110 HR 3339 IH: Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-08-02
text/xml
EN
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		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3339
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			August 2, 2007
			Ms. McCollum of
			 Minnesota (for herself, Mr. Peterson of
			 Minnesota, Mr. Ramstad,
			 Mr. George Miller of California,
			 Mr. Kildee,
			 Mr. Clyburn,
			 Mr. Lewis of Georgia,
			 Ms. Matsui,
			 Mr. Markey,
			 Mr. Rahall,
			 Ms. Waters,
			 Ms. Woolsey,
			 Mr. Kanjorski,
			 Mr. Waxman,
			 Mr. DeFazio,
			 Mr. Farr, Mr. Skelton, Ms.
			 Hooley, Mr. Ellison,
			 Mr. Walz of Minnesota,
			 Mr. Inslee,
			 Ms. Kaptur,
			 Mr. Frank of Massachusetts,
			 Mr. Grijalva,
			 Mr. Cohen,
			 Mr. Hinchey,
			 Ms. Eshoo,
			 Mr. Nadler,
			 Mrs. Jones of Ohio,
			 Mr. Tierney,
			 Ms. Wasserman Schultz,
			 Ms. Lee, Mr. McDermott, Mr.
			 Braley of Iowa, and Ms. Linda T.
			 Sánchez of California) introduced the following bill; which was
			 referred to the Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce

		A BILL
		To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to reduce the
		  health risks posed by asbestos-containing products, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Bruce Vento Ban Asbestos and Prevent
			 Mesothelioma Act of 2007.
		2.FindingsCongress finds that—
			(1)Bruce Vento was a teacher, a state
			 legislator and a Member of Congress representing Minnesota’s Fourth District
			 from 1977 to 2000 who dedicated his career to promoting worker’s rights and a
			 clean, healthy environment;
			(2)Congressman Vento died on October 10, 2000,
			 from pleural mesothelioma, likely contracted from minimal contact with asbestos
			 while working in factories as a young man;
			(3)(A)the Administrator of the
			 Environmental Protection Agency has classified asbestos as a category A human
			 carcinogen, the highest cancer hazard classification for a substance;
			 and
				(B)the International Agency for Research
			 on Cancer has classified asbestos as a class 1 human carcinogen;
				(4)many people in the
			 United States incorrectly believe that—
				(A)asbestos has been
			 banned in the United States; and
				(B)there is no risk
			 of exposure to asbestos through the use of new commercial products;
				(5)the United States
			 Geological Survey reported that, in 2006, the United States used 2,000 metric
			 tons of asbestos, of which approximately—
				(A)55 percent was
			 used in roofing products;
				(B)26 percent was used
			 in coatings; and
				(C)19 percent was
			 used in other products, such as friction products;
				(6)the Department of
			 Commerce estimates that the United States imports more than $100,000,000 of
			 brake parts per year;
			(7)available evidence
			 suggests that—
				(A)imports of some
			 types of asbestos-containing products are increasing; and
				(B)some of those
			 products are imported from foreign countries in which asbestos is poorly
			 regulated;
				(8)there is no known
			 safe level of exposure to asbestos;
			(9)even low levels of
			 exposure to asbestos may cause asbestos-related diseases, including
			 mesothelioma;
			(10)millions of
			 workers in the United States have been, and continue to be, exposed to
			 dangerous levels of asbestos;
			(11)worker deaths
			 from noncancerous lung disease can occur at levels of exposure to asbestos
			 below the levels allowed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
			 as of the date of enactment of this Act;
			(12)the University of Minnesota, along with
			 health care providers, Minnesota State legislators, and community partners, has
			 initiated the Minnesota Taconite Workers Lung Health Partnership, to provide a
			 greater understanding of taconite workers health issues, study the causes of
			 the increase in deaths to mesothelioma among taconite mine workers, and provide
			 recommendations to limit risk to workers and their families;
			(13)families of
			 workers are put at risk because of asbestos brought home by the workers on the
			 shoes, clothes, skin, and hair of the workers;
			(14)approximately
			 1/3 of mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos while
			 serving the United States on Navy ships or shipyards;
			(15)the National
			 Institutes of Health reported to Congress in 2006 that mesothelioma is a
			 difficult disease to detect, diagnose, and treat;
			(16)the Environmental
			 Working Group estimates that as many as 10,000 citizens of the United States
			 die each year from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases;
			(17)(A)mesothelioma responds
			 poorly to conventional chemotherapy; and
				(B)although new combination treatments
			 for mesothelioma have demonstrated some benefits—
					(i)the median survival period for
			 mesothelioma is only 1 year after diagnosis of the disease; and
					(ii)the majority of mesothelioma
			 patients die within 2 years of diagnosis of the disease;
					(18)in hearings
			 before Congress in the early 1970s, the example of asbestos was used to justify
			 the need for comprehensive legislation on toxic substances;
			(19)in 1976, Congress
			 passed the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.);
			(20)in 1989, the
			 Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency promulgated final
			 regulations under title II of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2641
			 et seq.) to phase out asbestos in consumer products by 1997;
			(21)in 1991, the
			 United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit overturned portions of the
			 regulations, and the Federal Government did not appeal the decision to the
			 Supreme Court;
			(22)as a result,
			 while new applications for asbestos were banned, asbestos is still being
			 imported and used, and is otherwise present as a contaminant, in some consumer
			 and industrial products in the United States;
			(23)the National
			 Cancer Institute recognizes a clear need for new agents to improve the outlook
			 for patients with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases;
			(24)the National
			 Institutes of Health should continue to improve detection, treatment, and
			 management of asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, including by
			 providing continued support for the pleural mesothelioma treatment and research
			 program and peritoneal surgical initiatives;
			(25)the Department of
			 Defense should study diseases related to asbestos exposure in the military and
			 veteran population, including by conducting research in coordination with the
			 National Institutes of Health on the early detection and treatment of
			 mesothelioma;
			(26)with some
			 exceptions relating to certain uses, asbestos has been banned in 40 countries,
			 including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Croatia, the Czech
			 Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
			 Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi
			 Arabia, the Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United
			 Kingdom;
			(27)asbestos was
			 banned throughout the European Union in 2005; and
			(28)banning asbestos
			 from being used in or imported into the United States will provide certainty to
			 manufacturers, builders, environmental remediation firms, workers, and
			 consumers that after a specific date, asbestos will not be used, added, or
			 allowed to be knowingly present as a contaminant in new construction and
			 manufacturing materials used in this country.
			3.Asbestos-containing
			 products
			(a)In
			 generalTitle II of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C.
			 2641 et seq.) is amended—
				(1)by inserting
			 before section 201 (15 U.S.C. 2641) the following:

						AGeneral
				provisions
						;
				(2)in section 202(3)
			 (15 U.S.C. 2642(3))—
					(A)in each of
			 subparagraphs (A) through (D), by striking the commas at the end of the
			 subparagraphs and inserting semicolons;
					(B)in subparagraph
			 (E), by striking , or and inserting a semicolon;
					(C)in subparagraph
			 (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
					(D)by adding at the
			 end the following:

							(G)any material
				formerly classified as tremolite, including—
								(i)winchite asbestos;
				and
								(ii)richterite
				asbestos; and
								(H)any asbestiform
				amphibole
				mineral.
							;
					and(3)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						BAsbestos-containing
				products
							221.DefinitionsIn this subtitle:
								(1)Appropriate
				Federal entityThe term appropriate Federal entity
				means any appropriate Federal entity, as determined by the Director,
				including—
									(A)the Agency for
				Toxic Substances and Disease Registry;
									(B)the Department of
				Health and Human Services;
									(C)the Environmental
				Protection Agency;
									(D)the Mine Safety
				and Health Administration;
									(E)the National
				Institute of Standards and Technology;
									(F)the United States
				Geological Survey;
									(G)the National
				Institute of Environmental Health Sciences;
									(H)the National
				Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; and
									(I)the Occupational
				Health and Safety Administration.
									(2)Asbestos-containing
				productThe term asbestos-containing product means
				any product (including any part) to which asbestos is deliberately or knowingly
				added or in which asbestos is deliberately used or knowingly present in any
				concentration.
								(3)Elongated mineral
				particleThe term elongated mineral particle means a
				single crystal or similarly elongated polycrystalline aggregate particle with a
				length to width ratio of 3 to 1 or greater.
								(4)Biopersistent
				elongated mineral particleThe term biopersistent elongated
				mineral particle means an elongated mineral particle that—
									(A)occurs naturally
				in the environment; and
									(B)is similar to
				asbestos in—
										(i)resistance to
				dissolution;
										(ii)leaching;
				and
										(iii)other physical,
				chemical, or biological processes expected from contact with lung cells and
				other cells and fluids in the human body.
										(5)DirectorThe
				term Director means the Director of the National Institute for
				Occupational Safety and Health.
								(6)PersonThe
				term person means—
									(A)any
				individual;
									(B)any corporation,
				company, association, firm, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship, or
				other for-profit or nonprofit business entity (including any manufacturer,
				importer, distributor, or processor);
									(C)any Federal,
				State, or local department, agency, or instrumentality; and
									(D)any interstate
				body.
									222.National
				Institute for Occupational Safety and Health studies
								(a)Studies
									(1)Current state of
				science study
										(A)In
				generalThe Director, in consultation with the United States
				Geological Survey, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Academy of
				Sciences, and appropriate Federal entities, shall conduct a study and, not
				later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subtitle, submit to the
				Administrator, the Committees on Environment and Public Works and Health,
				Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Committees on Energy and
				Commerce and Education and Labor of the House of Representatives, and other
				Federal agencies a report containing—
											(i)a
				description of the current state of the science relating to—
												(I)the disease
				mechanisms and health effects of exposure to non-asbestiform minerals and
				elongated mineral particles; and
												(II)methods for
				measuring and analyzing non-asbestiform minerals and elongated mineral
				particles; and
												(ii)recommendations
				for—
												(I)future research
				relating to diseases caused by exposure to—
													(aa)non-asbestiform
				minerals; and
													(bb)elongated mineral
				particles;
													(II)exposure
				assessment practice needs;
												(III)any new
				classification of naturally occurring elongated mineral particles; and
												(IV)1 or more
				definitions and dimensions to be used for the quantification and risk
				assessment of—
													(aa)non-asbestiform
				minerals; and
													(bb)elongated mineral
				particles.
													(B)ComponentsThe
				report described in subparagraph (A) shall include—
											(i)peer-reviewed
				published literature;
											(ii)regulatory
				decisions; and
											(iii)information
				obtained from the National Institute for Occupational Safety Asbestos Research
				Roadmap.
											(2)Mode of action
				and health effects study
										(A)In
				generalThe Director, in consultation with the Environmental
				Protection Agency, the National Academy of Sciences, and appropriate Federal
				entities, shall conduct a study—
											(i)to
				evaluate the known or potential mode of action and health effects of—
												(I)non-asbestiform
				minerals; and
												(II)elongated mineral
				particles; and
												(ii)to
				develop recommendations for a means by which to identify, distinguish, and
				measure any non-asbestiform mineral or elongated mineral particle that—
												(I)may cause any
				disease or health effect; or
												(II)does not cause any
				disease or health effect.
												(B)ReportNot
				later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Director
				shall submit to the Committees on Environment and Public Works and Health,
				Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committees on Energy and
				Commerce and Education and Labor of the House of Representatives, a report
				containing—
											(i)a
				description of the manner by which non-asbestiform minerals and elongated
				mineral particles possess the ability to remain biopersistent in the human
				body, with regard to the ability of non-asbestiform minerals and elongated
				mineral particles—
												(I)to exhibit
				resistence to dissolution and leaching; and
												(II)to induce other
				physical, chemical, and biological processes as a result of contact
				with—
													(aa)lung cells;
				and
													(bb)other cells and
				fluids in the human body connected to a disease;
													(ii)a
				description of the means by which to identify, distinguish, and measure any
				non-asbestiform mineral or elongated mineral particle that—
												(I)may cause any
				disease or health effect, as determined by the Director, including—
													(aa)mesothelioma;
													(bb)any
				other form of cancer; and
													(cc)any
				other non-cancer form of disease; and
													(II)does not cause any
				disease or health effect; and
												(iii)recommendations
				for such controls as the Director determines to be appropriate to protect human
				health.
											(3)Authorization of
				appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums
				as are necessary to carry out this subsection.
									(b)Methodology
				study
									(1)In
				generalOn the date on which the Director submits the report
				described in subsection (a)(2)(B), the Director shall initiate a study—
										(A)to develop
				improved sampling and analytical methods for non-asbestiform minerals and
				elongated mineral particles; and
										(B)to clarify the
				mechanism of action.
										(2)Authorization of
				appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums
				as are necessary to carry out this subsection.
									223.Public
				education program
								(a)In
				generalNot later than 1 year
				after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Administrator, in
				consultation with the Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the
				Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Secretary
				of Labor, shall establish a plan—
									(1)to increase
				awareness of the dangers posed by—
										(A)asbestos-containing
				materials and products and contaminants in homes and workplaces; and
										(B)asbestos-related
				diseases;
										(2)to provide current
				and comprehensive information to asbestos-related disease patients, family
				members of patients, and front-line health care providers on—
										(A)the dangers of
				asbestos exposure;
										(B)asbestos-related
				labeling information;
										(C)health effects of
				exposure to asbestos;
										(D)symptoms of
				asbestos exposure; and
										(E)available and
				developing treatments for asbestos-related diseases, including clinical
				trials;
										(3)to encourage
				asbestos-related disease patients, family members of patients, and front-line
				health care providers to participate in research and treatment endeavors
				relating to asbestos; and
									(4)to encourage
				health care providers and researchers to provide to asbestos-related disease
				patients and family members of patients information relating to research,
				diagnostic, and clinical treatments relating to asbestos.
									(b)Greatest
				risksIn establishing the program, the Administrator shall give
				priority to asbestos-containing materials and products used by consumers and
				workers that pose the greatest risk of injury to human health.
								(c)Authorization of
				appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums
				as are necessary to carry out this section.
								CProhibition on
				asbestos-containing materials
							231.Definition of
				distribute in commerceIn this
				subtitle:
								(1)In
				generalThe term distribute in commerce has the
				meaning given the term in section 3.
								(2)ExclusionsThe
				term distribute in commerce does not include—
									(A)the possession of
				an asbestos-containing material by a person that is an end user; or
									(B)the possession of
				an asbestos-containing material by a person solely for the purpose of disposal
				of the asbestos-containing material in compliance with applicable Federal,
				State, and local requirements.
									232.Prohibition on
				asbestos-containing materials
								(a)In
				generalSubject to subsection (b), the Administrator shall
				promulgate—
									(1)not later than 1
				year after the date of enactment of this subtitle, proposed regulations
				that—
										(A)prohibit persons
				from importing, manufacturing, processing, or distributing in commerce
				asbestos-containing materials; and
										(B)provide for
				implementation of subsections (b) and (c); and
										(2)not later than 2
				years after the date of enactment of this subtitle, final regulations that,
				effective beginning 60 days after the date of promulgation, prohibit persons
				from importing, manufacturing, processing, or distributing in commerce
				asbestos-containing materials.
									(b)Exemptions
									(1)In
				generalAny person may petition the Administrator for, and the
				Administrator may grant, an exemption from the requirements of subsection (a)
				if the Administrator determines that—
										(A)the exemption
				would not result in an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the
				environment; and
										(B)the person has
				made good faith efforts to develop, but has been unable to develop, a
				substance, or identify a mineral, that—
											(i)does not present
				an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment; and
											(ii)may be substituted
				for an asbestos-containing material.
											(2)Terms and
				conditionsAn exemption granted under this subsection shall be in
				effect for such period (not to exceed a total of 3 years) and subject to such
				terms and conditions as the Administrator may prescribe.
									(3)Governmental
				use
										(A)In
				generalThe Administrator shall provide an exemption from the
				requirements of subsection (a), without review or limit on duration, if the
				exemption for asbestos-containing material is—
											(i)sought by the
				Secretary of Defense and the Secretary certifies, and provides a copy of that
				certification to the Administrator and Congress, that—
												(I)use of the
				asbestos containing material is necessary to the critical functions of the
				Department;
												(II)no reasonable
				alternatives to the asbestos containing material exist for the intended
				purpose; and
												(III)use of the
				asbestos containing material will not result in an unreasonable risk to health
				or the environment; or
												(ii)sought by the
				Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the
				Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration certifies,
				and provides a copy of that certification to Congress, that—
												(I)the
				asbestos-containing material is necessary to the critical functions of the
				National Aeronautics and Space Administration;
												(II)no reasonable
				alternatives to the asbestos-containing material exist for the intended
				purpose; and
												(III)the use of the
				asbestos-containing material will not result in an unreasonable risk to health
				or the environment.
												(B)Administrative
				Procedure ActAny exemption provided by the Administrator under
				subparagraph (A), and any certification made by the Secretary of Defense under
				subparagraph (A)(i) shall not be subject to the provisions of subchapter II of
				chapter 5, and chapter 7, of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the
				Administrative Procedure Act).
										(4)Diaphragms for
				existing electrolysis installations
										(A)In
				generalThe requirements of subsection (a) shall not apply to any
				diaphragm electrolysis installation in existence as of the date of enactment of
				this subtitle.
										(B)Review
											(i)In
				generalNot later than 3 years after the date of enactment of
				this subtitle, and every 6 years thereafter, the Administrator shall review the
				exemption provided under subparagraph (A) to determine the appropriateness of
				the exemption.
											(ii)ScopeIn
				conducting the review of the exemption provided under subparagraph (A), the
				Administrator shall examine the risk of injury to an individual relating to the
				operation by the individual of each diaphragm electrolysis installation
				described in subparagraph (A).
											(iii)Public
				participationIn conducting the review of the exemption provided
				under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall provide public notice and a
				30-day period of public comment.
											(C)Decision
				relating to extension of exemptionUpon completion of a review of
				a diaphragm electrolysis installation under subparagraph (B)(i), if the
				Administrator determines that the diaphragm electrolysis installation poses an
				unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment, the Administrator may
				terminate the exemption provided to the diaphragm electrolysis installation
				under subparagraph (A).
										(c)Disposal
									(1)In
				generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), not later than 2
				years after the date of enactment of this subtitle, each person that possesses
				asbestos-containing material that is subject to the prohibition established
				under this section shall dispose of the asbestos-containing material, by a
				means that is in compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local
				requirements.
									(2)ExemptionNothing
				in paragraph (1)—
										(A)applies to
				asbestos-containing material that—
											(i)is
				no longer in the stream of commerce; or
											(ii)is in the
				possession of an end user; or
											(B)requires that
				asbestos-containing material described in subparagraph (A) be removed or
				replaced.
										.
				(b)Conforming
			 amendmentThe table of contents in sections 1 of the Toxic
			 Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. prec. 2601) is amended—
				(1)by inserting
			 before the item relating to section 201 the following:

							Subtitle A–General
				provisions

						;
					and(2)by adding at the
			 end of the items relating to title II the following:

							Subtitle B—Asbestos-containing products
							Sec. 221. Definitions.
							Sec. 222. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
				report and study.
							Sec. 223. Public education program.
							Subtitle C—Prohibition on asbestos-containing
				materials
							Sec. 231. Prohibition on asbestos-containing
				materials.

						.
				4.Asbestos-related
			 diseasesSubpart 1 of part C
			 of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285 et seq.) is amended
			 by adding at the end the following:

				417E.Research on
				asbestos-related diseases
					(a)In
				generalThe Secretary, acting
				through the Director of NIH and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control
				and Prevention, shall expand, intensify, and coordinate programs for the
				conduct and support of research on diseases caused by exposure to asbestos,
				particularly mesothelioma, asbestosis, and pleural injuries.
					(b)AdministrationThe
				Secretary shall carry out this section in collaboration with—
						(1)the Administrator
				of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry;
						(2)the Director of
				the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; and
						(3)the head of any
				other agency, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
						(c)Asbestos-related
				disease registry
						(1)In
				generalNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
				section, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in
				cooperation with the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety
				and Health and the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
				Registry, shall establish a mechanism by which to obtain, coordinate, and
				provide data and specimens from—
							(A)State cancer
				registries and other cancer registries;
							(B)the National
				Mesothelioma Virtual Registry and Tissue Bank; and
							(C)each entity
				participating in the asbestos-related disease research and treatment network
				established under section 417F(a).
							(2)TreatmentThe
				data and specimens described in paragraph (1) shall form the basis for
				establishing a national clearinghouse for data and specimens relating to
				asbestos-related diseases, with a particular emphasis on mesothelioma.
						(d)Authorization of
				appropriationsIn addition to amounts made available for the
				purposes described in subsection (a) under other law, there are authorized to
				be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are necessary for fiscal
				year 2008 and each fiscal year thereafter.
					417F.Asbestos-related
				disease research and treatment network
					(a)EstablishmentFor each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012,
				the Director of NIH, in collaboration with other applicable Federal, State, and
				local agencies and departments, shall establish and maintain an
				asbestos-related disease research and treatment network (referred to in this
				section as the Network) to support the detection, prevention,
				treatment, and cure of asbestos-related diseases, with particular emphasis on
				malignant mesothelioma.
					(b)InclusionsThe
				Network shall include—
						(1)intramural
				research initiatives of the National Institutes of Health; and
						(2)at least 10
				extramural asbestos-related disease research and treatment centers, as selected
				by the Director of NIH in accordance with subsection (c).
						(c)Extramural
				asbestos-related disease research and treatment centers
						(1)In
				generalFor each fiscal year during which the Network is operated
				and maintained under subsection (a), the Director of NIH shall select for
				inclusion in the Network not less than 10 nonprofit hospitals, universities, or
				medical or research institutions incorporated or organized in the United States
				that, as determined by the Director of NIH—
							(A)have exemplary
				experience and qualifications in research and treatment of asbestos-related
				diseases;
							(B)have access to an
				appropriate population of patients with asbestos-related diseases; and
							(C)are geographically
				distributed throughout the United States, with special consideration given to
				areas of high incidence of asbestos-related diseases.
							(2)RequirementsEach
				center selected under paragraph (1) shall—
							(A)be chosen by the
				Director of NIH after competitive peer review;
							(B)conduct laboratory
				and clinical research, including clinical trials, relating to—
								(i)mechanisms for
				effective therapeutic treatment of asbestos-related diseases;
								(ii)early detection
				and prevention of asbestos-related diseases;
								(iii)palliation of
				asbestos-related disease symptoms; and
								(iv)pain management
				with respect to asbestos-related diseases;
								(C)offer to
				asbestos-related disease patients travel and lodging assistance as
				necessary—
								(i)to
				accommodate the maximum number of patients practicable; and
								(ii)to serve a number
				of patients at the center sufficient to conduct a meaningful clinical
				trial;
								(D)seek to
				collaborate with at least 1 medical center of the Department of Veterans
				Affairs to provide research benefits and care to veterans who have suffered
				excessively from asbestos-related diseases, particularly mesothelioma;
				and
							(E)coordinate the
				research and treatment efforts of the center (including specimen sharing and
				use of common infomatics) with other entities included in—
								(i)the Network;
				and
								(ii)the National
				Virtual Mesothelioma Registry and Tissue Bank.
								(3)Period of
				inclusionA center selected by the Director of NIH under this
				subsection shall be included in the Network for—
							(A)the 1-year period
				beginning on the date of selection of the center; or
							(B)such longer period
				as the Director of NIH determines to be appropriate.
							(d)GrantsThe
				Director of NIH shall provide to each center selected for inclusion in the
				Network under subsection (c) for the fiscal year a grant in an amount equal to
				$1,000,000 to support the detection, prevention, treatment, and cure of
				asbestos-related diseases, with particular emphasis on malignant
				mesothelioma.
					(e)Authorization of
				appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry
				out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
					417G.Department of
				Defense research
					(a)In
				generalThe Secretary, acting
				through the United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, shall
				support research on mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases that has
				clear scientific value and direct relevance to the health of members and
				veterans of the Armed Forces, in accordance with the appropriate
				congressionally directed medical research program, with the goal of advancing
				the understanding, early detection, and treatment of asbestos-related
				mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
					(b)AdministrationThe
				Secretary shall carry out this section in collaboration with—
						(1)the Director of
				NIH;
						(2)the Director of
				the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health; and
						(3)the head of any
				other agency, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
						(c)Authorization of
				appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry
				out this section such sums as are necessary for fiscal year 2008 and each
				fiscal year
				thereafter.
					.


