		II
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3686
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			November 17
			 (legislative day, September 17), 2008
			Mr. Specter introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To establish an Office of Foreclosure Evaluation to
		  coordinate the responsibilities of the Department of the Treasury, the
		  Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Housing
		  Administration, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Neighborhood
		  Reinvestment Corporation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Board
		  of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and other Federal Government
		  entities regarding foreclosure prevention, and for other purposes.

		1.Short
			 title; table of contents
			(a)Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited
			 as the Foreclosure Diversion and
			 Residential Mortgage Loan Modification Act.
			(b)Table of
			 contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title; table of
				contents.
					Sec. 2. Findings.
					Sec. 3. Office of Foreclosure Evaluation.
					Sec. 4. Working group on foreclosure prevention.
					Sec. 5. Authorization of appropriations.
					Sec. 6. Definitions.
					Sec. 7. Modification of existing programs to prevent
				foreclosure.
					Sec. 8. Sunset.

			2.FindingsCongress finds that—
			(1)for the second
			 quarter of 2008, foreclosure filings nationwide had increased 121 percent over
			 the second quarter of 2007, and in the same time period, nearly 250,000
			 properties were foreclosed;
			(2)in both the prime
			 and subprime markets, seriously delinquent residential mortgage loans have been
			 rising at an alarming rate, increasing 3-fold since early 2006;
			(3)the number of
			 adjustable rate mortgages that are seriously delinquent has more than
			 quadrupled since early 2006, and nationwide, it is estimated that 2,200,000
			 families with subprime mortgage loans have lost or will lose their homes to
			 foreclosure over the next several years;
			(4)renters suffer as
			 well, as they may be evicted from foreclosed homes with little or no notice,
			 despite being up to date on rent payments;
			(5)neighborhoods are
			 deteriorating as foreclosed homes are left vacant, depressing neighboring
			 property values, and leading to higher crime rates;
			(6)crafting
			 affordable and sustainable loan modifications for distressed homeowners is
			 labor intensive;
			(7)securitization
			 has brought many benefits but also leads to greater complexity in finding
			 solutions;
			(8)under many
			 mortgage pooling and servicing agreements, additional labor costs incurred by
			 servicers who engage in the modification process are not compensated by the
			 loan owner, but servicers are paid a fee to foreclose on a homeowner, and
			 servicers may be permitted to retain ancillary fees, such as late fees and loan
			 collection fees;
			(9)under such a cost
			 and incentive structure, servicers may continue to push homeowners into less
			 labor intensive repayment plans, often with higher monthly payment obligations,
			 or towards foreclosure;
			(10)despite
			 widespread efforts since early 2007 to encourage voluntary residential mortgage
			 loan modifications, the pace of affordable and sustainable modifications has
			 not been sufficient to achieve the scale necessary to contain broad harm to
			 communities and the economy;
			(11)there is a need
			 to focus more Federal resources on foreclosure prevention efforts, including
			 court supervised mediation programs, that have proven to be effective and that
			 are handled on a mortgage-by-mortgage basis; and
			(12)to prevent
			 foreclosures where avoidable, there is a need to ensure that—
				(A)there are
			 substantive communications between servicers and homeowners, that servicers
			 have authority to answer questions and resolve issues related to loss
			 mitigation activities, and that servicers and loan owners consider or offer
			 reasonable loss mitigation, primarily through reduction in monthly payments by
			 lowering interest rates or extending the payment period prior to foreclosure;
			 and
				(B)homeowners are
			 responding to servicers’ communications, meeting with federally certified
			 housing counselors and trained pro bono attorneys, and availing themselves of
			 State and local housing finance and foreclosure prevention programs.
				3.Office of
			 Foreclosure Evaluation
			(a)Establishment
			 of OfficeSection 109 of the
			 Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (division A of Public Law 110–343)
			 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(d)Office of
				Foreclosure Evaluation
						(1)EstablishmentThere
				is established, in the Office of Domestic Finance of the Department of the
				Treasury, the Office of Foreclosure Evaluation (hereafter in this section
				referred to as the Office).
						(2)Director
							(A)In
				generalThe Office shall be headed by the Director of Foreclosure
				Evaluation (hereafter in this section referred to as the
				Director), who shall be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury,
				appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,
				except that an interim Assistant Secretary may be appointed by the Secretary
				notwithstanding such advice and consent.
							(B)AppointmentThe
				Director shall be appointed from among individuals who are citizens of the
				United States, have a demonstrated understanding of financial management or
				oversight, and have a demonstrated understanding of mortgage securities markets
				and housing finance.
							(3)Functions of
				the Director
							(A)In
				generalThe Director shall have ultimate responsibility within
				the Department of the Treasury, except for the Secretary, for all activities
				and matters relating to foreclosure evaluation and prevention,
				including—
								(i)research, grant
				administration, public outreach, and policy development relating to foreclosure
				prevention; and
								(ii)establishment,
				coordination, and administration of requirements, standards, and performance
				measures under programs and laws administered by the Department of the Treasury
				that relate to housing foreclosure prevention.
								(B)Other specific
				functionsThe Director shall carry out the functions assigned to
				the Director and the Office under this subsection and any other provisions of
				law, including—
								(i)serving as the
				Chairperson of the Working Group on Foreclosure Prevention established under
				subsection (e);
								(ii)coordinating the
				responsibilities of the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Housing
				and Urban Development, the Federal Housing Administration, the Federal Housing
				Finance Agency, the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, the Federal Deposit
				Insurance Corporation, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System,
				and other Federal Government entities regarding foreclosure prevention;
								(iii)collaborating
				in foreclosure prevention efforts with State and local government agencies,
				State and local courts, community based nonprofit organizations and counselors
				with expertise in the field of housing counseling, and State and local bar
				associations;
								(iv)certifying
				qualified foreclosure prevention programs, as provided in paragraph (4);
								(v)responding to
				inquiries and rendering opinions as to the reasonableness of the foreclosure
				mitigation actions of servicers, as provided in paragraph (5);
								(vi)conducting the
				National Public Service Multimedia Campaign To Promote Foreclosure Prevention
				Programs created under paragraph (6);
								(vii)working with
				and gathering data from the mortgage and real estate industries to ensure that
				servicers are engaging in reasonable mitigation and foreclosure prevention
				actions;
								(viii)encouraging
				servicers to use technology that would standardize the income to expense and
				loan resolution process; and
								(ix)considering
				payment of incentives to servicers for modifications completed within certain
				periods of time.
								(4)Certification
				and promotion of foreclosure prevention programs
							(A)Requirement for
				assistanceAn organization may not receive assistance for
				foreclosure preventions programs under this subsection, unless the organization
				has been certified by the Office for such purpose, in accordance with this
				paragraph.
							(B)Standards and
				proceduresThe Director shall, by regulation, establish standards
				and procedures for the certification of foreclosure prevention programs, which
				shall require that any such program involves, at a minimum—
								(i)efforts to
				identify, contact, and provide counseling to homeowners facing foreclosure or
				at significant risk of foreclosure;
								(ii)efforts to
				facilitate conciliation, mediation, or negotiation between homeowners and
				servicers at minimal or no additional cost to homeowners; and
								(iii)performance
				measures to document or demonstrate the success of the program in preventing or
				mitigating foreclosures.
								(C)Promotion of
				conciliation and mediationThe Director shall, in jurisdictions
				with judicial foreclosure laws—
								(i)promote the
				adoption of foreclosure prevention programs that require court supervised
				conciliation or mediation conferences between lenders or servicers or their
				legal representatives and homeowners or borrows or their legal representatives;
				and
								(ii)promote the use
				of pro bono legal counsel to represent homeowners or borrowers in such
				conciliation or mediation conferences.
								(D)Consistency
				with existing programsThe certification standards and procedures
				established under this paragraph shall, to the extent practical, be consistent
				with the certification procedures for housing counselors under section 106(e)
				of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x(e)).
							(E)Consultation
				with working groupThe certification standards and procedures
				established under this paragraph shall be developed in consultation with the
				Working Group established under subsection (e).
							(F)GrantsThe
				Director, in consultation with the Working Group, shall identify and promote
				Federal grant opportunities for certified foreclosure prevention programs. To
				the extent necessary to establish or build the capacity of certified
				foreclosure prevention programs, the Director may award grants directly to such
				programs.
							(5)Administrative
				prerequisites related to claims based on residential mortgage loan
				modifications
							(A)In
				general
								(i)LimitationNo
				civil action or complaint to recover damages resulting from a case-by-case
				residential mortgage loan modification or loss mitigation action, including
				delaying foreclosure, changing the interest rate on a prospective basis,
				capitalizing arrearages, extending the maturity date, extending the time for
				payment, accepting partial payments, or partially discharging principal,
				occurring from January 1, 2008 through January 1, 2010, and allegedly in
				violation of a pooling and servicing agreement, or equivalent claims, whether
				in tort or in contract, shall be filed unless the attorney or party filing the
				action has made a reasonable inquiry with the Office to determine that there
				are grounds for a good faith belief that the servicer has failed to comply with
				the duty described in section 119(b).
								(ii)Procedural
				requirementsWith respect to an action or complaint described in
				clause (i)—
									(I)the complaint or
				initial pleading shall contain a certification by the attorney or party filing
				the action that an inquiry required by clause (i) has been made and a signed
				opinion from the Office that the actions of the servicer were unreasonable and
				inconsistent with accepted servicing practices, or not permitted by the
				restrictions on real estate mortgage investment conduits under sections 860A
				through 860G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
									(II)such opinion
				shall be admissible but not conclusive; and
									(III)the failure to
				obtain and file the written opinion from the Office shall be grounds for the
				dismissal of the action.
									(B)Limitation on
				enforcement of contract termsFor residential mortgage loan
				modification occurring between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2010, limitations
				in a pooling and servicing agreement as to the total number of loans that may
				be modified to a specified percentage are unenforceable, to the extent that the
				actual number of loans modified by the servicer is less than 25 percent of the
				total.
							(C)Statute of
				limitations and determination of the date on which a claim
				accruesThe date on which the statute of limitations begins to
				run on any claim described in this paragraph shall be the later of—
								(i)the date of the
				issuance of the opinion of the Office, as required under subparagraph (A);
				or
								(ii)the date on
				which the cause of action accrues.
								(6)National public
				service multimedia campaign to promote foreclosure prevention programs
							(A)In
				generalThe Director shall develop, implement, and conduct a
				national public service multimedia campaign designed to make homeowners facing
				default or mortgage foreclosure aware of certified foreclosure prevention
				programs.
							(B)Contact
				informationEach segment of the multimedia campaign under
				subparagraph (A) shall publicize the toll-free telephone number and website of
				State or local programs that assist homeowners facing default or
				foreclosure.
							(7)Education
				programsThe Director shall provide advice and technical
				assistance to the States, units of general local government, and nonprofit
				organizations regarding the establishment and operation of foreclosure
				prevention programs that assist homeowners in obtaining assistance from housing
				counselors certified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development,
				community legal services organizations, pro bono attorneys, and State court
				programs that coordinate conciliation conferences before foreclosures and
				sheriff sales may proceed.
						(8)Study and
				report by the Director on loss mitigation activity
							(A)Study
				requiredThe Director shall conduct a study of the barriers to
				reasonable and timely residential mortgage loan modifications to prevent
				foreclosure of home loans, as well as the success of programs designed to
				prevent foreclosures, using as much empirical data as are available. The study
				shall include, among other relevant data, an assessment of whether the fee
				structure of typical loan servicing agreements creates a disincentive for
				servicers to engage in activities to mitigate or prevent foreclosure.
							(B)Submission to
				CongressNot later than—
								(i)6
				months after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Director shall
				submit to Congress a preliminary report regarding the study required by this
				paragraph; and
								(ii)12 months after
				such date of enactment, the Director shall submit a final report regarding the
				results of the study, including any recommendations for legislation, for best
				practices, and for processes to identify and effectively assist homeowners who
				can avoid foreclosure.
								(9)Reporting by
				servicers
							(A)In
				generalEach servicer that participates in a certified
				foreclosure prevention program shall report regularly, but not less frequently
				than monthly, to the Director on the extent and scope of the loss mitigation
				activities of the mortgage owner.
							(B)Report
				contentsThe report required by subparagraph (B) shall
				include—
								(i)the number of
				residential mortgage loans receiving loss mitigation that have become
				performing loans;
								(ii)the number of
				residential mortgage loans receiving loss mitigation that have proceeded to
				foreclosure;
								(iii)the total
				number of foreclosures initiated during the reporting period;
								(iv)data on loss
				mitigation activities disaggregated to reflect whether the loss mitigation
				was—
									(I)waiver of any
				late payment charge, penalty interest, or any other fees or charges, or any
				combination thereof;
									(II)establishment of
				a repayment plan under which the homeowner resumes regularly scheduled payments
				and pays additional amounts at scheduled intervals to cure the
				delinquency;
									(III)forbearance
				under the loan that provides for a temporary reduction in or cessation of
				monthly payments followed by a reamortization of the amounts due under the
				loan, including arrearage, and a new schedule of repayment amounts;
									(IV)waiver,
				modification, or variation of any material term of the loan, including
				short-term, long-term, or life-of-loan modification that changes the interest
				rate, forgives the payment of principal or interest, or extends the final
				maturity date of the loan;
									(V)short refinancing
				of the loan consisting of acceptance of payment from or on behalf of the
				homeowner of an amount less than the amount alleged to be due and owing under
				the loan, including principal, interest, and fees, in full satisfaction of the
				obligation under such loan and as part of a refinance transaction in which the
				property is intended to remain the principal residence of the homeowner;
									(VI)acquisition of
				the property by the owner or servicer by deed in lieu of foreclosure;
									(VII)short sale of
				the principal residence that is subject to the lien securing the loan;
									(VIII)assumption of
				the homeowner's obligation under the loan by a third party;
									(IX)cancellation or
				postponement of a foreclosure sale to allow the homeowner additional time to
				sell the property; or
									(X)any other loss
				mitigation activity not covered; and
									(v)such other
				information as the Director determines to be relevant.
								(10)Additional
				reporting requirementsThe Director shall consult with the
				Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to
				amend, as necessary, the reporting requirements applicable to federally related
				mortgage loans to ensure that such reporting requirements capture data
				necessary for the Director to satisfy the reporting requirements of this
				subsection.
						.
			(b)Clerical
			 amendments
				(1)Title
			 5Section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, is amended in the
			 item relating to Assistant Secretaries of the Treasury, by striking
			 (10) and inserting (11).
				(2)Title
			 31Section 301(e) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by
			 striking 10 and inserting 11.
				4.Working group on
			 foreclosure preventionSection
			 109 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (division A of Public
			 Law 110–343), as amended by this Act, is amended by adding at the end the
			 following new subsection:

