average of such index (as so defined) for the 12-month period ending on August 31, 1996. (d)Regional farm real estate inflation percentage (1)In generalFor purposes of this section, the regional farm real estate inflation percentage applicable to a farm for a fiscal year is the percentage (if any) by which—
 (A)the regional farm real estate inflation index developed under paragraph (2) for the region in which the farm is located, for the 12-month period ending on August 31 of the immediately preceding fiscal year; exceeds
 (B)the average of the index (as so defined) for the 12-month period ending on August 31, 2018. (2)DevelopmentThe Secretary shall develop a regional farm real estate inflation index for measuring periodic changes in the price of farm real estate in each geographic region of the United States, using data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
							(e)Microloans
 (1)In generalSubject to paragraph (2), the Secretary may establish a program to make or guarantee microloans. (2)LimitationsThe Secretary shall not make or guarantee a microloan under this subsection that would cause the total principal indebtedness outstanding at any 1 time for microloans made under this subtitle to any 1 borrower to exceed $50,000.
 (3)ApplicationsTo the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall limit the administrative burdens and streamline the application and approval process for microloans under this subsection..
			105.Report and action plan on agricultural conservation easement program
 (a)Sense of congressIt is the sense of Congress that the agricultural conservation easement program established under section 1265(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3865(a)) remains a valuable program in assisting beginning farmers and ranchers in acquiring farmland for productive use.
 (b)Report and plan requiredNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that includes—
 (1)an evaluation of the extent in which the agricultural conservation easement program supports beginning farmers or ranchers in acquiring farmland; and
 (2)a plan to address any shortcomings identified through the evaluation for the purpose of furthering the goals of the agricultural conservation easement program to protect farmland and help farmers access farmland for productive use.
					IIImproved Access to Department of Agriculture Training and Programs
			201.Beginning farmer coordination
 (a)Program establishedNot later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Farm Service Agency, shall implement a program to assign to each State at least one coordinator to—
 (1)promote communication between the Department of Agriculture and beginning farmers or ranchers (as defined in section 206(b)) located in such State; and
 (2)increase the access of such beginning farmers or ranchers to apprenticeship programs, farm loan programs, and land available for purchase.
 (b)Use of current employeesThe assignment of beginning farmer coordinators in compliance with subsection (a) may be accomplished through the designation of current employees of the Department of Agriculture and does not require the hiring of additional employees.
 (c)State definedIn this section, the term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.
				202.Transfer of Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers to jurisdiction of Farm Service
 AgencyThe Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.) is amended— (1)in section 226B(e)(2) (7 U.S.C. 6934)—
 (A)by striking subparagraph (C); and (B)by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); and
 (2)in section 226 (7 U.S.C. 6932), by adding at the end the following new subsection:  (i)Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and RanchersThe Secretary of Agriculture shall coordinate the activities of the Farm Service Agency with the Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers established under section 5(b) of the Agricultural Credit Improvement Act of 1992 (7 U.S.C. 1929 note; Public Law 102–554)..
				203.Department of Agriculture on-line customer self-service portal
 (a)Customer self-Service portalThe Secretary of Agriculture shall develop an on-line customer self-service portal through which farmers and ranchers will be able to securely access their customer and program information and complete program applications in a wide range of agricultural programs offered by the Department of Agriculture.
 (b)Sense of congressIt is the sense of Congress that the development of an on-line customer self-service portal, as required by subsection (a), should not negatively impact the many farmers and ranchers who do not yet have access to high-speed internet or who would prefer not to utilize the online self-service portal.
 (c)Authorization of appropriationsFor the three-fiscal year period beginning on October 1, 2018, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out subsection (a)—
 (1)not less than $6,000,000; and (2)such additional amounts as are considered appropriate.
					204.Beginning farmer and rancher development program to provide training, education, outreach, and
 technical assistance initiativesSection 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f) is amended by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following new subsections:

					(h)Individual development accounts
 (1)Transfer of funds authorizedOf the funds made available under subsection (i), the Secretary may transfer up to $10,000,000 per year, plus allocable administrative costs, for individual development accounts as authorized under section 333B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983b).
