		II
		109th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3822
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			August 3, 2006
			Mr. Obama introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To improve access to and appropriate utilization of
		  valid, reliable and accurate molecular genetic tests by all populations thus
		  helping to secure the promise of personalized medicine for all
		  Americans.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act
			 of 2006.
		2.FindingsCongress makes the following
			 findings:
			(1)The completion of
			 the Human Genome Project in 2003 paved the way for a more sophisticated
			 understanding of disease causation, which has contributed to the advent of
			 personalized medicine.
			(2)Personalized
			 medicine is the application of genomic and molecular data to better target the
			 delivery of health care, facilitate the discovery and clinical testing of new
			 products, and help determine a patient’s predisposition to a particular disease
			 or condition.
			(3)Many
			 commonly-used drugs are typically effective in only 40 to 60 percent of the
			 patient population.
			(4)In the United
			 States, up to 15 percent of hospitalized patients experience a serious adverse
			 drug reaction, and more than 100,000 deaths are attributed annually to such
			 reactions.
			(5)Pharmacogenomics
			 has the potential to dramatically increase the efficacy and safety of drugs and
			 reduce healthcare costs, and is fundamental to the practice of genome-based
			 personalized medicine.
			(6)Pharmacogenomics
			 is the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. This relatively
			 new field combines pharmacology (the science of drugs) and genomics (the study
			 of genes and their functions) to develop effective, safe medications and dosing
			 regimens that will be tailored to an individual's genetic makeup.
			(7)The cancer drug
			 Gleevec was developed based on knowledge of the chromosomal translocation that
			 causes chronic myelogenous leukemia, which is characterized by an abnormal
			 growth in the number of white blood cells. The mean 5-year survival for
			 affected patients who are treated with Gleevec is 95 percent, which contrasts
			 to a 5-year survival of 50 percent for patients treated with older
			 therapies.
			(8)The ERBB2 gene
			 helps cells grow, divide and repair themselves. One in 4 breast cancers are
			 characterized by too many copies of this gene, which causes uncontrolled and
			 rapid tumor growth. Pharmacogenomics research led to both the development of
			 the test for this type of breast cancer as well as an effective biologic,
			 Herceptin.
			(9)Warfarin, a blood
			 thinner used to prevent the formation of life-threatening clots, significantly
			 elevates patient risk for bleeding in the head or gastrointestinal tract, both
			 of which are associated with increased rates of hospitalization, disability and
			 death. Pharmacogenomic researchers have identified and developed tests for
			 genetic variants in the cytochrome P450 metabolizing enzyme (CYP2C9) and
			 vitamin K epoxide reductase complex that increase risk for these adverse
			 events. By using a companion diagnostic test for these two genes, physicians
			 can modify the dosing regimen and decrease the likelihood of adverse
			 events.
			(10)Although the
			 cancer drug 6-mercaptopurine (6–MP) cures 85 percent of children with acute
			 lymphoblastic leukemia, historically, a significant number of patients would
			 die inexplicably from the drug. Researchers later discovered that 1 in 10
			 individuals has an under-active version of the metabolizing enzyme thiopurine
			 methyltransferase (TPMT) and should receive only a fraction of the standard
			 dose of purine drugs. Physicians now are able to screen for TPMT gene variants
			 before administering these drugs.
			(11)Research into
			 the genetics of breast cancer identified two pivotal genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2,
			 mutations in which correspond to a significantly increased lifetime risk of
			 developing breast and ovarian cancer. Individuals in affected families or with
			 specific risk factors may use genetic testing to identify whether they carry
			 mutations in these genes and to inform their decisions about treatment options,
			 including mastectomy and oophorectomy.
			(12)Realizing the
			 promise of personalized medicine will require continued Federal leadership and
			 agency collaboration, expansion and acceleration of genomics research, a
			 capable genomics workforce, incentives to encourage development and collection
			 of data on the analytic and clinical validity of genomic tests and therapies,
			 and improved regulation over the quality of genetic tests, direct-to-consumer
			 advertising and use of personal genomic information.
			3.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)BiomarkerThe
			 term biomarker means an analyte found in a patient specimen that
			 is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biologic
			 processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic
			 intervention.
			(2)Laboratory-developed
			 genetic testThe term laboratory-developed genetic
			 test means a molecular genetic test that is designed, validated,
			 conducted, and offered as a service by a clinical laboratory subject to the
			 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (referred to in this Act as
			 CLIA) using either commercially available analyte specific
			 reagents (FDA-regulated) or reagents prepared by the laboratory (not
			 FDA-regulated), or some combination thereof.
			(3)Molecular
			 genetic testThe term molecular genetic test means
			 an analysis of human DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins, or metabolites, that
			 detects genotypes, mutations, or chromosomal and biochemical changes.
			(4)Pharmacogenetic
			 testThe term pharmacogenetic test means a molecular
			 genetic test intended to identify individual variations in DNA sequence related
			 to drug absorption and disposition (pharmacokinetics) or drug action
			 (pharmacodynamics), including polymorphic variation in the genes that encode
			 the functions of transporters, receptors, metabolizing enzymes, and other
			 proteins.
			(5)Pharmacogenomic
			 test
				(A)In
			 generalThe term pharmacogenomic test means a
			 molecular genetic test intended to identify individual variations in
			 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, haplotype markers, or alterations in gene
			 expression or inactivation, that may be correlated with pharmacological
			 function and therapeutic response.
				(B)Variations and
			 alterationsFor purposes of this paragraph, the variations or
			 alterations referred to in subparagraph (A) may be a pattern or profile of
			 change, rather than a change in an individual marker.
				(6)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human
			 Services.
			4.Genomics and
			 Personalized Medicine Interagency Working Group
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall establish within the Department of
			 Health and Human Services the Genomics and Personalized Medicine Interagency
			 Working Group (referred to in this Act as the IWG).
			(b)PurposeIt
			 shall be the purpose of the IWG to expand and accelerate genetics and genomics
			 research, and the translation of findings from such research into clinical and
			 public health application, by—
				(1)(A)enhancing communication
			 about current and proposed activities and areas of focus by the Department of
			 Health and Human Services and other relevant Federal departments and agencies,
			 including communication focused on findings and recommendations from—
						(i)the advisory groups on genetics of
			 the Secretary, including the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetics,
			 Health, and Society, and the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders and
			 Genetic Diseases in Newborns and Children; and
						(ii)the National Academies of Science,
			 including the Institute of Medicine; and
						(B)identifying areas of need and
			 opportunity; and
					(2)facilitating
			 collaboration, coordination, and integration of activities, within the Federal
			 agencies, and among such agencies and their public and private partners to
			 leverage resources and avoid duplication of effort.
				(c)IWG
			 ChairpersonThe Secretary shall serve as chairperson of the IWG.
			 The Secretary may not designate another person to serve as a chairperson of the
			 IWG.
			(d)MembersIn
			 addition to the Secretary, the IWG shall include members from the—
				(1)National
			 Institutes of Health, including the National Human Genome Research Institute,
			 the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the Department of
			 Clinical Bioethics, and the National Center on Minority Health and Health
			 Disparities;
				(2)Centers for
			 Disease Control and Prevention, including the Office of Genomics and Disease
			 Prevention;
				(3)Food and Drug
			 Administration, including the Office of Clinical Pharmacology and
			 Biopharmaceutics Review and the Office of In Vitro Diagnostics;
				(4)Health Resources
			 and Services Administration, including the genetic services branch of the
			 Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the Bureau of Health Professions;
				(5)Office of
			 Minority Health;
				(6)Agency for
			 Healthcare Research and Quality;
				(7)Centers for
			 Medicare & Medicaid Services;
				(8)Veterans Health
			 Administration;
				(9)Office of the
			 National Coordinator for Health Information Technology;
				(10)Department of
			 Energy, including the Human Genome Program and Joint Genome Institute of the
			 Office of Science; and
				(11)other Federal
			 departments and agencies as determined appropriate by the Secretaries.
				(e)Duties of the
			 IWGIn fulfilling the purpose described in subsection (b),
			 members of the IWG shall—
				(1)meet not less
			 frequently than twice each year or at the call of the chairperson;
				(2)draft
			 recommendations for various heads of Federal departments and agencies;
			 and
				(3)provide
			 opportunities for public input and comment on the deliberations and activities
			 of the IWG, as appropriate.
				(f)ReportNot
			 later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and biennially
			 thereafter, the Secretary shall report to the appropriate committees of
			 Congress and to the public on IWG activities, with respect to meeting the
			 purpose described in subsection (b) and carrying out the duties described in
			 subsection (e).
			(g)Authorization
			 of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry
			 out this section, $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, and such sums as may be
			 necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
			5.Expansion and
			 acceleration of genetic and Genomics research
			(a)Genetics and
			 Genomics research
				(1)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall expand and accelerate research and
			 programs to collect genetic and genomic data that will advance the field of
			 genomics and personalized medicine, with prioritized focus on—
					(A)studies of
			 diseases and health conditions with substantial public health impact;
					(B)population-based
			 studies of genotype prevalence, gene-disease association, gene-drug response
			 association, and gene-environment interactions;
					(C)systematic review
			 and synthesis of the results of population-based studies using methods of human
			 genome epidemiology;
					(D)translation of
			 genomic information into molecular genetic screening tools, diagnostics, and
			 therapeutics, through well-conducted clinical trials and studies;
					(E)translation of
			 genomic information into tools for public health investigations and ongoing
			 biosurveillance and monitoring;
					(F)systematic review
			 of data on analytic validity and clinical validity of molecular genetic
			 tests;
					(G)comprehensive
			 studies of clinical utility, including cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit
			 analyses, of molecular genetic tests and therapeutics;
					(H)population based
			 studies to assess the awareness, knowledge, and use of genetic tests and their
			 impact on the population health and health disparities; and
					(I)methods to
			 enhance provider uptake or adoption of pharmacogenomic products into
			 practice.
					(2)Biobanking
					(A)National
			 biobanking research initiativeThe Secretary, in collaboration
			 with the IWG, shall develop a plan for a national biobanking research
			 initiative that—
						(i)addresses
			 priority areas of focus, as described in paragraph (1);
						(ii)builds upon
			 current genomic research initiatives (existing as of the date the plan is
			 issued) domestically and, as practicable, internationally;
						(iii)is prospective
			 and long-term in design;
						(iv)takes into
			 consideration public review and comment;
						(v)is
			 designed to support collection and synthesis of evidence for public health and
			 clinical applications;
						(vi)meets rigorous
			 standards and guidelines regarding ethics, legality, and social issues;
						(vii)ensures diverse
			 representation of individuals in the research or data collection that would