				(e)Working group
				on foreclosure prevention
					(1)EstablishmentThere
				is established a Working Group on Foreclosure Prevention (in this subsection
				referred to as the Working Group).
					(2)CompositionThe
				Working Group shall be composed of senior representatives of—
						(A)the Department of
				the Treasury;
						(B)the Department of
				Housing and Urban Development;
						(C)the Federal
				Housing Administration;
						(D)the Federal
				Housing Finance Agency;
						(E)the Neighborhood
				Reinvestment Corporation;
						(F)the Federal
				Deposit Insurance Corporation;
						(G)the Board of
				Governors of the Federal Reserve System; and
						(H)such other
				Federal Government entities engaged in foreclosure prevention activities as may
				be designated by the Chairperson of the Working Group.
						(3)ChairpersonThe
				Director of the Office of Foreclosure Evaluation shall serve as the Chairperson
				of the Working Group.
					(4)Purpose and
				functionsThe Working Group shall—
						(A)improve
				coordination of Federal Government efforts to prevent foreclosure and permit
				homeowners to remain in their homes;
						(B)build the
				capacity of Federal entities, as well as State and local entities and nonprofit
				organizations to offer housing counseling and pro bono legal services to
				homeowners in areas that lack sufficient services;
						(C)share information
				and best practices concerning foreclosure prevention programs; and
						(D)review and
				provide input regarding the criteria used by the Chairperson, as the Director
				of the Office of Foreclosure Evaluation, to certify foreclosure prevention
				programs.
						(5)AdministrationThe
				Director shall provide the Working Group with such administrative and support
				services as may be necessary for the performance of the functions of the
				Working Group.
					(6)Cooperation of
				other agenciesThe heads of executive departments, agencies, and
				independent instrumentalities shall, to the extent permitted by law, provide
				the Working Group with such information as the Working Group requires to carry
				out this subsection.
					(7)ConsultationThe
				Working Group shall consult, as appropriate, with representatives of financial
				institutions, government entities, and nonprofit organizations engaged in
				foreclosure prevention programs, and representatives of the general
				public.
					.
		5.AuthorizationsSection 109 of the Emergency Economic
			 Stabilization Act of 2008 (division A of Public Law 110–343), as amended by
			 this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

				(f)Authorization
				of appropriationsThe authorization limitations established under
				section 115(a) shall be reduced by the amounts necessary to carry out the
				education and outreach campaigns and other activities described in this
				section.
				.
		6.DefinitionsSection 109 of the Emergency Economic
			 Stabilization Act of 2008 (division A of Public Law 110–343), as amended by
			 this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

