114 HR 4014 IH: Distracted Driving Education Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-11-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4014
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			November 16, 2015
			Mr. Israel (for himself and Mr. Engel) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

		A BILL
		To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a distracted driving education grant
			 program, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Distracted Driving Education Act of 2015. 2.Distracted driving education grant program (a)EstablishmentNot later than October 1, 2016, the Secretary of Transportation shall establish a distracted driving education grant program.
 (b)Grant authorityIn carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the Secretary may make a grant, on a competitive basis, to a nonprofit organization.
 (c)Eligible projectsA grant made under subsection (b) shall be used to provide education to the public regarding the risks of distracted driving, including texting or otherwise using a personal wireless communications device while driving.
 (d)ApplicationsTo be eligible for a grant made under subsection (b), a nonprofit organization shall submit to the Secretary an application in such form, at such time, and containing such information as the Secretary determines appropriate.
 (e)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to make grants under subsection (b) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018.


		IV
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. CON. RES. 65
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 14, 2011
			Mr. Payne (for
			 himself, Mr. Capuano, and
			 Mr. Berman) submitted the following
			 concurrent resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Foreign
			 Affairs

		CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
		Welcoming the independence of the Republic
		  of South Sudan, congratulating the people of South Sudan for freely and
		  peacefully expressing their will through an internationally accepted
		  referendum, and calling on the Governments and people of Sudan and South Sudan
		  to peacefully resolve outstanding issues including the final status of
		  Abyei.

		Whereas the United States was a witness to the 2005
			 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which marked the end of more than 2
			 decades of civil war between North and South Sudan that resulted in the deaths
			 of more than 2,000,000 people;
		Whereas the CPA provided the framework for the historic
			 referendum held between January 9, 2011, and January 15, 2011, in which the
			 people of South Sudan voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence;
		Whereas the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), as
			 established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1590 on March 24,
			 2005, was instrumental in supporting the implementation of the CPA;
		Whereas the mandate for the United Nations Mission in
			 Sudan (UNMIS) expired on July 9, 2011, with the completion of the CPA Interim
			 Period;
		Whereas the mandate for the United Nations Mission in
			 South Sudan (UNMISS), as established by United Nations Security Council
			 Resolution 1996 (2011), commenced on July 9, 2011;
		Whereas, on February 7, 2011, the Southern Sudan
			 Referendum Commission announced that the people of South Sudan voted in favor
			 of succession by a margin of 98.8 percent, and President Bashir, on behalf of
			 the Government of Sudan, accepted the results of the referendum;
		Whereas the African Union, the Arab League, the United
			 Nations Secretary-General’s Panel on the Referenda in Sudan, Sudanese Network
			 for Democratic Elections (SuNDE), Sudanese Group for Democracy and Elections
			 (SuGDE), and the Carter Center were among those to report that voting in the
			 referendum was credible and transparent, allowing the people of South Sudan to
			 freely express their desire for independence;
		Whereas several outstanding issues and potential points of
			 conflict remain unresolved between the Government of Sudan and the Government
			 of South Sudan, including the final status of the contested area of Abyei,
			 disputed border areas, popular consultations, citizenship rights and
			 nationality, division of oil resources and profits, currency, international
			 debt and assets, and other matters;
		Whereas the CPA parties signed an agreement on June 20,
			 2011, on temporary administrative and security arrangements for Abyei,
			 including the establishment of a United Nations Interim Security Force for
			 Abyei and the redeployment of all military forces of the Government of Sudan
			 from the area;
		Whereas fighting in Southern Kordofan over the past month
			 has resulted in deaths and injuries to civilians, the displacement of thousands
			 of residents, and restricted access for humanitarian workers despite the
			 framework agreement for Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states signed by the
			 Government of Sudan and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North on June 28,
			 2011;
		Whereas the needs for security, development, and
			 democracy-building are great throughout Sudan and South Sudan, and the United
			 States and the international community have invested significant resources in
			 order to provide assistance to the people of both countries;
		Whereas more than 2,000,000 refugees and internally
			 displaced persons from Sudan and South Sudan continue to be displaced from
			 their homes;
		Whereas lasting peace and stability for all of Sudan
			 cannot be realized until a comprehensive peace in Darfur is secured and an
			 appropriate mechanism for accountability and justice is established for those
			 responsible for atrocities and crimes against humanity;
		Whereas the United States has a compelling national
			 interest in the security, stability, and development of Sudan and South Sudan
			 in order to prevent conflict, humanitarian crises, and the establishment of
			 safe havens for terrorists;
		Whereas Sudan was the first country to formally recognize
			 the Republic of South Sudan on July 9, 2011; and
		Whereas the United States Government formally recognized
			 the Republic of South Sudan as a sovereign and independent state on July 9,
			 2011: Now, therefore, be it

		That Congress—
			(1)welcomes the
			 independence of the Republic of South Sudan and recognizes South Sudan as the
			 newest member of the international community;
			(2)congratulates the
			 people of South Sudan for freely and peacefully expressing their desire for
			 independence through an internationally accepted referendum, and notes the
			 Government of Sudan’s recognition of the results of the referendum and South
			 Sudan’s independence;
			(3)commends the
			 people and leaders of South Sudan on their efforts to reach this historic
			 milestone as well as the members of the international community that assisted
			 them, including the United States, the European Union and its member states,
			 Norway, the United Nations, the African Union and the AU High-Level
			 Implementation Panel, the Arab League, the Intergovernmental Authority on
			 Development, neighboring countries, and others;
			(4)calls on the
			 Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to continue high level engagement to
			 resolve outstanding matters relating to the final status of Abyei, disputed
			 border areas, the completion of popular consultations, citizenship and
			 nationality, division of oil resources and profits, currency, international
			 debt and assets, and other matters in order to ensure a smooth transition to
			 two states and to mitigate points of conflict;
			(5)calls on all sides
			 to fully implement their June 20, 2011, agreement on temporary arrangements for
			 the contested Abyei area and swiftly establish a cessation of hostilities in
			 Southern Kordofan to facilitate the delivery and resupply of humanitarian
			 assistance;
			(6)welcomes the
			 deployment of up to 4,200 Ethiopian peacekeepers to Abyei and the new United
			 Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to provide security and stability in
			 Sudan;
			(7)calls on the
			 Government of Sudan to allow for continued United Nations peacekeeping
			 operations in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states to support new security
			 arrangements and the delivery of humanitarian assistance;
			(8)calls on the
			 United States Government and international community, in coordination with the
			 Governments of Sudan and South Sudan, to support peace, rule of law, security,
			 and good governance in Sudan and South Sudan in order to—
				(A)promote security
			 and stability in both countries, especially in critical areas such as Darfur,
			 Blue Nile, and Southern Kordofan and in Abyei;
				(B)promote the human
			 and civil rights of all—including southerners living in Sudan and northerners
			 living in South Sudan—through laws and regulations fully respected by both
			 governments;
				(C)encourage the
			 Government of South Sudan to engage opposition parties to foster open political
			 space and vibrant democratic institutions;
				(D)encourage the
			 Government of Sudan to facilitate the development of multiple political parties
			 with freedom of speech and association;
				(E)provide technical
			 assistance and expertise to the Government of South Sudan;
				(F)promote access to
			 humanitarian and development aid for the people of Sudan and South Sudan, with
			 a focus on the critical areas of education, health care, and infrastructure,
			 and paying particular attention to historically marginalized areas, including
			 Darfur, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states, and Eastern Sudan;
				(G)encourage the
			 Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to prevent terrorist groups from using
			 their territories and to continue to cooperate with the United States on
			 counterterrorism priorities; and
				(H)encourage the
			 Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to continue to work together in a
			 productive relationship that recognizes the mutual need for cooperation and an
			 open flow of people and goods across borders and to refrain from the use of
			 proxy forces to foment conflict;
				(9)urges that the
			 Darfur peace process remain a priority in United States relations with the
			 Government of Sudan and receives appropriate attention and resources,
			 including—
				(A)continued high
			 level engagement to secure a just and lasting peace in Darfur;
				(B)a commitment to
			 ensuring humanitarian access to vulnerable populations; and
				(C)sustained support
			 for the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) and its mandate
			 to protect civilians and move freely without seeking permission from the armed
			 forces of the Government of Sudan; and
				(10)welcomes the
			 anticipated nomination of a United States ambassador to the Republic of South
			 Sudan.


