114 HR 207 RH: Developing the Next Generation of Small Businesses Act of 2016
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-01-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IB
		Union Calendar No. 406
		114th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 207
		[Report No. 114–526]
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 8, 2015
			Ms. Velázquez introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Small Business

		April 26, 2016Additional sponsors: Mr. Jeffries, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, and Mrs. Napolitano
			April 26, 2016
			Reported with amendments, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union,
			 and ordered to be printed
			Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic
			For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on January 8, 2015

		A BILL
		To amend the Small Business Act to provide for improvements to small business development centers.

		1.Short title; table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Developing the Next Generation of Small Businesses Act of 2016. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
					Title I—Small Business Development Centers Improvements
					Sec. 101. Short title.
					Sec. 102. Use of authorized entrepreneurial development programs.
					Sec. 103. Marketing of services.
					Sec. 104. Data collection.
					Sec. 105. Fees from private partnerships and cosponsorships.
					Sec. 106. Equity for small business development centers.
					Sec. 107. Confidentiality requirements.
					Sec. 108. Limitation on award of grants to small business development centers.
					Title II—Women’s Business Centers Program Improvements
					Sec. 201. Short title.
					Sec. 202. Office of Women’s Business Ownership.
					Sec. 203. Women’s Business Center Program.
					Sec. 204. Matching requirements under Women's Business Center Program.
					Title III—SCORE Program Reauthorization
					Sec. 301. Short title.
					Sec. 302. SCORE Reauthorization.
					Sec. 303. SCORE program.
					Sec. 304. Online component.
					Sec. 305. Study and report on the future role of the SCORE program.
					Sec. 306. Technical and conforming amendments.
			ISmall Business Development Centers Improvements
 101.Short titleThis title may be cited as the Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 2016. 102.Use of authorized entrepreneurial development programsThe Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					48.Use of authorized entrepreneurial development programs
						(a)Expanded support for entrepreneurs
 (1)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator shall only use the programs authorized in sections 7(j), 7(m), 8(a), 8(b)(1), 21, 22, 29, and 32 of this Act, and sections 358 and 389 of the Small Business Investment Act to deliver entrepreneurial development services, entrepreneurial education, support for the development and maintenance of clusters, or business training.
 (2)ExceptionThis section shall not apply to services provided to assist small business concerns owned by an Indian tribe (as such term is defined in section 8(a)(13)).
 (b)Annual reportBeginning on the first December 1 after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall annually report to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate on all entrepreneurial development activities undertaken in the current fiscal year. This report shall include—
 (1)a description and operating details for each program and activity; (2)operating circulars, manuals, and standard operating procedures for each program and activity;
 (3)a description of the process used to award grants under each program and activity; (4)a list of all awardees, contractors, and vendors (including organization name and location) and the amount of awards for the current fiscal year for each program and activity;
 (5)the amount of funding obligated for the current fiscal year for each program and activity; and (6)the names and titles for those individuals responsible for each program and activity..
 103.Marketing of servicesSection 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648) is amended by adding at the end the following:  (o)No prohibition of marketing of servicesThe Administrator shall not prohibit applicants receiving grants under this section from marketing and advertising their services to individuals and small business concerns..
			104.Data collection
 (a)In generalSection 21(a)(3)(A) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)(3)(A)) is amended— (1)by striking as provided in this section and and inserting as provided in this section,; and
 (2)by inserting before the period at the end the following: , and (iv) governing data collection activities related to applicants receiving grants under this section.
 (b)Annual report on data collectionSection 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648), as amended by section 103 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

 (p)Annual Report on data collectionThe Administrator shall report annually to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate on any data collection activities related to the Small Business Development Center program..
				(c)Working group to improve data collection
 (1)Establishment and studyThe Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall establish a Data Collection Working Group consisting of members from entrepreneurial development grant recipients associations and organizations and Administration officials, to carry out a study to determine the best way to capture data collection and create or revise existing systems dedicated to data collection.
 (2)ReportNot later than the end of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Data Collection Working Group shall issue a report to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate containing the findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under paragraph (1), including—
 (A)recommendations for revising existing data collection practices; and (B)a proposed plan for the Small Business Administration to implement such recommendations.
 105.Fees from private partnerships and cosponsorshipsSection 21(a)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)(3)(C)), as amended by section 104, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

 (D)Fees from private partnerships and cosponsorshipsParticipation in private partnerships and cosponsorships with the Administration shall not limit small business development centers from collecting fees or other income related to the operation of such private partnerships and cosponsorships..
 106.Equity for small business development centersSubclause (I) of section 21(a)(4)(C)(v) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)(4)(C)(v)) is amended to read as follows:

 (I)In generalOf the amounts made available in any fiscal year to carry out this section not more than $600,000 may be used by the Administration to pay expenses enumerated in subparagraphs (B) through (D) of section 20(a)(1)..
 107.Confidentiality requirementsSection 21(a)(7)(A) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)(7)(A)) is amended by inserting after under this section the following: to any State, local or Federal agency, or third party.
			108.Limitation on award of grants to small business development centers
 (a)In generalSection 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648), as amended by section 104, is further amended—
 (1)in subsection (a)(1), by striking any women's business center operating pursuant to section 29,; (2)by adding at the end the following:

 (q)Limitation on award of grantsExcept for not-for-profit institutions of higher education, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator may not award grants (including contracts and cooperative agreements) under this section to any entity other than those that received grants (including contracts and cooperative agreements) under this section prior to the date of the enactment of this subsection, and that seek to renew such grants (including contracts and cooperative agreements) after such date..
 (b)Rule of ConstructionThe amendments made by this section may not be construed as prohibiting a women’s business center from receiving a subgrant from an entity receiving a grant under section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648).
				IIWomen’s Business Centers Program Improvements
 201.Short titleThis title may be cited as the Women’s Business Centers Improvements Act of 2016. 202.Office of Women’s Business OwnershipSection 29(g) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656(g)) is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and inserting the following:  (B)ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities of the Assistant Administrator shall be to administer the programs and services of the Office of Women’s Business Ownership.
 (C)DutiesThe Assistant Administrator shall perform the following functions with respect to the Office of Women’s Business Ownership:
 (i)Recommend the annual administrative and program budgets of the Office and eligible entities receiving a grant under the Women’s Business Center Program.
 (ii)Review the annual budgets submitted by each eligible entity receiving a grant under the Women’s Business Center Program.
 (iii)Select applicants to receive grants to operate a women’s business center after reviewing information required by this section, including the budget of each applicant.
 (iv)Collaborate with other Federal departments and agencies, State and local governments, not-for-profit organizations, and for-profit enterprises to maximize utilization of taxpayer dollars and reduce (or eliminate) any duplication among the programs overseen by the Office of Women’s Business Ownership and those of other entities that provide similar services to women entrepreneurs.
 (v)Maintain a clearinghouse to provide for the dissemination and exchange of information between women’s business centers.
 (vi)Serve as the vice chairperson of the Interagency Committee on Women’s Business Enterprise and as the liaison for the National Women’s Business Council.; and
 (2)by adding at the end the following:  (3)MissionThe mission of the Office of Women's Business Ownership shall be to assist women entrepreneurs to start, grow, and compete in global markets by providing quality support with access to capital, access to markets, job creation, growth, and counseling by—
 (A)fostering participation of women entrepreneurs in the economy by overseeing a network of women's business centers throughout States and territories;
 (B)creating public-private partnerships to support women entrepreneurs and conduct outreach and education to startup and existing small business concerns owned and controlled by women; and
 (C)working with other programs overseen by the Administrator to ensure women are well-represented and being served and to identify gaps where participation by women could be increased.
							(4)Accreditation program
 (A)EstablishmentNot later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall establish standards for an accreditation program for accrediting eligible entities receiving a grant under this section, after notice and the opportunity for public comment of no less than 60 days.
 (B)Transition provisionBefore the date on which standards are established under subparagraph (A), the Administrator may not terminate a grant under this section absent evidence of fraud or other criminal misconduct by the recipient.
 (C)Contracting authorityThe Administrator may provide financial assistance, by contract or otherwise, to a relevant national women’s business center representative association to provide assistance in establishing the standards required under subparagraph (A) or for carrying out an accreditation program pursuant to such standards..
				203.Women’s Business Center Program
 (a)DefinitionsSection 29(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656(a)) is amended— (1)by striking paragraph (4);
 (2)by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; (3)by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:

 (2)the term eligible entity means— (A)an organization described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code;
 (B)a State, regional, or local economic development organization, so long as the organization certifies that grant funds received under this section will not be co-mingled with other funds;
 (C)an institution of higher education, unless such institution is currently receiving a grant under section 21;
 (D)a development, credit, or finance corporation chartered by a State, so long as the corporation certifies that grant funds received under this section will not be co-mingled with other funds; or
 (E)any combination of entities listed in subparagraphs (A) through (D);; and (4)by adding at the end the following:

 (5)the term women's business center means the location at which counseling and training on the management, operations (including manufacturing, services, and retail), access to capital, international trade, Government procurement opportunities, and any other matter is needed to start, maintain, or expand a small business concern owned and controlled by women..
 (b)AuthoritySection 29(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656(b)) is amended— (1)by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;
 (2)by striking The Administration and all that follows through 5-year projects and inserting the following:  (1)In generalThere is established a Women’s Business Center Program under which the Administrator may provide a grant to any eligible entity to operate one or more women’s business centers;
 (3)by striking The projects shall and inserting the following:  (2)Use of fundsThe women’s business centers shall be designed to provide counseling and training that meets the needs of women, especially socially or economically disadvantaged women, and shall; and
 (4)by adding at the end the following:  (3)Amount of grants (A)In generalThe amount of a grant provided under this subsection to an eligible entity per project year shall be not more than $185,000 (as such amount is annually adjusted by the Administrator to reflect the change in inflation).
								(B)Additional grants
 (i)In generalNotwithstanding subparagraph (A), with respect to an eligible entity that has received $185,000 in grants under this subsection in a project year, the Administrator may award an additional grant under this subsection of up to $65,000 during such project year if the Administrator determines that the eligible entity—
 (I)agrees to obtain, after its application has been approved and notice of award has been issued, cash contributions from non-Federal sources of 1 non-Federal dollar for each Federal dollar;
 (II)is in good standing with the Women's Business Center Program; and (III)has met performance goals for the previous project year, if applicable.
 (ii)LimitationsThe Administrator may only award additional grants under clause (i)— (I)during the 3rd and 4th quarters of the fiscal year; and
 (II)from unobligated amounts made available to the Administrator to carry out this section. (4)Notice and comment requiredThe Administrator may only make a change to the standards by which an eligible entity obtains or maintains grants under this section, the standards for accreditation, or any other requirement for the operation of a women’s business center if the Administrator first provides notice and the opportunity for public comment, as set forth in section 553(b) of title 5, United States Code, without regard to any exceptions provided for under such section..
 (c)Conditions of participationSection 29(c) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656(c)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1)—
 (A)by striking the recipient organization and inserting an eligible entity; and (B)by striking financial assistance and inserting a grant;
 (2)in paragraph (3)— (A)by striking financial assistance authorized pursuant to this section may be made by grant, contract, or cooperative agreement and and inserting grants authorized pursuant to this section; and
 (B)in the second sentence, by striking a recipient organization and inserting an eligible entity; (3)in paragraph (4)—
 (A)by striking recipient of assistance and inserting eligible entity; (B)by striking during any project, it shall not be eligible thereafter and inserting during any project for 2 consecutive years, the eligible entity shall not be eligible at any time after that 2-year period;
 (C)by striking such organization and inserting the eligible entity; and (D)by striking the recipient and inserting the eligible entity; and
 (4)by adding at end the following:  (5)Separation of project and fundsAn eligible entity shall—
 (A)carry out a project under this section separately from other projects, if any, of the eligible entity; and
 (B)separately maintain and account for any grants under this section. (6)Examination of eligible entities (A)Required site visitEach applicant, prior to receiving a grant under this section, shall have a site visit by an employee of the Administration, in order to ensure that the applicant has sufficient resources to provide the services for which the grant is being provided.
 (B)Annual reviewAn employee of the Administration shall— (i)conduct an annual review of the compliance of each eligible entity receiving a grant under this section with the grant agreement, including a financial examination; and
 (ii)provide such review to the eligible entity as required under subsection (l). (7)Remediation of problems (A)Plan of actionIf a review of an eligible entity under paragraph (6)(B) identifies any problems, the eligible entity shall, within 45 calendar days of receiving such review, provide the Assistant Administrator with a plan of action, including specific milestones, for correcting such problems.
 (B)Plan of action review by the Assistant AdministratorThe Assistant Administrator shall review each plan of action submitted under subparagraph (A) within 30 calendar days of receiving such plan and—
 (i)if the Assistant Administrator determines that such plan will bring the eligible entity into compliance with all the terms of the grant agreement, approve such plan;
 (ii)if the Assistant Administrator determines that such plan is inadequate to remedy the problems identified in the annual review to which the plan of action relates, the Assistant Administrator shall set forth such reasons in writing and provide such determination to the eligible entity within 15 calendar days of such determination.
 (C)Amendment to plan of actionAn eligible entity receiving a determination under subparagraph (B)(ii) shall have 30 calendar days from the receipt of the determination to amend the plan of action to satisfy the problems identified by the Assistant Administrator and resubmit such plan to the Assistant Administrator.
 (D)Amended plan review by the Assistant AdministratorWithin 15 calendar days of the receipt of an amended plan of action under subparagraph (C), the Assistant Administrator shall either approve or reject such plan and provide such approval or rejection in writing to the eligible entity.
								(E)Appeal of Assistant Administrator determination
 (i)In generalIf the Assistant Administrator rejects an amended plan under subparagraph (D), the eligible entity shall have the opportunity to appeal such decision to the Administrator, who may delegate such appeal to an appropriate officer of the Administration.
 (ii)Opportunity for explanationAny appeal described under clause (i) shall provide an opportunity for the eligible entity to provide, in writing, an explanation of why the eligible entity’s plan remedies the problems identified in the annual review.
 (iii)Notice of determinationThe determination of the appeal shall be provided to the eligible entity, in writing, within 15 calendar days from the eligible entity’s filing of the appeal.
 (iv)Effect of failure to actIf the Administrator fails to act on an appeal made under this subparagraph within the 15 calendar day period specified under clause (iii), the eligible entity’s amended plan of action submitted under subparagraph (C) shall be deemed to be approved.
									(8)Termination of Grant
 (A)In generalThe Administrator shall issue regulations (after providing an opportunity for notice and comment) to provide that, if an eligible entity fails to comply with a plan of action approved by the Assistant Administrator under paragraph (7)(B)(i) or an amended plan of action approved by the Assistant Administrator under paragraph (7)(D) or approved on appeal under paragraph (7)(E), the Assistant Administrator shall terminate the grant provided to the eligible entity under this section.
 (B)Appeal of terminationAn eligible entity that has a grant terminated under subparagraph (A) shall have the opportunity to challenge the termination on the record and after an opportunity for a hearing.
 (C)Final agency actionThe determination made pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be considered final agency action for the purposes of chapter 7, title 5, United States Code..
 (d)Submission of 5-year planSection 29(e) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656(e)) is amended— (1)by striking applicant organization and inserting eligible entity;
 (2)by striking a recipient organization and inserting an eligible entity; (3)by striking financial assistance and inserting grants; and
 (4)by striking site. (e)Applications and criteria for initial grantSubsection (f) of section 29 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656) is amended to read as follows:

						(f)Applications and criteria for initial grant
 (1)ApplicationEach eligible entity desiring a grant under subsection (b) shall submit to the Administrator an application that contains—
 (A)a certification that the eligible entity— (i)has designated an executive director or program manager, who may be compensated using grant funds under subsection (b) or other sources, to manage the women's business center for which a grant under subsection (b) is sought;
 (ii)meets the accounting and reporting requirements established by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;
 (B)information demonstrating that the eligible entity has the ability and resources to meet the needs of the market to be served by the women's business center, including the ability to obtain the non-Federal contribution required under subsection (c);
 (C)information relating to the assistance to be provided by the women's business center in the area in which the women's business center is located;
 (D)information demonstrating the experience and effectiveness of the eligible entity in— (i)conducting the services described under subsection (a)(5);
 (ii)providing training and services to a representative number of women who are socially or economically disadvantaged; and
 (iii)working with resource partners of the Administration and other entities, such as universities; and (E)a 5-year plan that describes the ability of the eligible entity to provide the services described under subsection (a)(3), including to a representative number of women who are socially or economically disadvantaged.
								(2)Review and approval of applications for initial grants
								(A)Review and selection of eligible entities
 (i)In generalThe Administrator shall review applications to determine whether the applicant can meet obligations to perform the activities required by a grant under this section, including—
 (I)the experience of the applicant in conducting activities required by this section; (II)the amount of time needed for the applicant to commence operations should it be awarded a grant;
 (III)the capacity of the applicant to meet the accreditation standards established by the Administrator in a timely manner;
 (IV)the ability of the applicant to sustain operations for more than 5 years (including its ability to obtain sufficient non-Federal funds for that period);
 (V)the location of the women’s business center and its proximity to other grant recipients under this section; and
 (VI)the population density of the area to be served by the women’s business center. (ii)Selection criteria (I)RulemakingThe Administrator shall issue regulations (after providing an opportunity for notice and comment) to specify the criteria for review and selection of applicants under this subsection.
 (II)Modifications prohibited after announcementWith respect to a public announcement of any opportunity to be awarded a grant under this section made by the Administrator pursuant to subsection (l)(1), the Administrator may not modify regulations issued pursuant to subclause (I) with respect to such opportunity unless required to do so by an Act of Congress or an order of a Federal court.
 (III)Rule of constructionNothing in this clause may be construed as prohibiting the Administrator from modifying the regulations issued pursuant to subclause (I) (after providing an opportunity for notice and comment) as such regulations apply to an opportunity to be awarded a grant under this section that the Administrator has not yet publicly announced pursuant to subsection (l)(1).
										(B)Record retention
 (i)In generalThe Administrator shall maintain a copy of each application submitted under this subsection for not less than 5 years.
 (ii)Paperwork reductionThe Administrator shall take steps to reduce, to the maximum extent practicable, the paperwork burden associated with carrying out clause (i)..
 (f)Notification requirements under the Women’s Business Center ProgramSection 29 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656) is amended by inserting after subsection (k) the following:

 (l)Notification requirements under the Women’s Business Center ProgramThe Administrator shall provide— (1)a public announcement of any opportunity to be awarded grants under this section, and such announcement shall include the standards by which such award will be made, including the regulations issued pursuant to subsection (f)(2)(A)(ii);
 (2)the opportunity for any applicant for a grant under this section that failed to obtain such a grant a debriefing with the Assistant Administrator to review the reasons for the applicant’s failure; and
 (3)with respect to any site visit or evaluation of an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section that is carried out by an officer or employee of the Administration (other than the Inspector General), a copy of the site visit report or evaluation, as applicable, within 30 calendar days of the completion of such vision or evaluation..
 (g)Continued funding for centersSection 29(m) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656(m)) is amended— (1)by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:

							(3)Application and approval for continuation grants
 (A)Solicitation of applicationsThe Administrator shall solicit applications and award continuation grants under this subsection for the first fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and every third fiscal year thereafter.
 (B)Contents of applicationEach eligible entity desiring a grant under this subsection shall submit to the Administrator an application that contains—
 (i)a certification that the applicant— (I)is an eligible entity;
 (II)has designated an executive director or program manager to manage the women's business center operated by the applicant; and
 (III)as a condition of receiving a grant under this subsection, agrees— (aa)to receive a site visit as part of the final selection process, at the discretion of the Administrator; and
 (bb)to remedy any problem identified pursuant to the site visit under item (aa); (ii)information demonstrating that the applicant has the ability and resources to meet the needs of the market to be served by the women's business center for which a grant under this subsection is sought, including the ability to obtain the non-Federal contribution required under paragraph (4)(C);
 (iii)information relating to assistance to be provided by the women's business center in the geographic area served by the women's business center for which a grant under this subsection is sought;
 (iv)information demonstrating that the applicant has worked with resource partners of the Administration and other entities;
 (v)a 3-year plan that describes the services provided by the women's business center for which a grant under this subsection is sought—
 (I)to serve women who are business owners or potential business owners by conducting training and counseling activities; and
 (II)to provide training and services to a representative number of women who are socially or economically disadvantaged; and
 (vi)any additional information that the Administrator may reasonably require. (C)Review and approval of applications for grants (i)In generalThe Administrator—
 (I)shall review each application submitted under subparagraph (B), based on the information described in such subparagraph and the criteria set forth under clause (ii) of this subparagraph; and
 (II)as part of the final selection process, may, at the discretion of the Administrator, conduct a site visit to each women's business center for which a grant under this subsection is sought, in particular to evaluate the women's business center using the selection criteria described in clause (ii)(II).
										(ii)Selection criteria
 (I)In generalThe Administrator shall evaluate applicants for grants under this subsection in accordance with selection criteria that are—
 (aa)established before the date on which applicants are required to submit the applications; (bb)stated in terms of relative importance; and
 (cc)publicly available and stated in each solicitation for applications for grants under this subsection made by the Administrator.
 (II)Required criteriaThe selection criteria for a grant under this subsection shall include— (aa)the total number of entrepreneurs served by the applicant;
 (bb)the total number of new startup companies assisted by the applicant; (cc)the percentage of clients of the applicant that are socially or economically disadvantaged;
 (dd)the percentage of individuals in the community served by the applicant who are socially or economically disadvantaged;
 (ee)the successful accreditation of the applicant under the accreditation program developed under subsection (g)(5); and
 (ff)any additional criteria that the Administrator may reasonably require. (iii)Conditions for continued fundingIn determining whether to make a grant under this subsection, the Administrator—
 (I)shall consider the results of the most recent evaluation of the women's business center for which a grant under this subsection is sought, and, to a lesser extent, previous evaluations; and
 (II)may withhold a grant under this subsection, if the Administrator determines that the applicant has failed to provide the information required to be provided under this paragraph, or the information provided by the applicant is inadequate.
 (D)NotificationNot later than 60 calendar days after the date of each deadline to submit applications under this paragraph, the Administrator shall approve or deny each submitted application and notify the applicant for each such application of the approval or denial.
								(E)Record retention
 (i)In generalThe Administrator shall maintain a copy of each application submitted under this paragraph for not less than 5 years.
 (ii)Paperwork reductionThe Administrator shall take steps to reduce, to the maximum extent practicable, the paperwork burden associated with carrying out clause (i).; and
 (2)by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:  (5)Award to previous recipientsThere shall be no limitation on the number of times the Administrator may award a grant to an applicant under this subsection..
 (h)Technical and conforming amendmentsSection 29 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656) is amended— (1)in subsection (h)(2), by striking to award a contract (as a sustainability grant) under subsection (l) or;
 (2)in subsection (j)(1), by striking The Administration and inserting Not later than November 1 of each year, the Administrator; (3)in subsection (k)—
 (A)by striking paragraphs (1) and (4); (B)by inserting before paragraph (2) the following:

 (1)In generalThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Administration to carry out this section, to remain available until expended, $21,750,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2020.; and
 (D)in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:  (B)ExceptionsOf the amount made available under this subsection for a fiscal year, the following amounts shall be available for selection panel costs, costs associated with maintaining an accreditation program, and post-award conference costs:
 (i)For the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, 2.65 percent.
 (ii)For the second fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph and each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year 2020, 2.5 percent.; and
 (4)in subsection (m)— (A)in paragraph (2), by striking subsection (b) or (l) and inserting this subsection or subsection (b); and
 (B)in paragraph (4)(D), by striking or subsection (l). (i)Effect on existing grants (1)Terms and conditionsA nonprofit organization receiving a grant under section 29(m) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656(m)), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to receive the grant under the terms and conditions in effect for the grant on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, except that the nonprofit organization may not apply for a continuation of the grant under section 29(m)(5) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656(m)(5)), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act.
 (2)Length of continuation grantThe Administrator of the Small Business Administration may award a grant under section 29(m) of the Small Business Act to a nonprofit organization receiving a grant under section 29(m) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656(m)), as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act, for the period—
 (A)beginning on the day after the last day of the grant agreement under such section 29(m); and (B)ending at the end of the third fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act.
						204.Matching requirements under Women's Business Center Program
 (a)In generalSection 29(c) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656(c)), as amended by section 204 of this Act, is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (1), by striking As a condition and inserting Subject to paragraph (6), as a condition; and (2)by adding at the end the following:

							(9)Waiver of non-Federal share
 (A)In generalUpon request by an eligible entity, and in accordance with this paragraph, the Administrator may waive, in whole or in part, the requirement to obtain non-Federal funds under this subsection for counseling and training activities of the eligible entity carried out using a grant under this section for a fiscal year. The Administrator may not waive the requirement for an eligible entity to obtain non-Federal funds under this paragraph for more than a total of 2 consecutive fiscal years.
 (B)ConsiderationsIn determining whether to waive the requirement to obtain non-Federal funds under this paragraph, the Administrator shall consider—
 (i)the economic conditions affecting the eligible entity; (ii)the impact a waiver under this paragraph would have on the credibility of the Women's Business Center Program under this section;
 (iii)the demonstrated ability of the eligible entity to raise non-Federal funds; and (iv)the performance of the eligible entity.
 (C)LimitationThe Administrator may not waive the requirement to obtain non-Federal funds under this paragraph if granting the waiver would undermine the credibility of the Women's Business Center Program.
 (10)SolicitationNotwithstanding any other provision of law, eligible entity may— (A)solicit cash and in-kind contributions from private individuals and entities to be used to carry out the activities of the eligible entity under the project conducted under this section; and
 (B)use amounts made available by the Administrator under this section for the cost of such solicitation and management of the contributions received.
 (11)Excess non-Federal dollarsThe amount of non-Federal dollars obtained by an eligible entity that is above the amount that is required to be obtained by the eligible entity under this subsection shall not be subject to the requirements of part 200 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto, if such amount of non-Federal dollars—
 (A)is not used as matching funds for purposes of implementing the Women’s Business Center Program; and (B)was not obtained using funds from the Women’s Business Center Program..
					(b)Regulations
 (1)In generalThe Administrator of Small Business Administration shall— (A)except as provided in paragraph (2), and not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, publish in the Federal Register proposed regulations by the Administrator to carry out the amendments made to section 29 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656) by this title; and
 (B)accept public comments on such proposed regulations for not less than 60 days. (2)Existing proposed regulationsParagraph (1)(A) shall not apply to the extent proposed regulations by the Administrator have been published on the date of enactment of this Act that are sufficient to carry out the amendments made to section 29 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656) by this title.
					IIISCORE Program Reauthorization
 301.Short titleThis title may be cited as the SCORE for Small Business Act of 2016. 302.SCORE ReauthorizationSection 20 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 note) is amended—
 (1)by redesignating subsection (j) as subsection (f); and (2)by adding at the end the following:

 (g)SCORE programThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out the SCORE program authorized by section 8(b)(1) such sums as are necessary for the Administrator to make grants or enter into cooperative agreements in a total amount that does not exceed $10,500,000 in each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018..
 303.SCORE programSection 8 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637) is amended— (1)in subsection (b)(1)(B), by striking a Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and inserting the SCORE program described in subsection (c); and
 (2)by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:  (c)SCORE program (1)DefinitionIn this subsection:
 (A)SCORE AssociationThe term SCORE Association means the Service Corps of Retired Executives Association or any successor or other organization who receives a grant from the Administrator to operate the SCORE program under paragraph (2)(A).
 (B)SCORE programThe term SCORE program means the SCORE program authorized by subsection (b)(1)(B). (2)Management and volunteers (A)In generalThe Administrator shall provide a grant to the SCORE Association to manage the SCORE program.
 (B)VolunteersA volunteer participating in the SCORE program shall— (i)based on the business experience and knowledge of the volunteer—
 (I)provide at no cost to individuals who own, or aspire to own, small business concerns personal counseling, mentoring, and coaching relating to the process of starting, expanding, managing, buying, and selling a business; and
 (II)facilitate low-cost education workshops for individuals who own, or aspire to own, small business concerns; and
 (ii)as appropriate, use tools, resources, and expertise of other organizations to carry out the SCORE program.
 (3)Plans and goalsThe Administrator, in consultation with the SCORE Association, shall ensure that the SCORE program and each chapter of the SCORE program develop and implement plans and goals to more effectively and efficiently provide services to individuals in rural areas, economically disadvantaged communities, and other traditionally underserved communities, including plans for electronic initiatives, web-based initiatives, chapter expansion, partnerships, and the development of new skills by volunteers participating in the SCORE program.
 (4)Annual reportThe SCORE Association shall submit to the Administrator an annual report that contains— (A)the number of individuals counseled or trained under the SCORE program;
 (B)the number of hours of counseling provided under the SCORE program; and (C)to the extent possible—
 (i)the number of small business concerns formed with assistance from the SCORE program; (ii)the number of small business concerns expanded with assistance from the SCORE program; and
 (iii)the number of jobs created with assistance from the SCORE program. (5)Privacy requirements (A)In generalNeither the Administrator nor the SCORE Association may disclose the name, address, or telephone number of any individual or small business concern receiving assistance from the SCORE Association without the consent of such individual or small business concern, unless—
 (i)the Administrator is ordered to make such a disclosure by a court in any civil or criminal enforcement action initiated by a Federal or State agency; or
 (ii)the Administrator determines such a disclosure to be necessary for the purpose of conducting a financial audit of the SCORE program, in which case disclosure shall be limited to the information necessary for the audit.
 (B)Administrator use of informationThis paragraph shall not— (i)restrict the access of the Administrator to program activity data; or
 (ii)prevent the Administrator from using client information to conduct client surveys. (C)Regulations (i)In generalThe Administrator shall issue regulations to establish standards for—
 (I)disclosures with respect to financial audits under subparagraph (A)(ii); and (II)conducting client surveys, including standards for oversight of the surveys and for dissemination and use of client information.
 (ii)Maximum privacy protectionThe regulations issued under this subparagraph shall, to the extent practicable, provide for the maximum amount of privacy protection..
				304.Online component
 (a)In generalSection 8(c) of the Small Business Act, as added by section 303, is further amended by adding at the end the following:

 (6)Online componentIn carrying out this subsection, the SCORE Association shall make use of online counseling, including by developing and implementing webinars and an electronic mentoring platform to expand access to services provided under this subsection and to further support entrepreneurs..
				(b)Online component report
 (1)In generalAt the end of fiscal year 2018, the SCORE Association shall issue a report to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate on the effectiveness of the online counseling and webinars required as part of the SCORE program, including—
 (A)how the SCORE Association determines electronic mentoring and webinar needs, develops training for electronic mentoring, establishes webinar criteria curricula, and evaluates webinar and electronic mentoring results;
 (B)describing the internal controls that are used and a summary of the topics covered by the webinars; and
 (C)performance metrics, including the number of small business concerns counseled by, the number of small business concerns created by, the number of jobs created and retained by, and the funding amounts directed towards such online counseling and webinars.
 (2)DefinitionsFor purposes of this subsection, the terms SCORE Association and SCORE program have the meaning given those terms, respectively, under section 8(c)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(c)(1)).
					305.Study and report on the future role of the SCORE program
 (a)StudyThe SCORE Association shall carry out a study on the future role of the SCORE program and develop a strategic plan for how the SCORE program will evolve to meet the needs of America’s entrepreneurs over the course of the next 5 years, with markers and specific objectives for year 1, year 3, and year 5.
 (b)ReportNot later than the end of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the SCORE Association shall issue a report to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate containing—
 (1)all findings and determination made in carrying out the study required under subsection (a); (2)the strategic plan developed under subsection (a);
 (3)an explanation of how the SCORE Association plans to achieve the strategic plan, assuming both stagnant and increased funding levels.
 (c)DefinitionsFor purposes of this section, the terms SCORE Association and SCORE program have the meaning given those terms, respectively, under section 8(c)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(c)(1)).
				306.Technical and conforming amendments
 (a)Small Business ActThe Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended— (1)in section 7(m)(3)(A)(i)(VIII) (15 U.S.C. 636(m)(3)(A)(i)(VIII)), by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives and inserting SCORE program; and
 (2)in section 22 (15 U.S.C. 649)— (A)in subsection (b)—
 (i)in paragraph (1), by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives and inserting SCORE program; and (ii)in paragraph (3), by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives and inserting SCORE program; and
 (B)in subsection (c)(12), by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives and inserting SCORE program. (b)Other laws (1)Section 621 of the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (15 U.S.C. 657p) is amended—
 (A)in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:  (4)the term SCORE program means the SCORE program authorized by section 8(b)(1)(B) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)(B));; and
 (B)in subsection (b)(4)(A)(iv), by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives and inserting SCORE program. (2)Section 337(d)(2)(A) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6307(d)(2)(A)) is amended by striking Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and inserting SCORE program.
					Amend the title so as to read: A bill to make improvements to Small Business Development Centers, to reauthorize the Women's
			 Business Center Program, to reauthorize the SCORE Program, and for other
			 purposes..

		April 26, 2016
		Reported with amendments, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union,
			 and ordered to be printed


IV
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 816
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

October 14, 2009

RESOLUTION
Mourning the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009, in American Samoa, Samoa, and Tonga.

Whereas, on September 29, 2009, at 1748 UTC, a powerful earthquake struck below the ocean about 140 miles southwest of Pago Pago, American Samoa, and 125 miles south of Samoa, centered only 11 miles below the seabed;
Whereas the earthquake registered 8.3 on the Richter scale and is recognized as the world’s largest earthquake of 2009;
Whereas a second earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 occurred at 1808 UTC in the vicinity of the first one;
Whereas the first undersea earthquake created a massive tsunami that crashed into American Samoa, Samoa, and neighboring Tonga, sweeping cars and people out to sea as survivors fled to high ground;
Whereas the tsunami, with towering waves that reached up to 20 feet in height and penetrated one mile inland, caused death and destruction on a nearly unprecedented scale;
Whereas the death toll, as of October 7, 2009, is estimated at 32 in American Samoa and 135 in the Independent State of Samoa;
Whereas many individuals and families affected in this region are now lacking basic survival necessities and there remains the risk of numerous additional deaths due to shortages of clean water, adequate shelter, food, sanitation, and basic healthcare;
Whereas the human cost of this disaster transcends mere statistics and has resulted in deeply personal tragedies for numerous families and communities in the region and throughout the world;
Whereas children in the United States Territory of American Samoa running for home unknowingly ran in the direction of the tsunami;
Whereas the villages of Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Fai’lolo, Nua, Se’etaga, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Fagatogo, Pago Pago, Aua, Afono, Vatia, Masefau, Faga’itua, Pagai, Utusia, Alofau, Auto, Alao, and Tula in American Samoa were devastated by the disaster;
Whereas in response to this disaster and call for assistance, the people of the United States have responded with a generous and heartfelt outpouring of aid;
Whereas a team of more than 300 responders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other Federal agencies is on the ground in American Samoa coordinating relief and recovery operations;
Whereas the United States Navy (USN), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Hawaii Air National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserve American Samoa, under the leadership of Admiral Timothy J. Keating, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), and Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Iuniasolua T. Savusa, Senior Enlisted Leader, PACOM, with the support of Major General Robert G.F. Lee, the Adjutant General, State of Hawaii, provided critical transport of the life-saving and life-sustaining supplies and equipment to meet the immediate needs of the survivors, including more than 26,000 meals, 14,000 liters of water, 1,800 blankets, 800 tents, more than 800 cots, and 9 pallets of medical supplies and medical equipment in support of American Samoa’s mass care operations;
Whereas foreign governments, including Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, Palau, Thailand, Samoa, Fiji, Grenada, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Republic of China (Taiwan), Indonesia, Nauru, Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, Pacific Islands Forum members, and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) sent messages of support and offers of aid to the people of American Samoa;
Whereas organizations including the Li Ka Shing Foundation, the Hanwha Group, Save the Children, the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Latter-day Saint Charities, Catholic Charities, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, StarKist, Bumble Bee, the National Football League (NFL), and many others are providing assistance;
Whereas the Samoan community in areas such as California, Utah, Washington, and Hawaii have been instrumental in helping their aiga abroad;
Whereas President Barack H. Obama telephoned the Governor of American Samoa and American Samoa’s Delegate to the United States House of Representatives to personally extend his and the First Lady’s condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the earthquake and tsunami in American Samoa and the region, and to assure the Governor and the Delegate that he would speed the deployment of resources and provide the tools necessary for a full, swift, and aggressive response;
Whereas Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton also telephoned American Samoa’s Delegate in his capacity as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific and the Global Environment to convey her sympathy and offer her full support which subsequently included the authorization to airlift emergency supplies to Samoa;
Whereas Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi issued a press statement on behalf of the entire Congress promising to quickly address the needs of American Samoa and the Americans who live there; and
Whereas Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer, Chairman John F. Kerry of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Chairman Howard L. Berman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Chairman Nick J. Rahall, II, of the House Committee on Natural Resources, as well as many other Members of Congress also offered expressions of support in the aftermath of the devastating tsunami: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—
(1)mourns the loss of life caused by the earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on September 29, 2009, in American Samoa, Samoa, and Tonga;
(2)offers its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the many earthquake and tsunami victims, and to Head of State His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi of Samoa, as well as to His Majesty King George Tupou V and Prime Minister Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele of Tonga;
(3)pledges its full support to the people of American Samoa and the villages of Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Fai’lolo, Nua, Se’etaga, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Fagatogo, Pago Pago, Aua, Afono, Vatia, Masefau, Faga’itua, Pagai, Utusia, Alofau, Auto, Alao, and Tula as they begin the long and difficult process of rebuilding their homes and lives;
(4)recognizes the humanitarian response that is currently underway and commends the efforts of all persons and relief organizations who continue to alleviate the suffering by providing financial and material support;
(5)urges continued attention by donors and relief agencies to the needs of vulnerable populations in the stricken areas, particularly the children and elderly who have been devastatingly affected by this disaster;
(6)expresses gratitude and appreciation to the foreign governments from around the world that are lending their support to the United States Territory of American Samoa;
(7)commends the over 100,000 Samoans residing in the United States from American Samoa and Samoa for coming to the aid of their aiga in the affected islands; and
(8)pays tribute to the people of American Samoa and Samoa for their strength of spirit and their deep and abiding faith in God which brings hope to all of us.

Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.


117 HR 2798 IH: To provide for the withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-04-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2798IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 22, 2021Mr. Perry (for himself, Mr. Good of Virginia, Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Greene of Georgia, Mr. Rosendale, Mrs. Boebert, Mr. Budd, Mr. Brooks, Mr. Biggs, and Mr. Gohmert) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign AffairsA BILLTo provide for the withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and for other purposes.1.Withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate ChangeThe President shall—(1)not later than 5 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, provide written notification to the Depository of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, done at Rio de Janeiro, June 3–14, 1992, of the withdrawal of the United States from the Convention effective on the date that it is 1 year after the date of receipt by the Depository of such notification of withdrawal in accordance with Article 25 of the Convention; and(2)on the effective date described in this section, withdraw the United States from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.2.Limitation on use of fundsNo funds authorized or appropriated by any Act may be used to support, directly or indirectly, any efforts on the part of any United States Government official to take steps to carry out the obligations of the United States under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change on or after the effective date described in section 1.


109 HR 2328 IH: Children’s Access to Vision Act of 2005
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-05-12
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. 2328
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 12, 2005
Mr. Fossella (for himself, Mr. Stearns, Mr. Baker, Mr. Shaw, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Towns, Mrs. Kelly, and Mr. Sessions) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL
To establish a grant program to provide follow-up treatment for children identified to have a vision disorder.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Children’s Access to Vision Act of 2005.
2.FindingsCongress finds as follows:
(1)Good vision is essential for proper physical development and educational progress in growing children.
(2)Many serious ocular conditions are treatable if identified in the preschool and early school-aged years.
(3)Early detection of ocular conditions provides the best opportunity for effective, inexpensive treatment and can have far reaching implications for vision.
(4)Widespread use of identification methods, whether vision screening programs, or comprehensive eye exams required by State law, will identify children needing services. A child identified through vision screening should receive a comprehensive eye exam followed by subsequent treatment as needed. A child identified through a comprehensive eye exam should receive subsequent treatment as needed. All children identified as needing services should have access to subsequent treatment as needed.
3.Grants regarding comprehensive eye examinations for children
(a)In generalThe Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the Secretary), acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may make grants to States on the basis of an established review process for the purpose of—
(1)providing comprehensive eye examinations for children who have been identified by a licensed health care provider or vision screener as needing such services, with priority given to children who are under the age of 9;
(2)providing for children subsequent treatment or services necessary to correct vision problems; and
(3)developing and disseminating, to parents, teachers, and health care practitioners, educational materials on recognizing signs of visual impairment in children.
(b)Criteria and coordination
(1)CriteriaThe Secretary, in consultation with appropriate professional and consumer organizations including individuals with knowledge of age appropriate vision services, shall develop criteria—
(A)governing the operation of the grant program; and
(B)for the collection of data related to vision assessment and the utilization of followup services.
(2)CoordinationThe Secretary shall, as appropriate, coordinate the program under subsection (a) with the program under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act (relating to health centers), the program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (relating to the Medicaid program), the program under title XXI of such Act (relating to the State children’s health insurance program), and with other Federal or State program that provide services to children.
(c)ApplicationA grant may be made under subsection (a) only if an application for the grant is submitted to the Secretary and the application is in such form, is made in such manner, and contains such information as the Secretary may require, including—
(1)information on existing Federal, Federal-State, or State-funded children’s vision screening programs;
(2)a plan for the use of grant funds, including how funds will be used to complement existing State efforts;
(3)a plan to determine if a grant eligible child has received an age appropriate vision screening; and
(4)a description of how funds will be used to provide items or services only as a secondary payer to—
(A)any State compensation program, under an insurance policy, or under any Federal or State health benefits program; or
(B)by any entity that provides health services on a prepaid basis.
(d)EvaluationsA grant may be made under subsection (a) only if the State involved agrees that, not later than 1 year after the date on which amounts under the grant are first received by the State, and annually thereafter while receiving amounts under the grant, the State will submit to the Secretary an evaluation of the operations and activities carried out under the grant, including—
(1)an assessment of the utilization of vision services and the status of children receiving these services as a result of the activities carried out under the grant;
(2)the collection, analysis, and reporting of children’s vision data according to guidelines prescribed by the Secretary; and
(3)such other information as the Secretary may require.
(e)Certain provisions regarding expenditure of grant
(1)Uses other than comprehensive eye examinationsA grant under subsection (a) may be expended for the purposes described in paragraphs (2) and (3) of such subsection without regard to whether under paragraph (1) of such subsection the State involved expends the grant to provide comprehensive eye examinations. The Secretary may not disapprove an application under subsection (c), or reduce the amount of the grant, solely on the basis that the State will not expend the grant to provide such examinations.
(2)Limitation on grant expendituresA grant may be made under subsection (a) only if the State involved agrees that the State will not expend more than 20 percent of the grant to carry out the purpose described in paragraph (3) of such subsection.
(f)DefinitionsFor purposes of this section, the term comprehensive eye examination includes an assessment of a patient’s history, general medical observation, external and ophthalmoscopic examination, visual acuity, ocular alignment and motility, refraction, and as appropriate, binocular vision or gross visual fields, performed by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
(g)Authorization of appropriationsFor the purpose of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2006, and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2009.