			 allow statistically significant analyses of population subgroups as
			 appropriate; and
						(viii)reflects
			 public-private partnership.
						(B)National
			 biobanking distributed database
						(i)In
			 generalThe Secretary, acting through the Director of the
			 National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health
			 and the Director of the Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention at the
			 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall establish a system for the
			 integration of data, including genomic data and associated environmental and
			 clinical health information, which shall facilitate the pooled analysis and
			 synthesis of such data.
						(ii)Distributed
			 databaseWith respect to such national biobanking database, the
			 Secretary shall—
							(I)establish a grant
			 program for local or regional biobanking initiatives, in accordance with
			 subparagraph (C), with priority given for local or regional biobanks
			 that—
								(aa)are
			 established or complement activities related to the implementation of the
			 national biobanking research initiative, pursuant to subparagraph (A);
								(bb)are
			 based on well-defined populations, such as cohorts of newborn infants screened
			 by State health departments for metabolic disorders, population-based
			 registries of cancer and other diseases, and family-based registries;
								(cc)collect data
			 from participants with diverse genetic profiles, environmental exposures, and
			 health conditions and diseases; and
								(dd)participate in
			 and contribute data to consortia established to develop and apply best
			 practices and standards in the research area of such consortium;
								(II)assist in the
			 development of uniform standards and guidelines for the collection, submission,
			 and storage of biobank data;
							(III)develop and
			 promulgate guidelines regarding procedures, protocols, and policies for access
			 of data by non-governmental entities and the safeguarding of the privacy of
			 biobank subjects, in accordance with the Office for Human Research Protection
			 and Clinical Research Policy Analysis and Coordination program at the National
			 Institutes of Health, and other guidelines as appropriate;
							(IV)review and make
			 recommendations to address ownership issues with respect to genomic samples and
			 analyses;
							(V)encourage
			 voluntary submission of biobanking data obtained or analyzed with private or
			 non-Federal funds;
							(VI)facilitate
			 submission of data, including secure and efficient electronic
			 submission;
							(VII)incorporate
			 data from Federal surveys, such as the National Health and Nutrition
			 Examination Survey;
							(VIII)develop and
			 disseminate standard consent forms, including those that allow multiple uses of
			 data for research purposes;
							(IX)conduct,
			 directly or by contract, analytical research, including clinical,
			 epidemiological, and social research, using biobank data;
							(X)allow public use
			 of data only—
								(aa)with
			 appropriate privacy safeguards in place; and
								(bb)for
			 health research purposes;
								(XI)determine
			 appropriate procedures for industry access to biobank data for research and
			 development of new or improved tests and treatments, and submission of data
			 generated from such samples to the Food and Drug Administration as part of the
			 approval process for drugs and devices; and
							(XII)make analytic
			 findings from biobanking initiatives supported by Federal funding publicly
			 available within an appropriate timeframe to be determined by the Secretary,
			 which findings shall not contain identifiable information of patients.
							(iii)National
			 resourcesThe IWG shall sponsor national efforts to bring
			 together the consortia described in clause (ii)(I)(dd) to build national data
			 resources.
						(C)Biobank
			 initiatives grants
						(i)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall establish a grant program for
			 eligible institutions to enable the institutions to develop or expand
			 biobanking initiatives to advance the application of genomics to the practice
			 of medicine and contribute to the understanding of the genetic causes of
			 disease.
						(ii)EligibilityAn
			 academic medical center or other institution shall be eligible for a grant
			 under this subparagraph if the center or institution has—
							(I)practical
			 experience and demonstrated expertise in genomics and its clinical and public
			 health applications;
							(II)an established
			 scientific advisory committee to—
								(aa)advise staff on
			 genomic issues, including related ethical, legal, and social issues;
								(bb)evaluate and
			 approve research studies utilizing the biobank data; and
								(cc)provide a forum
			 for evidence-based reviews and integration of research findings to determine if
			 and how such findings may be used in health care and disease prevention;
								(III)an established
			 community advisory committee comprised of community advocates, potential study
			 participants, and other stakeholders, to—
								(aa)provide a
			 non-scientific perspective on the biobanking initiative;
								(bb)guide the
			 development of patient-oriented materials;
								(cc)support outreach
			 to minority and other underserved communities; and
								(dd)provide a forum
			 for the discussion of ethical, social, and legal issues pertaining to the
			 biobanking initiative;
								(IV)mechanisms to
			 ensure patient privacy and protection of information from non-health
			 applications; and
							(V)a demonstrated
			 ability to recruit patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
							(iii)Use of
			 fundsAn eligible institution that receives a grant under this
			 subparagraph shall use the grant funds to develop or expand a biobanking
			 initiative, which may include the following activities:
							(I)Support for
			 advisory committees.
							(II)Recruitment and
			 education of patients.
							(III)Development of
			 consent protocols.
							(IV)Obtaining
			 genetic samples and clinical information.
							(V)Establishment and
			 maintenance of secure storage for genetic samples and clinical
			 information.
							(VI)Conduct of data
			 analyses and evidence-based systemic reviews that allow for the
			 following:
								(aa)Identification
			 of biomarkers and other surrogate markers to improve predictions of onset of
			 disease, response to therapy, and clinical outcomes.
								(bb)Increased
			 understanding of gene-environment interactions.
								(cc)Development of
			 molecular genetic screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions.
								(dd)Genotypic
			 characterization of tissue samples.
								(VII)Support for
			 participation in research consortia concerned with establishing and developing
			 best practices and standards in the relevant research areas.
							(VIII)Development
			 and implementation of protocols for external researchers to access
			 non-identifiable patient samples and associated health information for research
			 activities.
							(IX)Other
			 activities, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
							(b)Race, genomics,
			 and health
				(1)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall expand and intensify efforts to
			 increase knowledge about the—
					(A)interaction
			 between genetics and the environment, and the influence of such interaction on
			 the causality and treatment of diseases common in racial and ethnic minority
			 populations; and
					(B)ways in which
			 molecular genetic screening, diagnostics, and treatments may be used to improve
			 the health and health care of racial and ethnic minority populations.
					(2)Race and
			 genomicsNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
			 this Act, the Secretary, in collaboration with the IWG, shall prepare, with
			 public input, and publish trans-agency guidance regarding the following:
					(A)An appropriate
			 definition for race and ethnicity for use in genomic research and programs
			 operated or supported by the Federal Government.
					(B)Guiding ethics,
			 principles, and protocols for the inclusion and designation of racial and
			 ethnic populations in genomics research and programs operated or supported by
			 the Federal Government.
					(C)Ways to increase
			 access to effective pharmacogenomic and other clinical genetic services for
			 minority populations.
					(D)Research
			 opportunities and funding support in the area of race and genomics that may
			 improve the health and health care of minority populations.
					(E)Ways to enhance
			 integration of Federal Government-wide efforts and activities pertaining to
			 race, genomics, and health.
					(F)Any needs for
			 additional privacy protections in preventing stigmatization and inappropriate
			 use of genetic information.
					(c)Authorization
			 of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry
			 out this section, $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, and such sums as may be
			 necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
			6.Genomics
			 workforce and training
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the
			 Health Resources and Services Administration and the Director of the Centers
			 for Disease Control and Prevention, and in collaboration with the IWG, shall
			 expand and intensify efforts to—
				(1)support efforts
			 to recruit and retain health professionals from diverse backgrounds in the
			 genomics workforce;
				(2)in collaboration
			 with appropriate professional accreditation organizations, assess and make
			 recommendations to improve the quality of genomics training; and
				(3)develop a plan to
			 integrate genomics into all aspects of health professional training.
				(b)Eligible
			 entityFor purposes of this section, the term eligible
			 entity includes professional genetics and genomics societies and
			 academic institutions determined appropriate by the Secretary.
			(c)Recruitment and
			 retentionThe Secretary shall provide financial and technical
			 support to eligible entities to increase recruitment and retention of trainees
			 in genetics and genomics by—
				(1)providing
			 education and awareness opportunities, practical and research experiences, and
			 financial incentives such as scholarships or loan repayment;
				(2)considering
			 development of genomic subspecialty fellowships or concentrations within
			 genetics training programs;
				(3)considering
			 development of combined residency programs or joint subspecialty fellowships
			 with other specialties;
				(4)providing support
			 for laboratory-based genetics or genomics fellowships for medical and other
			 health professional students; and
				(5)carrying out
			 other activities determined appropriate by the Secretary.
				(d)Genetics and
			 genomics trainingThe Secretary, directly or through contracts or
			 grants to eligible entities, shall ensure the adequacy of genetics and genomics
			 training for diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of adults and children for
			 both rare and common disorders, through support of efforts to—
				(1)strengthen the
			 core training content of the various clinical disciplines to reflect new
			 knowledge and evolving practice of genetics and genomics;
				(2)develop and
			 disseminate model residency and other training program curricula and teaching
			 materials that integrate and broaden the base of medical genetics and genomics
			 training;
				(3)assist the review
			 of board and other certifying examinations by professional societies and
			 accreditation bodies to ensure adequate focus on the fundamental principles of
			 genomics; and
				(4)explore options
			 for distance or on-line learning for degree or continuing education
			 programs.
				(e)IntegrationThe
			 Secretary shall support initiatives to increase the integration of genetics and
			 genomics into all aspects of clinical and public health practice by—
				(1)generating
			 greater awareness of the relevance and application of genetics and genomics to
			 common disorders; and
				(2)promoting
			 genetics and genomics competency across all clinical, public health and
			 laboratory disciplines through the development and dissemination of health
			 professional guidelines which shall—
					(A)include focus on
			 appropriate administration and interpretation of genomic tests, and subsequent
			 clinical and public health decision-making; and
					(B)specifically
			 target health professionals without formal training or experience in the field
			 of genomics.
					(f)Authorization
			 of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to
			 carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2007 and such sums as may be
			 necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
			7.Realizing the
			 potential of personalized medicine
			(a)Incentives
				(1)Tax Credit for
			 research and development related to companion diagnostic tests
					(A)In
			 generalSubpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the
			 Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new
			 section:

							45N.Companion
				diagnostic test credit
								(a)Allowance of
				creditFor purposes of section 38, in the case of an eligible
				taxpayer, the companion diagnostic test credit for any taxable year is an
				amount equal to the qualified research expenses paid or incurred by the
				taxpayer during the taxable year in connection with the development of a
				qualified companion diagnostic test .
								(b)Eligible
				taxpayerFor purposes of this section, the term eligible
				taxpayer means a taxpayer who has been requested to develop a qualified
				companion diagnostic test by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in
				connection with a drug—
									(1)for which an
				application has been submitted under section 501(b)(1) of the Federal Food,
				Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or
									(2)for which an
				application has been approved under such section.
									(c)Qualified
				companion diagnostic testFor purposes of this section, the term
				qualified companion diagnostic test means a diagnostic test in
				connection with a drug which—
									(1)is designed to
				provide information which can be used to increase the safety or effectiveness
				of the drug, and
									(2)is approved by
				the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
									(d)Qualified
				research expensesFor purposes of this section, the term
				qualified research expenses has the meaning given to such term
				under section 41(b).
								(e)No double
				benefit
									(1)Coordination
				with other deductions and creditsExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the
				amount of any deduction or other credit allowable under this chapter for any
				expense taken into account in determining the amount of the credit under
				subsection (a) shall be reduced by the amount of such credit attributable to
				such expense.
									(2)Research and
				development costs
										(A)In
				generalExcept as provided in
				subparagraph (B), any amount which is taken into account in determining the
				amount of the credit under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not be
				taken into account for purposes of determining the credit under section 41 for
				such taxable year.
										(B)Costs taken
				into account in determining base period research expensesAny amount taken into account in
				determining the amount of the credit under subsection (a) for any taxable year
				shall be taken into account in determining base period research expenses for
				purposes of applying section 41 to subsequent taxable years.
										(f)RegulationsThe Secretary, in consultation with the
				Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall promulgate such regulations as
				are necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
								(g)TerminationThis section shall not apply to expenses
				paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after the date which is 5 years
				after the date of enactment of this
				section.
								.
					(B)Credit treated
			 as part of general business creditSection 38(b) of the Internal
			 Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking and at the end of
			 paragraph (29), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (30) and
			 inserting , plus, and by adding at the end the following new
			 paragraph:

							(31)the companion
				diagnostic test credit determined under section
				45N(a).
							.
					(C)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of sections for subpart D of subchapter A of
			 chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
			 the following new item:

								Sec. 45N. Companion diagnostic test
				credit.

							.
					(D)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this paragraph shall apply to
			 expenses paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after the date of
			 enactment of this Act.
					(2)National
			 Academy of Sciences studyNot later than 6 months after the date
			 of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into a contract with the
			 National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to study and
			 recommend appropriate incentives to encourage—
					(A)co-development of
			 companion diagnostic testing by a drug sponsor;
					(B)development of
			 companion diagnostic testing for already-approved drugs by the drug
			 sponsor;
					(C)companion
			 diagnostic test development by device companies that are not affiliated with
			 the drug sponsor; and
					(D)action on other
			 issues determined appropriate by the Secretary.
					(b)Genetic test
			 quality
				(1)In
			 generalThe Secretary shall improve the safety, efficacy, and
			 availability of information about genetic tests, including pharmacogenetic and
			 pharmacogenomic tests.
				(2)Institute of
			 Medicine studyNot later than 30 days after the date of enactment
			 of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into a contract with the Institute of
			 Medicine to conduct a study and a prepare a report that includes
			 recommendations to improve Federal oversight and regulation of genetic tests,
			 with specific recommendations on the development of the decision matrix under
			 paragraph (3). Such study shall be completed not later than 1 year after the
			 date on which such contract was entered into.
				(3)Decision
			 matrix
					(A)In
			 generalThe Secretary, taking into consideration the
			 recommendations of the Institute of Medicine report under paragraph (2), shall
			 develop a decision matrix (referred to in this section as the
			 matrix) to improve the oversight and regulation of genetic
			 tests, including pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetic tests by—
						(i)determining the
			 classification of genetic tests that have not yet been classified, or of which
			 the classification is unclear, questioned, or challenged;
						(ii)determining
			 which types of tests, including laboratory-developed tests, require review and
			 the level of review needed for such tests;
						(iii)determining
			 which agency shall have oversight over the review process of such tests that
			 are determined to require review; and
						(iv)determining, to
			 the extent practicable, which requirements the agency shall apply to the types
			 of tests identified in clause (ii).
						(B)Level of
			 reviewIn determining the level of review needed by a genetic
			 test, the Secretary shall take into consideration—
						(i)characteristics
			 of the test and its target disease or condition;
						(ii)intended use of
			 the test;
						(iii)potential for
			 improved medical conditions and patient harms; and
						(iv)social
			 consequences of the test.
						(C)Comparative
			 analysisTo inform development of the matrix, the Secretary shall
			 undertake a comparative analysis of laboratory review requirements under the
			 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act and those of the Food and Drug
			 Administration to assess and reduce differences in such requirements, and to
			 eliminate redundancies and decrease burden of review, as practicable.
					(D)RegulationsNot
			 later than 30 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
			 shall promulgate regulations to implement the matrix.
					(4)Adverse
			 eventsThe Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Food and
			 Drugs and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
			 Services, shall—
					(A)develop or expand
			 adverse event reporting systems to encompass reports of adverse events
			 resulting from genetic testing; and
					(B)respond
			 appropriately to any adverse events resulting from such testing.
					(5)Authorization
			 of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry
			 out this subsection, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, and such sums as may be
			 necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
				(c)Food and Drug
			 Administration
				(1)In
			 general
					(A)Summary
			 informationIf a genetic test that is determined to be within the
			 jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration but that does not require
			 review, as determined under the matrix, the sponsor of such test shall provide
			 the Secretary with summary information on how the test was validated and its
			 performance characteristics, which information shall be made easily accessible
			 for the public.
					(B)Source of
			 informationThe information described under subparagraph (A) may
			 be obtained from the labeling submitted for CLIA complexity
			 categorization.
					(2)Requirement for
			 companion diagnostic testingThe Secretary may require the
			 sponsor of a drug or biological product—
					(A)to codevelop a
			 companion diagnostic test, after filing an investigational new drug application
			 or a new drug application to address significant safety concerns of the drug or
			 biological product;
					(B)to develop a
			 companion diagnostic test if phase IV data demonstrate significant safety or
			 effectiveness concerns with use of the drug or biological product; and
					(C)to relabel the
			 drug or biological product to require validated companion diagnostic testing
			 when evidence of improved outcomes has been established in practice or if data
			 demonstrate significant safety concerns with use of such drug or biological
			 product.
					(3)Pharmacogenomic
			 data submissionThe Secretary shall encourage and facilitate
			 voluntary pharmacogenomic data submission from drug sponsors, which may
			 include—
					(A)the development
			 and dissemination of guidance on relevant policies, procedure and practice
			 regarding such submission;
					(B)the provision of
			 technical assistance;
					(C)the establishment
			 of a mechanism to store, maintain and analyze such data, in collaboration with
			 the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and
			 Prevention;
					(D)determining when
			 such data may be used to support an investigational new drug or a new drug
			 application;
					(E)the conduct of a
			 study of the use of genomic approaches to understand and reduce adverse drug
			 reactions; and
					(F)other activities
			 determined appropriate by the Commissioner.
					(4)Labeling for
			 certain groupsNot later than 6 months of enactment of this Act,
			 the Secretary shall prepare and publish guidance regarding the approval,
			 licensing, or clearance of any product under the Federal Food, Drug and
			 Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) or section 351 of the Public Health
			 Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262) with an indication, contraindication, warning, or
			 any other labeling information that is specific to a racial or ethnic
			 group.
				(5)Termination of
			 certain advertising campaignsThe Food and Drug Administration
			 shall collaborate with the Federal Trade Commission to identify and terminate,
			 pursuant to section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45),
			 advertising campaigns that make false, misleading, deceptive, or unfair claims
			 about molecular genetic tests.
				(d)Centers for
			 medicare & medicaid services
				(1)In
			 generalIf a genetic test that is determined to be within the
			 jurisdiction of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services does not
			 require review as determined under the matrix, the sponsor of such test shall
			 provide the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
			 with summary information on how the test was validated and its performance
			 characteristics, which information shall be made easily accessible for the
			 public.
				(2)Specialty
			 areaTo ensure the accuracy, validity, and reliability of
			 clinical genetic tests that do not require premarket approval by or
			 notification to the Food and Drug Administration, and to improve oversight of
			 genetic test laboratories, the Director of the Division of Laboratory Services
			 of the Survey and Certification Group of the Center for Medicaid and State
			 Operations of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in
			 collaboration with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee at
			 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall establish a specialty
			 area for molecular and biochemical genetic tests, in order to—
					(A)develop criteria
			 for establishing analytic and clinical validity for genetic tests that are
			 determined to require review under the matrix;
					(B)specify
			 requirements for proficiency testing for laboratories;
					(C)provide guidance
			 regarding the scope of duty for laboratory directors;
					(D)make information
			 easily accessible to the public about—
						(i)laboratory
			 certification; and
						(ii)analytic and
			 clinical validity for genetic tests that are determined to require high level
			 review under the matrix; and
						(E)conduct other
			 activities at the discretion of the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare
			 & Medicaid Services.
					(3)ReimbursementTo
			 foster adoption of molecular genetic screening tools, the Administrator of the
			 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shall—
					(A)assess and update
			 current procedure terminology codes as warranted; and
					(B)determine and
			 implement fair and reasonable coverage policies and reimbursement rates for
			 medically necessary genetic and genomic treatments and services, including
			 laboratory testing.
					(e)Centers for
			 Disease Control and Prevention
				(1)Direct-to-consumer
			 marketingNot later than 12 months after the date of enactment of
			 this Act, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with
			 respect to molecular genetic tests for which consumers have direct access,
			 shall—
					(A)conduct an
			 analysis of the public health impact of direct-to-consumer marketing to the
			 extent possible from available data sources;
					(B)analyze the
			 validity of claims made in direct-to-consumer marketing; and
					(C)make
			 recommendations to Congress regarding necessary interventions to protect the
			 public from potential harms of direct-to-consumer marketing and access to
			 molecular genetic tests.
					(2)Public
			 awarenessThe Director shall expand efforts to educate and
			 increase awareness of the general public about genomics and its applications to
			 improve health, prevent disease and eliminate health disparities. Such efforts
			 shall include the—
					(A)ongoing
			 collection of data on the awareness, knowledge and use of genetic tests through
			 public health surveillance systems, and analysis of the impact of such tests on
			 population health; and
					(B)integration of
			 the use of validated genetic and genomic tests in public health programs as
			 appropriate.
					(3)Authorization
			 of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry
			 out this subsection, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, and such sums as may be
			 necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
				(f)Agency for
			 Healthcare Research and QualityThe Director of the Agency for
			 Healthcare Research and Quality, after consultation with the IWG and other
			 public and private organizations, as appropriate, shall support the assessment
			 of the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of companion diagnostic tests
			 that guide prescribing decisions, through research that—
				(1)develops
			 standardized tools and methodologies to assess the cost-effectiveness of such
			 tests, as well as criteria for use;
				(2)establishes and
			 validates drug dosing algorithms for which such tests can improve outcomes,
			 taking into consideration—
					(A)a reduction in
			 toxicity, adverse events, and mortality;
					(B)improved clinical
			 outcomes and quality of life, including decreased requirements for monitoring
			 and laboratory testing; and
					(C)the impact on the
			 direct and indirect costs of health care, which may include costs due to length
			 of hospital stay, length of time to identify safe and effective dosing for
			 patients, toxicity and adverse events, and other measures of health care
			 utilization and outcomes;
					(3)accelerates
			 development and rapid adoption by providers and payers as appropriate, of
			 companion diagnostic testing that could significantly enhance the safety of a
			 medication by identifying patients at risk for toxic events from use of such
			 medication or by improving dosing regimens for such medication; and
				(4)prioritizes the
			 development of such tests for diseases and health conditions that have a
			 significant public health impact because of prevalence, risk of complications
			 from treatment, and other factors determined appropriate by the
			 Director.
				(g)Authorization
			 of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry
			 out this section, $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, and such sums as may be
			 necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
			8.Sense of the
			 Senate regarding genetic non-discrimination and privacyIt is the sense of the Senate that—
			(1)in order for
			 personalized medicine to advance and achieve success in both reducing the
			 burden of disease and reducing health care costs, strong privacy protections,
			 including protections against genetic discrimination, must be enacted and
			 implemented;
			(2)without a Federal
			 law banning genetic discrimination, people may fear losing their health
			 insurance and their employment, and subsequently—
				(A)avoid
			 participating in research that collects genetic information; and
				(B)even decline
			 clinical molecular testing that may provide lifesaving information;
				(3)fear of genetic
			 discrimination will slow the pace of discovery in research and hinder the
			 uptake of molecular testing in a clinical setting, both of which will undermine
			 efforts to translate and apply personalized medicine technology; and
			(4)adequate privacy
			 protections, including a Federal prohibition against genetic discrimination,
			 are necessary prerequisites to advancing personalized medicine.


113 SRES 94 ATS: Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the sinking of U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593).
U.S. Senate
2013-04-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		III
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 94
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			April 9, 2013
			Mrs. Shaheen (for
			 herself, Ms. Ayotte,
			 Ms. Collins, and
			 Mr. King) submitted the following
			 resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the
		  sinking of U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593).

		Whereas U.S.S. Thresher was first
			 launched at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on July 9, 1960;
		Whereas U.S.S. Thresher departed
			 Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for her final voyage on April 9, 1963, with a crew of
			 16 officers, 96 sailors, and 17 civilians;
		Whereas the mix of that crew reflects the unity of the
			 naval submarine service, military and civilian, in the protection of the United
			 States;
		Whereas at approximately 7:47 a.m. on April 10, 1963,
			 while in communication with the surface ship U.S.S. Skylark,
			 and approximately 220 miles off the coast of New England, U.S.S.
			 Thresher began her final descent;
		Whereas U.S.S. Thresher was declared lost
			 with all hands on April 10, 1963;
		Whereas in response to the loss of U.S.S.
			 Thresher, the United States Navy instituted new regulations to
			 ensure the health of the submariners and the safety of the submarines of the
			 United States;
		Whereas those regulations led to the establishment of the
			 Submarine Safety and Quality Assurance program (SUBSAFE), now 1 of the most
			 comprehensive military safety programs in the world;
		Whereas SUBSAFE has kept the submariners of the United
			 States safe at sea ever since as the strongest, safest submarine force in
			 history;
		Whereas, since the establishment of SUBSAFE, no
			 SUBSAFE-certified submarine has been lost at sea, which is a legacy owed to the
			 brave individuals who perished aboard U.S.S. Thresher;
		Whereas from the loss of U.S.S. Thresher,
			 there arose in the institutions of higher education in the United States the
			 ocean engineering curricula that enables the preeminence of the United States
			 in submarine warfare; and
		Whereas the crew of U.S.S. Thresher
			 demonstrated the last full measure of devotion in service to the
			 United States, and this devotion characterizes the sacrifices of all
			 submariners, past and present: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate—
			(1)recognizes the
			 50th anniversary of the sinking of U.S.S. Thresher;
			(2)remembers with
			 profound sorrow the loss of U.S.S. Thresher and her gallant
			 crew of sailors and civilians on April 10, 1963; and
			(3)expresses its
			 deepest gratitude to all submariners on eternal patrol, who are
			 forever bound together by dedicated and honorable service to the United States
			 of America.