II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3988IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 17, 2020Mr. Cassidy (for himself, Ms. Smith, Mr. Jones, and Mr. Sullivan) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsA BILLTo amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to telehealth enhancements for emergency response.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
		  Enhancing Preparedness through Telehealth Act.2.Telehealth enhancements for emergency responseSubsection (e) of section 319D of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d–4)  is amended to read as follows:(e)Telehealth enhancements for emergency response(1)EvaluationThe Secretary, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission and other relevant Federal agencies, shall, every 5 years—(A)conduct an inventory of telehealth initiatives in existence on the date of enactment of the Enhancing Preparedness through Telehealth Act, including the—(i)specific location of networks and health information technology infrastructure that support such initiatives;(ii)medical, technological, and communications capabilities of such initiatives;(iii)functionality of such initiatives; and(iv)capacity and ability of such initiatives to handle increased volume during the response to a public health emergency;(B)identify methods to expand and interconnect the State and regional health information networks funded by the Secretary, the State and regional broadband networks funded by the Federal Communications Commission, including such networks supported by the rural health care support mechanism pilot program, and other telehealth networks;(C)evaluate ways to prepare for, monitor, respond rapidly to, or manage the events of, a public health emergency through the enhanced use of telehealth technologies, including—(i)mechanisms for payment or reimbursement for use of such technologies and personnel during public health emergencies;(ii)the use of telehealth technologies and services by health care providers in recent public health emergencies; (iii)ways in which States used telehealth technologies and services in State responses to public health emergencies; and(iv)infrastructure and resource needs to ensure providers have the necessary tools, training, and technical assistance to provide telehealth services;(D)identify methods for reducing legal barriers that deter health care professionals from providing telehealth services, such as by utilizing State emergency health care professional credentialing verification systems, encouraging States to establish and implement mechanisms to improve interstate medical licensure cooperation, facilitating the exchange of information among States regarding investigations and adverse actions, and encouraging States to waive the application of licensing requirements during a public health emergency;(E)evaluate ways to integrate the practice of telehealth within the National Disaster Medical System or any recent actions taken related to such integration;(F)promote greater coordination among existing Federal interagency telehealth and health information technology initiatives; and(G)make recommendations related to updates on the use of telehealth in public health emergencies in Federal and State public health preparedness plans and any actions taken to implement such recommendations.(2)Report(A)In general(i)Initial reportNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Enhancing Preparedness through Telehealth Act, the Secretary shall prepare and submit a report to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives regarding the findings and recommendations pursuant to paragraph (1).(ii)Subsequent reportsThe Secretary shall submit updated reports described in clause (i) to the committees described in such clause not later than January 1, 2023, and every 5 years thereafter.(B)ConsiderationsIn preparing the reports under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall take into consideration potential barriers to the adoption of telehealth by patients and providers during a public health emergency, including—(i)provider reimbursement;(ii)insurance coverage;(iii)provider licensure;(iv)accessibility of telehealth and remote technologies; and(v)concerns around violating relevant privacy, security, and patient safety regulations..


117 HR 4233 IH: Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-06-29
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4233IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 29, 2021Mr. Murphy of North Carolina (for himself and Mr. Bost) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo amend title 38, United States Code, to furnish Vet Center readjustment counseling and related mental health services to veterans and members of the Armed Forces using certain educational assistance benefits.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act.2.Expansion of Vet Center services(a)Veterans and members using educational assistance benefitsSection 1712A of title 38, United States Code, is amended—(1)by striking clauses (i) through (vi) both places it appears and inserting clauses (i) through (vii);(2)by striking in clause (vii) both places it appears and inserting in clause (viii);(3)in subsection (a)(1)(C)—(A)by redesignating clause (vii) as clause (viii); and(B)by inserting after clause (vi) the following new clause:(vii)Any veteran or member of the Armed Forces pursuing a course of education using covered educational assistance benefits.; and(4)in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(6)The term covered educational assistance benefits means educational assistance benefits provided pursuant to—(A)chapters 30, 31, 32, or 33 of this title;(B)chapters 1606 or 1607 of title 10;(C)section 116 of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (Public Law 115–48; 38 U.S.C. 3001 note); or(D)section 8006 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117–2; 38 U.S.C. 3001 note prec.)..(b)GAO ReportNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report assessing—(1)the mental health needs of veterans pursuing a course of education using covered educational assistance benefits (as defined in section 1712A(h)(6) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)); and(2)the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs to address such mental health needs.


