116 S4512 IS: Equal Access to Information Act of 2020
U.S. Senate
2020-08-06
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 4512IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESAugust 6, 2020Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Casey, Mr. Brown, Ms. Hirono, Ms. Warren, and Mr. Booker) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental AffairsA BILLTo establish requirements for Federal agencies to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency and people with disabilities can access the services, activities, programs, and benefits of those agencies. 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Equal Access to Information Act of 2020.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)AgencyThe term agency means an Executive agency, as defined under section 105 of title 5, United States Code. (2)EmergencyThe term emergency means—(A)an emergency or major disaster declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);(B)a national emergency declared by the President under the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.); (C)a public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d);(D)a fishery disaster declared by the Secretary of Commerce;(E)a disaster declared by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration;(F)a disaster declared by the Secretary of Agriculture; and(G)the provision of fire management assistance grants under section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187).(3)DisabilityThe term disability has the meaning given that term in section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102).(4)Individual with limited English proficiencyThe term individual with limited English proficiency means an individual whose primary language for communication is not English and who has a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English.(5)Language accessThe term language access means the provision of culturally competent and effective language services to an individual with limited English proficiency or an individual with disabilities designed to enhance that individual’s access to, understanding of, or benefit from the services, activities, programs, or benefits provided by the agency. 3.Language Access Working Group(a)Demographic assessmentNot later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act and every 3 years thereafter, the head of each Federal agency shall conduct a demographic assessment of individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities who are eligible to be served or likely to be encountered by that agency.(b)Working group establishedNot later than 30 days after the conclusion of the demographic assessment under subsection (a), and in order to ensure that Federal agencies do not discriminate on the basis of national origin in violation of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.) and that such agencies do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in violation of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), the head of each Federal agency shall establish within the agency a Language Access Working Group, which shall include the following members:(1)One or more senior officials within the agency division or directorate.(2)When possible, 1 or more representatives from each employee resource group.(3)The Chief Human Capital Officer or their appointee.(4)Such experts as necessary to develop communications for individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities who are eligible to be served or likely to be encountered by that agency as identified by the demographic assessment under subsection (a), including technical and content experts in communication disabilities, and cross-cultural translations and interpretation services.(5)A website accessibility expert.(6)Internal communications personnel.(c)Duties of the working groupEach Language Access Working Group shall—(1)examine the services, activities, programs, and benefits provided by the agency and assist the agency in developing and implementing a system by which individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities can access those services, activities, programs, and benefits in a manner that is consistent with the fundamental mission of that agency;(2)examine the services, activities, programs, and benefits provided by any recipients of Federal financial assistance provided by such agency (referred to in this Act as recipients) to provide recommendations about how the agency can ensure that recipients of Federal financial assistance provide meaningful access to applicants, beneficiaries, and other individuals served by that recipient who are individuals with limited English proficiency or individuals with disabilities in a manner that is consistent with the fundamental mission of that agency without unduly burdening the essential functions of that recipient;(3)conduct an annual vitality assessment to determine, over time and across various activities, which of the documents produced by that agency are vital to provide equal access for individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities served by the agency;(4)provide recommendations about how the agency can ensure that information made available by the agency or by a recipient to individuals affected by an emergency is made available as soon as possible in multimodal and cross-cultural formats that can be understood by individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities; (5)provide recommendations about how the agency can ensure that the distribution of supplies, the processing of applications, and other relief and assistance activities provided by such agency or recipient during or in response to an emergency shall be accomplished in an equitable and impartial manner, without discrimination on the grounds of nationality, disability, or English proficiency; and(6)assist the head of the agency in—(A)preparing, annually updating, submitting to the Attorney General, and implementing the plan described in section 4(a);(B)issuing the guidance described in section 4(d); and(C)ensuring the agency plan and agency recipient guidance is made available to the public online in a manner that complies with section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d).4.Access plan for federally conducted programs and activities(a)In GeneralNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the head of each agency shall prepare and submit to the Attorney General a plan described in subsection (b). Each agency shall ensure that such plan is consistent with the final guidance of the Department of Justice entitled Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons (67 Fed. Reg. 41455 (June 12, 2002)), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102), section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), and section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18116).(b)Plan requirementEach plan under subsection (a) shall include—(1)the steps the agency will take to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency or individuals with disabilities have access to each service, activity, program, or benefit provided or administered by the agency; (2)the steps the agency will take to ensure that older adults with limited English proficiency or a disability who may require the use of non-traditional modes of communication have access to each service, activity, program, or benefit provided or administered by the agency;(3)the policies and procedures for identifying, assessing, and meeting the culturally and linguistically appropriate language needs of the agency's beneficiaries who are individuals with limited English proficiency or individuals with disabilities served by the agency; (4)the steps the agency will take to ensure that each service, activity, program, or benefit of the agency is culturally and linguistically appropriate, including providing a range of language assistance options, notice to individuals with limited English proficiency or individuals with disabilities of the right to qualified language services and communication access, periodic training of staff, monitoring and quality assessment of the language services and, in appropriate circumstances, the translation of written materials; (5)the steps the agency will take, with respect to each service, activity, program, or benefit of the agency, to provide reasonable accommodations necessary for individuals with limited English proficiency and communication disabilities to understand communications from the agency;(6)the steps the agency will take to ensure that all applications, forms, and other relevant documents for the agency’s services, activities, benefits, and programs are competently translated, interpreted, and provided in accessible formats in the primary language of a client that is an individual with limited English proficiency or an individual with disabilities if such materials are needed to improve access of such client to such service, activity, benefit, or program;(7)when providing media, live broadcasting, or additional video communication for the agency’s services, activities, benefits, and programs, how the agency will ensure the use of qualified American Sign Language interpreters with a picture-in-picture inset feature where the interpreter’s frame is at least the same size as the main speaker’s frame but no smaller than 33 percent of the screen;(8)if relevant to the agency, the resources the agency will provide to improve cultural and linguistic appropriateness and accessibility practices to assist recipients of Federal funds to improve their access to health care related programs and activities for individuals with limited English proficiency or individuals with disabilities; (9)if relevant to the agency, the resources the agency will provide to ensure that accessible information and competent communication assistance is provided to patients that are individuals with limited English proficiency or people with disabilities by qualified interpreters; and (10)the resources the agency will provide to ensure that minor children are not used to provide interpretation services, except as permitted under regulations implementing section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18116) as published in the Federal Register on May 18, 2016.(c)DOJ ReviewThe Attorney General shall review each plan submitted in accordance with this section not later than 120 days after receipt of the plan. The Attorney General shall also review the most recently submitted plan from each relevant agency not later than 7 days after an emergency has been declared. (d)Guidance for recipients of Federal financial assistance(1)In GeneralThe agency shall issue guidance for recipients of Federal financial assistance under the jurisdiction of the agency in order to assist such recipients in ensuring that individuals with limited English proficiency or individuals with disabilities have access to each service, activity, program, or benefit provided or administered by the recipient. Such guidance shall take into account the types of services provided by the recipients and the individuals served by the recipients. (2)Review and approvalThe agency shall submit such guidance for review and approval by the Attorney General. Following approval by the Attorney General, each agency shall publish its guidance document in the Federal Register for public comment.5.Consultation(a)Stakeholder inputIn carrying out this Act, agencies shall ensure that stakeholders, such as individuals with limited English proficiency, people with disabilities, and their representative organizations, recipients, and other appropriate individuals or entities, have an adequate opportunity to provide meaningful input. (b)Evaluation of agency circumstancesEach agency shall evaluate the particular needs of the individuals with limited English proficiency and people with disabilities that the agency and the recipients of the agency serve and the burdens of compliance on the agency and its recipients. (c)InputEach agency shall take into account such input from stakeholders in developing an approach to ensuring meaningful access by individuals with limited English proficiency and people with disabilities that is practical and effective, fiscally responsible, responsive to the particular circumstances of each agency, and can be readily implemented.