116 HR 6131 IH: To direct the Architect of the Capitol to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-03-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6131IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 9, 2020Mr. Hoyer (for himself, Mr. Brown of Maryland, Mr. Trone, Mr. Raskin, Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Ruppersberger, Mr. McGovern, Ms. Bass, and Ms. Norton) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House AdministrationA BILLTo direct the Architect of the Capitol to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library, and for other purposes.1.FindingsCongress finds the following:(1)While sitting in the United States Capitol, the Supreme Court issued the infamous Dred Scott v. Sandford decision on March 6, 1857. Written by Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney, whose bust sits inside the entrance to the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the United States Capitol, this opinion declared that African Americans were not citizens of the United States and could not sue in Federal courts. This decision further declared that Congress did not have the authority to prohibit slavery in the territories.(2)Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney’s authorship of Dred Scott v. Sandford, the effects of which would only be overturned years later by the ratification of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, renders a bust of his likeness unsuitable for the honor of display to the many visitors to the United States Capitol.(3)As Frederick Douglass said of this decision in May 1857, This infamous decision of the Slaveholding wing of the Supreme Court maintains that slaves are within the contemplation of the Constitution of the United States, property; that slaves are property in the same sense that horses, sheep, and swine are property; that the old doctrine that slavery is a creature of local law is false; that the right of the slaveholder to his slave does not depend upon the local law, but is secured wherever the Constitution of the United States extends; that Congress has no right to prohibit slavery anywhere; that slavery may go in safety anywhere under the star-spangled banner; that colored persons of African descent have no rights that white men are bound to respect; that colored men of African descent are not and cannot be citizens of the United States..(4)While the removal of Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney’s bust from the United States Capitol does not relieve the Congress of the historical wrongs it committed to protect the institution of slavery, it expresses Congress’s recognition of one of the most notorious wrongs to have ever taken place in one of its rooms, that of Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney’s Dred Scott v. Sandford decision.2.Replacement of bust of Roger Brooke Taney with bust of Thurgood Marshall(a)Removal of bust of Roger Brooke TaneyNot later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Architect of the Capitol shall remove the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol.(b)Replacement with bust of Thurgood Marshall(1)Obtaining bustNot later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Joint Committee on the Library shall enter into an agreement to obtain a bust of Thurgood Marshall, under such terms and conditions as the Joint Committee considers appropriate consistent with applicable law.(2)PlacementThe Joint Committee on the Library shall place the bust obtained under paragraph (1) in the location in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol where the bust of Roger Brooke Taney was located prior to removal by the Architect of the Capitol under subsection (a).(c)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act, and any amounts so appropriated shall remain available until expended.


110 HCON 349 IH: Honoring past and current members of the

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-05-14
text/xml
EN
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		IV
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. CON. RES. 349
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 14, 2008
			Mr. Shadegg submitted
			 the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Armed
			 Services

		CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
		Honoring past and current members of the
		  Armed Forces of the United States and their families by encouraging every
		  American to wear a red poppy on Memorial Day as a sign of admiration and thanks
		  to those individuals who died to preserve freedom and democracy in the United
		  States.

		Whereas the red poppy was the first living plant that
			 sprouted in the battlefields devastated by fighting during World War I;
		Whereas red poppies grew abundantly in the trenches and
			 craters of the war-torn battlefields in Northern France and Belgium;
		Whereas during World War I, the bloom of red poppies each
			 year and the coming of the warm weather brought hope to those still fighting in
			 the trenches of France and Belgium;
		Whereas in 1915, the red poppy inspired Canadian Colonel
			 John McCrae to write the poem In Flanders Fields in remembrance
			 of the thousands of soldiers who perished during the three battles of Ypres in
			 Belgium;
		Whereas in 1918, John McCrae's poem inspired Moina Belle
			 Michael of Athens, Georgia, to write her own poem entitled We Shall Keep
			 the Faith, in which she promised to wear a red poppy to memorialize
			 American soldiers killed in World War I, and later to raise millions of dollars
			 to support and employ disabled American veterans of all wars;
		Whereas, on November 11, 1921, the first Poppy Day was
			 held in the United Kingdom and was a national success;
		Whereas the red poppy is a symbol of sacrifice throughout
			 the world;
		Whereas the red poppy has been worn in the United States
			 for more than 84 years as a way to remember those individuals who died fighting
			 for freedom and democracy around the world and to raise money to help disabled
			 veterans; and
		Whereas in 2008, wearing a red poppy on Memorial Day is
			 especially timely considering the sacrifices United States soldiers are making
			 in Iraq and Afghanistan for freedom, democracy, and security: Now, therefore,
			 be it

		1.Recognition of members of the
			 Armed Forces on Memorial DayCongress honors past and current members of
			 the Armed Forces of the United States and their families by encouraging every
			 American to wear a red poppy on Memorial Day as a sign of admiration and thanks
			 to those individuals who died to preserve freedom and democracy in the United
			 States.
		2.Constitutional
			 authorityThe authority on
			 which this resolution rests is the authority of Congress to make all laws which
			 shall be necessary and proper as provided in article I, section 8, of the
			 United States Constitution.


IV
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 822
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

October 13, 2009

RESOLUTION
 Expressing support for students to learn about Christopher Columbus.

Whereas Columbus Day is celebrated the second Monday in October every year to honor Christopher Columbus;
Whereas Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas on October 12, 1492, and is credited with initiating the European colonization of the Americas;
Whereas tributes and memorials to Christopher Columbus exist today in almost every State in the Nation;
Whereas the discovery and colonization of the Americas is an integral part of the history and heritage of the United States;
Whereas according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress in 2006, less than half of the country’s high school seniors had a basic knowledge of United States history;
Whereas 29 States require high school students to take a class in civics or government;
Whereas a proficient knowledge of the history and heritage of the United States is important to promoting additional civic involvement; and
Whereas educating today’s young people about the history and heritage of the United States is essential to creating an informed generation of citizens: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—
(1)supports the recognition of Christopher Columbus and his role in the discovery and history of the United States;
(2)recognizes that it is important for young people to learn about Christopher Columbus and the discovery, heritage, and history of the Nation; and
(3)encourages all people to take advantage of educational opportunities in high schools and institutions of higher education to learn about Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Americas and United States history.

Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.


114 HR 4251 IH: Guard and Reserve Equal Access to Health Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-12-15
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4251
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			December 15, 2015
			Mr. Coffman (for himself, Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Pocan, Mr. Pascrell, Mr. Latta, Mr. Honda, Ms. Esty, Mr. Nugent, Mr. Israel, Mr. Loebsack, Mr. Cole, Mr. Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, Ms. Brownley of California, Mr. Costa, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mrs. Love, Mr. Palazzo, Mr. Miller of Florida, Mr. Zinke, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr. Jones, Miss Rice of New York, Mr. Walker, Mr. Bost, Mr. King of Iowa, Mr. Zeldin, Mr. Costello of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Ruiz) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

		A BILL
		To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of Defense affords each member
			 of a reserve component of the Armed Forces with the opportunity for a
			 physical examination before the member separates from the Armed Forces.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Guard and Reserve Equal Access to Health Act. 2.Physical examinations for members of a reserve component who are separating from the Armed ForcesSection 1145 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

				(f)Physical examinations for members of a reserve component
 (1)The Secretary concerned shall provide a physical examination pursuant to subsection (a)(5) to each member of a reserve component who—
 (A)will not otherwise receive such an examination under such subsection; and (B)elects to receive such a physical examination.
 (2)The Secretary concerned shall— (A)provide the physical examination under paragraph (1) to a member during the 90-day period before the date on which the member is scheduled to be separated from the armed forces; and
 (B)issue orders to such a member to receive such physical examination. (3)A member may not be entitled to health care benefits pursuant to subsection (a), (b), or (c) solely by reason of being provided a physical examination under paragraph (1).
 (4)In providing to a member a physical examination under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall provide to the member a record of the physical examination..


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2535
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 14, 2011
			Ms. Jackson Lee of
			 Texas (for herself, Mr. Young of
			 Florida, Mr. Conyers,
			 Ms. Kaptur,
			 Mr. Andrews,
			 Mr. Hastings of Florida,
			 Ms. Hanabusa,
			 Mr. Michaud,
			 Mrs. Maloney,
			 Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas,
			 Mr. Quigley,
			 Mr. Higgins,
			 Mr. Cicilline,
			 Mr. Kildee,
			 Mr. Gutierrez,
			 Mr. Meeks,
			 Mr. Rangel,
			 Mr. Hinojosa,
			 Ms. Bass of California,
			 Mr. Sires, and
			 Mr. Tonko) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Education and the Workforce

		A BILL
		To require financial literacy and economic education
		  counseling for student borrowers, and for other purposes.