116 HR 8204 IH: Children’s Savings Accounts Offer Parents Plenty Of Reasons To Understand and Invest in Tuition Yearly Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-09-11
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.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 8204IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 11, 2020Mr. Cartwright (for himself, Ms. Norton, and Mr. Grijalva) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor, 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 amend the Social Security Act, the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to require that the value of children’s savings accounts be disregarded for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive benefits under such Acts, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Children’s Savings Accounts Offer Parents Plenty Of Reasons To Understand and Invest in Tuition Yearly Act or the CSA OPPORTUNITY Act.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Children’s savings account programThe term children’s savings account program refers to a program created or organized by a State, local, or Federal Government, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a school district, or a college or university for the purpose of creating children’s savings accounts.(2)Children’s savings accountThe term children’s savings account means a savings or investment account or trust created as part of a children’s savings account program exclusively for the purpose of paying the qualified expenses of only individuals, who, when the account is created, have not attained 18 years of age, provided that it has the following requirements:(A)If a savings or investment account is created—(i)the account is held in a federally insured financial institution, or a State-insured financial institution if a federally insured financial institution is not available, or in an investment account by a custodian or third-party owner on behalf of the individuals, if the custodian or third-party owner is a State, local, or Federal Government, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a school district, or a college or university,(ii)the assets of the account will not be commingled with other property except in a common children’s savings account, trust fund, or other common investment fund, and(iii)any amount in the account that is attributable to a seed deposit, matched deposit, or other incentive provided by the children’s savings account program may be paid or distributed from the account only for the purpose of paying qualified expenses of the individual.(B)If a trust is created or organized, the written governing instrument creating the trust contains the following requirements:(i)The trust is created on behalf of the individuals, and the trustee is a State, local, or Federal Government, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a school district, or a college or university.(ii)The assets of the trust will be invested in accordance with the direction of the trustee.(iii)The assets of the trust will not be commingled with other property except in a common trust fund or common investment fund.(iv)Any amount in the trust that is attributable to a seed deposit, matched deposit, or other children’s savings account program incentive may be paid or distributed from the trust only for the purpose of paying qualified expenses of the individual.(3)Qualified expensesThe term qualified expenses means, with respect to an individual, expenses that are—(A)incurred after the individual receives a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and(B)for—(i)postsecondary educational expenses (as defined in section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) of the individual,(ii)the purchase of a first home by the individual, or(iii)the capitalization of a business owned by the individual.IAmendments to the Social Security Act101.Children’s savings account required to be disregarded under the TANF program(a)In generalSection 408(a)(13) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 608(a)), as added by section 101(a) of this Act, is amended—(1)in the heading, by inserting , and value of a children’s savings account after program; and(2)by inserting after 1986) the following: and the value of any children’s savings account (as defined in section 2 of the CSA OPPORTUNITY Act).(b)Penalty for noncomplianceSection 409(a)(17) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 609(a)(17)), as added by section 101(b)(1) of this Act, is amended in the paragraph heading, by inserting or value of a children’s savings account after program.102.Exclusion of children’s savings account from resources under the SSI program(a)In generalSection 1613(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1382b(a)), as amended by section 102 of this Act, is amended—(1)by striking and at the end of paragraph (17);(2)by striking the period at the end of paragraph (18) and inserting ; and; and(3)by inserting after paragraph (18) the following:(19)any children’s savings account (as defined in section 2 of the CSA OPPORTUNITY Act), including accrued interest or other earnings thereon..(b)Conforming amendmentSection 1613(e)(5) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1382b(e)(5)) is amended by inserting of this Act or section 2 of the CSA OPPORTUNITY Act before the period.IIAmendment to the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008201.Exclusion of children’s savings accounts from resources under the supplemental nutrition assistance programSection 5(g) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2014(g)) is amended by adding at the end the following:(9)Exclusion of Children’s Savings Accounts From Allowable Financial Resources(A)ExclusionThe Secretary shall exclude from financial resources under this subsection the value of funds in any children’s savings account.(B)Children’s savings accountFor purposes of subparagraph (A), the term children’s savings account has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the CSA OPPORTUNITY Act..IIIAmendment to Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981301.Exclusion of certain accounts from calculation under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance ProgramSection 2605(f) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8624(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following:(3)Exclusion of certain accounts from calculation(A)ExclusionThe determination of the income or assets of a household for purposes of eligibility under this section shall be made without regard to the value of funds in any children’s savings account.(B)Children’s savings accountFor purposes of subparagraph (A), the term children’s savings account has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the CSA OPPORTUNITY Act..


114 S3024 RS: Small Business Cyber Security Improvements Act of 2016
U.S. Senate
2016-06-06
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IICalendar No. 511114th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3024IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 6, 2016Mr. Vitter (for himself, Mr. Peters, and Mr. Coons) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and EntrepreneurshipJune 9, 2016Reported by Mr. Vitter, without amendmentA BILLTo improve cyber security for small businesses.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Small Business Cyber Security Improvements Act of 2016.
 2.Role of small business development centers in cyber security and preparednessSection 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648) is amended— (1)in subsection (a)(1), by striking and providing access to business analysts who can refer small business concerns to available experts: and inserting providing access to business analysts who can refer small business concerns to available experts; and, to the extent practicable, providing assistance in furtherance of the Small Business Development Center Cyber Strategy developed under section 4(c) of the Small Business Cyber Security Improvements Act of 2016; and
 (2)in subsection (c)(3)— (A)in subparagraph (S), by striking and at the end;
 (B)in subparagraph (T), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and (C)by adding at the end of the following:

 (U)to the extent practicable, providing access to external cyber security specialists to counsel, assist, and inform small business concerns in furtherance of the Small Business Development Center Cyber Strategy developed under section 4(c) of the Small Business Cyber Security Improvements Act of 2016..
 3.Additional cyber security assistance for small business development centersSection 21(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (8)Cyber security assistanceThe Department of Homeland Security, and any other Federal agency, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, may provide assistance to small business development centers, through the dissemination of cyber security risk information and other homeland security information, to help small business concerns in developing or enhancing cyber security infrastructure, cyber threat awareness, and cyber training programs for employees..
		4.GAO study on small business cyber support services and Small Business Development Center Cyber
			 Strategy
 (a)DefinitionsIn this section— (1)the term Administrator means the Administrator of the Small Business Administration;
 (2)the term association means the association established under section 21(a)(3)(A) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)(3)(A)) representing a majority of small business development centers;
 (3)the terms Federal agency, small business concern, and small business development center have the meanings given such terms under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632); and (4)the term Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
				(b)Review of current cyber security resources
 (1)In generalThe Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of the cyber security resources of Federal agencies aimed at assisting small business concerns with developing or enhancing cyber security infrastructure, cyber threat awareness, or cyber training programs for employees.
 (2)ContentThe review required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A)An accounting and description of all programs, projects, and activities of Federal agencies that provide assistance to small business concerns in developing or enhancing cyber security infrastructure, cyber threat awareness, or cyber training programs for employees.
 (B)An assessment of how widely utilized the resources described under subparagraph (A) are by small business concerns.
 (C)A review of whether or not the resources described in subparagraph (A) are— (i)duplicative of other programs; or
 (ii)structured in a manner that makes the resources accessible to and supportive of small business concerns.
 (3)ReportThe Comptroller General shall submit to Congress, the Administrator, the Secretary, and the association a report containing all findings and determinations made in carrying out the review required under paragraph (1).
				(c)Small Business Development Center Cyber Strategy
 (1)In generalNot later than 90 days after the date on which the Comptroller General submits the report under subsection (b)(3), the Administrator and the Secretary shall begin to work collaboratively to develop a Small Business Development Center Cyber Strategy.
 (2)ConsultationIn developing the strategy required under paragraph (1), the Administrator and the Secretary shall consult with entities representing the concerns of small business development centers, including the association.
 (3)ContentThe strategy required under paragraph (1) shall include, at minimum, the following: (A)Plans for incorporating small business development centers into cyber programs to enhance services and streamline cyber assistance to small business concerns.
 (B)To the extent practicable, methods for providing counsel and assistance to improve the cyber security infrastructure, cyber threat awareness, and cyber training programs for employees of small business concerns, including—
 (i)working to ensure individuals are aware of best practices in the areas of cyber security, cyber threat awareness, and cyber training;
 (ii)working with individuals to develop cost-effective plans for implementing best practices in the areas described in clause (i);
 (iii)entering into agreements, where practical, with Information Sharing and Analysis Centers or similar cyber information sharing entities to gain an awareness of actionable threat information that may be beneficial to small business concerns; and
 (iv)providing referrals to area specialists when necessary. (C)An analysis of—
 (i)how programs, projects, and activities of Federal agencies identified by the Comptroller General in the report submitted under subsection (b)(3) can be leveraged by small business development centers to improve access to high quality cyber support for small business concerns;
 (ii)additional resources small business development centers may need to effectively carry out the role of the small business development centers; and
 (iii)how small business development centers can leverage existing partnerships and develop new partnerships with entities of the Federal Government, States, and local governments and in the private sector to improve the quality of cyber support services to small business concerns.
 (4)Delivery of strategyNot later than 180 days after the date on which the Comptroller General submits the report under subsection (b)(3), the Administrator and the Secretary shall submit the strategy required under paragraph (1) to—
 (A)the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate; and
 (B)the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives.
 (d)Prohibition on additional fundsNo additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section.June 9, 2016Reported without amendment


115 HR 1039 : Probation Officer Protection Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-05-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IIB
		115th CONGRESS1st Session
		H. R. 1039
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
		May 22, 2017Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryAN ACT
		To amend section 3606 of title 18, United States Code, to grant probation officers authority to
			 arrest hostile third parties who obstruct or impede a probation officer in
			 the performance of official duties.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Probation Officer Protection Act of 2017. 2.Authority of probation officers (a)In generalSection 3606 of title 18, United States Code, is amended—
 (1)in the heading, by striking and return of a probationer and by inserting authority of probation officers; (2)by striking If there and inserting (a) If there; and
 (3)by adding at the end the following:  (b)A probation officer, while in the performance of his or her official duties, may arrest a person without a warrant if there is probable cause to believe that the person has forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, or interfered with the probation officer, or a fellow probation officer, in violation of section 111. The arrest authority described in this subsection shall be exercised under such rules and regulations as the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall prescribe..
 (b)Table of sectionsThe table of sections for subchapter A of chapter 229 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 3606 and inserting the following:

						3606. Arrest authority of probation officers..

	Passed the House of Representatives May 19, 2017.Karen L. Haas,Clerk


109 HR 4488 IH: To extend the temporary suspension of duty on certain rolled glass in sheets.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-12-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4488
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 8, 2005
Mr. Inglis of South Carolina introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To extend the temporary suspension of duty on certain rolled glass in sheets.