113 HR 2780 IH: Insular Area Climate Change Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-04-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2780IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 22, 2021Mr. Grijalva (for himself, Mr. Sablan, Mr. San Nicolas, Ms. Plaskett, Mr. Soto, and Ms. Velázquez) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Science, Space, and Technology, 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 provide for climate change planning, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience in the United States Territories and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Insular Area Climate Change Act.2.Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:Sec. 1. Short title.Sec. 2. Table of contents.Sec. 3. Definitions.Sec. 4. Findings.Title I—General Provisions Sec. 101. Insular Area Climate Change Interagency Task Force.Sec. 102. Non-Federal cost-share waiver.Sec. 103. Coral reefs prize competitions.Title II—Department of the InteriorSec. 201. Office of Insular Affairs Technical Assistance Program.Sec. 202. Runit Dome report and monitoring activities.Title III—National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationSec. 301. Climate Change Insular Research Grant Program.Sec. 302. Coastal management technical assistance and report.Sec. 303. National Weather Service technical assistance and grants.Sec. 304. Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act.Title IV—Department of EnergySec. 401. Office of Insular Area Energy Policy and Programs.Sec. 402. Comprehensive energy plans.Sec. 403. Energy Efficient Product Rebate Program.Sec. 404. Renewable Energy Grant Program.Sec. 405. Offshore wind for the territories.Sec. 406. State Energy Program non-Federal cost-share waiver.Title V—Environmental Protection AgencySec. 501. Definitions.Sec. 502. Insular Area National Program Office.Sec. 503. Insular Area Sustainable Infrastructure Grant Program.Sec. 504. Insular Area Renewable Energy Grant Program.Sec. 505. Insular Area Technical Assistance Program.Title VI—Emergency ManagementSec. 601. Community disaster loans repayment cancellation.Sec. 602. Disaster relief non-Federal cost-share waiver.3.DefinitionsIn this Act, the following definitions apply:(1)AdaptationThe term Adaptation means the capacity of natural and human systems to adjust to climate change or its impacts in a matter that will reduce damage or take advantage of any beneficial aspects.(2)Freely associated statesThe term Freely Associated States means the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau.(3)Insular areasThe term Insular Areas means the territories and Freely Associated States.(4)MitigationThe term Mitigation means measures and initiatives that would limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.(5)ResilienceThe term Resilience means the capacity of natural and human systems to resist, assimilate, and recover from the effects of climate change in an efficient and timely manner, maintaining or restoring basic structures and essential functions.(6)Renewable energyThe term renewable energy means energy that has been derived from Earth’s natural resources that are not finite or exhaustible, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and ocean (thermal and mechanics).(7)Renewable energy systemThe term renewable energy system includes off-grid or stand-alone systems, microgrids, nano grids, and virtual power plants systems based on renewable energy sources, including storage and other related ancillary equipment. These may also be referred to as eligible projects. Waste to energy are not considered as eligible projects. (8)TerritoriesThe term territories means American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United States.(9)TerritoryThe term territory means American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands of the United States.4.FindingsCongress finds as follows:(1)The Insular Areas are topographically and environmentally diverse and treasured by millions of individuals who call them home.(2)The territories in the Caribbean (Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands of the United States) and the territories in the Pacific (American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam) face many of the same climate change-related challenges. Freely Associated States face similar climate change-related vulnerabilities.(3)Insular Areas are experiencing sea level rise, coastal erosion, and increasing storm impacts that threaten lives, critical infrastructure, ecosystems, and livelihood security.(4)Temperature increases are likely to further create and intensify the length of droughts, reduce water supply, impact public health, and increase demand of freshwater in Insular Areas. In addition, temperature increases will drive coral reefs to extinction, eliminating a natural barrier against storm surge, increasing destruction of infrastructure, and threatening lives of the inhabitants of the islands.(5)In 2017, two major storms, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, impacted Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands of the United States. Hurricane Maria caused thousands of deaths in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands of the United States and significant damage to their infrastructure, including Puerto Rico’s energy system. Hurricane Maria destroyed millions of trees in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands of the United States, which has significantly increased erosion and sediment transport. As a result, reservoirs have lost significant storage capacity and coral reefs are severely impacted.(6)In 2018, Typhoon Yutu impacted the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam, causing catastrophic destruction in those territories.IGeneral Provisions 101.Insular Area Climate Change Interagency Task Force(a)Establishment of task forceNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the following shall jointly establish the Insular Area Climate Change Interagency Task Force (hereafter in this section referred to as the Task Force):(1)The Secretary of the Interior.(2)The Secretary of Energy.(3)The Secretary of State.(4)The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.(5)The Secretary of Agriculture.(6)The Secretary of Commerce.(7)The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.(8)The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.(b)ChairpersonThe Task Force shall be chaired by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.(c)DutiesThe Task Force shall—(1)evaluate all Federal programs regarding ways to provide greater access to Federal programs and equitable baseline funding in relation to States, to territories for climate change planning, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience;(2)identify statutory barriers to providing territories greater access to Federal programs and equitable baseline funding; and(3)provide recommendations related to climate change in Insular Areas.(d)Comprehensive reportNot later than 1 year after the establishment of the Task Force, the Task Force, in consultation with Insular Areas governments, shall issue a comprehensive report that—(1)identifies Federal programs that have an impact on climate change planning, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience, but exclude territories in regard to eligibility, funding, and assistance, or do not provide equitable baseline funding in relation to States; and(2)provides advice and recommendations related to climate change in Insular Areas, such as new suggested Federal programs or initiatives.(e)Publication; public availabilityThe Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall ensure that the report required under subsection (d) is—(1)submitted to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Natural Resources of the House of Representatives, and Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate;(2)published in the Federal Register for public comment for a period of at least 60 days; and(3)made available on a public website along with any comments received during the public comment period required under paragraph (2).102.Non-Federal cost-share waiverSection 501 of the Omnibus Territories Act of 1977 (48 U.S.C. 1469a), is amended by adding at the end the following:(e)Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in the case of the Insular Areas, any department or agency shall waive any requirement for non-Federal matching funds under $750,000 (including in-kind contributions) required by law to be provided by those jurisdictions..103.Coral reefs prize competitions(a)Prize competitionsThe Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall work with the head of each Federal agency represented on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force established under Executive Order 13089 (63 Fed. Reg. 32701) to establish prize competitions, in accordance with section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719), that promote coral reef research and conservation in the Insular Areas.(b)Waiver of matching requirementSection 204(b) of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6403(b)) is amended—(1)by striking the enumerator and heading for paragraph (2) and inserting the following:(2)Waivers(A)Need and benefit; and(2)by adding at the end of paragraph (2) the following:(B)Sustaining coral reef management and monitoringThe Secretary shall waive all of the matching requirement under paragraph (1) for grants to implement State and territorial coral reef conservation cooperative agreements to sustain coral reef management and monitoring in Florida, Hawaii, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United States..IIDepartment of the Interior201.Office of Insular Affairs Technical Assistance Program(a)In generalThe Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Office of Insular Affairs Technical Assistance Program, shall provide technical assistance for climate change planning, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience to Insular Areas under the jurisdiction of such Program.(b)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2026.202.Runit Dome report and monitoring activities(a)In generalNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall submit to the Committees on Natural Resources and Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, a report, prepared by independent experts not employed by the U.S. government, on the impacts of climate change on the Runit Dome nuclear waste disposal site in Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands, and on other environmental hazards in the vicinity thereof. The report shall include the following:(1)A detailed scientific analysis of any threats to the environment, and to the health and safety of Enewetak Atoll residents, posed by each of the following:(A)The Runit Dome nuclear waste disposal site.(B)Crypts used to contain nuclear waste and other toxins on Enewetak Atoll.(C)Radionuclides and other toxins present in the lagoon of Enewetak Atoll, including areas in the lagoon where nuclear waste was dumped.(D)Radionuclides and other toxins, including beryllium, which may be present on the islands of Enewetak Atoll as a result of nuclear tests and other activities of the U.S. government, including tests of chemical and biological warfare agents, rocket tests, contaminated aircraft landing on Enewetak Island, and nuclear cleanup activities.(E)Radionuclides and other toxins that may be present in the drinking water on Enewetak Island or in the water source for the desalination plant.(F)Radionuclides and other toxins that may be present in the groundwater under and in the vicinity of the nuclear waste disposal facility on Runit Island.(2)A detailed scientific analysis of the extent to which rising sea levels, severe weather events and other effects of climate change might exacerbate any of the threats identified above.(3)A detailed plan, including costs, to relocate all of the nuclear waste and other toxic waste contained in—(A)the Runit Dome nuclear waste disposal site;(B)all of the crypts on Enewetak Atoll containing such waste; and(C)the three dumping areas in Enewetak’s lagoon to a safe, secure facility to be constructed in an uninhabited, unincorporated territory of the United States.(b)Marshallese participationThe Secretary of the Interior shall allow scientists or other experts selected by the Republic of the Marshall Islands to participate in all aspects of the preparation of the report required by subsection (a), including, without limitation, developing the work plan, identifying questions, conducting research, and collecting and interpreting data.(c)PublicationThe report required in subsection (a) shall be published in the Federal Register for public comment for a period of not fewer than 60 days.(d)Public availabilityThe Secretary of the Interior shall publish the study required under subsection (a) and results submitted under subsection (b) on a public website.(e)Authorization of appropriation for reportIt is hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the Interior, Office of Insular Affairs, for fiscal year 2022 such sums as may be necessary to produce the report required in subsection (a).(f)Indefinite authorization of appropriation for Runit Dome monitoring activitiesIt is hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy such sums as may be necessary to comply with the requirements of 48 U.S.C. 1921b(f)(1)(B).IIINational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration301.Climate Change Insular Research Grant Program(a)In generalThe Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall establish a Climate Change Insular Research Grant Program to provide grants to institutions of higher education, as such term is defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)), and nonprofit organizations in Insular Areas for monitoring, collecting, synthesizing, analyzing, and publishing local climate change data, including ocean temperature, sea level rise, ocean acidification, and altered ocean currents data.(b)Authorization of appropriationsTo carry out this section there is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2026.302.Coastal management technical assistance and report(a)Technical assistance(1)In generalThe Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, acting through the Director of the Office for Coastal Management, shall provide technical assistance to Insular Areas to enhance such entities’ coastal management and climate change programs.