		1.Short TitleThis Act may be cited as the
			 College Literacy in Finance and
			 Economics Act of 2011 or the College
			 LIFE Act.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)Student borrowing
			 is widespread in higher education, and more than $100,000,000,000 in Federal
			 education loans are originated each year. In 2008, 62 percent of recipients of
			 a baccalaureate degree graduated with student debt.
			(2)Forty-eight
			 percent of students at 4-year public institutions of higher education borrow
			 money to pay for college, as do 57 percent of students at 4-year private
			 institutions of higher education, and 96 percent of students at for-profit
			 institutions of higher education.
			(3)In 2008, 92
			 percent of Black students, 85 percent of Hispanic students, 85 percent of
			 American Indian/Alaska Native students, 82 percent of multi-racial students, 80
			 percent of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander students, 77 percent of White
			 students, and 68 percent of Asian students received financial aid.
			(4)Students depart
			 from institutions of higher education with significant debt. In 2008, the
			 average student loan debt among graduates of institutions of higher education
			 was $23,186, and 1 in 10 recipients of a baccalaureate degree graduated with at
			 least $40,000 in debt. In 2008, 57 percent of recipients of a baccalaureate
			 degree from a for-profit institution of higher education owed more than
			 $30,000, and the median amount of debt was $32,700. Since 2003, the average
			 cumulative debt among students at institutions of higher education has
			 increased by 5.6 percent each year.
			(5)Students enrolled
			 in for-profit institutions of higher education account for 47 percent of all
			 student loan defaults, despite representing approximately 10 percent of all
			 students enrolled in institutions of higher education. Since 2003, the national
			 cohort default rate has increased from 4.5 percent to 7 percent.
			(6)Students rely on
			 access to credit. Fifty-six percent of dependent students at institutions of
			 higher education had a credit card in their own name in 2004. The average
			 credit card balance among such students who were carrying a balance on their
			 cards was $2,000.
			(7)According to the
			 National Foundation for Credit Counseling, the majority of adults (56 percent
			 of adults in the United States, or 127,000,000 people) do not have a budget or
			 keep close track of expenses or spending.
			(8)According to a
			 2009 National Bankruptcy Research Center study, consumers who received
			 financial education through pre-bankruptcy counseling had 27.5 percent fewer
			 delinquent accounts and remained current on their accounts for 29 percent
			 longer than consumers who did not receive such counseling.
			(9)According to the
			 Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Investor Education Foundation, less
			 than 1/3 of young adults (ages 18 to 29) set aside
			 emergency savings to weather unexpected financial challenges.
			(10)According to a
			 Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy survey, 62 percent of high
			 school students cannot pass a basic personal finance exam, and financial
			 literacy scores among future higher education students are low.
			(11)According to
			 research by the National Endowment for Financial Education and the University
			 of Arizona, schools are the institutions that students trust most to help
			 increase their knowledge of personal finance.
			3.Financial literacy
			 counselingSection 485 of the
			 Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1092) is amended by adding at the end
			 the following:

				(n)Financial
				literacy counseling
					(1)In
				generalEach eligible institution shall provide financial
				literacy counseling to borrowers in accordance with the requirements of this
				subsection, through—
						(A)financial aid
				offices;
						(B)an employee or
				group of employees designated under subsection (c); or
						(C)a contract or
				partnership with a nonprofit organization that has substantial experience
				developing or administering financial literacy and economic education
				curricula, which may include an organization that has received grant funding
				under the Excellence in Economic Education Act of 2001 (20 U.S.C. 7267 et
				seq.).
						(2)Entrance and
				exit counseling required
						(A)In
				generalFinancial literacy counseling, as required under this
				subsection, shall be provided to borrowers on the following 2 occasions:
							(i)Entrance
				CounselingSuch counseling shall be provided not later than 45
				days after the first disbursement of a borrower's first loan that is made,
				insured, or guaranteed under part B, made under part D, or made under part
				E.
							(ii)Exit
				CounselingSuch counseling shall be provided, in addition to the
				counseling provided under clause (i), prior to the completion of the course of
				study for which the borrower enrolled at the institution or at the time of
				departure from such institution, to each borrower of a loan that is made,
				insured, or guaranteed under part B, made under part D, or made under part
				E.
							(B)ExceptionsThe
				requirements of subparagraph (A) shall not apply to borrowers of—
							(i)a
				loan made, insured, or guaranteed pursuant to section 428C;
							(ii)a
				loan made, insured, or guaranteed on behalf of a student pursuant to section
				428B; or
							(iii)a loan made
				under part D that is a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan or a Federal Direct
				PLUS loan made on behalf of a student.
							(C)Minimum
				Counseling RequirementsSuch financial literacy counseling shall
				include a total of not less than 4 hours of counseling on the occasion
				described in subparagraph (A)(i), and an additional period of not less than 4
				hours of counseling on the occasion described in subparagraph (A)(ii). A total
				of not more than 2 hours of counseling for each of the occasions described in
				subparagraph (A) shall be provided electronically.
						(D)Early
				departureNotwithstanding
				subparagraph (C), if a borrower leaves an eligible institution without the
				prior knowledge of such institution, the institution shall attempt to provide
				the information required under this subsection to the student in
				writing.
						(3)Information to
				be providedFinancial
				literacy counseling, as required under this subsection, shall include
				information on the following:
						(A)Student financial
				aid, including—
							(i)general
				information about educational loans, grants, tax credits, and
				scholarships;
							(ii)the difference
				between grants, scholarships, and loans, the difference between Federal loans
				under this title and private educational loans, and the difference between
				loans under this title and other loan products; and
							(iii)information
				about educational loan management, including repayment, deferment,
				consolidation, cancellation, discharge, and defaults.
							(B)Banking basics,
				including—
							(i)the types of
				financial institutions;
							(ii)the roles,
				purposes, and uses of mainstream financial institutions; and
							(iii)the fundamentals
				of opening, using, and managing basic savings and checking accounts, including
				common rates, fees, and borrower pitfalls.
							(C)Budgeting and
				saving, including—
							(i)the main
				components of a budget;
							(ii)designating and
				prioritizing income, expenses, and personal expenditures; and
							(iii)developing and
				maintaining matching goals and savings plans.
							(D)Credit and debt
				management, including responsible use of credit and the pitfalls of credit card
				debt.
						(E)Credit cards and
				other common credit products (such as debit cards, student loan debit and
				refund cards, charge cards, pre-paid cards, and secured cards linked to
				checking accounts), including—
							(i)features, terms,
				and conditions of credit agreements;
							(ii)responsible use
				of such cards and products;
							(iii)repayment;
				and
							(iv)the consequences
				of making only required minimum payments.
							(F)Investing,
				including—
							(i)common investment
				products;
							(ii)establishing
				investment goals (such as education, homeownership, wealth building, and
				retirement);
							(iii)risks and
				benefits of investing; and
							(iv)assessing and
				establishing risk tolerance.
							(G)Credit scores,
				including—
							(i)functions and uses
				of credit scores;
							(ii)calculation of
				credit scores;
							(iii)factors that may
				improve or worsen credit scores; and
							(iv)how to build a
				strong credit history.
							(H)Housing, including
				information on—
							(i)renting;
							(ii)pre-homeownership
				education (such as assessing homeownership readiness and capability);
				and
							(iii)the basics of
				mortgage borrowing (such as common mortgage products and qualifying for and
				obtaining a mortgage).
							(I)Taxes,
				including—
							(i)tax filing and
				planning; and
							(ii)the tax
				consequences of financial decisions (such as placing an investment or
				purchasing a home).
							(J)Responsible
				financial decision making, including identifying and analyzing costs, benefits,
				economic incentives, and alternatives.
						(4)Use of
				interactive programsThe
				Secretary may encourage institutions to carry out the requirements of this
				subsection through the use of interactive programs that test the borrower’s
				understanding of the financial literacy information provided through counseling
				under this subsection, using simple and understandable language and clear
				formatting.
					(5)Model financial
				literacy counseling curriculumNot later than 1 year after the date of
				enactment of the College Literacy in Finance and Economics Act of 2011, the
				Secretary shall develop a curriculum in accordance with the requirements of
				paragraph (3), which eligible institutions may use to fulfill the requirements
				of this subsection. In developing such curriculum, the Secretary may consult
				with members of the Financial Literacy and Education
				Commission.
					.


114 HR 5057 IH: Safe Prescribing for Veterans Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-04-26
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5057
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 26, 2016
			Mr. Keating (for himself and Mr. Rothfus) 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 continuing education requirement for
			 employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs authorized to prescribe
			 medication.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Safe Prescribing for Veterans Act. 2.Continuing education requirement for employees of Department of Veterans Affairs authorized to prescribe medication (a)In generalSubchapter I of chapter 74 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

					7413.Continuing education requirement for employees authorized to prescribe medication
						(a)Requirement
 (1)Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall require each covered employee of the Department to complete not less than one accredited course of continuing education on pain management once every two years. Such course shall include information on safe prescribing practices and disposal of controlled substances, principles of pain management, identification of potential substance use disorders and addiction treatment.
 (2)Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a covered employee if the covered employee is licensed or certified by a State licensure or specialty board that requires the completion of continuing education relative to pain management or substance use disorder management.
 (b)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)The term covered employee means any employee of the Department authorized to prescribe any controlled substance, including an employee hired under section 7405 of this title.
 (2)The term controlled substance has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802). (c)ApplicabilityThe requirement under subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a covered employee for any 24-month period during which the covered employee is employed by the Department for at least 180 days..
 (b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to subchapter I of such chapter the following new item:

						7413. Continuing education requirement for employees authorized to prescribe medication..
 (c)ApplicabilitySection 7413 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a 12-month period that begins on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.


115 HR 5095 IH: Veterans Cancer Treatment Flexibility Act of 2018
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-02-26
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 5095IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 26, 2018Mr. Latta introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to improve access of veterans to cancer treatment at non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, and for other purposes.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Veterans Cancer Treatment Flexibility Act of 2018. 2.Improvement of access of veterans to cancer treatment at non-Department of Veterans Affairs facilitiesSubsection (b)(2) of section 101 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–146; 38 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended—
(1)in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking or; (2)in subparagraph (D)(ii)(II)(dd), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or; and
(3)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:  (E) (i)has been diagnosed with cancer; and
(ii)resides more than 40 miles from any medical facility of the Department, including any community-based outpatient clinic, at which the veteran may receive cancer treatment (including chemotherapy)..