1.Certain rolled glass in sheets
(a)In generalHeading 9902.70.03 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to certain rolled glass in sheets) is amended by striking 12/31/2003 and inserting 12/31/2008.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of enactment of this Act.


 HCON 88 ENR: Honoring the life of Ernest Gallo.
U.S. House of Representatives
2007-04-18
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
One Hundred Tenth Congress of the United States of America
At the First SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Thursday, the fourth day of January, two thousand and seven
H. CON. RES. 88

April 18, 2007
Agreed to

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Honoring the life of Ernest Gallo.

Whereas Ernest Gallo was born March 18, 1909, in Jackson, California, the son of Italian immigrants, graduated from Modesto High School in 1927, earned a degree from Modesto Junior College, and married Amelia Franzia, daughter of the founders of Franzia Winery in 1931; Whereas Ernest Gallo, with his brother Julio Gallo, founded E.&J. Gallo Winery at the end of the Prohibition Era in 1933, beginning with only $5,900 in savings and a winemaking pamphlet from the Modesto Public Library to make their first batch, growing their small family-owned winery into the world’s second largest by volume, and selling an estimated 75,000,000 cases a year worldwide under approximately 100 different labels;
Whereas Ernest Gallo began his illustrious career at a young age, working in his parents’ vineyard while attending Modesto High School and demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit early in life by traveling at the age of 17 to complete his first business deal; Whereas Ernest Gallo, demonstrating great vision, anticipated the growth of the wine industry and developed the first-of-its kind vertically integrated company, with vineyards stretching across California, an on-site bottling plant, and an art department to design bottles and labels, changing the face of California’s wine industry;
Whereas the Gallo Winery employs 4,600 people in the State of California, providing critical highly-skilled employment opportunities in the San Joaquin Valley and greatly contributing to the economic strength of the State;  Whereas Ernest Gallo and the Gallo Winery were bestowed countless awards for achievement in winemaking, including the American Society of Enologists Merit Award, the wine industry’s highest honor, in 1964 for outstanding leadership in the wine industry, the Gold Vine Award from the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine wine fraternity, the 1983 Distinguished Service Award from The Wine Spectator, and the Winery of the Year Award in both 1996 and 1998 by the San Francisco International Wine Competition; and
Whereas Ernest Gallo was widely known for his generous philanthropic work in the City of Modesto and throughout the State of California, including an endowment for the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, the establishment of the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center at the University of California at San Francisco for research into genetic, biochemical, and neurobiological aspects of alcohol abuse, and countless other healthcare and educational endeavors: Now, therefore, be it  That Congress honors the life of Ernest Gallo, a pioneer in the field of winemaking, dedicated philanthropist, and community leader.

Clerk of the House of Representatives.Secretary of the Senate.


109 HR 4268 IH: Proficiency Testing Improvement Act of 2005
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-11-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4268
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

November 9, 2005
Mr. Deal of Georgia (for himself, Mrs. Myrick, and Mr. Price of Georgia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL
To improve proficiency testing of clinical laboratories.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Proficiency Testing Improvement Act of 2005.
2.Improvement of proficiency testing of clinical laboratoriesNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services—
(1)may not, during the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, conduct (or cause an entity with which the Secretary contracts to conduct) the proficiency testing referred to in section 353(f)(4)(B)(iv) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 263a(f)(4)(B)(iv));
(2)shall revise such proficiency testing (or cause such testing to be revised)—
(A)to reflect the collaborative clinical decision-making of laboratory personnel involved in screening or interpreting cytological preparations;
(B)to revise grading or scoring criteria to reflect current practice guidelines;
(C)to provide for such testing to be conducted no more often than every 2 years; and
(D)to make such other revisions to the standards for such testing as may be necessary to reflect changes in laboratory operations and practices since such standards were promulgated in 1992; and
(3)shall make the revisions required by paragraph (2) before resuming proficiency testing referred to in such section.


		III
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3978
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			November 19, 2010
			Mr. Johnson introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To ensure that home health agencies can assign the most
		  appropriate skilled service to make the initial assessment visit for home
		  health services for Medicare beneficiaries requiring rehabilitation therapy
		  under a home health plan of care, based upon physician
		  referral.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Medicare Home Health Flexibility Act
			 of 2010.
		2.Permitting home
			 health agencies to assign the most appropriate skilled service to make the
			 initial assessment visit under a Medicare home health plan of care for
			 rehabilitation cases
			(a)In
			 generalNotwithstanding
			 section 484.55(a)(2) of title 42 of the Code of Federal Regulations or any
			 other provision of law, a home health agency may determine the most appropriate
			 skilled service to make the initial assessment visit for an individual who is
			 eligible for home health services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act
			 but who does not require skilled nursing care as long as that skilled service
			 is included as part of the plan of care for home health services for such
			 individual. An occupational therapist may make the initial assessment visit in
			 such a case if occupational therapy is included in such plan in the initial
			 physician referral in conjunction with physical therapy or speech language
			 pathology services.
			(b)Rule of
			 constructionNothing in
			 subsection (a) shall be construed to provide for initial eligibility for
			 coverage of home health services under title XVIII of the Social Security Act
			 on the basis of a need for occupational therapy.


115 HR 3717 IH: Small Business Owners’ Tax Simplification Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-09-08
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. 3717IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 8, 2017Mr. Chabot (for himself and Ms. Velázquez) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to simplify income tax compliance for small businesses,
			 and for other purposes.

		1.Short title; table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Small Business Owners’ Tax Simplification Act of 2017. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
					Sec. 2. Quarterly reporting of estimated tax payments.
					Sec. 3. Aligning the filing thresholds for information reporting.
					Sec. 4. Uniform standards for the use of electronic signatures for third-party disclosure
			 authorizations.
					Sec. 5. Pre-notification testing.
					Sec. 6. Treatment of cafeteria plans for employee-owners.
					Sec. 7. Excluding from self-employment income net earnings less than amount required for Social
			 Security quarters of coverage.
					Sec. 8. Allowing a deduction for certain health insurance costs for self-employment tax purposes.
					Sec. 9. No effect of voluntary withholding agreements on worker classification.
					Sec. 10. Effect of voluntary training and group discount programs on worker classification.

			2.Quarterly reporting of estimated tax payments
 (a)In generalThe table contained in paragraph (2) of section 6654(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
 (1)by striking June 15 and inserting July 15, and (2)by striking September 15 and inserting October 15.
 (b)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to installments due in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.
			3.Aligning the filing thresholds for information reporting
			(a)Increasing the dollar threshold required for filing a 1099–MISC
 (1)In generalSubsection (a) of section 6041 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking $600 and inserting $1,500. (2)Inflation adjustmentSection 6041 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:

 (h)Inflation adjustmentIn the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2018, the dollar amount in subsection (a) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
 (1)such dollar amount, multiplied by (2)the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting calendar year 2017 for calendar year 1992 in subparagraph (B) thereof.
 (i)RoundingIf any dollar amount in subsection (a) (after being increased under subsection (g)) is not a multiple of $100, such dollar amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100..
 (3)Conforming amendmentThe heading of subsection (a) of section 6041 of such Code is amended to read as follows: Payments exceeding threshold.. (b)Increasing the dollar limit for remuneration for services and direct sales (1)In generalParagraph (2) of section 6041A(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking $600 and inserting $1,500.
 (2)Inflation adjustmentSection 6041A of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:  (g)Inflation adjustmentIn the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2018, the dollar amount in subsection (a)(2) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
 (1)such dollar amount, multiplied by (2)the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting calendar year 2017 for calendar year 1992 in subparagraph (B) thereof.
 (h)RoundingIf any dollar amount in subsection (a)(2) (after being increased under subsection (g)) is not a multiple of $100, such dollar amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100..
 (c)Decreasing the dollar threshold required for filing a 1099–K; eliminating the transaction thresholdSubsection (e) of section 6050W of such Code is amended by striking only if and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting only if the amount which would otherwise be reported under subsection (a)(2) with respect to such transactions exceeds the dollar amount in effect for the taxable year under section 6041(a)..
 (d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to returns for years beginning after December 31, 2017.
			4.Uniform standards for the use of electronic signatures for third-party disclosure authorizations
 Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of the Treasury shall publish guidance to establish uniform standards and procedures for the acceptance of signatures in digital or other electronic form for purposes of—
 (1)any request for disclosure of a taxpayer's return or return information under section 6103(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and
 (2)any power of attorney executed by a taxpayer. 5.Pre-notification testingNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury will ensure that, for any refund or credit of overpayment of tax under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 transferred to an individual through electronic fund transfer, there is, prior to such transfer, a prenotification testing to verify recipient information and assist in preventing refund fraud.
		6.Treatment of cafeteria plans for employee-owners
 (a)In generalSubsection (g) of section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