 (2)Administrative costsThe Secretary may not use more than 4 percent of the funds transferred under this subsection for administrative costs incurred in implementing the individual development accounts authorized under section 333B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983b).
						(i)Funding
 (1)Mandatory fundingOf the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall make available to carry out this section—
 (A)$20,000,000 for fiscal year 2018; (B)$30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 and 2020;
 (C)$40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 and 2022; and (D)$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each fiscal year thereafter.
 (2)Authorization of appropriationsIn addition to funds provided under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 and each fiscal year thereafter.
 (3)AvailabilityAmounts made available under this subsection shall remain available until expended.. 205.Reauthorization of beginning farmer and rancher individual development accounts pilot programSubsection (h) of section 333B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1983b) is amended to read as follows:

 (h)Authorization of appropriationsIn addition to any amounts provided under section 7405 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 3319f), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023..
			206.Sale of surplus farm equipment or property to socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers, veteran
			 farmers or ranchers, and beginning farmers or ranchers
 (a)Sale authorizedThe Administrator of General Services, under regulations prescribed by the Administrator, may sell to a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher, veteran farmer or rancher, or beginning farmer or rancher any farm equipment acquired by the General Services Administration that—
 (1)is suitable for use in farming operations; and (2)has been determined to be surplus property under chapter 5 of title 40, United States Code.
 (b)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)Beginning farmer or rancherThe term beginning farmer or rancher means an individual or entity that has not operated a farm or ranch or that has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 consecutive years and that will materially and substantially participate in the operation of the farm or ranch. In the case of an entity, these requirements apply to all members of the entity.
 (2)Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 termsThe terms socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher and veteran farmer or rancher have the meanings given those terms in section 2501(e) of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 2279(e)).
					IIIInvestment in Local and Regional Food Systems
 301.Mandatory funding for farmers’ market and local food promotion programSection 6(g)(1) of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005(g)(1)) is amended—
 (1)by striking and at the end of subparagraph (C); (2)in subparagraph (D), by striking 2018. and inserting 2017; and; and
 (3)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:  (E)$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023..
				302.Grants to support farm viability programs
 (a)Grants authorizedThe Secretary of Agriculture may make competitive grants to support a farm viability program developed by a public or private entity that is designed—
 (1)to improve the economic viability and integrity of farms participating in the program through the development and implementation of a farm viability plans; and
 (2)to provide participating farmers with technical, legal, marketing, and business planning assistance to expand, upgrade, and modernize their agricultural operations and assist in land access and transfer.
 (b)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants under this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023.


116 S2525 RS: Guaranteeing Equipment Safety for Firefighters Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-09-19
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. 493116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 2525IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 19, 2019Mrs. Shaheen (for herself and Mr. Gardner) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationJuly 22, 2020Reported by Mr. Wicker, with an amendmentStrike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italicA BILLTo require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to conduct a study of personal protective equipment worn by firefighters to determine the prevalence and concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Guaranteeing Equipment Safety for Firefighters Act of 2019.2.National Institute of Standards and Technology study on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in
 personal protective equipment worn by firefighters(a)In generalNot later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall, in consultation with the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, commence a study of the contents and composition of new and unused personal protective equipment worn by firefighters.(b)Contents of studyIn carrying out the study required by subsection (a), the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall examine—(1)the identity, prevalence, and concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly known as PFAS) in the personal protective equipment worn by firefighters;(2)the conditions and extent to which per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are released into the environment over time from the degradation of personal protective equipment from normal use by firefighters; and(3)the relative risk of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances faced by firefighters from—(A)their use of personal protective equipment; and(B)degradation of personal protective equipment from normal use by firefighters.(c)ReportNot later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to Congress a report describing—(1)the findings of the Director with respect to the study carried out under subsection (a); and(2)recommendations on what additional research or technical improvements to personal protective equipment materials or components should be pursued to avoid unnecessary occupational exposure among firefighters to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances through personal protective equipment.3.Research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in personal protective equipment worn by