110 HR 2919 IH: To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-06-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2919
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 28, 2007
			Mrs. Christensen
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a
		  study to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating the Virgin
		  Islands Military and Veterans Memorial, to be located in Fredericksted, St.
		  Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, as a unit of the National Park
		  System.

		1.National park service study
			 regarding the U.S. Virgin Islands Military and Veterans Memorial
			 Museum
			(a)FindingsThe
			 Congress finds as follows:
				(1)The U.S. Virgin
			 Islands Military and Veterans Memorial will be a tribute to the over 3000 war
			 veterans of Virgin Island descent who reside in St. Croix, Virgin
			 Islands.
				(2)The Memorial will
			 include exhibits, artifacts, and memorabilia of conflicts that involved
			 veterans of Virgin Island descent, including members of the 332nd Fighter
			 Group, more commonly known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
				(3)The Memorial will
			 feature a Wall of Remembrance listing and identifying every Virgin Island
			 veteran by war or conflict to provide a lasting homage to their courage and
			 resolve.
				(4)The plan for the
			 Memorial includes establishment of a veterans medical clinic on the Memorial
			 site, to extend and enhance medical services for veterans on the Island of St.
			 Croix.
				(5)In 2001, the 24th
			 Legislature of the Virgin Islands enacted legislation, known as the Virgin
			 Islands Military Museum and Veterans Memorial Act, authorizing the
			 establishment of a memorial in the Virgin Islands to the over 3000 registered
			 Virgin Island War Veterans who reside in the Virgin Islands.
				(6)It is anticipated
			 that funding to construct the Memorial will come from a combination of Federal,
			 local, and private funding sources.
				(b)StudyThe
			 Secretary of the Interior shall carry out a study to determine the suitability
			 and feasibility of designating the U.S. Virgin Islands Military and Veterans
			 Memorial, to be located on ten acres in Fredericksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin
			 Islands, as a unit of the National Park System.
			(c)Study process
			 and completionSection 8(c) of Public Law 91–383 (16 U.S.C.
			 1a–5(c)) shall apply to the conduct and completion of the study required by
			 this section.
			(d)ReportThe
			 Secretary shall submit a report describing the results the study required by
			 this section to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and
			 the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.


116 HR 9002 IH: ChiPACC Act of 2020
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-12-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
116th CONGRESS2d Session
H. R. 9002
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 17, 2020
Ms. DeGette (for herself and Mr. McCaul) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL
To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide States an option to cover a children’s program of all-inclusive coordinated care (ChiPACC) under Medicaid program.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the ChiPACC Act of 2020. 2.FindingsCongress finds that—
(1)serious illnesses and health conditions that are potentially life-threatening place significant stress on both the child and family; (2)palliative care relieves children’s symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and sleep problems, and may be provided at any age or stage of serious illness, and has been shown to enhance the quality of life for both the child and family;
(3)under the existing model under the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), eligible children diagnosed with potentially life-limiting illnesses are limited to receiving hospice services only after they have been given a prognosis of six months to live. There remain many critical barriers to end-of-life care under the current health care system, including reluctance of medical professionals and families to acknowledge a limited life expectancy; (4)such model offers discrete services, which can be difficult to navigate, while the qualifications for coverage under the Medicaid program can block access to critical care;
(5)the Children’s Program of All-inclusive Coordinated Care (referred to in this Act as ChiPACC) provides all-inclusive care for children with life-threatening conditions and their families from the time of diagnosis and— (A)fills a gap in coverage under the Medicaid program of integrated, multi-disciplinary services that are reasonable and necessary for the palliation and management of seriously ill children;
(B)serves a population that includes children who are not yet hospice eligible; and (C)provides greater coordination of palliative and curative services for children throughout the course of their illness or condition, which may begin at the time of diagnosis;
(6)some States have opted to provide services targeted to this population through waivers under subsections (b) and (c) of section 1915 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396n), each of which requires the approval of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the initial waiver application and any subsequent renewal of such waiver; (7)since 2005, the Secretary of Health and Human Services has approved home and community-based service waivers under section 1915(c) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396n(c)) to operate ChiPACC in five States;
(8)in States operating ChiPACC under such a waiver— (A)the respective State’s Medicaid program achieved significant cost savings through a reduction in inpatient care and an increase in less expensive outpatient care;
(B)access to such services in such States reduced more costly utilizations of other services; and (C)services provided through ChiPACC are less costly to the State’s Medicaid program because ChiPACC facilitates children receiving palliative care at home rather than receiving such services in an inpatient hospital setting; and
(9)allowing States the option to implement ChiPACC through a State plan amendment would— (A)give States the ability to make such program a part of a State’s Medicaid program while avoiding the lengthy waiver process; and
(B)give States the flexibility to establish and design its program to fit the needs of the respective State. 3.Optional Medicaid coverage of children’s program of all-inclusive coordinated care (a)Children’s program of all-Inclusive coordinated careTitle XIX of the Social Security Act is amended by inserting after section 1946 (42 U.S.C. 1396w–5) the following new section:

1947.Children’s program of all-inclusive coordinated care
(a)State option
(1)In generalBeginning on January 1, 2021, a State, at its option as a State plan amendment, may elect to provide for medical assistance under this title to ChiPACC-eligible individuals who choose to enroll in a children’s program of all-inclusive coordinated care. In the case of an individual who chooses to enroll in such a program pursuant to such an election— (A)the individual shall receive ChiPACC benefits in addition to other services under the State plan; and
(B)the health care providers furnishing services under such program shall receive payment for providing such services in accordance with the terms of the State plan. (2)Numerical and geographical limitations permittedA State may establish—
(A)a numerical limit on the number of individuals who may be enrolled in the State’s ChiPACC; or (B)geographic limitations on the service areas for a ChiPACC.
(3)Process for determining eligible individualsIf a State elects to establish a limitation under paragraph (2), the State shall establish a process for determining criteria for which individuals who may be enrolled in the State’s ChiPACC. (b)ChiPACC and other terms definedIn this section:
(1)Children’s program of all-inclusive coordinated care; chipaccThe terms children’s program of all-inclusive coordinated care and ChiPACC mean a program of coordinated care for ChiPACC-eligible children that is established by a State under this section and meets the following requirements: (A)OperationThe State administering agency may provide for the operation of the program through arrangements between one or more other entities that will serve as ChiPACC coordinators (as defined in paragraph (3)).
(B)Comprehensive benefits
(i)In generalThe program provides comprehensive health care items and services to ChiPACC-eligible individuals (as defined in paragraph (2)) in accordance with this section. (ii)Scope and plan for servicesSuch items and services shall—
(I)include items and services described in subsection (c)(1)(A) to the extent such items and services are reasonable and necessary, as determined by the State, for the palliation and management of the CHIPACC-eligible individual’s serious illness or condition; and (II)be provided consistent with a comprehensive care plan developed by an interdisciplinary health professional team (as defined in paragraph (4)).
(iii)Qualifications of providersSuch items and services are provided through health care providers that— (I)meet such certification or other Federal or State requirements as may be necessary to participate in the program of medical assistance under this title or in the program under title XVIII; and
(II)maintain records on ChiPACC-eligible individuals enrolled in the program and to whom the provider furnishes services, reflecting both the specific care and services furnished by the provider and the relationship of those services to the comprehensive plan of care for that individual and to the delivery of other services. (2)ChiPACC-eligible individualThe term ChiPACC-eligible individual means, with respect to a ChiPACC, an individual—
(A)who, at the time of enrollment in the ChiPACC, is under 21 years of age; (B)who resides in the service area of a ChiPACC, as defined by the State administering agency;
(C)who is eligible for medical assistance under the State plan without regard to this section; (D)who suffers from a serious illness or health condition and for whom there is a reasonable likelihood that the individual’s life will be threatened by such illness or condition; and
(E)whose health status is expected to decline because of such illness or condition before attaining the age of 21. (3)ChiPACC coordinatorThe term ChiPACC coordinator means, with respect to a ChiPACC, an entity (which may be the State administering agency or another entity under an arrangement with such an agency) that, through the assignment of one or more case managers—
(A)directs, supervises, and assures the coordination of comprehensive services to ChiPACC-eligible individuals enrolled in the ChiPACC; and (B)assures the direct and continuous involvement of an interdisciplinary health professional team in managing and coordinating the provision of care and services within the coordinator’s responsibility to each such enrolled individual.
(4)Interdisciplinary health professional teamThe term interdisciplinary health professional team means, with respect to a ChiPACC, a group of health professionals that— (A)includes at least—
(i)one physician (as defined in section 1861(r)); (ii)one registered professional nurse;
(iii)one social worker, pastoral counselor, or other counselor; and (iv)one case manager who may be one of the individuals described in clauses (i) through (iii);
(B)develops a comprehensive plan of care for ChiPACC-eligible individuals enrolled with the ChiPACC and furnishes, or supervises the provision of care and services described in subsection (c)(1) to an individual enrolled in the ChiPACC in a manner that takes into account the best interests of such individual and such individual’s family; and (C)through direct action and communication with health care providers furnishing services under the ChiPACC, on behalf of or under the direction or supervision of, a State administering agency or a ChiPACC coordinator, coordinates the care and services furnished to such enrollees.
(5)Palliative servicesThe term palliative services means patient and family-centered care that optimizes quality of life for an individual with a serious illness or condition by— (A)anticipating, preventing, and treating the individual’s suffering throughout the continuum of illness;
(B)addressing the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the individual; and (C)facilitating the individual’s autonomy, access to information, and choice.
(6)State administering agencyThe term State administering agency means the State agency administering the State plan under this title (or a waiver of such plan). (c)Scope of benefits (1)In generalUnder a ChiPACC of a State, the State administering agency shall assure that—
(A)an individual enrolled in the ChiPACC is covered for, at least— (i)comprehensive, integrated palliative and curative services;
(ii)any long-term care services and supports provided under the State plan under this title (or waiver of such plan); (iii)counseling services and expressive therapy;
(iv)respite care; and (v)anticipatory bereavement services to the immediate family members of the ChiPACC-eligible individual; and
(B)the ChiPACC is operated, and the services to enrolled individuals are furnished, in a manner that is consistent with Standards of Care and Practice Guidelines developed by Children’s Hospice International for a Program of All-Inclusive Care for Children (as in effect as of the date of the enactment of this section or such later date as the Secretary may specify) or such other standards as the Secretary may provide. (2)ConstructionNothing in this subsection shall be construed to preclude a ChiPACC-eligible individual’s eligibility to receive other services under the State plan (or a waiver of such plan), including early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services under section 1905(a)(4)(B).
(3)Quality assurance; patient safeguards
(A)In generalWith respect to a ChiPACC, quality assurance and patient safeguards shall be established by the State administering agency or shall be consistent with existing State systems. (B)ConstructionNothing in this subsection shall be construed as preventing the Secretary from imposing requirements to ensure the health and safety of individuals enrolled in a ChiPACC under this section that are in addition to those otherwise provided under this section.
(4)Cost-sharing waiverA State administering agency may, in the case of a ChiPACC-eligible individual enrolled in the State’s ChiPACC, waive deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing that would otherwise apply under the State plan under this title. (d)Eligibility determinations (1)In generalIn determining whether an individual is a ChiPACC-eligible individual, the State administering agency shall conduct an independent evaluation and assessment, which shall include at least the following:
(A)Consultation with appropriate treating and consulting health and support professionals caring for the individual. (B)An examination of the individual’s relevant history, medical records, and care and support needs, guided by best practices and research on effective strategies that result in improved health and quality of life outcomes.
(C)To the extent appropriate, consultation with the individual, individual’s family, guardian, or other responsible individual. (2)Recordkeeping; appealsAny entity making the eligibility determination under paragraph (1) under contract with the State administering agency shall be subject to the recordkeeping and appeals processes requirements specified in section 1902(a)(3).
(e)Payments to health care providers and ChiPACC coordinators under ChiPACCPayments to health care providers, a ChiPACC coordinator, or an interdisciplinary health professional team furnishing items and services under a ChiPACC shall be paid on a capitated or fee-for-service basis (or as otherwise allowable under the State plan under this title). (f)Applicability of requirementsWith respect to carrying out a ChiPACC under this section, the following requirements of this title (and regulations relating to such requirements) shall not apply:
(1)Section 1902(a)(1), relating to any requirement that ChiPACCs or ChiPACC services be provided in all areas of a State. (2)Section 1902(a)(10), insofar as such section relates to comparability of services among different population groups.
(3)Sections 1902(a)(23) and 1915(b)(4), relating to freedom of choice of providers. (4)Section 1903(m)(2)(A), insofar as it restricts a ChiPACC provider from receiving prepaid capitation payments.
(5)Section 1905(o), limiting the scope of hospice care. (6)Such other provisions of this title that the Secretary determines are inapplicable..
(b)Application under CHIPSection 2107(e)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397gg(e)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:  (S)Section 1947 (relating to Medicaid children’s program of all-inclusive coordinated care)..
(c)Continued demonstration project authoritySection 1947 of the Social Security Act, as added by subsection (a), shall not be construed as preventing a State from developing, or the Secretary of Health and Human Services from approving, a project similar to or related to ChiPACCs (as described in such section) under alternative authorities, including demonstration project and waiver authorities under title XIX of such Act or other provisions of such Act.


115 S3156 IS: Airline Consumer Protection Act of 2018
U.S. Senate
2018-06-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		115th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 3156
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 28, 2018
			Ms. Smith introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

		A BILL
		To protect airline consumers in the case of cancelled flights.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Airline Consumer Protection Act of 2018.
 2.Protecting airline consumers in the case of cancelled flightsNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall promulgate regulations that require each covered air carrier to—
 (1)ensure that the purchase of an airline ticket by a passenger does guarantee transportation of the passenger to the advertised destination (excluding reasons that an air carrier may prohibit a passenger from flying that are established by the Federal Aviation Administration or any other Federal agency); and
 (2)in the case that a covered air carrier cancels a flight, provide each passenger with alternative transportation to the advertised destination at no additional expense to the passenger in a reasonable and timely manner.