				(g)DefinitionsAs
				used in this section—
					(1)the term Federally related mortgage
				loan has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Real Estate Settlement
				Procedure Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 2602).
					(2)the term
				homeowner means a person who—
						(A)has resided at
				the property secured by a mortgage since the mortgage transaction was entered
				into;
						(B)intends to reside
				at such property during the period of the loan; and
						(C)treats the
				property as his or her primary residence;
						(3)the term
				residential mortgage loan means any extension of credit
				primarily for personal, family, or household use that is secured by a mortgage,
				deed of trust, or other equivalent consensual security interest on a dwelling
				(as defined in section 103(v) of the Truth in Lending Act) or residential real
				estate on which is constructed or intended to be constructed a dwelling (as so
				defined); and
					(4)the term
				servicer has the same meaning as in section 6(i)(2) of the Real
				Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C.
				2605(i)(2)).
					.
		7.Modification of
			 existing programs to prevent foreclosureThe Housing and Economic Recovery Act or
			 2008 (Public Law 110–289) is amended—
			(1)in section
			 2301(c)(3) (42 U.S.C. 5301 note)—
				(A)in subparagraph
			 (D), by striking and at the end;
				(B)in subparagraph
			 (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and;
			 and
				(C)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(F)fund State and
				local mortgage foreclosure prevention programs that support or require
				counseling, conciliation, and mediation prior to sheriff sale or
				foreclosure.
						;
				(2)in section
			 1132(c)(1) (12 U.S.C. 1701x note)—
				(A)in subparagraph
			 (A)—
					(i)by
			 striking or at the end; and
					(ii)by
			 inserting (1) after (e) the second place it
			 appears;
					(B)in subparagraph
			 (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; or;
			 and
				(C)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(C)certified by the
				Office of Foreclosure Evaluation of the Department of the Treasury, in
				accordance with section 109(d)(4) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act
				of 2008 (Public Law 110–343).
						;
				and
				(3)in the fourth
			 undesignated proviso of section 2305 (42 U.S.C. 5301 note), by inserting after
			 civil litigation  the following: , except with respect to
			 the representation of a homeowner in foreclosure litigation.
			8.Sunset
			(a)In
			 generalExcept as provided in
			 subsections (b) and (c), this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall
			 cease to have effect on December 31, 2012, and the Office of Foreclosure
			 Evaluation and the Working Group on Foreclosure Prevention shall terminate on
			 that date.
			(b)ExceptionNotwithstanding
			 subsection (a), the provisions of section 109(d)(5) of the Emergency Economic
			 Stabilization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–343), regarding administrative
			 prerequisites related to claims based on loan modifications, as added by this
			 Act, shall remain in effect after December 31, 2012.
			(c)Discharge of
			 dutiesAfter December 31, 2012, the duties and responsibilities
			 assigned to the Director of the Office of Foreclosure Evaluation by section
			 109(d)(5) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (Public Law
			 110–343), as added by this Act, shall be discharged by the Under Secretary for
			 Domestic Finance or an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury designated for such
			 purpose by the Under Secretary.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 980
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 12, 2011
			Mrs. Murray (for
			 herself, Ms. Murkowski,
			 Ms. Cantwell, and
			 Mr. Begich) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Environment and Public
			 Works

		A BILL
		To promote secure ferry transportation and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short
			 titlesThis Act may be cited
			 as the United States Ferry Systems
			 Investment Act of 2011.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)Ferries are a
			 vital part of the United States transportation system, transporting more than
			 100,000,000 passengers annually in at least 38 States.
			(2)In many congested
			 metropolitan areas, ferries are 1 of the few remaining options for significant
			 transportation capacity expansion.
			(3)Ferries are the
			 sole or primary transportation connection for many island and isolated
			 communities.
			(4)Ferries provide a
			 critical emergency evacuation alternative for both large cities and remote
			 locations.
			(5)Ferries can be
			 part of an interim solution when transportation infrastructure fails, for
			 example after the terrorist attacks in New York on September 11, 2001,
			 disrupted train service and after part of the San Francisco Bay Bridge
			 collapsed in the Loma Prieta earthquake, ferries were used to provide interim
			 transportation.
			(6)Ferries offer a
			 relatively energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and low-stress mode of
			 travel.
			(7)Almost all of the
			 largest and important ferry services are publicly owned or provide
			 transportation at public terminals, are integrated with other transportation
			 modes, and are operated in a manner to serve the public interest.
			(8)According to the
			 Secretary of Transportation, nearly 25 percent of United States ferries are at
			 least 40 years old and 5 percent of United States ferries are at least 60 years
			 old.
			(9)Federal
			 investment in the United States ferry system is necessary because—
				(A)ferries play a
			 unique and important role in the United States transportation system;
				(B)there is a large
			 and growing need for new and replacement ferry vessels and terminals;
			 and
				(C)ferries do not
			 fit neatly into other Federal, mode-specific transportation programs.
				(10)The distribution
			 of Federal ferry funds by formula is appropriate because this method of
			 distribution would dedicate more funding to the largest and most important
			 public ferry systems.
			(11)The distribution
			 of Federal ferry funds by discretionary awards is also appropriate because this
			 method of distribution would help initiate and expand ferry services throughout
			 the United States.
			3.Secretary
			 definedIn this Act, the term
			 Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation.
		4.Construction of
			 ferry boats and ferry terminal facilitiesSection 147 of title 23, United States Code,
			 is amended by striking subsections (c), (d), and (e) and inserting the
			 following:

				(c)Distribution of
				fundsOf the amounts made available to ferry systems and public
				entities responsible for developing ferries under this section in a fiscal
				year—
					(1)50 percent shall
				be allocated at the discretion of the Secretary; and
					(2)50 percent shall
				be allocated in accordance with the formula set forth in subsection (d).
					(d)FormulaOf
				the amounts allocated pursuant to subsection (c)(2)—
					(1)50 percent shall
				be allocated among eligible entities in the ratio that—
						(A)the number of
				ferry passengers carried by each ferry system in the most recent fiscal year;
				bears to
						(B)the number of
				ferry passengers carried by all ferry systems in the most recent fiscal
				year;
						(2)25 percent shall
				be allocated among eligible entities in the ratio that—
						(A)the number of
				vehicles carried by each ferry system in the most recent fiscal year; bears
				to
						(B)the number of
				vehicles carried by all ferry systems in the most recent fiscal year;
				and
						(3)25 percent shall
				be allocated among eligible entities in the ratio that—
						(A)the total route
				miles serviced by each ferry system; bears to
						(B)the total route
				miles serviced by all ferry systems.
						(e)Funding
					(1)In
				generalThere shall be available to the Secretary from the
				Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) $200,000,000 for each
				of the fiscal years 2012 through 2018 to carry out this section.
					(2)Period of
				availabilityNotwithstanding section 118(b), amounts made
				available to carry out this section shall remain available until
				expended.
					.
		5.Eligibility of
			 ferries for clean fuels grant programSection 5308 of title 49, United States
			 Code, is amended—
			(1)in subsection
			 (a)(2)—
				(A)in clause (i), by
			 inserting , or ferries before the semicolon at the end;
			 and
				(B)in clause (iii),
			 by inserting or ferries before the semicolon at the end;
			 and
				(2)in subsection
			 (c)—
				(A)in the subsection
			 heading, by inserting and
			 ferries after buses; and
				(B)by inserting
			 or ferries before the period at the end.
				6.Ferry Joint
			 Program Office
			(a)Establishment
			 and purpose
				(1)EstablishmentThe
			 Secretary shall establish within the Department of Transportation a Ferry Joint
			 Program Office (referred to in this section as the Office) for
			 the purposes described in paragraph (2).
				(2)PurposesThe
			 purposes of the Office shall be—
					(A)to coordinate
			 Federal programs affecting ferry and ferry facility construction, maintenance,
			 operations, and security; and
					(B)to promote
			 transportation by ferry as a component of the United States transportation
			 system.
					(b)FunctionsThe
			 head of the Office shall—
				(1)coordinate
			 programs related to ferry transportation carried out by—
					(A)the Department of
			 Transportation, including programs carried out by the Federal Highway
			 Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Maritime
			 Administration, and the Research and Innovative Technology
			 Administration;
					(B)the Department of
			 Homeland Security; and
					(C)other Federal and
			 State agencies, as appropriate;
					(2)ensure resource
			 accountability for programs carried out by the Secretary related to ferry
			 transportation;
				(3)provide strategic
			 leadership for research, development, testing, and deployment of technologies
			 related to ferry transportation;
				(4)promote ferry
			 transportation as a means to reduce social, economic, and environmental costs
			 associated with traffic congestion; and
				(5)develop energy
			 efficient operating models to reduce carbon emissions associated with ferry
			 transportation.
				7.National ferry
			 databaseSection 1801(e) of
			 the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy
			 for Users (Public Law 109–59; 23 U.S.C. 129 note) is amended—
			(1)in paragraph (2),
			 by inserting , including any Federal, State, and local government
			 funding sources after sources; and
			(2)in paragraph
			 (4)—
				(A)in subparagraph
			 (B), by striking and at the end;
				(B)by redesignating
			 subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
				(C)by inserting
			 after subparagraph (B), the following:

						(C)ensure that the
				database is consistent with the national transit database maintained by the
				Federal Transit Administration
						;
				and
				(D)in subparagraph
			 (D), as redesignated, by striking 2009 and inserting
			 2018.
				8.National Ferry
			 Transportation Institute
			(a)EstablishmentNot
			 later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
			 shall award a grant to a college to establish a National Ferry Transportation
			 Institute (referred to in this section as an Institute) at the
			 college.
			(b)AdministrationThe
			 Secretary shall award and administer the grant under subsection (a) in
			 cooperation with the heads of appropriate entities of the Department of
			 Transportation and of the appropriate State transportation department, public
			 ferry transportation authorities, private ferry operators, ferry builders,
			 ferry transportation employees, and other colleges, universities, and research
			 institutes.
			(c)FunctionsThe
			 Institute—
				(1)shall conduct
			 research and recommend development activities on methods of improving ferry
			 transportation programs in the United States, including methods of reducing
			 wake, providing alternative propulsion, integrating use of clean, renewable
			 fuels, and testing advanced materials for use in ferry construction;
				(2)shall develop and
			 conduct training programs for ferry transportation system employees, United
			 States Government employees, and other individuals, as appropriate, on
			 developments, techniques, and procedures pertaining to the construction and
			 operation of ferries;
				(3)shall encourage
			 and assist collaborative efforts by public and private entities to preserve,
			 improve, and expand the use of ferries as a mode of transportation;
				(4)shall preserve,
			 utilize, and display historical information about the use of ferry
			 transportation in the United States and in foreign countries;
				(5)shall develop
			 models and recommendations to enhance security on ferries and in and around
			 ferry facilities; and
				(6)may provide funds
			 from a grant under subsection (a) to a contractor or other entity to assist the
			 Institute in carrying out the functions described in paragraphs (1) through
			 (5).
				(d)Selection
			 criteriaIn awarding the grant under subsection (a), the
			 Secretary shall consider—
				(1)the extent to
			 which the needs of the State in which the applicant is located are
			 representative of the importance of public and private ferries to the region’s
			 transportation system, including regional travel and long-range travel and
			 service to isolated communities;
				(2)the historical
			 importance of ferry transportation to the region in which the applicant is
			 located;
				(3)the history and
			 diversity of the region in the maritime community, including ferry construction
			 and repair and other shipbuilding activities;
				(4)the anticipated
			 growth of ferry transportation and the building of ferries in the
			 region;
				(5)the availability
			 of public-private collaboration in the region; and
				(6)the demonstrated
			 research and extension resources available to the applicant to successfully
			 carry out the functions described in subsection (c).
				(e)Requirement for
			 non-Federal fundingA college may not receive the grant under
			 subsection (a) unless the college certifies that it will provide, from
			 non-Federal sources, 25 percent of the costs associated with establishing,
			 operating, and maintaining the Institute, including carrying out the research
			 and development activities of the Institute.
			(f)ReportNot
			 later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually
			 thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress that describes
			 activities carried out under this section, including the activities carried out
			 by the Institute.
			(g)Authorization
			 of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the
			 Secretary $5,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2018 to carry
			 out this section.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1037
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 14, 2009
			Ms. Landrieu introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		A BILL
		To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act
		  of 1968 to provide adequate benefits for public safety officers injured or
		  killed in the line of duty, and for other purposes.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the First Responders Support Act of
			 2009.
		2.Expanding
			 disability benefits
			(a)In
			 generalSection 1201 of the
			 Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796) is
			 amended—
				(1)in subsection
			 (a)—
					(A)by striking
			 $250,000 and inserting $350,000; and
					(B)by striking
			 subsection (h) and inserting subsection
			 (h)(1);
					(2)in subsection
			 (b)—
					(A)by striking
			 permanently and totally; and
					(B)by striking
			 , to the extent that appropriations are provided and all that
			 follows and inserting a benefit in an amount determined in accordance
			 with subsection (h)(2) to such officer.; and
					(3)in subsection
			 (h)—
					(A)by striking
			 the effective date of this subsection and inserting the
			 date of enactment of the First Responders
			 Support Act of 2009;
					(B)by inserting
			 (1) after (h); and
					(C)by adding at the
			 end the following:

							(2)(A)Subject to subsection
				(b) and subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the amount of a benefit paid under
				subsection (b) to a public safety officer who has become disabled as the direct
				result of a catastrophic injury sustained in the line of duty shall be in an
				amount equal to the benefit that is payable under subsection (a) in the
				applicable year multiplied by the level of disability of the public safety
				officer, as determined in accordance with subparagraph (C).
								(B)No benefit shall be paid under
				subsection (b) if the level of disability of the public safety officer is less
				than 50 percent.
								(C)(i)The Director shall adopt and apply
				a schedule of levels of disability of public safety officers associated with
				specific injuries or combinations of injuries, based upon the average
				impairments of earning capacity resulting from the injuries concerned.
								(ii)For purposes of the schedule
				required by this subparagraph, the levels of disability eligible for benefits
				shall be—
									(I)based on the average impairment of
				earning capacity resulting from the injuries; and
									(II)set at 50, 75, and 100 percent of
				disability with a minimum threshold of 50
				percent.
									.
					(b)Definition of
			 catastrophic injurySection 1204(1) of the Omnibus Crime Control
			 and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b(1)) is amended by striking
			 permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful
			 work and inserting sufficiently diminishes the ability of an
			 individual to perform substantially gainful work (for purposes of this
			 paragraph marginal employment shall not be considered gainful
			 work).
			(c)Expediting
			 benefitsSection 1201 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe
			 Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796) is amended by adding at the end the
			 following:

					(n)Not later than 12
				months after the date on which a claimant submits all information required for
				a claim under this subpart, the Bureau shall determine whether the claimant is
				eligible to receive a benefit under this
				subpart.
					.
			(d)RegulationsNot
			 later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney
			 General shall promulgate regulations to carry out the amendments made by this
			 section.
			(e)Authorization
			 of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the
			 Attorney General, in addition to any other amounts otherwise authorized to be
			 appropriated, $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014 to hire
			 employees for the Bureau of Justice Assistance and obtain the technology and
			 equipment necessary to expedite the processing of claims and make disability
			 determinations under subpart 1 of part L of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe
			 Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796 et seq.), as amended by this
			 section.
			3.Educational
			 benefits
			(a)In
			 generalSection 1212(a) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe
			 Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796d–1(a)) is amended—
				(1)by striking
			 paragraph (2) and inserting the following:

						(2)(A)Except as provided in
				paragraph (3), and subject to subparagraph (C) of this paragraph, financial
				assistance under this subpart shall—
								(i)consist of direct payments to an
				eligible dependent; and
								(ii)be paid at the monthly rate of not
				more than $1,500.
								(B)The Director shall promulgate
				regulations to establish the amount of financial assistance under subparagraph
				(A) for an eligible dependent, which shall be based on the portion of the
				normal full-time academic workload for the course of study, as determined by
				the eligible educational institution, that the eligible dependent is
				pursuing.
							(C)On October 1 of each fiscal year
				beginning after the date of enactment of the First Responders Support Act of 2009, the
				Director shall adjust the level of the benefit payable during that fiscal year
				under subparagraph (A)(ii), to reflect the annual percentage change in the
				Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, published by the Bureau of Labor
				Statistics, occurring in the 1-year period ending on June 1 immediately
				preceding such October 1.
							;
				and
				(2)in paragraph
			 (3)(A), by striking to which the eligible dependent would otherwise be
			 entitled to receive and inserting that the eligible dependent
			 receives.
				(b)ChildrenSection
			 1212(a)(1) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.
			 3796d–1(a)(1)) is amended—
				(1)in subparagraph
			 (A), by striking or at the end;
				(2)in subparagraph
			 (B), by striking a totally and permanently disabling injury and
			 inserting the officer's catastrophic injury;
				(3)by redesignating
			 subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and
				(4)by inserting
			 after subparagraph (A) the following:

						(B)the child of the spouse of an officer
				described in subparagraph (A) at the time of the officer's death or on the date
				of the officer's catastrophic injury;
				or
						.
				4.Prioritization
			 of claimsSection 1205 of the
			 Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796c) is amended
			 by adding at the end the following:

				(d)(1)The Bureau
				shall adopt and apply a system of prioritization of claims for benefits under
				this part based on the severity of the claim and the likelihood of approval of
				the claim.
				(2)For purposes of
				this subsection, a claim for a death benefit or 100 percent disability shall be
				considered more severe and given
				priority.
				.
		5.Credit for
			 continuing care of first responders
			(a)In
			 generalSubpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the
			 Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to refundable credits) is amended by
			 redesignating section 36 as section 37 and by inserting after section 35 the
			 following new section:

					36.Continuing care
				for injured first responders
						(a)Allowance of
				creditThere shall be allowed
				as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the taxable year an
				amount equal to the qualified medical expenses paid or incurred during such
				taxable year by a qualified injured first responder or a family member of a
				qualified injured first responder.
						(b)Limitations
							(1)In
				generalThe amount of the credit allowed under subsection (a) for
				any taxable year shall not exceed $7,500.
							(2)Limitation
				based on adjusted gross incomeThe amount of the credit allowed
				by subsection (a) (determined without regard to this subsection) shall be
				reduced (but not below zero) by 5 percent of so much of the taxpayer's adjusted
				gross income as exceeds $75,000 ($150,000 in the case of a joint
				return).
							(c)DefinitionsFor purposes of this section—
							(1)Qualified
				injured first responderThe
				term qualified injured first responder means any public safety
				officer who has suffered an injury that substantially diminishes the ability of
				the public safety officer to perform gainful work while performing an official
				duty as a public safety officer.
							(2)Family
				memberThe term family member includes family
				members described in section 267(c)(4).
							(3)Qualified
				medical expensesThe term
				qualified medical expenses means expenses paid or incurred, not
				compensated for by insurance or otherwise, for medical care (within the meaning
				of section 213(d)) in connection with an injury of a qualified injured first
				responder which was incurred while the qualified injured first responder was
				performing an official duty as a public safety officer.
							(4)Public safety
				officerThe term public safety officer has the
				meaning given such term by section 1204(9) of the Omnibus Crime Control and
				Safe Streets Act of 1968.
							(d)No double
				benefitNo credit or deduction shall be allowed under this
				chapter with respect to any expenses which are taken into account under this
				section.
						.
			(b)Conforming
			 amendments
				(1)Paragraph (2) of
			 section 1324(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking
			 or 6428 and inserting , 36, or 6428.
				(2)The table of sections for subpart C of part
			 IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended
			 by striking the item relating to section 36 and inserting the following new
			 items:

							Sec. 36. Continuing care for
				injured first responders.
							Sec. 37. Overpayments of
				tax.