 firefighters(a)In generalNot later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall—(1)issue a solicitation for research proposals to carry out the research recommendations identified in the report submitted under section 2(c); and(2)award grants to applicants that submit research proposals to develop safe alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in personal protective equipment.(b)CriteriaThe Director shall select research proposals to receive a grant under subsection (a) on the basis of merit, using criteria identified by the Director, including the likelihood that the research results will address the findings of the Director with respect to the study conducted under section 2(a).(c)Eligible entitiesAny entity or group of 2 or more entities may submit to the Director a research proposal in response to the solicitation for research proposals under subsection (a), including—(1)State and local agencies;(2)public institutions, including public institutions of higher education;(3)private corporations; and(4)nonprofit organizations.(d)Funding(1)RequestsBeginning in the first full fiscal year following the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than once each year thereafter for 2 years, the Director may request such funding as the Director considers necessary to carry out this section.(2)LimitationIn carrying out this section, the Director may not expend or obligate more than $5,000,000 in any 1 fiscal year.4.Authority for Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to consult with
			 experts on matters relating to per- and
 polyfluoroalkyl substancesIn carrying out this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology may consult with Federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, State and local governments, and science and research institutions determined by the Director to have scientific or material interest in reducing unnecessary occupational exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances by firefighters.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Guaranteeing Equipment Safety for Firefighters Act of 2019.2.National Institute of Standards and Technology study on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in
 personal protective equipment worn by firefighters(a)In generalNot later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall, in partnership with the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, complete a study of the contents and composition of new and unused personal protective equipment worn by firefighters.(b)Contents of studyIn carrying out the study required by subsection (a), the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall examine—(1)the identity, prevalence, and concentration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly known as PFAS) in the personal protective equipment worn by firefighters;(2)the conditions and extent to which per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are released into the environment over time from the degradation of personal protective equipment from normal use by firefighters; and(3)the relative risk of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances faced by firefighters from—(A)their use of personal protective equipment; and(B)degradation of personal protective equipment from normal use by firefighters.(c)Reports(1)Progress reportsNot less frequently than once each year for the duration of the study conducted under subsection (a), the Director shall submit to Congress a report on the progress of the Director in conducting such study.(2)Final reportNot later than 90 days after the date on which the Director completes the study required by subsection (a), the Director shall submit to Congress a report describing—(A)the findings of the Director with respect to the study; and(B)recommendations on what additional research or technical improvements to personal protective equipment materials or components should be pursued to avoid unnecessary occupational exposure among firefighters to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances through personal protective equipment.3.Research on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in personal protective equipment worn by
 firefighters(a)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of the submittal of the report required by section 2(c)(2), the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall—(1)issue a solicitation for research proposals to carry out the research recommendations identified in the report submitted under section 2(c); and(2)award grants to applicants that submit research proposals to develop safe alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in personal protective equipment.(b)CriteriaThe Director shall select research proposals to receive a grant under subsection (a) on the basis of merit, using criteria identified by the Director, including the likelihood that the research results will address the findings of the Director with respect to the study conducted under section 2(a).(c)Eligible entitiesAny entity or group of 2 or more entities may submit to the Director a research proposal in response to the solicitation for research proposals under subsection (a), including—(1)State and local agencies;(2)public institutions, including public institutions of higher education;(3)private corporations; and(4)nonprofit organizations.(d)Authorization of appropriations(1)In generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Director such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.(2)Supplement not supplantFunds made available to carry out this section shall supplement and not supplant funds made available to the Director for other purposes.4.Authority for Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to consult with experts on matters relating to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substancesIn carrying out this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology may consult with Federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, State and local governments, and science and research institutions determined by the Director to have scientific or material interest in reducing unnecessary occupational exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances by firefighters.July 22, 2020Reported with an amendment


110 HR 4206 IH: Medicare Fracture Prevention and

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-11-15
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. 4206
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			November 15, 2007
			Ms. Berkley (for
			 herself, Mr. Burgess,
			 Mrs. Maloney of New York,
			 Mr. McNulty,
			 Mr. Paul, Mr. Rothman, Mr.