114 S2712 IS: Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016
U.S. Senate
2016-03-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		114th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 2712
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 17, 2016
			Mr. Boozman (for himself and Mr. Warner) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

		A BILL
		To restore amounts improperly withheld for tax purposes from severance payments to individuals who
			 retired or separated from service in the Armed Forces for combat-related
			 injuries, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016.
 2.FindingsCongress makes the following findings: (1)Approximately 10,000 to 11,000 individuals are retired from service in the Armed Forces for medical reasons each year.
 (2)Some of such individuals are separated from service in the Armed Forces for combat-related injuries (as defined in section 104(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).
 (3)Congress has recognized the tremendous personal sacrifice of veterans with combat-related injuries by, among other things, specifically excluding from taxable income severance pay received for combat-related injuries.
 (4)Since 1991, the Secretary of Defense has improperly withheld taxes from severance pay for wounded veterans, thus denying them their due compensation and a significant benefit intended by Congress.
 (5)Many veterans owed redress are beyond the statutory period to file an amended tax return because they were not or are not aware that taxes were improperly withheld.
			3.Restoration of amounts improperly withheld for tax purposes from severance
			 payments to
			 veterans with combat-related injuries
 (a)In generalNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall—
 (1)identify— (A)the severance payments—
 (i)that the Secretary paid after January 17, 1991; (ii)that the Secretary computed under section 1212 of title 10, United States Code;
 (iii)that were not considered gross income pursuant to section 104(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and
 (iv)from which the Secretary withheld amounts for tax purposes; and (B)the individuals to whom such severance payments were made; and
 (2)with respect to each person identified under paragraph (1)(B), provide— (A)notice of—
 (i)the amount of severance payments in paragraph (1)(A) which were improperly withheld for tax purposes; and
 (ii)such other information determined to be necessary by the Secretary of Treasury to carry out the purposes of this section; and
 (B)instructions for filing amended tax returns to recover the amounts improperly withheld for tax purposes.
					(b)Extension of limitation on time for credit or refund
 (1)Period for filing claimIf a claim for credit or refund under section 6511(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 relates to a specified overpayment, the 3-year period of limitation prescribed by such subsection shall not expire before the date which is 1 year after the date the information return described in subsection (a)(2) is filed. The allowable amount of credit or refund of a specified overpayment shall be determined without regard to the amount of tax paid within the period provided in section 6511(b)(2).
 (2)Specified overpaymentFor purposes of paragraph (1), the term specified overpayment means an overpayment attributable to a severance payment described in subsection (a)(1). 4.Requirement that Secretary of Defense ensure amounts are not withheld for tax purposes from severance payments not considered gross incomeThe Secretary of Defense shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that amounts are not withheld for tax purposes from severance payments made by the Secretary to individuals when such payments are not considered gross income pursuant to section 104(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
		5.Report to Congress
 (a)In generalAfter completing the identification required by section 3(a) and not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the actions taken by the Secretary to carry out this Act.
 (b)ContentsThe report submitted under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1)The number of individuals identified under section 3(a)(1)(B).
 (2)Of all the severance payments described in section 3(a)(1)(A), the aggregate amount that the Secretary withheld for tax purposes from such payments.
 (3)A description of the actions the Secretary plans to take to carry out section 4. (c)Appropriate committees of Congress definedIn this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means—
 (1)the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and the Committee on Finance of the Senate; and
 (2)the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives.


116 S3292 IS: Assisting Family Farmers through Insurance Reform Measures Act of 2020
U.S. Senate
2020-02-13
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3292IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 13, 2020Mrs. Shaheen (for herself and Mr. Toomey) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and ForestryA BILLTo amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to reduce Federal spending on crop insurance, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Assisting Family Farmers through Insurance Reform Measures Act of 2020 or the AFFIRM Act of 2020.2.Crop insurance premium subsidies disclosure in the public interestSection 502(c)(2) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(c)(2)) is amended—(1)by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and(2)by inserting before subparagraph (C) (as so redesignated) the following:(A)Disclosure in the public interestNotwithstanding paragraph (1) or any other provision of law, except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall on an annual basis make available to the public—(i)(I)the name of each individual or entity that obtained a federally subsidized crop insurance, livestock, or forage policy or plan of insurance during the previous reinsurance year;(II)the amount of premium subsidy received by the individual or entity from the Corporation; and(III)the amount of any Federal portion of indemnities paid in the event of a loss for that reinsurance year for each policy associated with that individual or entity; and(ii)for each private insurance provider, a description by the name of the private insurance provider of—(I)the underwriting gains earned through participation in the federally subsidized crop insurance program; and(II)the amount paid under this subtitle for—(aa)administrative and operating expenses;(bb)any Federal portion of indemnities and reinsurance; and(cc)any other purpose.(B)LimitationThe Secretary shall not disclose under subparagraph (A) information relating to individuals and entities covered by a catastrophic risk protection plan offered under section 508(b)..3.Adjusted gross income and per person limitations on share of insurance premiums paid by CorporationSection 508(e)(1) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)(1)) is amended—(1)by striking For the purpose and inserting the following:(A)Payment authoritySubject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), for the purpose; and(2)by adding at the end the following:(B)Adjusted gross income limitationThe Corporation shall not pay a part of the premium for additional coverage for any person or legal entity that has an average adjusted gross income (as defined in section 1001D(a) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1308–3a(a))) that is greater than $250,000.(C)Per person limitationThe Corporation shall not pay more than $40,000 for any reinsurance year to any person or legal entity for premiums under this section..4.Prohibition on premium subsidy for harvest price policiesSection 508(e) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:(9)Prohibition on premium subsidy for harvest price policiesNotwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning with the 2020 reinsurance year, the Corporation shall not pay any amount of premium subsidy in the case of a policy or plan of insurance that is based on the actual market price of an agricultural commodity on the date of harvest..5.Cap on overall rate of return for crop insurance providersSection 508(k)(3) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(3)) is amended—(1)by striking the paragraph designation and heading and all that follows through The and inserting the following:(3)Risk(A)Share of riskThe; and(2)by adding at the end the following:(B)Limitation on average rate of returnThe target average rate of return for reinsured companies for the 2020 reinsurance year and each subsequent reinsurance year shall be 8.9 percent of retained premiums..6.Cap on reimbursements for administrative and operating expenses of crop insurance providersSection 508(k)(4) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following:(G)Additional cap on reimbursements(i)In generalNotwithstanding subparagraphs (A) through (F), the total amount of reimbursements for administrative and operating costs for the 2020 reinsurance year for all types of policies and plans of insurance shall not exceed $900,000,000.(ii)AdjustmentFor the 2021 reinsurance year and each subsequent reinsurance year, the dollar amount in effect pursuant to clause (i) shall be increased by the inflation factor established for the administrative and operating costs limitation in the 2011 Standard Reinsurance Agreement..7.Renegotiation of Standard Reinsurance AgreementSection 508(k)(8) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(k)(8)) is amended by striking subparagraph (F).


		IV
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 1150
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 9, 2010
			Ms. Jackson Lee of
			 Texas (for herself, Mr.
			 Culberson, Mr. Al Green of
			 Texas, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of
			 Texas, Ms. Kosmas,
			 Mr. Gene Green of Texas,
			 Mr. Hinojosa,
			 Mr. Ortiz,
			 Mr. Smith of Texas,
			 Mr. Reyes,
			 Mr. Rodriguez,
			 Mr. Gonzalez,
			 Mr. Cuellar,
			 Ms. Watson,
			 Mr. Carter,
			 Mr. Miller of Florida, and
			 Mr. Olson) submitted the following
			 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science and
			 Technology

		RESOLUTION
		Designating the National Aeronautics and
		  Space Administration (NASA) as a national security interest and
		  asset.