(2)Authorization of appropriationsTo carry out this subsection there is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2026.(b)Annual reportThe Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, acting through the Director of the Office for Coastal Management, shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the status of—(1)wetland, mangrove, and estuary conditions in Insular Areas; and(2)climate change impacts, including ecological, economic, and cultural impacts, in Insular Areas.303.National Weather Service technical assistance and grants(a)Technical assistance(1)In generalThe Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, acting through the Director of the National Weather Service, shall provide technical assistance and outreach to Insular Areas through the San Juan, Tiyan, and Pago Pago Weather Forecast Offices of the National Weather Service. For the purposes of this section, the Administrator may also employ other agency entities as the Administrator deems necessary, in order to improve weather data collection, produce more accurate tropical weather forecasts, and provide science, data, information, and impact-based decision support services to reduce hurricane, typhoon, droughts, tsunamis, tides, and sea level rise impacts in the Insular Areas.(2)Authorization of appropriationsTo carry out this subsection there is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2026.(b)Grants(1)In generalThe Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may provide grants to academic, nonprofit, and local entities to conduct climate change research to improve weather data collection, produce more accurate tropical weather forecasts, and provide science, data, information, and impact-based decision support services to reduce hurricane, typhoon, droughts, tsunamis, tides, and sea level rise impacts in the Insular Areas.(2)Authorization of appropriationsTo carry out this subsection there is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2026.304.Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration ActSection 12204 of the Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act (33 U.S.C. 3503) is amended—(1)in paragraph (12) by striking and;(2)in paragraph (13) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and(3)by adding at the end the following:(14)The study of Insular Areas and the effects of climate change.IVDepartment of Energy401.Office of Insular Area Energy Policy and Programs(a)In generalTitle II of the Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C. 7131 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:218.Office of insular area energy policy and programs(a)EstablishmentThere is established within the Department an Office of Insular Area Energy Policy and Programs (referred to in this section as the Office). The Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the Secretary and compensated at a rate equal to that of level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.(b)DutiesThe Office shall—(1)direct, coordinate, implement, and monitor energy planning, education, management, conservation, and delivery programs of the Department to—(A)assist Insular Areas in developing comprehensive energy plans;(B)expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in Insular Areas;(C)reduce or stabilize energy costs in Insular Areas;(D)enhance and strengthen energy infrastructure in Insular Areas to withstand natural disasters; and(E)work with Insular Areas to develop improved regulatory and oversight conditions; and(2)centralize and align all ongoing Department of Energy efforts in the Insular Areas.(c)Annual reportThe Director shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate on the status of all projects undertaken and grants approved by the Office.(d)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2026.(e)Non-Federal Cost-Share waiverAny funding made available to Insular Areas by the Office of Insular Area Energy Policy and Programs under this or any other Federal law shall not be subject to a non-Federal share funding requirement..(b)Conforming amendments(1)Table of contentsThe table of contents of the Department of Energy Organization Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 217 the following:Sec. 218. Office of Insular Area Energy Policy and Programs..(2)Positions at level ivSection 5315 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item related to the Director, Office of Science, Department of Energy the following new item: Director, Office of Insular Area Energy Policy and Programs, Department of Energy..402.Comprehensive energy plans(a)In generalNot later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Office of Insular Area Energy Policy and Programs in the Department of Energy, in consultation with the Office of Insular Affairs of the Department of the Interior, shall submit to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report containing—(1)the results of a study of the execution of the comprehensive energy plans required by section 9 of Public Law 113–235 (48 U.S.C. 1492a), including—(A)initial, planned, and current sources of renewable energy;(B)initial, planned, and current energy imports; and(C)projected and actual energy needs during calendar year 2020 for each Insular Area;(2)the lessons learned from the preparation of these plans;(3)the date on which each plan was most recently updated; and(4)recommendations with respect to each Insular Area, on the need to update such plans.(b)Publication; public availabilityThe Secretary of Energy shall ensure that—(1)the report required by subsection (a) is published in the Federal Register for public comment for a period of not fewer than 60 days; and(2)the report required by subsection (a) and any comments received under subsection (b) are made available on a public website.403.Energy Efficient Product Rebate Program(a)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Eligible territoryThe term eligible territory means a territory that meets the requirements of subsection (c).(2)Energy star programThe term Energy Star program means the program established by section 324A of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6294a).(3)Residential Energy Star productThe term residential Energy Star product means a product for a residence that is rated for energy efficiency under the Energy Star program.(4)Energy officeThe term energy office means the government agency within the territory responsible for developing an energy conservation plan under section 362 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6322).(5)Rebate programThe term rebate program means an energy efficient product rebate program described in subsection (c)(1).(b)EstablishmentThe Secretary of Energy shall establish a program, to be known as the Energy Efficient Product Rebate Program, under which the Director of the Office of Insular Area Energy Policy Programs shall provide allocations to eligible territories in accordance with this section. (c)Eligible territoriesA territory shall be eligible to receive an allocation under subsection (d) if the territory—(1)establishes (or has established) an energy efficient product rebate program to provide rebates to residential consumers for the purchase of residential Energy Star products to replace used products of the same type;(2)establishes clear requirements to prevent illegal dumping of old products and the overflow of landfills, and ensure environmental justice;(3)submits an application for the allocation at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Director of the Office of Insular Area Energy Policy and Programs may require; and(4)provides assurances satisfactory to the Director of the Office of Insular Area Energy Policy and Programs that the territory will use the allocation to supplement, but not supplant, funds made available to carry out the rebate program.(d)Amount of allocations(1)In generalSubject to paragraph (2), for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, the Director of the Office of Insular Area Energy Policy and Programs shall allocate to the energy office of each eligible territory to carry out subsection (e) an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying the amount made available under subsection (g) for the fiscal year by the ratio that the population of the territory in the most recent calendar year for which data are available bears to the total population of all eligible territories in that calendar year.(2)Minimum allocationsFor each fiscal year, the amounts allocated under this subsection shall be adjusted proportionately so that no eligible territory is allocated a sum that is less than an amount determined by the Director.(e)Use of allocated fundsAn allocation to an energy office under subsection (d) may be used to pay not more than 75 percent of the cost of establishing and carrying out a rebate program.(f)Issuance of rebatesThe amount of a rebate provided under a rebate program shall be determined by the applicable energy office, taking into consideration—(1)the amount of the allocation to the energy office under subsection (d);(2)the amount of any tax incentive available for the purchase of the residential Energy Star product; and(3)the difference between the cost of the residential Energy Star product and the cost of a product that is not a residential Energy Star product, but is of the same type as, and is the nearest capacity, performance, and other relevant characteristics (as determined by the energy office) to, the residential Energy Star product.(g)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2026.404.Renewable Energy Grant Program(a)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Covered entityThe term covered entity means a not-for-profit organization determined eligible by the Secretary for purposes of this section.(2)Department of energy national laboratoriesThe term Department of Energy national laboratories has the same meaning as the term National Laboratory under section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).(3)MicrogridThe term microgrid means an electric system—(A)that serves the local community with a power generation and distribution system; and(B)that has the ability—(i)to disconnect from a traditional electric grid; and(ii)to operate autonomously when disconnected.(4)ProgramThe term Program means the Renewable Energy Grant Program established under subsection (b).(5)Smart gridThe term smart grid means an intelligent electric grid that uses digital communications technology, information systems, and automation to, while maintaining high system reliability—(A)detect and react to local changes in usage;(B)improve system operating efficiency; and(C)reduce spending costs.(b)EstablishmentNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Insular Area Energy Policy and Programs shall establish a Renewable Energy Grant Program under which the Director may award grants to covered entities to facilitate projects in Insular Areas described in subsection (d).(c)ApplicationsTo be eligible for a grant under the Program, a covered entity shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.(d)Use of funds(1)In generalA covered entity receiving a grant under the Program may use grant funds for a project, in territories of the United States—(A)to develop or construct a renewable energy system;(B)to carry out an activity to increase energy efficiency;(C)to develop or construct an energy storage system or device for—(i)a system developed or constructed under subparagraph (A); or(ii)an activity carried out under subparagraph (B);(D)to develop or construct—(i)a smart grid; or(ii)a microgrid; or(E)to train residents of territories of the United States to develop, construct, maintain, or operate a renewable energy system.(2)LimitationA covered entity receiving a grant under the Program may not use grant funds to develop or construct a facility that generates electricity using energy derived from—(A)fossil fuels; or(B)nuclear power.(e)Technical assistanceThe Director shall ensure that Department of Energy national laboratories offer to provide technical assistance to each covered entity carrying out a project assisted with a grant under the Program.(f)ReportNot later than two years after the establishment of the Program, and on an annual basis thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing—(1)an estimate of the amount of funds disbursed under the Program;(2)an estimate of the energy conservation achieved as a result of the Program;(3)a description of challenges encountered in implementing projects described in subsection (d)(1); and(4)any recommendations as to additional legislative measures to increase the use of renewable energy in territories of the United States, as appropriate.(g)GAO study and report(1)Study and reportNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—(A)conduct a study regarding renewable energy and energy efficiency in territories of the United States; and(B)submit to Congress a report containing—(i)the findings of the study; and(ii)related recommendations.(2)ComponentsThe study conducted under paragraph (1) shall consider, in relation to territories of the United States, the potential—(A)to modify existing electric power systems to use renewable energy sources;(B)to expand the use of microgrids; and(C)to improve energy resiliency.405.Offshore wind for the territories(a)Application of outer continental shelf lands act with respect to territories of the united states(1)In generalSection 2 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331) is amended—(A)in subsection (a) by inserting or lying within the exclusive economic zone of the United States and the Outer Continental Shelf adjacent to any territory or possession of the United States, except that such term shall not include any area conveyed by Congress to a territorial government for administration after control; (B)in subsection (p), by striking and after the semicolon at the end;(C)in subsection (q), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and(D)by adding at the end the following:(r)The term State means the several States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands..(2)ExclusionsSection 18 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1344) is amended by adding at the end the following:(i)This section shall not apply to the scheduling of lease sales in the Outer Continental Shelf adjacent to the Territories and possessions of the United States..(b)Wind lease sales for areas of outer continental shelfThe Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:33.Wind lease sales for areas of Outer Continental Shelf(a)AuthorizationThe Secretary may conduct wind lease sales on the Outer Continental Shelf.(b)Wind lease sale procedureAny wind lease sale conducted under this section shall be considered a lease under section 8(p).(c)Wind lease sales off coasts of territories of the United States(1)Study on feasibility of conducting wind lease sales(A)In generalThe Secretary shall conduct a study on the feasibility, including the technological and long-term economic feasibility, and the potential environmental effects of, conducting wind lease sales on an area of the Outer Continental Shelf within the territorial jurisdiction of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United States.(B)ConsultationIn conducting the study required in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consult—(i)the National Laboratories, that term is defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005;(ii)the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and National Marine Fisheries Service; and(iii)the Governor of each of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United States.(C)PublicationThe study required in subparagraph (A) shall be published in the Federal Register for public comment for a period of not fewer than 60 days.(D)Submission of resultsNot later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit the results of the study conducted under subparagraph (A) to—(i)the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate;(ii)the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and(iii)each Delegate or Resident Commissioner to the House of Representatives from American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United States.(E)Public availabilityThe Secretary shall publish the study required under subparagraph (A) and results submitted under subparagraph (D) on a public website.(2)Call for information and nominationsThe Secretary shall issue a call for information and nominations for proposed wind lease sales for areas determined to be feasible under the study conducted under paragraph (1).(3)Conditional wind lease sales(A)In generalFor each territory, the Secretary shall conduct not less than 1 wind lease sale on an area of the Outer Continental Shelf within the territorial jurisdiction of such territory that meets each of the following criteria:(i)The study required under paragraph (1)(A) concluded that a wind lease sale on the area is feasible.(ii)The Secretary has determined that the call for information has generated sufficient interest for the area.(iii)The Secretary has consulted with the Secretary of Defense and other relevant Federal agencies regarding such a sale.(iv)The Secretary has consulted with the Governor of the territory regarding the suitability of the area for wind energy development.(B)ExceptionIf no area of the Outer Continental Shelf within the territorial jurisdiction of a territory meets each of the criteria in clauses (i) through (iv) of subparagraph (A), the requirement under subparagraph (A) shall not apply to such territory..406.State Energy Program non-Federal cost-share waiverFunding made available to a territory under the Department of Energy’s State Energy Program (42 U.S.C. 6321 et seq.) shall not be subject to a non-Federal share funding requirement.VEnvironmental Protection Agency501.DefinitionsIn this title:(1)AdministratorThe term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.(2)DirectorThe term Director means the Director of the Insular Area National Program Office.(3)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means each of the following:(A)A government, municipality, agency, or instrumentality of a territory.(B)A private, nonprofit organization or institution.(C)An institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001), except that such term does not include private, nonprofit institutions of higher education).(D)Any combination of entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C), including partnerships and consortiums of local governments. (4)OfficeThe term Office means the Insular Area National Program Office established by section 502. (5)Renewable energyThe term renewable energy means energy that has been derived from Earth’s natural resources that are not finite or exhaustible, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, ocean (thermal and mechanics).502.Insular Area National Program Office(a)EstablishmentThere is established within the Environmental Protection Agency an office, to be known as the Insular Area National Program Office. The Office shall be headed by a Director, who shall be appointed by the Administrator and compensated at a rate equal to that of level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.(b)DutiesThe Director shall—(1)direct, coordinate, implement, and monitor programs of the Environmental Protection Agency to—(A)build, enhance, and strengthen infrastructure in Insular Areas to withstand natural disasters;(B)expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in Insular Areas; and(C)provide technical assistance in Insular Areas.(2)centralize and align all ongoing Environmental Protection Agency efforts in the Insular Areas.(c)Annual reportThe Director shall submit an annual report to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate on the status of all projects undertaken and grants approved by the Office.(d)Authorization of appropriationsFor the Insular Area National Program Office, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2026.(e)Non-Federal Cost-Share waiverAny funding made available to Insular Areas by the Office shall not be subject to a non-Federal share funding requirement.503.Insular Area Sustainable Infrastructure Grant Program(a)EstablishmentNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Insular Area National Program Office shall establish and carry out a program, to be known as the Insular Area Sustainable Infrastructure Grant Program to provide grants to eligible entities in the Insular Areas to build, enhance, and strengthen infrastructure systems in Insular Areas to withstand natural disasters, including drinking water systems, septic systems, stormwater systems, and solid waste systems.(b)Use of fundsAn eligible entity that receives a grant for infrastructure system projects under the Insular Areas Sustainable Infrastructure Grant Program may use such funds for—(1)development-phase activities, including planning, feasibility analysis (including any related analysis necessary to carry out an eligible project), revenue forecasting, environmental review, permitting, preliminary engineering and design work, and other preconstruction activities;(2)construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and replacement activities; and(3)the acquisition of real property or an interest in real property (including land relating to the project, and improvements to land), environmental mitigation, construction contingencies, and acquisition of equipment.(c)Applications(1)InclusionsAn application under this subsection shall include—(A)a description of the project proposed by the eligible entity;(B)an evaluation (using methodology approved by the Director) of the quantifiable and unquantifiable benefits of the proposed project;(C)an estimate of the cost of the proposed project; and(D)a description of the age and expected lifetime of the infrastructure system funded by the project.(2)PriorityIn providing grants under this section, the Director shall give priority to proposed projects that, as determined by the Director—(A)maximize public health benefits;(B)are the most cost effective;(C)serve areas with environmental justice communities—(i)in rural remote areas; or(ii)that have challenged environmental conditions.(3)Application Guidance and ProcessesThe Director shall provide Insular Areas—(A)guidance for use in applying for grant funds under this section, including information regarding—(i)the process and forms for applications;(ii)permissible uses of funds received; and(iii)an annual deadline for submission of the applications;(B)a process by which the Director shall approve or disapprove each application; and(C)a streamlined process by which an Insular Area may renew an application described in subparagraph (A) for subsequent fiscal years.(d)Limitation on use of funds(1)OfficeThe Director shall use 100 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section to provide grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities in Insular Areas.(2)Grant recipientAn eligible entity may use not more than 10 percent of a grant provided under this section for administrative expenses of an approved project.(e)Authorization of appropriationsTo carry out this section there is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2026.504.Insular Area Renewable Energy Grant Program(a)EstablishmentNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Insular Area National Program Office shall establish and carry out a program, to be known as the Insular Area Renewable Energy Grant Program to provide grants to eligible entities in the Insular Areas to expand renewable energy and energy efficiency in the Insular Areas. (b)Eligibility(1)Projects eligible for assistanceThe following projects may be carried out with amounts made available under this section:(A)Construction of a new renewable energy system.(B)A project for energy redundancy and resilience based on renewable energy and for hurricane and storm damage reduction on renewable energy systems that the Director determines is technically sound, economically justified, and environmentally acceptable.(C)A project for enhanced energy efficiency in the operation of infrastructure that belongs to an eligible entity.(D)A project for repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of a renewable energy system.(E)A project to prevent, reduce, or mitigate the effects of hurricanes or storms, including projects that enhance the resilience of renewable energy systems.(F)Acquisition of real property or an interest in real property—(i)if the acquisition is integral to a project described in subparagraphs (A) through (D); or(ii)pursuant to an existing plan that, in the judgment of the Director, as applicable, would mitigate the environmental impacts of renewable energy system infrastructure projects.(G)A combination of projects under subparagraphs (A) through (F).(2)Activities eligible for assistanceAn eligible entity may use a grant provided under this section for, with respect to an eligible project—(A)development-phase activities, including planning, feasibility analysis (including any related analysis necessary to carry out an eligible project), revenue forecasting, environmental review, permitting, preliminary engineering and design work, and other preconstruction activities;(B)construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and replacement activities; and(C)the acquisition of real property or an interest in real property (including land relating to the project, and improvements to land), environmental mitigation, construction contingencies, and acquisition of equipment.(c)Applications(1)InclusionsAn application under this subsection shall include—(A)a description of the project proposed by the eligible entity;(B)an evaluation (using methodology approved by the Director) of the quantifiable and unquantifiable benefits of the proposed project;(C)an estimate of the cost of the proposed project; and(D)a description of the age and expected lifetime of a renewable energy or energy efficiency system funded by the project.(2)PriorityIn providing grants under this section, the Director shall give priority to proposed projects that, as determined by the Director—(A)maximize public health benefits;(B)are the most cost effective;(C)serve areas with environmental justice communities—(i)in rural remote areas; or(ii)that are poor air quality areas.(3)Application Guidance and ProcessesThe Director shall provide Insular Areas—(A)guidance for use in applying for grant funds under this section, including information regarding—(i)the process and forms for applications;(ii)permissible uses of funds received; and(iii)an annual deadline for submission of the applications;(B)a process by which the Director shall approve or disapprove each application; and(C)a streamlined process by which an Insular Area may renew an application described in subparagraph (A) for subsequent fiscal years.(d)Limitation on use of funds(1)OfficeThe Director shall use 100 percent of the funds made available to carry out this section to provide grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities in Insular Areas.(2)Grant recipientAn eligible entity may use not more than 10 percent of a grant provided under this section to fund administrative expenses of an approved project.(e)Authorization of appropriationsTo carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2026.505.Insular Area Technical Assistance Program(a)In generalThe Insular Area National Program Office Director shall establish a program, to be known as the Insular Area Technical Assistance Program, to provide technical assistance to Insular Areas relating to climate change planning, mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. (b)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2022 through 2026.VIEmergency Management601.Community disaster loans repayment cancellationNotwithstanding any other provision of law, repayment of a loan made to a local government in an Insular Area under section 417 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5184), including any interest on such loan, shall be canceled.602.Disaster relief non-Federal cost-share waiverFunding made available to an Insular Area for disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing, economic revitalization, and mitigation pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) shall not be subject to a non-Federal share funding requirement.