114 S2189 IS: Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Reauthorization of 2015
U.S. Senate
2015-10-21
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2189IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESOctober 21, 2015Mr. Heinrich (for himself, Mr. Heller, Mr. Udall, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Gardner, Mr. Tester, Mr. Daines, Mr. Wyden, and Mr. Risch) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesA BILLTo reauthorize the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act, and for other purposes.

		1.Short
 titleThis Act may be cited as the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act Reauthorization of 2015.
		2.Federal Land
 Transaction Facilitation ActThe Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act is amended—
 (1)in section 203(2) (43 U.S.C. 2302(2)), by striking on the date of enactment of this Act was and inserting is;
 (2)in section 205 (43 U.S.C. 2304)—
 (A)in subsection (a), by striking (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act); and
 (B)by striking subsection (d);
 (3)in section 206 (43 U.S.C. 2305), by striking subsection (f); and
 (4)in section 207(b) (43 U.S.C. 2306(b))—
 (A)in paragraph (1)—
 (i)by striking 96–568 and inserting 96–586; and
 (ii)by striking ; or and inserting a semicolon;
 (B)in paragraph (2)—
 (i)by inserting Public Law 105–263; before 112 Stat.; and
 (ii)by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
 (C)by adding at the end the following:

 (3)the White Pine County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–432; 120 Stat. 3028);
 (4)the Lincoln County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–424; 118 Stat. 2403);
 (5)subtitle F of title I of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 1132 note; Public Law 111–11);
 (6)subtitle O of title I of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 460www note, 1132 note; Public Law 111–11);
 (7)section 2601 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (Public Law 111–11; 123 Stat. 1108); or
 (8)section 2606 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (Public Law 111–11; 123 Stat. 1121)..


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1175
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 3, 2009
			Ms. Cantwell introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of
		  1978 to authorize the Secretary of Energy to make loans to electric utilities
		  to carry out projects to comply with any Federal renewable electricity
		  standard, and for other purposes.

		1.Loans
			 for projects to comply with Federal renewable electricity
			 standardSection 610 of the
			 Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (as added by section 2(a) of the
			 American Renewable Electricity Production Act of 2009) is amended—
			(1)by redesignating
			 subsections (k) and (l) as subsections (l) and (m), respectively; and
			(2)by inserting
			 after subsection (j) the following:

					(k)Loans for projects To comply with Federal
				renewable electricity standard
						(1)PurposesThe purposes of this
				subsection are—
							(A)to reduce the
				cost incurred by electric utilities in complying with the requirements of this
				section; and
							(B)to minimize the
				impact of the requirements on electricity rates for consumers.
							(2)LoansThe
				Secretary shall make loans available to electric utilities to carry out
				qualified projects approved by the Secretary to comply with the requirements of
				this section.
						(3)Qualified
				projects
							(A)In
				generalA loan may be made under this subsection for a
				project—
								(i)to construct a
				renewable energy generation facility;
								(ii)to install an
				energy efficiency or electricity demand reduction technology; or
								(iii)to carry out
				any other project approved by the Secretary that the Secretary determines is
				consistent with the purposes of this subsection.
								(B)DisapprovalThe
				Secretary may disapprove an application for a loan for a project under this
				subsection if the Secretary determines that—
								(i)the revenues
				generated under the project are unlikely to be sufficient to cover the
				repayment obligations of the proposed loan; or
								(ii)the project is
				not otherwise consistent with the purposes of this subsection.
								(4)TermsA
				loan made by the Secretary to an electric utility under this subsection
				shall—
							(A)be for a term of
				not to exceed 30 years; and
							(B)bear an annual
				interest rate that is 50 basis points more than the Federal funds rate
				established by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
							(5)PriorityNotwithstanding
				any other provision of law, the debt to the Federal Government under a loan
				made to an electric utility under this subsection shall have priority in any
				case in which the electric utility files for bankruptcy protection under title
				11, United States Code.
						(6)Authorization
				of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such
				sums as are necessary to carry out this
				subsection.
						.


		IV
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 452
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			November 1, 2011
			Mr. Payne (for
			 himself, Mr. George Miller of
			 California, Mr. Bishop of New
			 York, Mr. Kucinich,
			 Mr. Hinojosa,
			 Mrs. Davis of California,
			 Mr. Holt, Ms. Bass of California,
			 Mr. Farr, Mr. Frank of Massachusetts,
			 Mr. Jackson of Illinois,
			 Mrs. Maloney,
			 Mr. Lewis of Georgia,
			 Mr. Nadler,
			 Mr. Thompson of Mississippi,
			 Mr. Rush, Mr. McDermott, Ms.
			 Richardson, Ms. Fudge,
			 Mr. Moran,
			 Mr. Rangel,
			 Ms. Moore,
			 Mr. Levin,
			 Mr. Honda,
			 Ms. Clarke of New York,
			 Mr. Rothman of New Jersey,
			 Mr. Andrews,
			 Mr. McGovern,
			 Mr. Brady of Pennsylvania,
			 Ms. McCollum,
			 Mr. Baca, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr.
			 Dingell, Mr. Doyle,
			 Mr. Filner,
			 Mr. Deutch,
			 Mr. Gutierrez,
			 Mr. Visclosky,
			 Mr. Loebsack,
			 Mr. Price of North Carolina,
			 Mrs. McCarthy of New York,
			 Mr. Sherman,
			 Ms. Kaptur,
			 Mr. Sires,
			 Ms. Slaughter,
			 Mr. Miller of North Carolina,
			 Ms. Jackson Lee of Texas,
			 Mr. Capuano,
			 Mr. Carson of Indiana,
			 Ms. Brown of Florida,
			 Mr. Fattah,
			 Mr. Johnson of Georgia,
			 Mr. Boswell,
			 Mr. Berman,
			 Mr. Towns,
			 Mr. Becerra,
			 Mr. Carney,
			 Mr. Higgins,
			 Ms. Speier,
			 Mr. Grijalva,
			 Mr. Murphy of Connecticut,
			 Mr. Ellison,
			 Ms. Wilson of Florida,
			 Ms. Lee of California,
			 Mr. Davis of Illinois,
			 Ms. Norton,
			 Mr. Conyers,
			 Ms. Matsui,
			 Mr. Cleaver,
			 Mr. Cohen,
			 Mr. Lynch,
			 Ms. Woolsey,
			 Mrs. Napolitano,
			 Mr. Kind, Mr. Meeks, Mr.
			 Critz, Ms. Linda T. Sánchez of
			 California, Mr. Al Green of
			 Texas, Mr. Hastings of
			 Florida, Mrs. Christensen,
			 Mr. Clarke of Michigan,
			 Mr. Pascrell,
			 Mr. Kildee,
			 Ms. Roybal-Allard,
			 Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas,
			 Mr. Stark,
			 Mr. Garamendi,
			 Mr. Michaud,
			 Mr. Markey,
			 Mr. Pallone,
			 Mr. Richmond,
			 Mr. Cummings,
			 Ms. Edwards,
			 Mr. Israel,
			 Ms. DeLauro,
			 Mr. Ryan of Ohio,
			 Ms. Sutton,
			 Ms. Berkley,
			 Mr. Van Hollen, and
			 Mr. Peters) submitted the following
			 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the
			 Workforce

		RESOLUTION
		Recognizing the importance labor unions
		  play in ensuring a strong middle class by advocating for more equitable wages,
		  humane work conditions, improved benefits, and increased civic engagement by
		  everyday workers.

		Whereas labor unions make the middle class strong by
			 ensuring workers have a voice in both the market and in the Nation’s
			 democracy;
		Whereas, if unionization rates increased by 10 percentage
			 points, the typical middle class household would earn $1,479 more this year,
			 according to a study by the Center for American Progress;
		Whereas studies have found in areas with higher
			 unionization rates there also is greater civic engagement;
		Whereas unions raise the hourly wages of union workers by
			 an average of 15 percent, according to a study by the Center for Economic and
			 Policy Research, and members are much more likely to receive benefits;
		Whereas unions benefit even non-union workers—particularly
			 in highly unionized industries—by setting a high-standard for benefits and
			 wages that other employers must meet;
		Whereas unions build career ladders to the middle class by
			 increasing workers' access to career advancement through training;
		Whereas unions and their benefits are an especially
			 critical component in the economic mobility of women and communities of
			 color;
		Whereas unions advance government policies that support
			 the middle class, including the creation of the social safety net with programs
			 such as Social Security and Medicare;
		Whereas, throughout the middle part of the 20th century,
			 when unions were stronger, unions helped build the middle class by ensuring
			 that American workers were rewarded for their increased productivity with
			 higher wages;
		Whereas today unions continue to fight for laws that
			 support the middle class such as minimum wage laws and the Patient Protection
			 and Affordable Care Act of 2010, which ensures that all Americans will have
			 access to health insurance; and
		Whereas the countries with the strongest middle class all
			 have strong union movements: Now, therefore, be it

		That the House of Representatives
			 recognizes the importance labor unions play in ensuring a strong middle class
			 by advocating for more equitable wages, humane work conditions, improved
			 benefits, and increased civic engagement by everyday workers.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4679
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

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

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on mixtures containing
		  Fluopyram and Prothioconazole.