		Whereas the United States has invested in human flight
			 program since May 5, 1961, a program that has been a source for the United
			 States leadership role in space exploration and advancement in scientific
			 research; and is a national security interest and asset for the Nation.
		Whereas the Constellation program is a human space flight
			 program that includes: the Ares I launch vehicle, capable of launching to
			 low-Earth orbit; the Ares V heavy-lift launch vehicle, to send astronauts and
			 equipment to the Moon; the Orion capsule, intended to carry astronauts to
			 low-Earth orbit and beyond; and the Altair lunar lander and lunar surface
			 systems astronauts will need to explore the lunar surface.
		Whereas the President’s Fiscal Year 2010 Budget provided
			 $18,700,000,000 for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA);
			 the Budget funds a program of space-based research to advance our understanding
			 of climate change and its effects, as well as human and robotic space
			 exploration; and the budget supports the use of the Space Shuttle to complete
			 assembly of the International Space Station.
		Whereas the 2010 NASA budget funded a program of
			 space-based research that supports the Administration’s commitment to deploy a
			 global climate change research and monitoring system.
		Whereas 2010 NASA budget was to fund the safe flight of
			 the Space Shuttle through the vehicle’s retirement at the end of 2010. An
			 additional flight will be conducted if it can be completed safely before the
			 end of 2010.
		Whereas the President’s Fiscal Year 2011 Budget proposes
			 to eliminate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Space
			 Shuttle and Constellation program and allocate $6,000,000,000 over 5 years for
			 the purpose of developing commercial space flight.
		Whereas the Congress recognizes the policy outlined in
			 section 501(a) of the National Aeronautics and Space Authorization Act of 2005
			 (42 U.S.C. 16761(a)), that the United States shall maintain an uninterrupted
			 capability for human space flight and operations in low-earth orbit, and
			 beyond, as an essential element of national security and the ability to ensure
			 continued United States participation and leadership in the exploration of
			 space.
		Whereas eliminating the Constellation upon retirement of
			 the Space Shuttle will create a national security risk to the United States and
			 will diminish the Nation’s efforts to advance scientific research in
			 space.
		Whereas the United States will for the first time since
			 its space program began, be without a human space flight program.
		Whereas transferring funds from the Constellation program
			 to the development of commercial space programs to carry human and crew into
			 space is taking a chance on an unknown quantity and is an unnecessary and
			 unreasonable risk this country must not take.
		Whereas the retirement of the Space Shuttle this year will
			 leave the United States vulnerable and depending on Russia to put United States
			 astronauts in orbit without the Constellation program; in May of last year when
			 it became clear the United States had no one else to turn to, Russia raised its
			 prices from $48,000,000 to $51,000,000 per launch for each astronaut.
		Whereas the Constellation program is not just about going
			 to the moon, as the United States has a commitment to the International Space
			 Station (ISS), and with the Space Shuttle being retired this September, the
			 Constellation is the only system under development that will give NASA the
			 future capability to launch and retrieve crews to and from the ISS.
		Whereas decreasing the use of the International Space
			 Station would impact the ability to sustain its systems and physical
			 infrastructure.
		Whereas the Constellation program should be funded to
			 continue use of the International Space Station to support the agency and other
			 Federal, commercial, and academic research and technology testing needs.
		Whereas partnerships between universities and NASA centers
			 should be established to provide research opportunities for conduct of research
			 in the United States International Space Station National Laboratories for the
			 next generation of scientists in order to ensure effective utilization of the
			 International Space Station research capabilities.
		Whereas NASA conducts aeronautics research to address
			 aviation safety, air traffic control, noise and, emissions reductions and fuel
			 efficiency.
		Whereas NASA’s contribution to our knowledge of air and
			 water supports improved decisionmaking for natural resource management and
			 emergency response, thus enabling us to better respond to future homeland
			 security threats.
		Whereas knowledge of Earth’s water cycle is a critical
			 first step in protecting our water supply; water flows over the Earth’s surface
			 in oceans, lakes, and streams, and is particularly vulnerable to attack.
		Whereas NASA sensors provide a wealth of information about
			 the water cycle; and contributes to improving our ability to monitor water
			 resources and water quality from space; we must also protect the quality and
			 safety of the air we breathe; airborne contaminants can pose danger to human
			 health; and chemical, nuclear, radiological, and biological attacks are
			 plausible threats against which we can better protect the United States through
			 NASA’s research: Now, therefore, be it

		That it is the sense of the House of
			 Representatives that—
			(1)NASA is a national
			 security asset and interest for the United States;
			(2)elimination of the
			 Constellation program will present Homeland Security implications for
			 cyberspace, critical infrastructure, and the intelligence community of the
			 United States;
			(3)elimination of the
			 Constellation program will compromise the effectiveness of the International
			 Space Station as it relates to the strategic importance of space station
			 research, and intelligence;
			(4)continuation of
			 NASA’s Constellation program is crucial to improving national security,
			 climate, and research in science and medicine; and
			(5)the United States
			 should maintain its funding of the Constellation program and should begin
			 funding commercial space in 5 years and not sooner.


117 HR 1224 IH: Merit Systems Protection Board Empowerment Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-02-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1224IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 23, 2021Mr. Connolly (for himself, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Porter, Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois, Ms. Norton, Mr. Sarbanes, and Mr. Khanna) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and ReformA BILLTo reauthorize the authority of the Merit Systems Protection Board, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Merit Systems Protection Board Empowerment Act of 2021. 2.Reauthorization of Merit Systems Protection BoardSection 8(a)(1) of the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989 (5 U.S.C. 5509 note) is amended by striking 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 and inserting 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.3.Authorization of Federal employee surveys for merit systems studiesSection 1204(e)(3) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by—(1)striking (3) In carrying and inserting (3)(A) In carrying; and(2)adding at the end the following:(B)The Office of Personnel Management and other agencies shall—(i)provide assistance to the Board to facilitate the conduct by the Board of surveys of employees; and(ii)upon request, unless otherwise prohibited by law, provide to the Board records and information concerning applicants for Federal employment..4.Whistleblower training for MSPB administrative judgesSection 7701(b)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:(1)(A)The Board may hear any case appealed to it or may refer the case to an administrative law judge appointed under section 3105 or other employee of the Board designated by the Board to hear such cases, except that any case involving—(i)a removal from the service shall be heard by the Board, an employee experienced in hearing appeals, or an administrative law judge; and(ii)an alleged prohibited personnel practice in violation of section 2302(b)(8), section 2302(b)(9)(A)(i), (B), (C), or (D), or section 2302(b)(13) shall be heard by the Board or an administrative law judge or other employee of the Board designated by the Board to hear such cases who has successfully completed training regarding protections afforded by the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989.(B)The Board, administrative law judge, or other employee (as the case may be) shall make a decision after receipt of the written representations of the parties to the appeal and after opportunity for a hearing under subsection (a)(1) of this section. A copy of the decision shall be furnished to each party to the appeal and to the Office of Personnel Management. .