		III
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 57
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			February 26, 2009
			Mr. Baucus (for himself,
			 Mr. Leahy, Mr.
			 Isakson, Mr. Tester,
			 Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Durbin, Mr.
			 Reid, Mrs. Feinstein,
			 Mrs. Murray, and
			 Mrs. Boxer) submitted the following
			 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

			March 5, 2009
			Committee discharged; considered and agreed
			 to

		RESOLUTION
		Designating the first week of April 2009 as
		  National Asbestos Awareness Week.

		Whereas dangerous asbestos fibers are invisible and cannot
			 be smelled or tasted;
		Whereas the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can
			 cause significant damage;
		Whereas asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma,
			 asbestosis, and other health problems;
		Whereas asbestos-related diseases can take 10 to 50 years
			 to present themselves;
		Whereas the expected survival time for those diagnosed
			 with mesothelioma is between 6 and 24 months;
		Whereas generally, little is known about late-stage
			 treatment of asbestos-related diseases, and there is no cure for such
			 diseases;
		Whereas early detection of asbestos-related diseases may
			 give some patients increased treatment options and might improve their
			 prognoses;
		Whereas the United States has reduced its consumption of
			 asbestos substantially, yet continues to consume almost 2,000 metric tons of
			 the fibrous mineral for use in certain products throughout the Nation;
		Whereas asbestos-related diseases have killed thousands of
			 people in the United States;
		Whereas exposure to asbestos continues, but safety and
			 prevention of asbestos exposure already has significantly reduced the incidence
			 of asbestos-related diseases and can further reduce the incidence of such
			 diseases;
		Whereas asbestos has been a cause of occupational
			 cancer;
		Whereas thousands of workers in the United States face
			 significant asbestos exposure;
		Whereas thousands of people in the United States die from
			 asbestos-related diseases every year;
		Whereas a significant percentage of all asbestos-related
			 disease victims were exposed to asbestos on naval ships and in
			 shipyards;
		Whereas asbestos was used in the construction of a
			 significant number of office buildings and public facilities built before
			 1975;
		Whereas people in the small community of Libby, Montana
			 have asbestos-related diseases at a significantly higher rate than the national
			 average and suffer from mesothelioma at a significantly higher rate than the
			 national average; and
		Whereas the establishment of a National Asbestos
			 Awareness Week will raise public awareness about the prevalence of
			 asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure: Now, therefore,
			 be it

		That the Senate—
			(1)designates the
			 first week of April 2009 as National Asbestos Awareness
			 Week;
			(2)urges the Surgeon
			 General to warn and educate people about the public health issue of asbestos
			 exposure, which may be hazardous to their health; and
			(3)respectfully
			 requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to
			 the Office of the Surgeon General.


		III
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 128
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 5, 2009
			Mr. Menendez (for
			 himself and Mr. Bingaman) submitted the
			 following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		Recognizing the historical significance of
		  the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo.

		Whereas May 5, or Cinco de Mayo in Spanish,
			 is celebrated each year as a date of great importance by the Mexican and
			 Mexican-American communities;
		Whereas the Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates May 5,
			 1862, the date on which the Battle of Puebla was fought by Mexicans who were
			 struggling for their independence and freedom;
		Whereas Cinco de Mayo has become one of Mexico’s most
			 famous national holidays and is celebrated annually by nearly all Mexicans and
			 Mexican-Americans, north and south of the United States-Mexico border;
		Whereas the Battle of Puebla was but one of the many
			 battles that the courageous Mexican people won in their long and brave struggle
			 for independence and freedom;
		Whereas the French, confident that their battle-seasoned
			 troops were far superior to the almost amateurish Mexican forces, expected
			 little or no opposition from the Mexican army;
		Whereas the French army, which had not experienced defeat
			 against any of Europe’s finest troops in over half a century, sustained a
			 disastrous loss at the hands of an outnumbered, ill-equipped, and ragged, but
			 highly spirited and courageous, Mexican force;
		Whereas after three bloody assaults upon Puebla in which
			 over a thousand gallant Frenchmen lost their lives, the French troops were
			 finally defeated and driven back by the outnumbered Mexican troops;
		Whereas the courageous and heroic spirit that Mexican
			 General Zaragoza and his men displayed during this historic battle can never be
			 forgotten;
		Whereas many brave Mexicans willingly gave their lives for
			 the causes of justice and freedom in the Battle of Puebla on Cinco de
			 Mayo;
		Whereas the sacrifice of the Mexican fighters was
			 instrumental in keeping Mexico from falling under European domination;
		Whereas the Cinco de Mayo holiday is not only the
			 commemoration of the rout of the French troops at the town of Puebla in Mexico,
			 but is also a celebration of the virtues of individual courage and patriotism
			 of all Mexicans and Mexican-Americans who have fought for freedom and
			 independence against foreign aggressors;
		Whereas Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder that the
			 foundation of the United States is built by people from many nations and
			 diverse cultures who are willing to fight and die for freedom;
		Whereas Cinco de Mayo also serves as a reminder of the
			 close spiritual and economic ties between the people of Mexico and the people
			 of the United States, and is especially important for the people of the
			 southwestern States where millions of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans make their
			 homes;
		Whereas in a larger sense, Cinco de Mayo symbolizes the
			 right of a free people to self-determination, just as Benito Juarez once said,
			 El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz (The respect of
			 other people's rights is peace); and
		Whereas many people celebrate during the entire week in
			 which Cinco de Mayo falls: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate—
			(1)recognizes the
			 historical struggle for independence and freedom of the people of Mexico;
			 and
			(2)calls upon the
			 people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate
			 ceremonies and activities.