					(5)Self-employed individuals
 (A)In generalNotwithstanding section 105(g), for purposes of providing qualified benefits under a cafeteria plan of an eligible employer (as defined in subsection (j)(5)) and for purposes of any prohibition on discrimination (including subsection (b)) with respect to a cafeteria plan—
 (i)the term employee includes an individual who is an employee within the meaning of section 401(c)(1) and any individual treated as a partner under section 1372(a),
 (ii)an individual who owns the entire interest in an unincorporated trade or business shall be treated as his own employer, and
 (iii)a partnership shall be treated as the employer of each partner who is an employee within the meaning of clause (i).
							(B)Limitation
 (i)Amounts excluded not to exceed earned incomeIn the case of an individual treated as an employee by reason of subparagraph (A)(i), subsection (a) shall apply to amounts for an individual only to the extent that such amounts exceeds the individual’s earned income (as defined in section 401(c)(2)) derived from the trade or business with respect to which the cafeteria plan is maintained.
 (ii)PartnershipsThis paragraph shall apply in the case of any individual treated as a partner under section 1372(a), except that, for purposes of this subsection, such individual’s wages (as defined in section 3121) from the S corporation shall be treated as such individual’s earned income, and there shall be such adjustments in the application of this subsection as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.
 (C)Denial of double benefitNo deduction or credit shall be allowed to an employee under any section of this chapter for any amount excluded from gross income under subsection (a) by reason of this paragraph..
 (b)Simple cafeteria plansParagraph (3) of section 125(j) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

					(E)Alternative for certain plans
 (i)In generalIn the case of a plan that covers one or more individuals described in clause (i) of subsection (g)(5)(A), the requirements of this paragraph shall be treated as met if the average employer contribution allocable to qualified benefits under the plan on behalf of individuals who are not qualified employees does not exceed 150 percent of the average employer contribution allocable to such benefits on behalf of individuals who are qualified employees.
 (ii)Additional contributionsIn the case of a plan treated under clause (i) as meeting the requirements of this paragraph, subparagraph (C) shall not apply..
 (c)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.
			7.Excluding from self-employment income net earnings less than amount required for Social Security
			 quarters of coverage
 (a)In generalParagraph (2) of section 1402(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking $400 and inserting the amount required under section 213(d) of the Social Security Act for a quarter of coverage for the calendar year in which such taxable year began.
 (b)Self-Employment tax returnsSection 6017 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking $400 and inserting the amount required under section 1402(b)(2). (c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
			8.Allowing a deduction for certain health insurance costs for self-employment tax purposes
 (a)In generalSubsection (l) of section 162 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking paragraph (4).
 (b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.
 9.No effect of voluntary withholding agreements on worker classificationSection 3402(p) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (4)Worker classificationAgreements under paragraph (3) may not be taken into account in determining whether any party to such agreement is an employee or an employer for purposes of any provision of this title..
		10.Effect of voluntary training and group discount programs on worker classification
 (a)In generalChapter 79 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

					7706.Effect of voluntary training and group discount programs on worker classification
 (a)In generalFor purposes of this title, the determination of whether an individual is an employee shall be made without regard to the following:
 (1)Whether such individual is offered, and whether such individual accepts, voluntary training. (2)Whether such individual is offered, or takes advantage of, a discount on goods and services available by reason of such individual performing services.
 (b)RegulationsThe Secretary shall issue such regulations as the Secretary determines are necessary to carry out the purposes of this section..
 (b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections for chapter 79 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 7705 the following:

						Sec. 7706. Effect of voluntary training and group discount programs on worker classification..


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2978
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 19, 2009
			Mr. Davis of Illinois
			 (for himself, Mr. Cummings,
			 Mr. Moran of Virginia,
			 Mrs. Maloney,
			 Mr. Sarbanes,
			 Ms. Norton, and
			 Mr. Connolly of Virginia) introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Oversight and Government
			 Reform

		A BILL
		To amend title 5, United States Code, to increase the
		  maximum age to qualify for coverage as a child under the health
		  benefits program for Federal employees.

		1.Increase in maximum age to
			 qualify for coverage as a child
			(a)In
			 generalSection 8901(5) of title 5, United States Code, is
			 amended—
				(1)in the matter
			 preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 22 years of age and
			 inserting 25 years of age; and
				(2)in the matter
			 following subparagraph (B), by striking age 22 and inserting
			 age 25.
				(b)Self and family
			 coverage for a former spouseSection 8905(c)(2)(B) of title 5,
			 United States Code, is amended—
				(1)in clause (i), by
			 striking 22 years of age and inserting 25 years of
			 age; and
				(2)in clause (ii), by
			 striking age 22 and inserting age 25.
				(c)Effective
			 dateThis Act and the amendments made by this Act—
				(1)shall take effect
			 on the first day of the first contract year beginning at least 180 days after
			 the date of the enactment of this Act; and
				(2)shall apply with
			 respect to health care services or supplies provided on or after the date on
			 which this Act takes effect.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3807
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			October 14, 2009
			Mr. Roe of Tennessee
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an
		  incentive for expanding employment in rural areas by allowing employers the
		  work opportunity credit for hiring residents of rural areas.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Economic Stimulus for Rural
			 Communities Act.
		2.Work opportunity
			 credit to apply to new employees who are residents of rural areas
			(a)In
			 GeneralParagraph (1) of section 51(d) of the Internal Revenue
			 Code of 1986 (defining members of targeted groups) is amended by striking
			 or at the end of subparagraph (H), by striking the period at the
			 end of subparagraph (I) and inserting , or, and by adding at the
			 end the following new subparagraph:

					(J)a rural area
				resident.

			(b)Rural Area
			 ResidentSubsection (d) of section 51 of such Code is amended by
			 redesignating paragraphs (11) through (13) as paragraphs (12) through (14),
			 respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (10) the following new
			 paragraph:

					(11)Rural area
				resident
						(A)In
				generalThe term rural area resident means, with
				respect to any period, any employee of the employer if—
							(i)substantially all
				of the services performed during such period by such employee for such employer
				are performed within an area determined by the Secretary of Agriculture to be a
				rural area, and
							(ii)the principal
				place of abode of such employee while performing such services is within such
				an area.
							(B)TerminationSuch
				term shall not include any individual who begins work for the employer after
				the date which is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this
				paragraph.
						.
			(c)Effective
			 DateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to
			 individuals who begin work for the employer after the date of the enactment of
			 this Act.


116 S2242 IS: Foreign Influence Reporting in Elections Act
U.S. Senate
2019-07-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2242IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 23, 2019Mr. Warner (for himself, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Reed, Mr. King, Mr. Bennet, and Ms. Harris) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and AdministrationA BILLTo amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to clarify the obligation to report acts of
			 foreign election influence and require implementation of compliance and
			 reporting systems by Presidential campaigns to detect and report such
			 acts.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Foreign Influence Reporting in Elections Act.
		2.Federal campaign reporting of foreign contacts
 Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30104) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

				(j)Disclosure of reportable foreign contacts
 (1)Committee obligationNot later than 1 week after a reportable foreign contact, each authorized committee of a candidate for the office of President shall notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Commission of the reportable foreign contact and provide a summary of the circumstances with respect to such reportable foreign contact.
 (2)Individual obligationNot later than 1 week after a reportable foreign contact— (A)each candidate for the office of President shall notify the treasurer or other designated official of the principal campaign committee of such candidate of the reportable foreign contact and provide a summary of the circumstances with respect to such reportable foreign contact; and
 (B)each official, employee, or agent of an authorized committee of a candidate for the office of President shall notify the treasurer or other designated official of the authorized committee of the reportable foreign contact and provide a summary of the circumstances with respect to such reportable foreign contact.
 (3)Reportable foreign contactIn this subsection: (A)In generalThe term reportable foreign contact means any direct or indirect contact or communication that—
 (i)is between— (I)a candidate for the office of President, an authorized committee of such a candidate, or any official, employee, or agent of such authorized committee; and
 (II)a foreign national (as defined in section 319(b)) or a person that the person described in subclause (I) believes to be a foreign national; and
 (ii)the person described in clause (i)(I) knows, has reason to know, or reasonably believes involves— (I)a contribution, donation, expenditure, disbursement, or solicitation described in section 319; or
 (II)coordination or collaboration with, an offer or provision of information or services to or from, or persistent and repeated contact with a government of a foreign country or an agent thereof.
 (B)ExceptionSuch term shall not include any contact or communication with a foreign government or an agent of a foreign principal by an elected official or an employee of an elected official solely in an official capacity as such an official or employee..
 3.Federal campaign foreign contact reporting compliance systemSection 302(e) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30102(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