			 Goode, Mr. Sessions,
			 Mrs. Myrick,
			 Mr. Gene Green of Texas,
			 Mrs. Capps,
			 Mr. Klein of Florida,
			 Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California,
			 Ms. Moore of Wisconsin,
			 Ms. Roybal-Allard,
			 Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of California,
			 Mrs. Tauscher,
			 Ms. Zoe Lofgren of California,
			 Mrs. Davis of California,
			 Ms. Solis,
			 Ms. Matsui,
			 Mr. Berry,
			 Mr. Hinchey,
			 Ms. Schakowsky,
			 Ms. Giffords,
			 Ms. Castor,
			 Mrs. Gillibrand,
			 Mr. Ellsworth,
			 Ms. Woolsey,
			 Ms. Watson,
			 Ms. Bordallo,
			 Ms. Schwartz,
			 Mr. Israel,
			 Ms. Velázquez,
			 Mr. Pascrell,
			 Ms. McCollum of Minnesota,
			 Mr. Crowley,
			 Mr. Hare, Mr. Johnson of Georgia,
			 Mrs. McCarthy of New York,
			 Ms. Hooley, and
			 Mrs. Napolitano) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in
			 addition to the Committee on Ways and
			 Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
			 Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the
			 jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to
		  improve access to, and increase utilization of, bone mass measurement benefits
		  under the Medicare part B Program.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Medicare Fracture Prevention and
			 Osteoporosis Testing Act of 2007.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)Since 1997, Congress has recognized the
			 importance of osteoporosis prevention by standardizing reimbursement under the
			 Medicare program for bone mass measurement.
			(2)One decade later,
			 osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed and untreated despite numerous Federal
			 initiatives, including recommendations of the United States Preventive Services
			 Task Force, the 2004 United States Surgeon General’s Report on Bone Health and
			 Osteoporosis, and inclusion of bone mass measurement in the Welcome to Medicare
			 exam.
			(3)Even though
			 osteoporosis is a highly manageable disease, many patients lack access to early
			 diagnosis that can prevent debilitating fractures, morbidity, and loss of
			 mobility.
			(4)Although
			 Caucasians are most likely to sustain osteoporosis fractures, the cost of
			 fractures among the nonwhite population is projected to increase by as much as
			 180 percent over the next 20 years.
			(5)Black women are more likely than White
			 women to die following a hip fracture.
			(6)Osteoporosis is a critical women’s health
			 issue. Women account for 71 percent of fractures and 75 percent of
			 osteoporosis-associated costs.
			(7)The World Health Organization, the Centers
			 for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and other medical experts concur that the
			 most widely accepted method of measuring bone mass to predict fracture risk is
			 dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (in this Act referred to as
			 DXA). Vertebral fracture assessment (in this Act referred to as
			 VFA) is another test used to identify patients at high risk for
			 future fracture.
			(8)Unlike other
			 imaging procedures, bone mass measurement testing remains severely
			 underutilized with less than 20 percent of eligible Medicare beneficiaries
			 taking advantage of the benefit.
			(9)Underutilization of bone mass measurement
			 will strain the Medicare budget because—
				(A)55 percent of the people age 50 and older
			 in 2002 had osteoporosis or low bone mass;
				(B)more than
			 61,000,000 people in the United States are projected to have osteoporosis or
			 low bone mass in 2020, as compared to 43,000,000 in 2002;
				(C)osteoporosis
			 fractures are projected to increase by almost 50 percent over the next 2
			 decades with at least 3,000,000 fractures expected to occur annually by 2025;
				(D)the population aged 65 and older represents
			 89 percent of fracture costs; and
				(E)the economic
			 burden of osteoporosis fractures are projected to increase by 50 percent over
			 the next 2 decades, reaching $25,300,000,000 in 2025.