117 HR 3532 IH: To require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a periodic wildfire assessment, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-05-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3532IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 25, 2021Mr. O'Halleran (for himself, Mr. LaMalfa, and Mr. Panetta) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, 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 require the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a periodic wildfire assessment, and for other purposes.1.Wildfire preparation, response, and recovery assessment(a)In general(1)Assessment requiredThe Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service and in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, shall, not less than once every 5 years, complete a wildfire assessment that includes the analysis described in paragraph (2).(2)Contents of analysisThe assessment required under paragraph (1), shall, to the maximum extent practicable, with respect to the preceding 5 years, include an analysis of—(A)the direct costs of wildfire response, preparation, and recovery, including—(i)wildfire mitigation activities;(ii)wildlife suppression activities;(iii)insured private property losses due to wildfire;(iv)uninsured private property losses due to wildfire;(v)damage due to wildfire and the necessary repairs related to utility infrastructure, including shutoffs;(vi)damage and loss of timber and other agricultural resources due to wildfire;(vii)damage due to wildfire and the necessary restoration of archeological sites;(viii)evacuations and emergency shelters;(ix)labor;(x)human health, including death, injury, and illness; (xi)necessary infrastructure and stabilization repairs;(xii)damage due to wildfire and the necessary rehabilitation of ecosystem services, including watershed impairment, vegetation, and soil impacts; and(xiii)damage due to wildfire and the necessary restoration to wildlife habitat;(B)the indirect costs of wildfire response, preparation, and recovery, including—(i)diminished tax revenue;(ii)lost business revenue, including supply chain impacts; and(iii)property devaluation and housing market impacts; (C)whether the costs described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) have been or will be paid by—(i)the Federal government; (ii)State or territory governments; or(iii)county or local governments;(D)a comparison between the analysis under such assessment and the analysis under the preceding assessment (as applicable); and (E)any challenges to ascertaining the costs described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), including unavailable data.(b)Report requiredNot later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this section, and once every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall submit to the President, the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate the most recently completed assessment required under subsection (a)(1).(c)CollaborationIn carrying out an assessment required under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary of Agriculture may collaborate with relevant Federal agencies, State and local governments, research institutions, utility companies and cooperatives, and non-profit organizations.


113 HR 5097 IH: Local Care for Veterans Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-07-14
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5097
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 14, 2014
			Mr. Boustany introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

		A BILL
		To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to allow certain veterans to participate in the
			 Patient-Centered Community Care program.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Local Care for Veterans Act.
		2.Participation in Patient-Centered Community Care program
			(a)In generalThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that a veteran described in subsection (b) may elect
			 to receive health care treatment and services under the Patient-Centered
			 Community Care program.
			(b)Veteran describedA veteran described in this subsection is a veteran whom the Secretary determines meets the
			 following criteria:
				(1)The veteran is enrolled in the health care system established under section 1705(a) of title 38,
			 United States Code.
				(2)The veteran resides not more than 50 miles from the nearest facility of the Department of Veterans
			 Affairs that—
					(A)the Secretary has identified—
						(i)in a prospectus level lease request, regardless of the date of such request, as being deficient
			 with respect to providing certain treatment or services; or
						(ii)as needing expansion; and
						(B)the Secretary determines that such a deficiency has not been resolved or such an expansion has not
			 occurred, including pursuant to leases entered into under an Act
			 authorizing major medical facility leases.
					(c)Health care treatment and servicesThe health care treatment and services a veteran may receive under this section shall be—
				(1)the treatment and services identified as being deficient if the veteran lives not more than 50
			 miles from a facility described in clause (i) of subsection (b)(2)(A); and
				(2)the treatment and services the veteran is eligible for under chapter 17 of title 38, United States
			 Code, if the veteran lives not more than 50 miles from a facility
			 described in clause (ii) of such subsection.


114 HR 1454 IH: Modernized Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-03-18
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.

I
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1454
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 18, 2015
Ms. Speier (for herself, Ms. Bass, Mr. Blumenauer, Ms. Brown of Florida, Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Cicilline, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Farr, Ms. Frankel of Florida, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Honda, Mr. Israel, Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, Ms. Norton, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Takano, and Ms. Castor of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL
To modify the definition of armor piercing ammunition to better capture its capabilities.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Modernized Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 2015. 2.Armor piercing ammunition (a)Expansion of definitionSection 921(a)(17)(B) of title 18, United States Code, is amended—
(1)in clause (I), by striking or at the end; (2)in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and
(3)by adding at the end the following:  (iii)a projectile that—
(I)may be used in a handgun; and (II)the Attorney General determines, under section 926(d), to be capable of penetrating body armor..
(b)Determination of capability of projectiles To penetrate body armor
(1)In generalSection 926 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:  (d) (1)The Attorney General, in consultation with Director of Operational Test and Evaluation of the Department of Defense, shall promulgate standards for the uniform testing of projectiles against the Body Armor Exemplar.
(2)The standards promulgated under paragraph (1) shall take into account, among other factors, variations in performance that are related to the type of handgun used, the length of the barrel of the handgun, the amount and kind of powder used to propel the projectile, and the design of the projectile. (3)In paragraph (1), the term Body Armor Exemplar means body armor that the Attorney General determines meets minimum standards for the protection of law enforcement officers..
(2)Timing of promulgation of standardsThe Attorney General shall promulgate the standards required by section 926(d) of title 18, United States Code, within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section. (3)Assessment and modification of standardsThe Attorney General shall assess the standards every 3 years, or more frequently if the Attorney General finds that technological advances warrant doing so, and shall modify the standards as appropriate.


109 HR 1346 IH: 21st Century Veterans Equitable Treatment Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-03-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1346
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 16, 2005
Mr. Larson of Connecticut (for himself, Mr. Abercrombie, Mr. Case, Mr. Delahunt, Ms. DeLauro, Mr. Green of Wisconsin, Mr. Grijalva, Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Mr. McCotter, Ms. Norton, and Mr. Pallone) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a more equitable geographic allocation of funds appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical care.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the 21st Century Veterans Equitable Treatment Act.
2.FindingsCongress makes the following findings:
(1)Veterans were promised by the Federal Government that for their service to the country they would be provided a lifetime of health care services, as well as their own health care service network.
(2)The current allocation system for appropriations made to the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical care, known as the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation (VERA) formula and established by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 429 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public Law 104–204; 110 Stat. 2929), has proved to be an ineffective means of allocating such funds fairly across the 22 national service regions, known as Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(3)The VERA formula has resulted in a system in which veterans in some regions of the country are forced to compete with veterans in other regions for critical medical care funds, whereas the system should be providing the funding necessary to meet the health care needs of all veterans, regardless of where they live, to ensure that all veterans have access to the level and quality of care that they have all earned and deserve.
(4)The Secretary of Veterans Affairs established a set of performance goals in fiscal year 2000, which are referred to as 30–30–20, representing the Secretary’s goal to schedule nonurgent primary care visits within 30 days, specialty care visits within 30 days, and the maximum amount of time veterans must wait once they arrive to be seen by a doctor as 20 minutes.
(5)According to the Department’s Performance Report for Fiscal Year 2001, nationally 87 percent of primary care appointments were scheduled within 30 days of the desired date and 84 percent of specialty care appointments were scheduled within 30 days of the desired date, while in VISN 1, only 82 percent of primary care appointments were scheduled within 30 days of the desired date and only 80 percent of specialty care appointments were scheduled within 30 days of the desired date.
(6)Until the VERA formula is changed to ensure a more equitable and adequate distribution of medical care funding within the Department of Veterans Affairs system, providing appropriate access to medical care for the Nation’s veterans must remain a national priority with a method found to provide a safety net that will ensure that veterans have access to the health care they need without undermining the existing health care network of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
3.Standard for time for referral for specialist care
(a)Time for specialist appointments
(1)The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish by regulation a maximum specialist referral period, subject to such exceptions as the Secretary considers necessary.
(2)For purposes of paragraph (1), the term specialist referral period means the period of time between (A) the date on which a veteran is referred to a specialty clinic of the Department by the veteran’s primary care physician within the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system, and (B) the date for which the veteran is scheduled for an appointment with a Department specialist pursuant to such referral.
(3)In establishing a maximum specialist referral period under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall act in a manner consistent with the current treatment policies of the Department based on clinical need and with the established 30–30–20 performance goal of the Department for such a referral period.
(b)Standard for transportationThe Secretary shall take such steps as necessary to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is able to provide appropriate transportation services for qualified veterans within a reasonable time period of a scheduled appointment.
4.Contract care to be provided when Department of Veterans Affairs care not available in accordance with standards
(a)Contract careIn any case in which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is not able to provide hospital care or medical services in accordance with the standard prescribed under section 3(a) or to provide transportation services in accordance with section 3(b), the Secretary shall promptly provide for such care or transportation from a private source. Hospital care or medical services so provided shall be those for which the veteran is otherwise eligible within the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care system.
(b)Reimbursement rateWhenever care or services are provided under subsection (a), the Secretary shall reimburse the provider of such care or services for the reasonable value of such care or services, as determined by the Secretary. Such reimbursement shall be provided in the same manner as applies to reimbursement for emergency treatment under section 1725 of title 38, United States Code, subject to such of the terms and conditions otherwise applicable to such reimbursements under such section as the Secretary determines to be appropriate for purposes of this section.
(c)Expedited reimbursement proceduresThe Secretary shall take appropriate steps to expedite the reimbursement required by subsection (b). Such steps may include steps to take advantage of modern technology, including so-called smart card technology that would allow claims for such reimbursement to be processed electronically. The Secretary shall, to the extent possible, also apply such steps for expediting reimbursement to claims for emergency services provided to veterans for which the Secretary provides reimbursement under provisions of law in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act.
5.Termination of 24-MONTH rule for reimbursement for emergency servicesThe provisions of subparagraph (B) of section 1725(b)(2) of title 38, United States Code, shall not apply with respect to emergency treatment furnished on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
6.Medical administrator performance ratingsThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall include in the standards of performance used for measuring performance of administrators in the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care system a standard of assessing improvements in appointment waiting times.
7.ReportsThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report at the end of each fiscal-year quarter on the waiting times for appointments in the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care system. The report shall describe any reductions in such waiting times and any experience with appointment delays.