				(6)Reportable foreign contacts compliance policy
 (A)ReportingEach authorized committee of a candidate for the office of President shall establish a policy that requires all officials, employees, and agents of such committee to notify the treasurer or other appropriate designated official of the committee of any reportable foreign contact (as defined in section 304(j)) not later than 1 week after such contact was made.
 (B)Retention and preservation of recordsEach authorized committee of a candidate for the office of President shall establish a policy that provides for the retention and preservation of records and information related to reportable foreign contacts (as so defined) for a period of not less than 3 years.
 (C)CertificationUpon designation of a political committee as an authorized committee by a candidate for the office of President, and with each report filed by such committee under section 304(a), the candidate shall certify that—
 (i)the committee has in place policies that meet the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B); (ii)the committee has designated an official to monitor compliance with such policies; and
 (iii)not later than 1 week after the beginning of any formal or informal affiliation with the committee, all officials, employees, and agents of such committee will—
 (I)receive notice of such policies; (II)be informed of the prohibitions under section 319; and
 (III)sign a certification affirming their understanding of such policies and prohibitions.. 4.Criminal penaltiesSection 309(d)(1) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30109(d)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:

 (E)Any person who knowingly and willfully commits a violation of section 304(j) or section 302(e)(6) shall be fined not more than $500,000, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
 (F)Any person who knowingly or willfully conceals or destroys any materials relating to a reportable foreign contact (as defined in section 304(j)) shall be fined not more than $1,000,000, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both..
 5.Rule of constructionNothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act shall be construed— (1)to impede legitimate journalistic activities; or
 (2)to impose any additional limitation on the right of any individual who is not a citizen of the United States or a national of the United States (as defined in section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act) and who is not lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as defined by section 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20)) to express political views or to participate in public discourse.


113 S1006 IS: Preserve the Waters of the United States Act
U.S. Senate
2013-05-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1006
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 22, 2013
			Mr. Barrasso (for
			 himself, Mr. Sessions,
			 Mr. Vitter, Mr.
			 Crapo, Mr. Inhofe,
			 Mr. Blunt, Mr.
			 Coats, Mr. Risch,
			 Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Grassley, Mr.
			 Wicker, Mr. Rubio,
			 Mr. Enzi, Mr.
			 Heller, Mr. Roberts,
			 Mr. Hatch, Mr.
			 McCain, Mr. Lee,
			 Mr. Johnson of Wisconsin,
			 Mrs. Fischer, Mr. Chambliss, Mr.
			 Burr, Mr. Isakson,
			 Mr. Scott, Mr.
			 Flake, Mr. Cornyn, and
			 Mr. Coburn) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Environment and Public
			 Works

		A BILL
		To preserve existing rights and responsibilities with
		  respect to waters of the United States.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Preserve the Waters of the United
			 States Act.
		2.Identification of
			 waters protected by the Clean Water Act
			(a)In
			 generalNeither the Secretary
			 of the Army nor the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
			 shall—
				(1)finalize the proposed guidance described in
			 the notice of availability and request for comments entitled EPA and
			 Army Corps of Engineers Guidance Regarding Identification of Waters Protected
			 by the Clean Water Act (EPA–HQ–OW–2011–0409) (76 Fed. Reg. 24479 (May
			 2, 2011)); or
				(2)use the guidance described in paragraph
			 (1), or any substantially similar guidance, as the basis for any decision
			 regarding the scope of the Federal Water
			 Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or any
			 rulemaking.
				(b)RulesThe use of the guidance described in
			 subsection (a)(1), or any substantially similar guidance, as the basis for any
			 rule shall be grounds for vacation of the rule.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2993
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			February 4, 2010
			Mr. Sanders (for
			 himself, Mr. Whitehouse,
			 Mr. Cardin, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr.
			 Merkley, Mr. Lautenberg,
			 Mr. Leahy, Mrs.
			 Boxer, Mr. Menendez, and
			 Mr. Specter) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To increase the quantity of solar
		  photovoltaic electricity by providing rebates for the purchase and installation
		  of an additional 10,000,000 solar roofs and additional solar water heating
		  systems with a cumulative capacity of 10,000,000 gallons by
		  2019.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 10 Million Solar Roofs and 10 Million
			 Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act of 2010.
		2.FindingsCongress finds that—
			(1)(A)there is huge potential for increasing the
			 quantity of electricity produced in the United States from distributed solar
			 photovoltaics and solar water heating systems;
				(B)the use of solar photovoltaics on the roofs
			 of 10 percent of existing buildings could meet 70 percent of peak electric
			 demand; and
				(C)a
			 key barrier to increased deployment of solar photovoltaic and hot water heating
			 systems is the upfront cost of capital, even though over time the systems are
			 cost-effective;
				(2)investment in solar photovoltaics
			 technology will create economies of scale that will allow the technology to
			 deliver electricity at prices that are competitive with electricity from fossil
			 fuels;
			(3)electricity produced from distributed solar
			 photovoltaics helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, does not emit harmful
			 air pollutants, such as mercury, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, uses
			 existing rooftop space, and does not require additional land for generation,
			 thereby conserving natural resources and wildlife habitat;
			(4)electricity produced from distributed solar
			 photovoltaics enhances national energy security and helps to meet peak power
			 demand without requiring the construction and siting of new transmission
			 infrastructure;
			(5)investments in renewable energy stimulate
			 the development of green jobs in the United States that provide substantial
			 economic benefits;
			(6)(A)rebate programs in several States have been
			 successful in increasing the quantity of solar energy from distributed solar
			 photovoltaics and solar water heating systems;
				(B)the State of California leads the United
			 States in installed solar photovoltaic systems and has used rebate programs to
			 promote the installation of more than 500 megawatts of grid-connected solar
			 photovoltaics, with 226 megawatts installed during the 3-year period ending on
			 the date of enactment of this Act due to the Solar Initiative of the
			 State;
				(C)the State of New Jersey is second in the
			 United States in installed solar photovoltaic systems and has used incentive
			 programs to achieve 90 megawatts of installed solar capacity;
				(D)the State of Hawaii leads the United States
			 in solar water heating systems installed, and will require all new homes to
			 have solar water heating systems starting in 2010, which is projected to save
			 the average household $600 annually and reduce the oil consumption of the State
			 by 30,000 barrels in 2010 alone; and
				(E)the State of Florida has used consumer and
			 business rebate programs for solar photovoltaic and solar water heating systems
			 and is second in the United States in installed solar hot water systems;
				(7)despite inventing solar technology, the
			 United States has fallen behind nations with less solar resources because those
			 nations have set in place policies to promote solar energy, and the United
			 States now ranks fourth in installed solar behind Germany, Spain, and
			 Japan;
			(8)there are more than 1,500,000 solar water
			 heating systems in the United States that rely on a free fuel source, the sun,
			 to provide hot water, and there is enormous potential for additional solar hot
			 water systems to displace fossil fuel use in water heating; and
			(9)homes in the United States spend more than
			 $13,000,000,000 on energy for water heating, which is equivalent to 11.4
			 barrels of oil per home and accounts for approximately 30 percent of the carbon
			 dioxide emissions of an average home, but solar water heating systems can
			 reduce the cost of water heating and reduce residential carbon dioxide
			 emissions.
			3.Rebates for purchase and installation of
			 photovoltaic systems and solar water heating systems
			(a)In generalThe Secretary of Energy (referred to in
			 this Act as the Secretary) shall establish a program under which
			 the Secretary shall provide rebates to eligible individuals or entities for the
			 purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic systems and solar water heating
			 systems for residential and commercial properties in order to install, over the
			 10-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, at least—
				(1)an additional 10,000,000 solar systems in
			 the United States (as compared to the number of solar systems installed in the
			 United States as of the date of enactment of this Act) with a cumulative
			 capacity of at least 30,000 megawatts; and
				(2)an additional 200,000 solar water heating
			 systems in the United States (as compared to the number of solar water heating
			 systems installed in the United States as of the date of enactment of this Act)
			 with a cumulative capacity of 10,000,000 gallons.
				(b)Eligibility
				(1)In generalTo be eligible for a rebate under this
			 section—
					(A)the recipient of the rebate shall be a
			 homeowner, business, nonprofit entity, or State or local government that
			 purchased and installed a solar photovoltaic system or solar water heating
			 system for a property located in the United States; and
					(B)the total capacity of the solar
			 photovoltaic system for the property shall not exceed 2 megawatts.
					(2)Other incentivesThe Secretary shall issue guidance to
			 participating solar installers and contractors to ensure that information is
			 made available to rebate recipients on all available Federal, State, local, and
			 other incentives for energy efficiency improvements that can be made in the
			 buildings on the property at which the solar photovoltaic or hot water heating
			 system is being installed.
				(3)Other
			 entitiesAfter public review
			 and comment, the Secretary may identify other individuals or entities located
			 in the United States that qualify for a rebate under this section.
				(c)Amounts
				(1)Solar photovoltaic systems
					(A)In generalSubject to subparagraph (B) and paragraph
			 (3), the amount of a rebate provided to an eligible individual or entity for
			 the purchase and installation of a solar photovoltaic system for a property
			 under this section shall be a rebate per watt of installed capacity not to
			 exceed the following amounts:

									Calendar
					 yearDollar per watt

									20101.75

									20111.75

									20121.5

									20131.25

									20141

									20151

									20160.75

									20170.75

									20180.5

									20190.5.