						.
				(c)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable
			 years beginning after December 31, 2009.
			6.Expanding
			 counseling and mental health services
			(a)DefinitionsIn
			 this section—
				(1)the term
			 Director means the Director of the Bureau of Justice
			 Assistance;
				(2)the term
			 eligible organization means an organization that provides free or
			 reduced cost mental health services or counseling to public safety officers
			 seriously injured in the line of duty and the family members of public safety
			 officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty;
				(3)the term
			 public safety officer has the meaning given that term in section
			 1204 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.
			 3796b); and
				(4)the term
			 reduced cost, relating to mental health services or counseling,
			 means that the organization providing the services or counseling charges not
			 more than 50 percent of the amount that the organization would otherwise charge
			 for the services or counseling.
				(b)Authorization
			 To make grantsThe Director may make grants to eligible
			 organizations to provide mental health services or counseling to public safety
			 officers seriously injured in the line of duty and the family members of public
			 safety officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty.
			(c)ApplicationAn
			 eligible organization desiring a grant under this section shall submit an
			 application at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information
			 as the Director may establish.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5160
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 27, 2012
			Mrs. Lummis
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on certain acrylic fiber
		  tow.

		1.Certain acrylic fiber
			 tow
			(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:

								9902.01.00Acrylic fiber tow containing 92 percent or more by weight of
						acrylonitrile units, from 200 to 600 ppm sodium and no organic solvent, the
						foregoing wound into spools each containing 24,000 filaments and with average
						filament measuring 1.3 decitex (plus or minus 0.15) (provided for in subheading
						5501.30.00)FreeNo changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2015

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


I
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2841
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 11, 2009
Mr. Space (for himself and Mr. Boccieri) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the enhanced charitable deduction for contributions of food inventory.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Promoting Charitable Actions Act of 2009.
2.Enhanced charitable deduction for contributions of food inventory made permanent
(a)In generalSubparagraph (C) of section 170(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking clause (iv).
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to contributions made after December 31, 2009.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1843
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			July 20, 2007
			Mr. Kennedy (for
			 himself, Mr. Specter,
			 Mr. Harkin, Mrs. Clinton, Ms.
			 Snowe, Ms. Mikulski,
			 Mr. Obama, Mr.
			 Durbin, Mr. Dodd,
			 Mr. Leahy, Mrs.
			 McCaskill, Mr. Whitehouse,
			 Mrs. Boxer, Ms.
			 Stabenow, and Mrs. Murray)
			 introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and
		  the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 to clarify that an unlawful
		  practice occurs each time compensation is paid pursuant to a discriminatory
		  compensation decision or other practice, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Fair Pay Restoration
			 Act.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)The Supreme Court
			 in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., No. 05–1074 (May 29, 2007),
			 significantly impairs statutory protections against discrimination in
			 compensation that Congress established and that have been bedrock principles of
			 American law for decades. The Ledbetter decision undermines those statutory
			 protections by unduly restricting the time period in which victims of
			 discrimination can challenge and recover for discriminatory compensation
			 decisions or other practices, contrary to the intent of Congress.
			(2)The limitation
			 imposed by the Court on the filing of discriminatory compensation claims
			 ignores the reality of wage discrimination and is at odds with the robust
			 application of the civil rights laws that Congress intended.
			(3)With regard to any charge of discrimination
			 under any law, nothing in this Act is intended to preclude or limit an
			 aggrieved person’s right to introduce evidence of an unlawful employment
			 practice that has occurred outside the time for filing a charge of
			 discrimination.
			(4)Nothing in this
			 Act is intended to change the law in effect as of May 28, 2007, concerning the
			 treatment of when pension benefits are considered paid.
			3.Discrimination in
			 compensation because of race, color, religion, sex, or national
			 originSection 706(e) of the
			 Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5(e)) is amended
			 by adding at the end the following:

				(3)(A)For purposes of this section, an unlawful
				employment practice occurs, with respect to discrimination in compensation in
				violation of this title, when a discriminatory compensation decision or other
				practice is adopted, when an individual becomes subject to a discriminatory
				compensation decision or other practice, or when an individual is affected by
				application of a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice,
				including each time wages, benefits, or other compensation is paid, resulting
				in whole or in part from such a decision or other practice.
					(B)Liability may accrue and (in addition to
				any relief authorized by section 1977A of the Revised Statutes (42 U.S.C.
				1981a)), an aggrieved person may obtain relief as provided in subsection
				(g)(1), including recovery of back pay for up to 2 years preceding the filing
				of the charge, in an action under this title concerning an unlawful employment
				practice with regard to discrimination in compensation, where the unlawful
				employment practice that has occurred during the charge filing period is
				similar or related to an unlawful employment practice with regard to
				discrimination in compensation that occurred outside the charge filing
				period.
					.
		4.Discrimination in
			 compensation because of ageSection 7(d) of the Age Discrimination Act
			 of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 626(d)) is amended—
			(1)in the first sentence—
				(A)by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
			 subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; and
				(B)by striking
			 (d) and inserting (d)(1);
				(2)in the third
			 sentence, by striking Upon and inserting the following:

					(2)Upon
					;
				and
			(3)by adding at the end the following:

					(3)For purposes of this section, an unlawful
				practice occurs, with respect to discrimination in compensation in violation of
				this Act, when a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice is
				adopted, when a person becomes subject to a discriminatory compensation
				decision or other practice, or when a person is affected by application of a
				discriminatory compensation decision or other practice, including each time
				wages, benefits, or other compensation is paid, resulting in whole or in part
				from such a decision or other
				practice.
					.
			5.Application to
			 other laws
			(a)Americans with
			 Disabilities Act of 1990The amendments made by section 102 shall
			 apply to claims of discrimination in compensation brought under title I and
			 section 503 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
			 (42 U.S.C. 12111 et seq., 12203), pursuant to section 107(a) of such Act (42
			 U.S.C. 12117(a)), which adopts the powers, remedies, and procedures set forth
			 in section 706 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C.
			 2000e–5).
			(b)Rehabilitation
			 Act of 1973The amendments made by section 102 shall apply to
			 claims of discrimination in compensation brought under sections 501 and 504 of
			 the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791, 794),
			 pursuant to—
				(1)sections 501(g)
			 and 504(d) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 791(g), 794(d)), respectively, which adopt
			 the standards applied under title I of the Americans with
			 Disabilities Act of 1990 for determining whether a violation has
			 occurred in a complaint alleging employment discrimination; and
				(2)paragraphs (1) and
			 (2) of section 505(a) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 794a(a)) (as amended by subsection
			 (c)).
				(c)Conforming
			 amendments
				(1)Rehabilitation
			 Act of 1973Section 505(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of
			 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794a(a)) is amended—
					(A)in paragraph (1),
			 by inserting after (42 U.S.C. 2000e–5 (f) through (k)) the
			 following: (and the application of section 706(e)(3) (42 U.S.C.
			 2000e–5(e)(3)) to claims of discrimination in compensation); and
					(B)in paragraph (2),
			 by inserting after 1964 the following: (42 U.S.C. 2000d
			 et seq.) (and in subsection (e)(3) of section 706 of such Act (42 U.S.C.
			 2000e–5), applied to claims of discrimination in compensation).
					(2)Civil Rights Act
			 of 1964Section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of
			 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16) is amended by adding at the end the
			 following—

						(f)Section 706(e)(3) shall apply to complaints
				of discrimination in compensation under this
				section.
						.
				(3)Age
			 Discrimination Act of 1967Section 15(f) of the Age
			 Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C. 633a(f)) is
			 amended by striking of section and inserting of sections
			 7(d)(3) and.
				6.Effective
			 dateThis Act, and the
			 amendments made by this Act, take effect as if enacted on May 28, 2007 and
			 apply to all claims of discrimination in compensation under title VII of the
			 Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.), the
			 Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29 U.S.C.
			 621 et seq.), title I and section 503 of the Americans with
			 Disabilities Act of 1990, and sections 501 and 504 of the
			 Rehabilitation Act of 1973, that are pending on or after
			 that date.