		1.Mixtures containing Fluopyram
			 and Prothioconazole
			(a)In
			 generalSubchapter II of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff
			 Schedule of the United States is amended by inserting in numerical sequence the
			 following new heading:

								9902.01.00Mixtures containing
						N-{2-[3-Chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoro-o-toluamide
						(Fluopyram) (CAS No. 658066–35–4) and
						2-[2-(1-chlorocyclopropyl)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxypropyl]-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione
						(Prothioconazole) (CAS No. 178928–70–6), including application adjuvants
						(provided for in subheading 3808.91.50)FreeNo
						changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2015

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


117 HRES 113 IH: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should formally withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-02-11
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 113IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 11, 2021Mr. Arrington (for himself, Mr. Newhouse, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Estes, Mr. Babin, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Stauber, and Mr. Mann) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign AffairsRESOLUTIONExpressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should formally withdraw from the Paris Agreement.Whereas President Obama unilaterally accepted the Paris Agreement in August 2016 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, rather than ratifying it as a treaty with the advice and consent of the Senate, a requirement stated in article II, section 2 of the Constitution;Whereas the agreement entered into force on November 4, 2016;Whereas, on June 1, 2017, President Trump announced that the United States would cease all implementation of the Paris Agreement;Whereas, on January 20, 2021, President Biden followed President Obama’s precedent by unilaterally rejoining the Paris Agreement without congressional consent;Whereas in addition to the United States having entered into the agreement without congressional approval, burdensome regulatory measures will put the United States at a competitive disadvantage, costing American jobs and increasing energy costs for consumers and taxpayers;Whereas according to one report, implementing policies to comply with the Paris Agreement will increase electricity costs for a family of 4 between 13 and 20 percent annually;Whereas a cost-benefit analysis was not conducted at the time of commitments, and subsequent reports have found that meeting the commitments agreed to could cost the United States GDP $250,000,000,000 and 2,700,000 jobs by 2025;Whereas all 28 European Union countries are falling short of their commitments under the Paris Agreement, and meanwhile, the world’s worst emitters, China, Russia, and India, are exempted from its requirements;Whereas according to the International Energy Agency, the United States has seen the largest absolute decline in emissions among all countries since 2000;Whereas a recent study showed that the Paris Agreement will not have any meaningful impact on climate change, reducing global average temperatures by just 0.086°F in 2100;Whereas the United States is pioneering environmental protection without international interference, is a world leader at reducing pollutants known to cause immediate harm to humans, and is ranked number one in the world for clean water, according to the World Health Organization’s airborne particulate matter standards and the Environmental Protection Agency; andWhereas instead of binding the United States to international agreements that put Americans at a national security and economic disadvantage to its competitors abroad, the United States should be focused on continuing to reduce emissions, developing and exporting clean energy technologies, and making its communities more resilient, all while ensuring affordable, reliable energy prices and prioritizing the consumer, American security, and prosperity: Now, therefore, be itThat the United States should formally resubmit its notification to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.


 HR 5785 ENR: To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for an annuity supplement for certain air traffic controllers.
U.S. House of Representatives

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

I
One Hundred Fourteenth Congress of the United States of AmericaAt the Second SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the fourth day of January, two thousand and sixteen
H. R. 5785

AN ACT
To amend title 5, United States Code, to provide for an annuity supplement for certain air traffic controllers.

1.Full annuity supplement for certain air traffic controllersSection 8421a of title 5, United States Code, is amended— (1)in subsection (a) by striking The amount and inserting Except as provided in subsection (c), the amount;
(2)by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and  (3)by inserting after subsection (b) the following:

(c)This section shall not apply to an individual described in section 8412(e) during any period in which the individual, after separating from the service as described in that section, is employed full-time as an air traffic control instructor under contract with the Federal Aviation Administration, including an instructor working at an on-site facility (such as an airport)..   Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2235
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 16, 2011
			Ms. Roybal-Allard
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Homeland Security, for a
			 period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
			 consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
			 committee concerned

		A BILL
		To provide for enhanced protections for vulnerable
		  unaccompanied alien children and female detainees.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Child Trafficking Victims Protection
			 Act.
		2.Enhanced protections
			 for vulnerable unaccompanied alien children and female detainees
			(a)Mandatory
			 trainingThe Secretary of
			 Homeland Security, in consultation with the Office of Refugee Resettlement of
			 the Department of Health and Human Services and independent child welfare
			 experts, shall mandate live training of all personnel who come into contact
			 with unaccompanied alien children (as defined in section 462 of the Homeland
			 Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279)) in all relevant legal
			 authorities, policies, and procedures pertaining to this vulnerable
			 population.
			(b)Care and
			 transportationNotwithstanding any other provision of law,
			 the Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that all unaccompanied children
			 who will undergo any immigration proceedings before the Department of Homeland
			 Security and the Executive Office for Immigration Review are duly transported
			 and placed in the care and legal and physical custody of the Office of Refugee
			 Resettlement within a maximum of 72 hours of their apprehension absent narrowly
			 defined exceptional circumstances, including a natural disaster or comparable
			 emergency beyond the control of the Secretary of Homeland Security or the
			 Office of Refugee Resettlement. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure
			 that female officers are responsible and at all times present during the
			 transfer and transport of female detainees who are in the custody of the
			 Secretary of Homeland Security.
			(c)Qualified
			 resourcesFor purposes of
			 this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide adequately
			 trained and qualified staff resources at each major port of entry (as defined
			 by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection station assigned to that port having
			 in its custody over the past two fiscal years an average per year of 50 or more
			 unaccompanied alien children (as defined in section 462 of the Homeland
			 Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279))), including U.S.
			 Customs and Border Protection agents charged primarily with the safe, swift,
			 and humane transportation of unaccompanied alien children to Office of Refugee
			 Resettlement custody and independent licensed social workers dedicated to
			 ensuring the proper temporary care for the children while in Department of
			 Homeland Security custody prior to their transfer to the Office of Refugee
			 Resettlement, who will ensure that each child—
				(1)receives emergency
			 medical care;
				(2)receives mental
			 health care in case of trauma and has access to psychosocial health
			 services;
				(3)is provided with a
			 pillow, linens, and sufficient blankets to rest at a comfortable temperature, a
			 bed, and a mattress placed in an area specifically designated for residential
			 use;
				(4)receives adequate
			 nutrition;
				(5)enjoys a safe and
			 sanitary living environment;
				(6)receives
			 educational materials; and
				(7)has access to at
			 least three hours per day of indoor and outdoor recreational programs and
			 activities.
				(d)NotificationThe
			 Secretary of Homeland Security shall immediately notify the Office of Refugee
			 Resettlement of an unaccompanied alien child in the custody of the Department
			 of Homeland Security to effectively and efficiently coordinate the child’s
			 transfer to and placement with the Office of Refugee Resettlement.
			(e)Notice of rights
			 and access to counselThe
			 Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that an independent licensed social
			 worker, as described in subsection (c), provides all unaccompanied alien
			 children upon apprehension with both a video orientation and oral and written
			 notice of their rights under the Immigration and Nationality Act including
			 their rights to relief from removal and their rights to confer with counsel (as
			 guaranteed under section 292 of such Act), family, or friends while in the
			 Department of Homeland Security’s temporary custody and relevant complaint
			 mechanisms to report any abuse or misconduct they may have experienced. The
			 Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that the video orientation and
			 written notice of rights is available in English and in the five most common
			 native languages spoken by the unaccompanied children held in custody at that
			 location during the preceding fiscal year, and that the oral notice of rights
			 is available in English and in the most common native language spoken by the
			 unaccompanied children held in custody at that location during the preceding
			 fiscal year.
			(f)ConfidentialityThe Secretary of Health and Human Services
			 shall maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all information gathered in
			 the course of providing care, custody, placement and follow-up services to
			 unaccompanied alien children, consistent with the best interest of the
			 unaccompanied alien child, by not disclosing such information to other
			 government agencies or nonparental third parties. The Secretary may share
			 information when authorized to do so by the child and when consistent with the
			 child’s best interest. The Secretary may provide information to a duly
			 recognized law enforcement entity, if such disclosure would prevent imminent
			 and serious harm to another individual. All disclosures shall be duly recorded
			 in writing and placed in the child’s files.
			(g)Other policies
			 and proceduresThe Secretary shall further adopt fundamental
			 child protection policies and procedures—
				(1)for reliable age
			 determinations of children which exclude the use of fallible forensic testing
			 of children’s bone and teeth developed in consultation with medical and child
			 welfare experts;
				(2)to ensure the safe
			 and secure repatriation and reintegration of unaccompanied alien children to
			 their home countries through specialized programs developed in close
			 consultation with the Secretary of State, the Office of the Refugee
			 Resettlement and reputable independent child welfare experts including
			 placement of children with their families or nongovernmental agencies to
			 provide food, shelter and vocational training and microfinance
			 opportunities;
				(3)to utilize all
			 legal authorities to defer the child’s removal if the child faces a risk of
			 life-threatening harm upon return including due to the child’s mental health or
			 medical condition; and
				(4)to ensure that unaccompanied alien children
			 (as defined in section 462 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279)) are
			 physically separated from any adult who is not an immediate family member and
			 are separated by sight and sound from immigration detainees and inmates with
			 criminal convictions, pretrial inmates facing criminal prosecution, children
			 who have been adjudicated delinquents or convicted of adult offenses or are
			 pending delinquency or criminal proceedings, and those inmates exhibiting
			 violent behavior while in detention as is consistent with the Juvenile Justice
			 and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5601 et seq.).