115 HR 2042 IH: Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-04-06
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2042IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 6, 2017Mr. Loebsack introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Frontline Providers Loan Repayment Program.
1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2017. 2.Frontline providers loan repayment programPart D of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254b et seq.) is amended—
(1)by redesignating the second subpart XI (as added by section 10333 of Public Law 111–148) as subpart XII; (2)by redesignating the second section 340H (as added by such section 10333) as section 340I; and
(3)by adding at the end the following:  XIIIFrontline Health Care Services 340J.Frontline Providers Loan Repayment Program (a)In GeneralThe Secretary shall establish and carry out a Frontline Providers Loan Repayment Program (in this section referred to as the Loan Repayment Program) under which, pursuant to contracts in accordance with this section—
(1)the Secretary agrees to make student loan repayments; and (2)the individual agrees to serve as a health professional for a period of full-time service of not less than 2 years at a health care facility serving a frontline care scarcity area.
(b)EligibilityTo be eligible to participate in the Loan Repayment Program, an individual must— (1)submit an application to participate in the Loan Repayment Program in such form and manner and at such time as specified by the Secretary; and
(2)sign and submit to the Secretary, at the time of submittal of such application, a written contract (described in subsection (d)). (c)Participation in Program (1)In generalAn individual becomes a participant in the Loan Repayment Program only upon the approval of the Secretary of the individual’s application submitted under subsection (b)(1) and the Secretary’s acceptance of the contract submitted by the individual under subsection (b)(2).
(2)PreferenceIn awarding contracts under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to applicants who have undertaken training or coursework in interdisciplinary studies. (3)Recruitment for Interdisciplinary ProgramsThe Secretary shall—
(A)determine the frontline care scarcity areas in which to place contract recipients under this section; and (B)in making such determination, give preference to areas with a demonstrated program of interdisciplinary health care, or with demonstrated plans to initiate interdisciplinary approaches to community health care.
(4)NoticeThe Secretary shall provide written notice to an individual promptly upon the Secretary’s approving, under paragraph (1), of the individual’s participation in the Loan Repayment Program. (d)ContractThe contract described in this subsection is a written contract between the Secretary and an individual that contains—
(1)an agreement that— (A)the Secretary agrees to provide the individual with student loan repayment (described in subsection (e)) for a period of time as determined by the Secretary, to pay off debts incurred during the course of the study or program described in subsection (g)(2)(B); and
(B)the individual agrees— (i)to accept provision of such a student loan repayment to the individual; and
(ii)to provide frontline care services for a period of full-time service of not less than 2 years at a health care facility serving a frontline care scarcity area; (2)a provision that any financial obligation of the United States arising out of a contract entered into under this section and any obligation of the individual which is conditioned thereon, is contingent upon funds being appropriated for student loan repayment under this section;
(3)a statement of the damages to which the United States is entitled, under subsection (f), for the individual’s breach of the contract; and (4)such other statements as the Secretary deems appropriate of the rights and liabilities of the Secretary and of the individual, not inconsistent with the provisions of this section.
(e)Student Loan Repayment
(1)AmountThe amount of an annual student loan repayment under this section on behalf of an individual shall be determined by the Secretary, and shall take into consideration the need to pay a sufficient amount to enable recruiting of health care providers into the loan repayment program under this section. (2)Payments Directly to Loan ProviderThe Secretary may contract with an individual’s loan provider, for the payment to the loan provider, on behalf of the individual, of the amounts of a student loan repayment described in paragraph (1).
(f)Breach of contractIf an individual breaches a written contract under this section by failing to begin such individual’s service obligation, or to complete such service obligation, the United States shall be entitled to recover from the individual an amount that is equal to the sum of— (1)the total amount which has been paid to the individual, or on behalf of the individual, under the contract; and
(2)any amount of interest, as determined by the Secretary. (g)DefinitionsIn this section:
(1)The term frontline care scarcity area means an area, population group, or facility that— (A)is designated as a health professional shortage area under section 332; or
(B)is designated by the State in which the area is located as having a shortage of frontline care services. (2)The term frontline care services means health care services—
(A)in the field of general surgery, optometry, ophthalmology, chiropractic, physical therapy, audiology, speech language pathology, pharmacies, public health, podiatric medicine, dietetics, occupational therapy, general pediatrics, respiratory therapy, medical technology, otolaryngology, or radiologic technology; and (B)provided by a general surgeon, optometrist, ophthalmologist, chiropractor, physical therapist, audiologist, speech language pathologist, pharmacist, public health professional, podiatric physician, registered dietician, occupational therapist, pediatrician, respiratory therapist, medical technologist, otolaryngologist, or radiologic technologist who has completed an appropriate course of study or program, offered by an accredited institution of higher education in the United States.
(h)ImplementationThe Secretary shall begin implementation of the loan repayment program under this section within 180 days of the date of the enactment of this section..


116 S950 IS: PFAS Detection Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-03-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 950IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 28, 2019Ms. Stabenow (for herself, Mr. Rounds, Mr. Peters, Mr. Tillis, Mr. Burr, and Ms. Baldwin) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public WorksA BILLTo require the Director of the United States Geological Survey to perform a nationwide survey of
 perfluorinated compounds, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the PFAS Detection Act of 2019.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)AdministratorThe term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.(2)DirectorThe term Director means the Director of the United States Geological Survey.(3)Perfluorinated compound(A)In generalThe term perfluorinated compound means a perfluoroalkyl substance or a polyfluoroalkyl substance that is manmade with at least 1 fully fluorinated carbon atom.(B)DefinitionsIn this definition:(i)Fully fluorinated carbon atomThe term fully fluorinated carbon atom means a carbon atom on which all the hydrogen substituents have been replaced by fluorine.(ii)Nonfluorinated carbon atomThe term nonfluorinated carbon atom means a carbon atom on which no hydrogen substituents have been replaced by fluorine.(iii)Partially fluorinated carbon atomThe term partially fluorinated carbon atom means a carbon atom on which some, but not all, of the hydrogen substituents have been replaced by fluorine.(iv)Perfluoroalkyl substanceThe term perfluoroalkyl substance means a manmade chemical of which all of the carbon atoms are fully fluorinated carbon atoms.(v)Polyfluoroalkyl substanceThe term polyfluoroalkyl substance means a manmade chemical containing a mix of fully fluorinated carbon atoms, partially fluorinated carbon atoms, and nonfluorinated carbon atoms.3.Performance standard for the detection of perfluorinated compounds(a)In generalThe Director shall establish a performance standard for the detection of perfluorinated compounds.(b)Emphasis(1)In generalIn developing the performance standard under subsection (a), the Director shall emphasize the ability to detect as many perfluorinated compounds present in the environment as possible using analytical methods that are as sensitive as is feasible and practicable.(2)RequirementIn developing the performance standard under subsection (a), the Director may—(A)develop quality assurance and quality control measures to ensure accurate sampling and testing;(B)develop a training program with respect to the appropriate method of sample collection and analysis of perfluorinated compounds; and(C)coordinate as necessary with the Administrator to develop methods to detect individual and different perfluorinated compounds simultaneously.4.Nationwide sampling(a)In generalThe Director shall carry out a nationwide sampling to determine the concentration of perfluorinated compounds in estuaries, lakes, streams, springs, wells, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and soil using the performance standard developed under section 3(a).(b)RequirementsIn carrying out the sampling under subsection (a), the Director shall—(1)first carry out the sampling at sources of drinking water near locations with known or suspected releases of perfluorinated compounds;(2)when carrying out sampling of sources of drinking water under paragraph (1), carry out the sampling prior to any treatment of the water;(3)survey for ecological exposure to perfluorinated compounds, with a priority in determining direct human exposure through drinking water; and(4)consult with—(A)States to determine areas that are a priority for sampling; and(B)the Administrator—(i)to enhance coverage of the sampling; and(ii)to avoid unnecessary duplication.(c)ReportNot later than 90 days after the completion of the sampling under subsection (a), the Director shall prepare a report describing the results of the sampling and submit the report to—(1)the Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate;(2)the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives;(3)the Senators of each State in which the Director carried out the sampling; and(4)each Member of the House of Representatives that represents a district in which the Director carried out the sampling.5.Data usage(a)In generalThe Director shall provide the sampling data collected under section 4 to—(1)the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and(2)other Federal and State regulatory agencies on request.(b)UsageThe sampling data provided under subsection (a) shall be used to inform and enhance assessments of exposure, likely health and environmental impacts, and remediation priorities.6.CollaborationIn carrying out this Act, the Director shall collaborate with—(1)appropriate Federal and State regulators;(2)institutions of higher education;(3)research institutions; and(4)other expert stakeholders.7.Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Director to carry out this Act—(1)$5,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; and(2)$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2024.