109 HR 1456 IH: Christopher Kangas Fallen Firefighter Apprentice Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-04-05
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1456
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 5, 2005
Mr. Weldon of Pennsylvania (for himself, Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Boehlert, Mr. Andrews, and Mr. Pascrell) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL
To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to expand the definition of firefighter to include apprentices and trainees, regardless of age or duty limitations.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Christopher Kangas Fallen Firefighter Apprentice Act.
2.Expansion of definition of firefighter to include apprentices and traineesSection 1204(4) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b(4)) is amended by inserting , regardless of age, status as an apprentice or trainee, or duty restrictions imposed because of age or status as an apprentice or trainee, after fire department.
3.Effective dateThe amendment made by this Act shall apply with respect to deaths and injuries which occur on or after May 4, 2002.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 2340
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 29, 2009
			Mr. Vitter introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To extend the temporary suspension of duty on
		  2-Acetylnicotinic acid.

		1.2-Acetylnicotinic
			 acid
			(a)In
			 generalHeading 9902.29.02 of
			 the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to
			 2-Acetylnicotinic acid) is amended by striking 12/31/2009 and
			 inserting 12/31/2011.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies with respect to
			 goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the
			 15th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		One Hundred Eleventh Congress of the United States of
		  America
		2d SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the fifth
		day of January, two thousand and ten
		S. 3998
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES
		AN ACT
		To extend the Child Safety Pilot Program.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Criminal History Background Checks
			 Pilot Extension Act of 2010.
		2.ExtensionSection 108(a)(3)(A) of the PROTECT Act (42
			 U.S.C. 5119a note) is amended by striking ‘‘92-month’’ and inserting
			 “104-month”.

			Speaker of the House of Representatives

			Vice President of the United States and President of the
			 Senate


110 HR 2637 : Child Labor Protection Act of

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-06-13
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IIB
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2637
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			June 13, 2007
			Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on
			 Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

		AN ACT
		To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act, with
		  respect to civil penalties for child labor violations.

		1.Short title
			(a)Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited
			 as the Child Labor Protection Act of
			 2007.
			(b)In
			 generalSection 16(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938
			 (29 U.S.C.
			 216(e)) is amended to read as follows:

					(e)(1)(A)Any person who violates
				the provisions of sections 12 or 13(c), relating to child labor, or any
				regulation issued pursuant to such sections, shall be subject to a civil
				penalty not to exceed—
								(i)$11,000 for each
				employee who was the subject of such a violation; or
								(ii)$50,000 with
				regard to each such violation that causes the death or serious injury of any
				employee under the age of 18 years, which penalty may be doubled where the
				violation is a repeated or willful violation.
								(B)For purposes of subparagraph (A), the
				term serious injury means—
								(i)permanent loss or substantial
				impairment of one of the senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell, tactile
				sensation);
								(ii)permanent loss or substantial
				impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or mental faculty,
				including the loss of all or part of an arm, leg, foot, hand or other body
				part; or
								(iii)permanent paralysis or substantial
				impairment that causes loss of movement or mobility of an arm, leg, foot, hand
				or other body part.
								(2)Any person who repeatedly or
				willfully violates section 6 or 7, relating to wages, shall be subject to a
				civil penalty not to exceed $1,100 for each such violation.
						(3)In determining the amount of any
				penalty under this subsection, the appropriateness of such penalty to the size
				of the business of the person charged and the gravity of the violation shall be
				considered. The amount of any penalty under this subsection, when finally
				determined, may be—
							(A)deducted from any sums owing by the
				United States to the person charged;
							(B)recovered in a civil action brought by
				the Secretary in any court of competent jurisdiction, in which litigation the
				Secretary shall be represented by the Solicitor of Labor; or
							(C)ordered by the court, in an action
				brought for a violation of section 15(a)(4) or a repeated or willful violation
				of section 15(a)(2), to be paid to the Secretary.
							(4)Any administrative determination by
				the Secretary of the amount of any penalty under this subsection shall be
				final, unless within 15 days after receipt of notice thereof by certified mail
				the person charged with the violation takes exception to the determination that
				the violations for which the penalty is imposed occurred, in which event final
				determination of the penalty shall be made in an administrative proceeding
				after opportunity for hearing in accordance with
				section
				554 of title 5, United States Code, and regulations to be
				promulgated by the Secretary.
						(5)Except for civil penalties collected for
				violations of sections 12 or 13(c), sums collected as penalties pursuant to
				this section shall be applied toward reimbursement of the costs of determining
				the violations and assessing and collecting such penalties, in accordance with
				the provision of section 2 of the Act entitled An Act to authorize the
				Department of Labor to make special statistical studies upon payment of the
				cost thereof and for other purposes (29 U.S.C. 9a). Civil penalties
				collected for violations of sections 12 or 13(c) shall be deposited in the
				general fund of the
				Treasury.
						.
			(c)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on the
			 date of the enactment of this Act.

			Passed the House of
			 Representatives June 12, 2007.
			Lorraine C. Miller,
			Clerk.


115 HR 849 : Protecting Seniors Access to Medicare Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-11-06
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.

		IIB
		115th CONGRESS1st Session
		H. R. 849
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
		November 6, 2017Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceAN ACT
		To repeal the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act providing for the
			 Independent Payment Advisory Board.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Protecting Seniors Access to Medicare Act. 2.Repeal of the independent payment advisory boardEffective as of the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111–148), sections 3403 and 10320 of such Act (including the amendments made by such sections) are repealed, and any provision of law amended by such sections is hereby restored as if such sections had not been enacted into law.

	Passed the House of Representatives November 2, 2017.Karen L. Haas,Clerk


117 HR 3700 IH: Clean Water for Rural America Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-06-04
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3700IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 4, 2021Mr. Delgado (for himself and Mr. Van Drew) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureA BILLTo amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize grants for technical assistance to rural, small, and tribal municipalities, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Clean Water for Rural America Act.2.Technical assistance to rural, small, and Tribal municipalities(a)ReauthorizationSection 104(u) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1254(u)) is amended—(1)by striking and (7) and inserting (7);(2)by striking 2023 and inserting 2021; and(3)by inserting ; and (8) not to exceed $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 for carrying out subsections (b)(3), (b)(8), and (g), except that not less than half of the amounts so appropriated to carry out such subsections in each such fiscal year shall be used for carrying out subsection (b)(8) before the period at the end.(b)CommunicationA nonprofit organization receiving a grant under section 104(b)(8) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1254(b)(8)) shall, prior to carrying out an activity using such grant funds, consult with the State in which such activity is to be carried out. (c)ReportNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall submit to Congress a report that describes the implementation of the grants made under subsections (b)(3), (b)(8), and (g) of section 104 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1254) during the 2 fiscal years preceding the date of the report, including a description of the recipients and amounts of such grants.