					(B)AdjustmentsThe Secretary may adjust the maximum
			 amounts described in subparagraph (A)—
						(i)to ensure deployment consistent with the
			 purposes of this Act; and
						(ii)to respond to projected and actual market
			 conditions.
						(2)Solar water heating systems
					(A)In generalSubject to subparagraph (B) and paragraph
			 (3), the amount of a rebate provided to an eligible individual or entity for
			 the purchase and installation of a solar water heating system under this
			 section shall be not more than $1 for each watt thermal-equivalent of installed
			 capacity during calendar year 2010.
					(B)AdjustmentsThe Secretary shall ensure that the maximum
			 amount described in subparagraph (A) decreases over time at a rate that is
			 similar to the schedule described in paragraph (1)(A), and consistent with
			 projected and actual market conditions and the purposes of this Act, for each
			 watt thermal-equivalent of installed capacity.
					(3)Maximum
			 amountThe total amount of a
			 rebate provided to an eligible individual or entity for the purchase and
			 installation of a solar photovoltaic system or solar water heating system for a
			 property under this section shall not exceed 50 percent of the remaining cost
			 to the purchaser for the purchase and installation of the system (after
			 consideration of all applicable Federal, State, and local incentives and tax
			 credits).
				(d)Relationship to other lawThe authority provided under this section
			 shall be in addition to any other authority under which credits or other types
			 of financial assistance are provided for installation of a solar photovoltaic
			 or solar water heating system for a property.
			(e)Authorization of
			 appropriationsThere are
			 authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this
			 section.


		III
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 67
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			February 1, 2007
			Mrs. Dole submitted the
			 following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		Designating March 2007 as Go Direct
		  Month.

		Whereas the Department of the Treasury issued 57,000
			 checks worth approximately $54,000,000 that were endorsed illegally in
			 2006;
		Whereas the Department of the Treasury receives
			 approximately 1,500,000 inquiries each year regarding problems with paper
			 checks;
		Whereas the use of direct deposit has resulted in more
			 than $6,000,000,000 in savings for the Federal Government since 1986;
		Whereas more than 12,000,000 social security and other
			 Federal benefit recipients have yet to sign up for direct deposit;
		Whereas the United States would generate approximately
			 $120,000,000 in annual savings if all Federal beneficiaries used direct
			 deposit;
		Whereas the use of direct deposit is a more secure,
			 reliable, and cost effective method of payment than paper checks because the
			 use of direct deposit—
			(1)helps protect
			 against identity theft and fraud;
			(2)provides easier
			 access to funds during emergencies and natural disasters; and
			(3)provides citizens
			 of the United States with more control over their money;
			Whereas the Department of the Treasury and the Federal
			 Reserve Banks have launched Go Direct, a national campaign
			 organized to encourage the people of the United States to use direct deposit
			 for the receipt of social security and other Federal benefits; and
		Whereas, by working with financial institutions, advocacy
			 groups, and community organizations, the sponsors of Go Direct
			 are educating the people of the United States about the advantages of using
			 direct deposit and assisting people during the enrollment process: Now,
			 therefore, be it

		That the Senate—
			(1)supports the
			 goals and ideals of Go Direct;
			(2)designates March
			 2007 as Go Direct Month;
			(3)commends Federal,
			 State, and local governments, and the private sector, for promoting March as
			 Go Direct Month; and
			(4)encourages the
			 people of the United States to—
				(A)participate in
			 events and awareness initiatives held during the month of March;
				(B)become informed
			 about the convenience and safety of direct deposit; and
				(C)consider signing
			 up for direct deposit of social security or other Federal benefits.


		IIA
		Calendar No. 158
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. J. RES. 26
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			September 7, 2011
			Mr. Paul introduced the
			 following joint resolution; which was read the first time

			September 8, 2011
			Read the second time and placed on the
			 calendar

		JOINT RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of Congress that
		  Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner no longer holds the confidence of
		  Congress or of the people of the United States.

		1.Sense of
			 CongressIt is the sense of
			 Congress that Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner no longer holds the
			 confidence of Congress or of the people of the United States.

		September 8, 2011
		Read the second time and placed on the
		  calendar


		IV
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 596
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 26, 2009
			Mr. Hastings of
			 Florida (for himself, Mr.
			 Butterfield, Mr. Rangel,
			 Mr. Payne,
			 Mr. Lewis of Georgia,
			 Mr. Meeks of New York,
			 Ms. Corrine Brown of Florida,
			 Ms. Moore of Wisconsin,
			 Mr. Rush, Ms. Clarke, and Mr.
			 Johnson of Georgia) submitted the following resolution; which was
			 referred to the Committee on Foreign
			 Affairs

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing support for the Black European
		  Summit.

		Whereas, on April 15–16, 2009, political leaders from the
			 United States and Europe convened in Brussels, Belgium, at the European
			 Parliament for the “Black European Summit: Transatlantic Dialogue on Political
			 Inclusion”;
		Whereas the historic two-day Summit brought together
			 political and intellectual minority leaders from the United States and Europe
			 to exchange information on the roles of racial and ethnic minority policymakers
			 in developing and supporting policies and initiatives to address racism,
			 discrimination, and inequality;
		Whereas Summit participants adopted the “Brussels
			 Declaration”, which states, “We recognize that the full access of racial and
			 ethnic minorities to participate in the political sphere and relevant areas of
			 decision making at the levels of national, regional, and locally elected
			 government appropriate to each nation is critical to combating racism and
			 inequality and ensuring our democratic societies”;
		Whereas the “Brussels Declaration” also states, We
			 therefore note the need for concrete strategies to: increase the representation
			 and influence of racial and ethnic minority policymakers; jointly seek
			 solutions to racial and ethnic minorities increased participation in
			 decision-making in the development and implementation of policy initiatives to
			 address discrimination and inequality; and support opportunities to exchange
			 and share perspectives in these areas through the continuance of a
			 transatlantic dialogue to realize these goals.;
		Whereas the “Brussels Declaration” resolves to enact
			 initiatives to eradicate racial and ethnic discrimination through
			 Reaffirming our continued cooperation and commitment to work with our
			 governments, international institutions, civil society, private sector, and
			 other partners to improve institutions so that they are fully participatory and
			 reflect the democratic principles of equality, justice, and celebration of the
			 strengths of our countries’ diversity; and
		Whereas implementation of the Brussels Declaration will
			 begin to address concerns raised at the United States Helsinki Commission
			 Hearings, “The State of (In)visible Black Europe: Race, Rights, and Politics”,
			 held on April 29, 2008, and “Racism in the 21st Century: Understanding Global
			 Challenges and Implementing Solutions”, held on July 16, 2008, that highlighted
			 the lack of inclusion of Black and other minority communities in policymaking,
			 especially related to initiatives to combat discrimination and inequality and
			 counter far-right and anti-migrant political platforms: Now, therefore, be
			 it

		That the House of
			 Representatives—
			(1)expresses support for the Black European
			 Summit as an effective forum convened in the spirit of cooperation and
			 partnership for political and intellectual leaders from the European Union and
			 56 participating states of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
			 Europe (OSCE) to address shared challenges and foster collaboration throughout
			 North America and Europe in the development and implementation of policy
			 initiatives to address racial and ethnic discrimination and inequality;
			 and
			(2)urges the United States to continue and
			 expand efforts to partner with the countries of the OSCE on efforts to combat
			 racism, discrimination, inequality, and inclusion.


116 HRES 925 IH: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the powers of the president remain limited by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-11-14
text/xml
EN
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IV116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. RES. 925IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 14, 2020Mr. Malinowski (for himself, Mr. Phillips, and Mr. Amash) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the  Committee on the JudiciaryRESOLUTIONExpressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the powers of the president remain limited by the Constitution and laws of the United States.That the House of Representatives affirms that when someone is the president of the United States, their authority is not total.