116 S283 IS: Increasing Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-01-30
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. 283IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJanuary 30, 2019Ms. Collins (for herself, Mr. Cardin, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. King, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Wicker, and Ms. Stabenow) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to, and utilization of, bone mass
			 measurement benefits under part B of the Medicare program by establishing
			 a minimum payment amount under such part for bone mass measurement.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Increasing Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2019. 2.FindingsThe Congress finds the following:
 (1)Osteoporosis is a major public health problem with 54 million Americans as of 2010 having either low bone mass or osteoporosis, responsible for over 2 million fractures per year, including over 300,000 hip fractures. The estimated total cost of these fractures in 2005 was $17 billion and expected to rise to over $25 billion by 2025.
 (2)Osteoporosis is a silent disease that often is not discovered until a fracture occurs. One out of two women and up to one of four men will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetimes.
 (3)While both men and women may develop osteoporosis, 80 percent are women. (4)Most women are not aware of their personal risk factors for osteoporosis, the prevalence of, or the morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, despite the fact that broken bones due to osteoporosis lead to more hospitalizations and greater health care costs than heart attack, stroke, or breast cancer in women age 55 and above.
 (5)A woman’s risk of hip fracture is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer. More women die in the United States in the year following a hip fracture than from breast cancer.
 (6)One out of four people who have an osteoporotic hip fracture will need long-term nursing home care. Half of those who experience osteoporotic hip fractures are unable to walk without assistance.
 (7)Elderly women are so afraid of losing their independence that 8 in 10 would rather die than break their hip and be admitted to a nursing home.
 (8)Bone density testing is more powerful in predicting fractures than cholesterol is in predicting myocardial infarction or blood pressure in predicting stroke.
 (9)Osteoporosis remains both under-recognized and under-treated. Over a 7-year period (2007–2013), 45 percent of older female Medicare beneficiaries had no DXA bone density test, and 25 percent had only one test.
 (10)DXA testing in older women declined in 2014 to the lowest point in 10 years. (11)A decade of steady decline in hip fractures stopped abruptly in 2013. Since then, there have been more than 14,000 additional hip fractures, costing over $560 million, leading to 2,800 more deaths than expected if the decline had continued.
 3.Increasing access to osteoporosis prevention and treatmentSection 1848(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–4(b)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (4)(B)—
 (A)by striking and the first 2 months of 2012 and inserting the first 2 months of 2012, 2019, and each subsequent year; and (B)by striking paragraph (6) and inserting paragraphs (6) and (12); and
 (2)by adding at the end the following:  (12)Establishing minimum payment for osteoporosis testsFor dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry services (identified by HCPCS codes 77080 and 77082 and successor codes 77085 and 77086 (and any succeeding codes)) furnished during 2019 or a subsequent year, the Secretary shall establish a national minimum payment amount under this subsection—
 (A)for such services identified by HCPCS code 77080, equal to $98 (with national minimum payment amounts of $87.11 for the technical component and $10.89 for the professional component);
 (B)for such services identified by HCPCS code 77086, equal to $35 (with national minimum payment amounts of $27.18 for the technical component and $7.82 for the professional component); and
 (C)for the bundled code for dual energy absorptiometry and vertebral fracture assessment studies identified as HCPCS code 77085, equal to $133 (with national minimum payment amounts of $114.29 for the technical component and $18.71 for the professional component).
						Such minimum payment amounts shall be adjusted by the geographical adjustment factor established
			 under subsection (e)(2) for the services for the respective year..


		IV
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 1678
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 29, 2010
			Mrs. Bono Mack (for
			 herself and Mr. Delahunt) submitted
			 the following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Education and
			 Labor

		RESOLUTION
		Recognizing the importance of
		  National Drug Facts Week, beginning November 8,
		  2010.

		Whereas National Drug Facts Week is
			 designed to be a national awareness week to bring together teens and scientific
			 experts to discuss the facts about drug abuse and addiction;
		Whereas the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), in
			 collaboration with partners across the United States, will launch the first
			 annual National Drug Facts Week on November 8, 2010;
		Whereas partners in this effort include the White House
			 Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
			 Services Administration, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
			 Alcoholism, the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools in the U.S. Department of
			 Education, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S.
			 Department of Transportation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the
			 Bureau of Justice Assistance in the U.S. Department of Justice, the National
			 Guard, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, the Partnership for a
			 Drug-Free America, MTV, MusiCares, Vans, and the Discovery Channel;
		Whereas the week encourages community-based question and
			 answer events between teens and scientists, and can be sponsored by a broad
			 array of interested organizations;
		Whereas this week is an expansion of Drug Facts
			 Chat Day, an annual effort launched by NIDA in 2007 to provide the
			 opportunity for school-aged youth and teachers in classrooms across the United
			 States to ask questions of the Nation’s leading experts in the field of drug
			 abuse and addiction;
		Whereas the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
			 indicated that, in 2008, 7.6 percent of youth in the United States between 12
			 and 17 years of age met diagnostic criteria for abuse or dependence (addiction)
			 to illegal drugs or alcohol;
		Whereas in recent years, the Monitoring the Future Study
			 has yielded generally encouraging news of declining past-month illicit drug use
			 rates for school-aged youth;
		Whereas declines in youth cigarette smoking, now at its
			 lowest rate since the Monitoring the Future Survey began collecting data in
			 1975, will translate into fewer deaths associated with the myriad medical
			 consequences of smoking;
		Whereas while progress continues to be made, troubling
			 trends still abound, including widespread abuse of prescription and
			 over-the-counter medications;
		Whereas research clearly shows that as the perceived risks
			 associated with drugs increases, the abuse of such drugs decreases;
		Whereas youth often get information about drugs, drug
			 abuse, and addiction from unreliable and inaccurate sources; and
		Whereas “National Drug Facts Week” begins on November 8,
			 2010: Now, therefore, be it

		That the House of
			 Representatives—
			(1)recognizes the importance of “National Drug
			 Facts Week”; and
			(2)urges communities
			 across the Nation, including schools, teachers, and students, to participate in
			 activities comprising this week and using the information provided to increase
			 their understanding of the science of drug abuse and addiction among
			 school-aged youth.


117 HR 517 IH: Employee Bonus Protection Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-01-28
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.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 517IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 28, 2021Mr. Calvert introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and LaborA BILLTo amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide that an employee’s regular rate for purposes of calculating overtime compensation will not be affected by certain additional payments.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Employee Bonus Protection Act.2.Regular rate for overtime purposesSection 7(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 is amended—(1)by inserting before the semicolon at the end of paragraph (3) the following: ; or (d) the payments are made to reward an employee or group of employees for meeting or exceeding the productivity, quality, efficiency, or sales goals as specified in a gainsharing plan, incentive bonus plan, commission plan, or performance contingent bonus plan; and(2)by adding at the end the following:A plan described in clause (d) of paragraph (3) shall be in writing and made available to employees, provided that the amount of the payments to be made under the plan be based upon a formula that is stated in the plan, and be established and maintained in good faith for the purpose of distributing to employees additional remuneration over and above the wages and salaries that are not dependent upon the existence of such plan or payments made pursuant to such plan..


116 HR 780 IH: Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-01-24
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. 780IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 24, 2019Ms. Omar (for herself, Ms. Norton, Ms. Moore, Ms. Pressley, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, Mr. Hastings, Ms. Tlaib, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Blumenauer, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Ruppersberger, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Cicilline, Mr. Foster, Mr. Beyer, Mr. Cox of California, Ms. Wasserman Schultz, Mr. Pocan, Ms. Schakowsky, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Mr. Levin of Michigan, Mr. DeSaulnier, Ms. Hill of California, Mr. Garamendi, Mr. Soto, Ms. Jayapal, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Neguse, Mr. Meeks, Mrs. Lawrence, and Mr. Carson of Indiana) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and ReformA BILLTo provide reimbursement to certain Federal employees for childcare expenses during the lapse in
			 appropriations beginning on or about December 22, 2018.

 1.Short TitleThis Act may be cited as the Federal Worker Childcare Protection Act of 2019. 2.Childcare reimbursementAny Federal employee who is furloughed or working without receiving a paycheck during the lapse in appropriations beginning on or about December 22, 2018, and paying for childcare during such lapse shall receive reimbursement for such care—
 (1)subject to appropriations; and (2)if such an employee can provide documentation to the General Services Administration in the form a of a receipt from a childcare provider.


109 HR 3970 IH: Bioterror and Pandemic Preparedness Protection Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-10-06
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.

I
109th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 3970
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 6, 2005
Mr. Issa introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL
To amend title 28, United States Code, to provide liability protections for certain pandemics and countermeasures.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Bioterror and Pandemic Preparedness Protection Act.
2.Liability protections for pandemics, epidemics, and countermeasures
(a)In generalPart VI of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:

181Liability Protection for Certain Pandemics and Countermeasures

Sec
4101. Liability protections for pandemics, epidemics, and security countermeasures
4101.Liability protections for pandemics, epidemics, and security countermeasures
(a)AuthorityThe Attorney General shall be solely and exclusively responsible for the administration of this section. This section shall apply with respect to the design, development, clinical testing and investigation, manufacture, labeling, distribution, sale, purchase, donation, dispensing, administration, or use of a security countermeasure or a qualified pandemic or epidemic product.
(b)Litigation Management
(1)Federal cause of action
(A)In generalThere shall exist an exclusive Federal cause of action for all claims for loss of property, personal injury, bodily injury, including mental anguish, or death arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the design, development, clinical testing and investigation, manufacture, labeling, distribution, sale, purchase, donation, dispensing, administration, or use of a qualified pandemic or epidemic product or a security countermeasure as provided for in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (2)(B). Section 1346(b) and Chapter 17 of title 28, United States Code, shall not apply to the cause of action provided for in this paragraph. Such cause of action shall be exclusive of any other civil action or proceeding relating to the same subject matter.
(B)ActionWith respect to the Federal cause of action provided in subparagraph (A)—
(i)an action may be commenced solely and exclusively against the United States for claims identified in subparagraph (A) that are against a manufacturer, distributor, or health care provider;
(ii)no cause of action shall be maintained against a manufacturer, distributor, or health care provider for claims identified in subparagraph (A); and
(iii)if the product is described in paragraph (2)(B)(ii) and is not described in clause (i) of such paragraph, the protections set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) shall apply to all claims identified in subparagraph (A) that involve products sold, purchased, donated, dispensed, or administered during the effective period set forth in the designation provided for in paragraph (2)(F), regardless of the date of alleged injury.
(C)JurisdictionThe United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have sole and exclusive jurisdiction over any claim for loss of property, personal injury, or death arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the design, development, clinical testing and investigation, manufacture, labeling, distribution, sale, purchase, donation, dispensing, administration, or use of a qualified pandemic or epidemic product or security countermeasure as provided for in clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (2)(B). The substantive law with respect to a decision in any such action shall be derived from the law, including choice of law principles, of the State in which such action arose, unless such law is inconsistent with or preempted by Federal law.
(2)Affirmative defense
(A)In generalExcept as provided in subparagraph (C), neither the Federal Government nor a manufacturer, distributor, administrator, or health care provider shall be liable in an action described in subparagraph (B).
(B)Action describedAn action described in this subparagraph is an action that is commenced against the United States for claims arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the design, development, clinical testing and investigation, manufacture, labeling, distribution, sale, purchase, donation, dispensing, prescribing, administration, or use of—
(i)a security countermeasure that has been procured for or donated to the Strategic National Stockpile under section 319F–2 of the Public Health Service Act or a qualified pandemic or epidemic product that has been procured or donated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services; or
(ii)a security countermeasure or qualified pandemic or epidemic product distributed, sold, purchased, donated, dispensed, administered, prescribed, or used in anticipation of and preparation for, in defense against, or in response to or recovery from an actual or potential public health emergency, that is a designated security countermeasure or a qualified pandemic or epidemic product by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in a public health emergency as described in paragraph (1) or (2) of section 319(a) of the Public Health Service Act.
(C)Potential liability upon determination
(i)In generalA manufacturer, distributor, administrator, or health care provider may be liable in any action described in subparagraph (B) only if the Attorney General makes a determination as provided for in subparagraph (D).
(ii)Investigation by attorney generalA party seeking a determination under subparagraph (D) may petition the Attorney General to investigate allegations against a manufacturer, distributor, administrator, or health care provider arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the design, development, clinical testing and investigation, manufacture, labeling, distribution, sale, purchase, donation, prescribing, dispensing, administration, or use of products as provided for in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B). The decision to undertake such investigation shall be within the Attorney General’s discretion and shall not be subject to judicial review.
(D)Determination by Attorney General
(i)In generalIn making a determination under this subparagraph, the Attorney General must find clear and convincing evidence that the manufacturer, distributor, administrator, or health care provider intentionally or with willful disregard violated a provision of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) or the Public Health Service Act and such violation—
(I)caused the product to present a significant or unreasonable risk to human health; and
(II)proximately caused the injury alleged by the party.
(ii)Notice and hearingPrior to the Attorney General’s making a determination under clause (i), the manufacturer, distributor, administrator, or health care provider shall have notice and a right to a formal hearing in accordance with section 556 of title 5, United States Code.
(iii)Effect of determinationIf the Attorney General makes an affirmative determination under clause (i), a case may proceed against a manufacturer, distributor, administrator, or health care provider involved.
(iv)Judicial reviewAt any time prior to the 90th day following a determination by the Attorney General under clause (i) of this subparagraph, any manufacturer, distributor, administrator, or health care provider named in such determination may file a petition with the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit wherein such person resides or has his principal place of business, for a judicial review of such determination. A copy of the petition shall be forthwith transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Attorney General or other officer designated by the Attorney General for that purpose. The Attorney General thereupon shall file in the court the record of the findings on which the Attorney General based his or her determination. The filing of a petition under this clause shall automatically stay the Attorney General’s determination for the duration of the judicial proceeding. The sole parties to the judicial proceeding shall be the Attorney General and the petitioner. Intervention by third parties in the judicial proceeding shall not be permitted. No subpoenas shall be issued nor shall other compulsory process apply. The court's review of a determination by the Attorney General under this clause shall conform to the procedures for judicial review of administrative orders set forth in paragraphs (2) through (6) of section 701(f) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 371(f)), to the extent consistent with this section.
(v)Tolling of statute of limitationsThe computation of the statute of limitations for any action against a manufacturer, distributor, administrator, or health care provider described under this subparagraph shall not include any time occurring before the determination by the Attorney General under this subparagraph.
(E)ScopeSubparagraph (C) shall apply regardless of whether the claim against the United States arises from the design, development, clinical testing and investigation, manufacture, labeling, distribution, sale, purchase, donation, dispensing, prescribing, administration, or use by the Federal Government or by any person.
(F)DesignationIn any declaration of a public health emergency under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, or in a separate declaration under such section, the Secretary of Health and Human Services may, if necessary, identify the pandemic, epidemic, or biological, chemical, nuclear agent, or toxin that presents, or may present, a public health emergency and shall designate the security countermeasure(s) or qualified pandemic or epidemic product(s) to be sold by, purchased from, or donated by a manufacturer or drawn from the Strategic National Stockpile and shall specify in such designation the beginning and ending dates of such sale, purchase, donation, or use from the stockpile. The period so defined shall be the effective period of such qualification for any products specified in the designation. The declaration shall subsequently be amended to reflect any additional sale, purchase, or donation of products specified in the designation.
(c)DefinitionsIn this section:
(1)AdministratorThe term administrator means—
(A)a person who administers, dispenses, distributes, or otherwise provides a security countermeasure or a qualified pandemic or epidemic product to a person to diagnose, mitigate, treat, identify, cure, or prevent harm from—
(i)a pandemic or epidemic or any biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear agent; or
(ii)a serious or life-threatening disease or condition caused by such countermeasure or product; or
(B)a person that has established requirements, provided policy guidance, supplied technical or scientific advice or assistance, or otherwise supervised or administered a program with respect to the administration, dispensing, distribution, or provision of a security countermeasure or a qualified pandemic or epidemic product.
(2)Health care providerThe term health care provider means a person, including a volunteer, who lawfully prescribes, administers, dispenses, or provides a facility to administer a security countermeasure or a qualified pandemic or epidemic product, including persons who prescribe, administer, or provide a facility to administer in accordance with a designation under subsection (b)(2)(F).
(3)LossThe term loss means death, bodily injury, or damage to property, including business interruption loss.
(4)Qualified pandemic or epidemic productThe term qualified pandemic or epidemic product means a drug (as such term is defined in section 201(g)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(g)(1))), biological product (as such term is defined by section 351(i) of this Act) or device (as such term is defined by section 201(h) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(h))) designed, developed, modified, or procured to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, treat, or cure a pandemic or epidemic or limit the harm such pandemic or epidemic might otherwise cause or a serious or life-threatening disease or condition caused by such a product, that—
(A)is approved or cleared under chapter V of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or licensed under section 351 of the Public Health Service Act;
(B)is a product for which the Secretary determines that sufficient and satisfactory clinical experience or research data (including data, if available, from pre-clinical and clinical trials) support a reasonable conclusion that the countermeasure will qualify for approval or licensing within 8 years after the date the Secretary declares a public health emergency as described in paragraph (1) or (2) of section 319(a) of the Public Health Service Act; or
(C)is authorized by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under this section, except that the Secretary of Health and Human Services may authorize under thus section the emergency use of a product only if, after consultation with the Director of the National Institutes of Health and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (to the extent feasible and appropriate given the circumstances of the emergency involved), the Secretary of Health and Human Services concludes—
(i)that an agent or toxin identified in a declaration described under subsection (b) can cause a serious or life-threatening disease or condition;
(ii)that, based on the totality of the scientific evidence available to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, including data from adequate and well-controlled clinical trials, if available, it is reasonable to believe that—
(I)the product may be effective in diagnosing, mitigating, preventing, treating or curing—
(aa)a pandemic or epidemic; or
(bb)a serious or life threatening disease or condition caused by a product;
(II)the known and potential benefits of the product, when used to diagnose, mitigate, prevent, treat or cure such disease or condition, outweigh the known and potential risks of the product;
(iii)that there is no adequate, approved, and available alternative to the product for diagnosing, mitigating, preventing, treating, or curing such disease or condition; and
(iv)that such other criteria as the Secretary of Health and Human Services may by regulation prescribe are satisfied.
(5)PartyThe term party means an individual who can reasonably demonstrate to the Secretary that such individual has suffered a loss (as defined above) as a direct result of the alleged misconduct or illegal activities of a manufacturer, distributor, administrator, or health care provider.
(6)PersonThe term ‘person’ includes an individual, partnership, corporation, association, entity, or public or private corporation, including a Federal, State, or local agency or department.
(7)Security countermeasureThe term security countermeasure has the meaning given such term in section 319F–2(c)(1)(B) of the Public Health Service Act..
(b)Conforming amendmentThe table of chapters for part VI of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding after the item relating to chapter 180 the following new item:

181.Liability protection for certain pandemics and countermeasures4101.