				(10)Underutilization
			 of bone mass measurement will also strain the Medicaid budget, which funds
			 treatment for osteoporosis in low-income Americans.
			(11)Reimbursement under the Medicare program
			 for DXA provided in physician offices and other non-hospital settings was
			 reduced by 40 percent and will be reduced by a total of 75 percent by 2010.
			 This drop represents one of the largest reimbursement reductions in the history
			 of the Medicare program. Reimbursement for VFA will also be reduced by 50
			 percent by 2010.
			(12)The reduction in
			 reimbursement discourages physicians from continuing to provide access to DXA
			 or VFA in their offices. Since two-thirds of all DXA scans are performed in
			 nonfacility settings, such as physician offices, patient access to bone mass
			 measurement will be severely compromised when physicians discontinue providing
			 those tests in their offices, thereby exacerbating the current underutilization
			 of the benefit.
			3.Minimum Payment
			 for Bone Mass Measurement
			(a)In
			 generalSection 1848(b) of
			 the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–4(b)) is amended by adding at the end
			 the following:

					(5)Treatment of
				Bone Mass ScansNotwithstanding the provisions of paragraph
				(1), the Secretary shall establish a national minimum payment amount for CPT
				code 77080 (relating to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) and CPT code 77082
				(relating to vertebral fracture assessment), and any successor to such codes as
				identified by the Secretary. Such minimum payment amount shall not be less than
				100 percent of the reimbursement rates in effect for such codes (or predecessor
				codes) on December 31, 2006.
					.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by
			 subsection (a) shall apply to bone mass measurement furnished on or after
			 January 1, 2008.
			4.Study and report by
			 the Institute of Medicine
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary of
			 Health and Human Services shall enter into an arrangement with the Institute of
			 Medicine of the National Academies to conduct a study on the following:
				(1)The ramifications
			 of Medicare reimbursement reductions for DXA and VFA on beneficiary access to
			 bone mass measurement benefits in general and in rural and minority communities
			 specifically.
				(2)Methods to
			 increase use of bone mass measurement by Medicare beneficiaries.
				(b)ReportThe agreement entered into under subsection
			 (a) shall provide for the Institute of Medicine to submit to the Secretary and
			 the Congress, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
			 Act, a report containing a description of the results of the study conducted
			 under such subsection and the conclusions and recommendations of the Institute
			 of Medicine regarding each of the issues described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of
			 such subsection.


117 HR 1654 IH: District of Columbia Membership on Capitol Police Board Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-03-08
text/xml
EN
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I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1654IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 8, 2021Ms. Norton introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House AdministrationA BILLTo provide for the membership of the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia on the Capitol Police Board on an ex-officio, nonvoting basis.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the District of Columbia Membership on Capitol Police Board Act. 2.Membership of Chief of Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia on Capitol Police BoardSection 1014(a)(2) of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2003 (2 U.S.C. 1901 note) is amended—(1)in the first sentence, by striking and the Architect of the Capitol, and inserting the Architect of the Capitol, and the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia,; and(2)in the second sentence, by inserting and the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia after Capitol Police.


113 SRES 248 ATS: Designating September 22, 2013, as “National Falls Prevention Awareness Day” to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of falls among older adults.