116 HR 432 IH: Contra Costa Canal Transfer Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-10
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 CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 432IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 10, 2019Mr. DeSaulnier (for himself, Mr. McNerney, and Mr. Thompson of California) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesA BILLTo authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land and facilities of the Central
			 Valley Project.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Contra Costa Canal Transfer Act. 2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
 (1)Acquired landThe term acquired land means land in Federal ownership and land over which the Federal Government holds an interest for the purpose of the construction and operation of the Contra Costa Canal, including land under the jurisdiction of—
 (A)the Bureau of Reclamation; (B)the Western Area Power Administration; and
 (C)the Department of Defense in the case of the Clayton Canal diversion traversing the Concord Naval Weapons Station.
				(2)Contra Costa Canal
 (A)In generalThe term Contra Costa Canal means the Contra Costa Canal Unit of the Central Valley Project, which exclusively serves the Contra Costa Water District in an urban area of Contra Costa County, California.
 (B)InclusionsThe term Contra Costa Canal includes pipelines, conduits, pumping plants, aqueducts, laterals, water storage and regulatory facilities, electric substations, related works and improvements, and all interests in land associated with the Contra Costa Canal Unit of the Central Valley Project in existence on the date of enactment of this Act.
 (C)ExclusionThe term Contra Costa Canal does not include the Rock Slough fish screen facility. (3)Contra Costa Canal AgreementThe term Contra Costa Canal Agreement means an agreement between the District and the Bureau of Reclamation to determine the legal, institutional, and financial terms surrounding the transfer of the Contra Costa Canal, including compensation to the reclamation fund established by the first section of the Act of June 17, 1902 (32 Stat. 388, chapter 1093), equal to the net present value of miscellaneous revenues that the United States would otherwise derive over the 10 years following the date of enactment of this Act from the eligible lands and facilities to be transferred, as governed by reclamation law and policy and the contracts.
 (4)ContractsThe term contracts means the existing water service contract between the District and the United States, Contract No. 175r–3401A–LTR1 (2005), Contract No. 14–06–200–6072A (1972, as amended), and any other contract or land permit involving the United States, the District, and Contra Costa Canal.
 (5)DistrictThe term District means the Contra Costa Water District, a political subdivision of the State of California. (6)Rock Slough fish screen facility (A)In generalThe term Rock Slough fish screen facility means the fish screen facility at the Rock Slough intake to the Contra Costa Canal.
 (B)InclusionsThe term Rock Slough fish screen facility includes the screen structure, rake cleaning system, and accessory structures integral to the screen function of the Rock Slough fish screen facility, as required under the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (Public Law 102–575; 106 Stat. 4706).
 (7)Rock Slough fish screen facility title transfer agreementThe term Rock Slough fish screen facility title transfer agreement means an agreement between the District and the Bureau of Reclamation to— (A)determine the legal, institutional, and financial terms surrounding the transfer of the Rock Slough fish screen facility; and
 (B)ensure the continued safe and reliable operations of the Rock Slough fish screen facility. (8)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
			3.Conveyance of land and facilities
 (a)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, in consideration for the District assuming from the United States all liability for the administration, operation, maintenance, and replacement of the Contra Costa Canal, consistent with the terms and conditions set forth in the Contra Costa Canal Agreement and subject to valid existing rights and existing recreation agreements between the Bureau of Reclamation and the East Bay Regional Park District for Contra Loma Regional Park and other local agencies within the Contra Costa Canal, the Secretary shall offer to convey and assign to the District—
 (1)all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to— (A)the Contra Costa Canal; and
 (B)the acquired land; and (2)all interests reserved and developed as of the date of enactment of this Act for the Contra Costa Canal in the acquired land, including existing recreation agreements between the Bureau of Reclamation and the East Bay Regional Park District for Contra Loma Regional Park and other local agencies within the Contra Costa Canal.
				(b)Rock Slough fish screen facility
 (1)In generalThe Secretary shall convey and assign to the District all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Rock Slough fish screen facility pursuant to the Rock Slough fish screen facility title transfer agreement.
 (2)CooperationNo later than 180 days after the conveyance of the Contra Costa Canal, the Secretary and the District shall enter into good faith negotiations to accomplish the conveyance and assignment under paragraph (1).
 (c)Payment of costsThe District shall pay to the Secretary any administrative and real estate transfer costs incurred by the Secretary in carrying out the conveyances and assignments under subsections (a) and (b), including the cost of any boundary survey, title search, cadastral survey, appraisal, and other real estate transaction required for the conveyances and assignments.
			(d)Compliance with environmental laws
 (1)In generalBefore carrying out the conveyances and assignments under subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary shall comply with all applicable requirements under—
 (A)the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); (B)the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); and
 (C)any other law applicable to the Contra Costa Canal or the acquired land. (2)EffectNothing in this Act modifies or alters any obligations under—
 (A)the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); or (B)the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
					4.Relationship to existing Central Valley Project contracts
 (a)In generalNothing in this Act affects— (1)the application of the reclamation laws to water delivered to the District pursuant to any contract with the Secretary; or
 (2)subject to subsection (b), the contracts. (b)Amendments to contractsThe Secretary and the District may modify the contracts as necessary to comply with this Act.
			(c)Liability
 (1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), the United States shall not be liable for damages arising out of any act, omission, or occurrence relating to the Contra Costa Canal or the acquired land.
 (2)ExceptionThe United States shall continue to be liable for damages caused by acts of negligence committed by the United States or by any employee or agent of the United States before the date of the conveyance and assignment under section 3(a), consistent with chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Tort Claims Act).
 (3)LimitationNothing in this Act increases the liability of the United States beyond the liability provided under chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Tort Claims Act).
 5.ReportIf the conveyance and assignment authorized by section 3(a) is not completed by the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that—
 (1)describes the status of the conveyance and assignment; (2)describes any obstacles to completing the conveyance and assignment; and
 (3)specifies an anticipated date for completion of the conveyance and assignment.


110 HR 2794 IH: America’s Partnership for Nursing Education Act of 2007
U.S. House of Representatives
2007-06-20
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
110th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 2794
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 20, 2007
Mr. Pastor introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL
To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the America’s Partnership for Nursing Education Act of 2007.
2.Findings; purpose
(a)FindingsThe Congress finds as follows:
(1)The nursing shortage has a detrimental impact on the quality of care patients receive in health care settings and plays a role in driving up health care costs.
(2)States that have developed strategies involving partnerships with educational institutions and have allocated funds toward implementing their strategies are well suited to make effective use of matching Federal funds to better address and reduce this nursing shortage
(b)PurposeThe purpose of this Act is to support State and private efforts to address lack of capacity in college and university nursing programs, the critical driving force behind the serious nursing shortage in many States with fast growing populations.
3.Grants to increase the number of qualified nursing facultyPart D of title VIII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 296p) is amended by adding at the end the following:

832.Grants to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty
(a)GrantsThe Secretary of Health and Human Services shall make grants to qualified States (or agencies or other governmental units thereof) to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty in college and university nursing programs in the State.
(b)Use of funds
(1)In generalAs a condition on the receipt of a grant under this section, a qualifying State shall agree to implement or continue implementing a program for the purpose of increasing the number of qualified nursing faculty in college and university nursing programs in the State. Such program—
(A)shall be implemented in cooperation with one or more colleges or universities in the State; and
(B)shall include payment of nursing faculty salaries, benefits, training costs, operational costs, and any other costs related to such purpose.
(2)RestrictionsAs a condition on the receipt of a grant under this section, a qualifying State shall agree—
(A)to use the grant only to pay costs described in paragraph (1)(B) that are associated with the number of qualified nursing faculty in college and university nursing programs in the State that is in addition to such number in academic year 2006–2007; and
(B)to refrain from using any funds made available through the grant for capital expenses.
(c)Amount of grant
(1)Federal fundsSubject to the availability of appropriations, the minimum amount of a grant to a qualifying State under this section for a fiscal year shall be $2,000,000.
(2)State fundsAs a condition on the receipt of a grant under this section, a qualifying State shall agree—
(A)to use the grant to supplement and not supplant the amount of funds made available by the State for academic year 2006–2007 for maintaining the number of qualified nursing faculty in college and university nursing programs in the State; and
(B)in addition to such funds, to make available not less than $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012 for the purpose of increasing the number of qualified nursing faculty in college and university nursing programs in the State.
(d)Colleges and universitiesThe Secretary shall allow a qualifying State receiving a grant under this section to determine which college and university nursing programs in the State are eligible for funding through such grant.
(e)Reports to congressNot later than the end of each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report on the grants awarded under this section. Each such report shall identify the overall number of grants awarded under this section, which States (or agencies or other governmental units thereof) received the grants, the number of new nursing faculty who were added, and the number of new nurses who are projected to graduate as a result of the grant in each State involved.
(f)DefinitionsIn this section:
(1)The term qualifying State means a State that—
(A)is experiencing explosive population growth, with total population projected to increase by more than 50 percent between 1990 and 2025 based on data of the Bureau of the Census;
(B)has a substantial projected shortage of nurses, such that the State is expected to have fewer than 555 nurses per 100,000 population in 2020, based on data of the Bureau of Health Professions of the Health Resources and Services Administration; and
(C)is implementing or continuing to implement a program for the purpose of increasing the number of qualified nursing faculty in college and university nursing programs in the State.
(2)The term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
(g)Authorization of appropriationsTo carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012..


115 HR 932 IH: Mobility, Opportunity, and Vocation Enabling Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-02-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 932IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 7, 2017Mr. Ellison (for himself, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Pocan, Ms. Maxine Waters of California, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Mr. Huffman, Ms. Lee, and Mr. Quigley) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureA BILLTo direct the Secretary of Transportation to develop performance measures for assessing
			 transportation connectivity and accessibility for highway and public
			 transportation systems, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Mobility, Opportunity, and Vocation Enabling Act or the MOVE Act . 2.Establishment of performance measures for transportation accessibility (a)Connectivity and accessibility performance measuresSection 150 of title 23, United States Code, is amended—
 (1)in subsection (c) by adding at the end the following:  (7)Multimodal transportation connectivity and accessibility (A)In generalNot later than 6 years after the date of enactment of the Mobility, Opportunity, and Vocation Enabling Act, the Secretary shall issue such regulations as are necessary to establish performance measures relating to transportation connectivity and accessibility for States and metropolitan planning organizations to use to assess the connectivity and accessibility of roadways, public transit infrastructure, pedestrian and bikeway infrastructure, and other transportation infrastructure.
 (B)ContentThe performance measures required under subparagraph (A) shall include measures to assess— (i)with respect to the general population serviced by a transportation system—
 (I)the change in cumulative access to employment opportunities; (II)multi-modal choice and enhanced interconnections among modes to—
 (aa)offer variety of choice between and among modes; (bb)provide accessible and reliable transportation for all users; and
 (cc)encourage travel demand management; and (III)such other areas the Secretary considers appropriate; and
 (ii)with respect to disadvantaged populations serviced by a transportation system— (I)transportation accessibility for disadvantaged populations;
 (II)change in cumulative job accessibility for disadvantaged populations; and (III)such other areas the Secretary considers appropriate.
 (C)Disadvantaged population definedIn this paragraph, the term disadvantaged population means a low-income or minority population, or people with disabilities, as determined by the Secretary.; and
 (2)in subsection (d) by striking and (6) and inserting (6), and (7). (b)Title 23 metropolitan planning coordinationSection 134(h)(2)(B) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (iii)Multimodal transportation accessibility performance targetsSelection of performance targets by a metropolitan planning organization shall be coordinated, to the maximum extent practicable, with the relevant State and providers of public transportation to ensure consistency with section 150(c)(7)..
 (c)Title 49 metropolitan planning coordinationSection 5303(h)(2)(B) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

 (iii)Multimodal transportation accessibility performance targetsSelection of performance targets by a metropolitan planning organization shall be coordinated, to the maximum extent practicable, with the relevant State and providers of public transportation to ensure consistency with section 150(c)(7) of title 23..


113 HRES 735 IH: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that recently proposed measures that will reduce transparency and public participation at the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) should be disapproved by United States representatives to the IAIS.
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-09-18
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IV
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 735
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 18, 2014
			Mr. Huizenga of Michigan (for himself and Mr. Meeks) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that recently proposed measures that will
			 reduce transparency and public participation at the International
			 Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) should be disapproved by
			 United States representatives to the IAIS.

		Whereas the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) establishes global insurance
			 standards that the United States and other countries are expected to
			 implement and are graded on their compliance with;
		Whereas heretofore, the procedures of the IAIS were relatively transparent for observers;
		Whereas, on August 4, 2014, the IAIS proposed eliminating public observers from its meetings
			 starting on January 1, 2015, significantly reducing the transparency of
			 its activities and only allowing certain parties to attend;
		Whereas representatives of United States consumer advocacy organizations have just recently been
			 admitted as observers;
		Whereas the IAIS proposed procedures would provide far less transparency and participation than the
			 procedure afforded to interested stakeholders in the United States by the
			 National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC);
		Whereas maximum transparency produces the best regulation and the proposed procedures will reduce
			 transparency; and
		Whereas United States State insurance regulators who currently provide the largest portion of
			 funding to the IAIS have already publically expressed opposition to the
			 proposed reduction in IAIS transparency: Now, therefore, be it

		That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that—
			(1)the International Association of Insurance Supervisors’ (IAIS) proposed procedures will reduce
			 transparency and access to IAIS supervisory standard development by United
			 States stakeholders including those representing consumers;
			(2)the proposed procedures specifically authorize the unfair and unequal treatment of interested
			 parties by allowing the IAIS to selectively admit certain parties and
			 exclude others at key meetings;
			(3)all representatives of the United States at the International Association of Insurance Supervisors
			 should oppose these new procedures and instead advocate more transparency
			 and public inclusion by the IAIS;
			(4)should the IAIS adopt the proposed procedures or any similar reductions in transparency, United
			 States representatives to the IAIS should make all appropriate efforts to
			 ensure that proper transparency is restored; and
			(5)all United States representatives to the IAIS should work to ensure that their activities are
			 transparent to Congress and United States stakeholders, and that United
			 States representatives to the IAIS should regularly communicate with
			 United States stakeholders through timely comprehensive reporting and
			 in-person discussions.


113 HR 3503 IH: To authorize the award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert L. Towles for acts of valor during the Vietnam War.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-11-14
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

V113th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3503IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 14, 2013Mr. Ryan of Ohio introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed ServicesA BILLTo authorize the award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Robert L. Towles for acts of valor during the Vietnam War.1.Authority for award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Four Robert L. Towles for acts of valor during the Vietnam War(a)Waiver of time limitationsNotwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 3744 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the Secretary of the Army may award the Distinguished Service Cross under section 3742 of that title to Robert L. Towles for the acts of valor referred to in subsection (b).(b)Action describedThe acts of valor referred to in subsection (a) are the actions of Specialist Four Robert L. Towles, on November 17, 1965, as a member of the United States Army serving in the grade of Specialist Four during the Vietnam War while serving in Company D, 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, for which he was originally awarded the Bronze Star with V Device.