109 HR 2158 IH: To extend the duty suspension on Cyclohexadec-8-en-l-one.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-05-05
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2158
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 5, 2005
Mr. Brown of South Carolina introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To extend the duty suspension on Cyclohexadec-8-en-l-one.

1.Cyclohexadec-8-en-l-one
(a)In generalHeading 9902.01.37 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to Cyclohexadec-8-en-l-one) is amended by striking 12/31/2006 and inserting 12/31/2008.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.


115 SRES 276 ATS: Designating September 2017 as “Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month”.
U.S. Senate

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
		115th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 276
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			September 28, 2017
			Mr. Coons (for himself, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Murphy, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mr. Hatch) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		Designating September 2017 as Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month.

 Whereas pulmonary fibrosis is a debilitating and ultimately fatal lung condition that causes progressive scarring in the lungs and has no definitive cause;
 Whereas as many as 200,000 individuals in the United States are known to suffer from pulmonary fibrosis, the majority of whom are between the ages of 50 and 75;
 Whereas the average life expectancy from the diagnosis of the idiopathic form of pulmonary fibrosis is just 2.8 years, and as many as 80 percent of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients die within 5 years of diagnosis;
 Whereas pulmonary fibrosis takes the lives of 40,000 or more individuals in the United States each year—approximately 1 individual every 13 minutes;
 Whereas many patients afflicted with pulmonary fibrosis are misdiagnosed for 1 year or longer after the patients are presenting with pulmonary fibrosis symptoms;
 Whereas, as of July 2017, there are no confirmed biomarkers for screening and testing for pulmonary fibrosis;
 Whereas a cure, treatment, or drug to halt the fibrotic process in pulmonary fibrosis does not yet exist;
 Whereas the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis vary from person to person and include shortness of breath, a dry cough, fatigue, weight loss, and aching muscles and joints;
 Whereas volunteers, researchers, caregivers, and medical professionals are working to improve the quality of life for individuals with pulmonary fibrosis and for the families of those individuals; and
 Whereas developing more effective treatments for pulmonary fibrosis and providing access to quality care to individuals with pulmonary fibrosis requires increased research, education, and community support services: Now, therefore, be it

 That the Senate— (1)designates September 2017 as Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month;
 (2)supports the goals and ideals of Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month; (3)continues to support more robust and accelerated research to develop more effective treatments for pulmonary fibrosis and to ultimately find a cure for the disease;
 (4)recognizes the courage and contributions of individuals with pulmonary fibrosis who participate in vital clinical trials to advance the knowledge of the disease; and
 (5)commends the dedication of organizations, volunteers, researchers, and millions of individuals in the United States and abroad working to improve the quality of life for individuals with pulmonary fibrosis and the families of those individuals.


115 HR 1820 IH: Veterans Equal Access Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-03-30
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. 1820IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 30, 2017Mr. Blumenauer (for himself, Mr. Garrett, Mr. Polis, Mr. Amash, Ms. Titus, and Mr. Rohrabacher) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo authorize Department of Veterans Affairs health care providers to provide recommendations and
			 opinions to veterans regarding participation in State marijuana programs.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Veterans Equal Access Act. 2.Provision by Department of Veterans Affairs health care providers of recommendations and opinions regarding veteran participation in State marijuana programsNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall authorize physicians and other health care providers employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to—
 (1)provide recommendations and opinions to veterans who are residents of States with State marijuana programs regarding the participation of veterans in such State marijuana programs; and
 (2)complete forms reflecting such recommendations and opinions.


109 HR 2851 IH: To extend the suspension of duty on 3-Dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)–2,5-pyrrolidinedione.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-06-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 2851
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 9, 2005
Mrs. Myrick introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To extend the suspension of duty on 3-Dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)–2,5-pyrrolidinedione.

1.3-Dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-2,5-pyrrolidinedione
(a)In generalHeading 9902.04.12 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to 3-Dodecyl-1-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)-2,5-pyrrolidinedione) is amended by striking 12/31/2006 and inserting 12/31/2008.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.


113 S1737 PCS: Minimum Wage Fairness Act
U.S. Senate
2013-11-19
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IICalendar No. 250113th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1737IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESNovember 19, 2013Mr. Harkin (for himself and Mr. Reid) introduced the following bill; which was read the first timeNovember 20, 2013Read the second time and placed on the calendarA BILLTo provide for an increase in the Federal minimum wage and to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend increased expensing limitations and the treatment of certain real property as
		section 179 property.1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Minimum Wage Fairness Act.2.Minimum wage
			 increases(a)Minimum
			 wage(1)In
			 generalSection 6(a)(1) of
			 the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) is amended to read
			 as follows:(1)except as otherwise provided in this
				section, not less than—(A)$8.20 an hour,
				beginning  on the first day of the sixth month that begins after the date of
				enactment of the Minimum Wage Fairness Act;(B)$9.15 an hour,
				beginning 1 year after that first day;(C)$10.10 an hour,
				beginning 2 years after that first day; and(D)beginning on the
				date that is 3 years after that first day, and annually thereafter, the amount
				determined by the Secretary pursuant to subsection
				(h);.(2)Determination
			 based on increase in the consumer price indexSection 6 of the
			 Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206) is amended by adding at the
			 end the following:(h)(1)Each year, by not later than the date that
				is 90 days before a new minimum wage determined under subsection (a)(1)(D) is
				to take effect, the Secretary shall determine the minimum wage to be in effect
				pursuant to this subsection for the subsequent 1-year period. The wage
				determined pursuant to this subsection for a year shall be—(A)not less than the amount in effect under
				subsection (a)(1) on the date of such determination;(B)increased from such amount by the
				annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners
				and Clerical Workers (United States city average, all items, not seasonally
				adjusted), or its successor publication, as determined by the Bureau of Labor
				Statistics; and(C)rounded to the nearest multiple of
				$0.05.(2)In calculating the annual percentage
				increase in the Consumer Price Index for purposes of paragraph (1)(B), the
				Secretary shall compare such Consumer Price Index for the most recent month,
				quarter, or year available (as selected by the Secretary prior to the first
				year for which a minimum wage is in effect pursuant to this subsection) with
				the Consumer Price Index for the same month in the preceding year, the same
				quarter in the preceding year, or the preceding year,
				respectively..
				(b)Base minimum
			 wage for tipped employeesSection 3(m)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards
			 Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(m)(1)) is amended to read as follows:(1)the cash wage paid such employee, which for
				purposes of such determination shall be not less than—(A)for the 1-year
				period beginning on the first day of the sixth month that begins  after the date
				of enactment of the Minimum Wage Fairness Act, $3.00 an hour;(B)for each
				succeeding 1-year period until the hourly wage under this paragraph equals 70
				percent of the wage in effect under section 6(a)(1) for such period, an hourly
				wage equal to the amount determined under this paragraph for the preceding
				year, increased by the lesser of—(i)$0.95; or(ii)the amount
				necessary for the wage in effect under this paragraph to equal 70 percent of
				the wage in effect under section 6(a)(1) for such period, rounded to the
				nearest multiple of $0.05; and(C)for each
				succeeding 1-year period after the year in which the hourly wage under this
				paragraph first equals 70 percent of the wage in effect under section 6(a)(1)
				for the same period, the amount necessary to ensure that the wage in effect
				under this paragraph remains equal to 70 percent of the wage in effect under
				section 6(a)(1), rounded to the nearest multiple of $0.05;
				and.(c)Publication of
			 noticeSection 6 of the Fair
			 Labor Standards Act of 1938 (as amended by subsection (a)) (29 U.S.C. 206) is
			 further amended by adding at the end the following:(i)Not later than 60 days prior to the
				effective date of any increase in the minimum wage determined under subsection
				(h) or required for tipped employees in accordance with subparagraph (B) or (C)
				of section 3(m)(1), as amended by the Minimum Wage Fairness Act, the Secretary shall publish in the
				Federal Register and on the website of the Department of Labor a notice
				announcing the adjusted required
				wage..(d)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall take
			 effect on the first day of the sixth month that begins after the date of
			 enactment of this Act.3.Extension of
		increased expensing limitations and treatment of certain real property as
		section 179 property(a)In
		general(1)Dollar
		limitationSection 179(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986  is amended—(A)by striking
		in  2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013 in subparagraph (B) and inserting after 2009 and before 2017, and(B)by striking 2013 in subparagraph
		(C) and inserting
		2016.(2)Reduction in
		limitationSection 179(b)(2) of such Code is amended—(A)by striking
		in  2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013 in subparagraph (B) and inserting after 2009 and before 2017, and(B)by striking 2013 in subparagraph
		(C) and inserting
		2016.(b)Computer
		softwareSection 179(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking
		2014 and inserting 2017.(c)ElectionSection
		179(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 2014 and inserting
		2017.(d)Special rules
		for treatment of qualified real property(1)In
		generalSection 179(f)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986  is amended by striking in 2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013 and inserting after 2009 and before 2017.(2)Carryover
		limitation(A)In
		generalSection 179(f)(4) of such Code is amended by striking
		2013 each place it appears and inserting
		2016.(B)Conforming
		amendmentThe heading of subparagraph (C) of section 179(f)(4) of such Code is
		amended by striking 2010, 2011 and
		2012 and inserting years before 2016.(e)Effective
		dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable
		years beginning after December 31, 2013.November 20, 2013Read the second time and placed on the calendar