U.S. Senate
2013-09-19
text/xml
EN
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III113th CONGRESS1st SessionS. RES. 248IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 19, 2013Mr. Nelson (for himself, Ms. Collins, Ms. Mikulski, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Franken, Mr. Coons, Mr. Markey, Mr. King, and Mr. Casey) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed toRESOLUTIONDesignating September 22, 2013, as
		  National Falls Prevention Awareness Day to raise awareness and
		  encourage the prevention of falls among older adults.Whereas older adults, 65 years of age and older, are the
			 fastest-growing segment of the population in the United States, and the number
			 of older adults in the United States will increase from 35,000,000 in 2000 to
			 72,100,000 in 2030;Whereas 1 out of 3 older adults in the United States falls
			 each year;Whereas falls are the leading cause of death and hospital
			 admissions for injuries among older adults;Whereas, in 2010, approximately 2,300,000 older adults
			 were treated in hospital emergency departments for fall-related injuries, and
			 more than 650,000 were subsequently hospitalized;Whereas, in 2010, more than 21,000 older adults died from
			 injuries related to unintentional falls;Whereas the total annual medical cost of fall-related
			 injuries for older adults is estimated at $30,000,000,000;Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
			 estimate that if the rate of increase in falls is not slowed, the total annual
			 medical cost of fall-related injuries for older adults will reach
			 $59,600,000,000 by 2020; andWhereas evidence-based programs show promise in reducing
			 falls by utilizing cost-effective strategies, such as comprehensive clinical
			 assessments, exercise programs to improve balance and health, medication
			 management, vision correction, and reduction of home hazards: Now, therefore,
			 be itThat the Senate—(1)designates
			 September 22, 2013, as National Falls Prevention Awareness
			 Day;(2)recognizes that
			 there are proven, cost-effective falls prevention programs and policies;(3)commends the
			 Falls Free Coalition and the falls prevention coalitions in 42 States and the
			 District of Columbia for their efforts to work together to increase education
			 and awareness about the prevention of falls among older adults;(4)encourages
			 businesses, individuals, Federal, State, and local governments, the public
			 health community, and health care providers to work together to raise awareness
			 of falls in an effort to reduce the incidence of falls among older adults in
			 the United States;(5)urges the Centers
			 for Disease Control and Prevention to continue developing and evaluating
			 interventions to prevent falls among older adults that will translate into
			 effective community-based falls prevention programs;(6)urges the
			 Administration for Community Living, the Centers for Disease Control and
			 Prevention, and associated partners to continue to promote evidence-based
			 programs and services in communities in the United States to reduce the number
			 of older adults at risk for falls;(7)encourages State
			 health departments, which provide significant leadership in reducing injuries
			 and injury-related health care costs by collaborating with organizations and
			 individuals, to reduce falls among older adults; and(8)encourages
			 experts in the field of falls prevention to share their best practices so that
			 their success can be replicated by others.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 871
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			April 23, 2009
			Mr. Inouye (for himself
			 and Mr. Akaka) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a
		  special resources study of the Honouliuli Internment Camp site in the State of
		  Hawaii, to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing a unit of
		  the National Park System.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Honouliuli Internment Camp Special
			 Resources Study Act of 2009.
		2.Study of
			 inclusion of Honouliuli Internment Camp site in National Park System
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary of the Interior (referred to in this
			 section as the Secretary) shall conduct a special resource study
			 of the national significance, suitability, and feasibility of including the
			 Honouliuli Gulch and associated sites within the State of Hawaii in the
			 National Park System.
			(b)GuidelinesIn
			 conducting the study, the Secretary shall use the criteria for the study of
			 areas for potential inclusion in the National Park System described in section
			 8 of Public Law 91–383 (16 U.S.C. 1a–5).
			(c)ConsultationIn
			 conducting the study, the Secretary shall consult with—
				(1)the State of
			 Hawaii;
				(2)appropriate
			 Federal agencies;
				(3)Native Hawaiian
			 and local government entities;
				(4)private and
			 nonprofit organizations;
				(5)private land
			 owners; and
				(6)other interested
			 parties.
				(d)ThemesThe study shall evaluate the Honouliuli
			 Gulch, associated sites located on Oahu, and other islands located in the State
			 of Hawaii with respect to—
				(1)the significance
			 of the site as a component of World War II;
				(2)the significance
			 of the site as the site related to the forcible internment of Japanese
			 Americans, European Americans, and other individuals; and
				(3)historic
			 resources at the site.
				(e)ReportNot later than 2 years after the date of
			 enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural
			 Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and
			 Natural Resources of the Senate a report describing the findings, conclusions,
			 and recommendations of the study required under this section.