117 HR 4142 IH: Golden Visa Accountability Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-06-24
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.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4142IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 24, 2021Mr. Kinzinger (for himself, Mr. Malinowski, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Meijer, Ms. Jackson Lee, Ms. Kaptur, Ms. Porter, Mr. Phillips, and Ms. Salazar) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo require the Secretary of State to establish an investor visa denials database, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Golden Visa Accountability Act.2.DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Foreign stateThe term foreign state has the meaning given such term in section 1603 of title 28, United States Code.(2)Foreign investor visaThe term foreign investor visa means any visa or passport granted by a foreign investor visa program.(3)Foreign investor visa denialThe term foreign investor visa denial means the decision of a foreign state to deny an applicant a foreign investor visa because of involvement in corruption or serious human rights abuse.(4)Foreign investor visa programThe term foreign investor visa program means any visa or passport program of a foreign state that provides a visa or citizenship in exchange for an investment of any size.(5)United States investor visa denialThe term United States investor visa denial means a decision to deny an applicant a visa under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)) because of involvement in corruption or serious human rights abuse.3.Investor visa denials database(a)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall establish an investor visa denials database. Initially, this database shall include records related to United States investor visa denials, for the purpose of coordinating with foreign states—(1)to prevent the abuse of investor visas by foreign corrupt officials or criminals;(2)to ensure that the proceeds of corruption are not used to purchase an investor visa; and(3)to counter the tendency of foreign corrupt officials and criminals to shop for an investor visa.(b)ExpansionThe Secretary of State shall expand the database to include foreign investor visa denials. Foreign states that provide records related to foreign investor visa denials for inclusion in the database shall gain access to records contained therein. Priority foreign states for inclusion in this database are—(1)the foreign states of the European Union, which include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden; and(2)the foreign states of the Five Eyes, which include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.(c)AdmissionForeign states may of their own volition apply for access to, and inclusion in, the investor visa denials database. The Secretary of State may admit a foreign state to the database if the Secretary determines that—(1)the foreign state will be honest and forthcoming with records regarding its foreign investor visa denials; and(2)the foreign investor visa program is at risk of abuse by foreign corrupt officials.


109 HRES 152 IH: Expressing support for the members of the uniformed services and their families, particularly those wounded or severely injured in service to the Nation, and support for the newly established Military Severely Injured Joint Support Operations Center in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-03-14
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 152
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 14, 2005
Mr. Ruppersberger (for himself, Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia, Mr. Jones of North Carolina, and Mr. Hoyer) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the members of the uniformed services and their families, particularly those wounded or severely injured in service to the Nation, and support for the newly established Military Severely Injured Joint Support Operations Center in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

Whereas all members of the uniformed services, regardless of branch of service and whether serving in an active or a reserve component, should be treated with the same degree of dignity and respect by a grateful Nation;
Whereas, for those service members who are injured, wounded, or severely disabled, all steps necessary should be taken to assist them and their family members in navigating the complicated processes of medical care and treatment and transitioning back to duty or private life provided by the Department of Defense;
Whereas all those who serve in battle to defend freedom and in doing so become wounded or disabled—whether active component, National Guard, or Reserve member and whether soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, or Coast Guardsman—have earned the right to equal treatment;
Whereas over one million members of the Armed Forces—active, National Guard, and Reserve—are currently serving on active duty, many of whom are deployed or forward-stationed in more than 120 countries;
Whereas the Nation is currently experiencing the largest mobilization of the reserve components since World War II;
Whereas the Nation’s Guard and Reserve forces are serving with great honor and distinction, in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere, in a manner equal in every way to that of the active components;
Whereas the uniformed services, while comprised of different branches, serve one nation and one mission—to protect and serve the United States—and, as such, when a person takes the oath of office and serves in the Nation’s uniform, the Nation owes that person, and that person’s family members, equal assistance when that person returns home;
Whereas over 11,500 members of the Armed Forces have been injured or wounded during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom serving the Nation and the Nation’s dedication to fighting for democracy throughout the world;
Whereas medical advances on the battlefield and in rear medical support centers have resulted in many service members surviving wounds that in previous conflicts would have proven fatal, resulting in demands on military hospitals, care centers, and bureaucracies to process larger percentages of severely injured service members than in the past;
Whereas the modern Armed Forces are more integrated and operate more jointly in the theatre of operations than ever before, through technological and logistical support, but personnel and medical support services for returning wounded, injured, and severely disabled service members are unable to transition those members back to duty or to civilian life with the same level of integrated systems;
Whereas members of Guard and Reserve forces, in addition to the strains faced by members of the active components, face additional burdens from complicated and burdensome personnel systems that may result in long pay gaps, incorrect orders, and indefinite medical hold status ratings that, in too many cases, result in severe financial strains and even bankruptcies, long wait times for medical care, undue stress and strain on families, and uncertainty in returning to civilian life and employment;
Whereas in response, on February 1, 2005, the Department of Defense established the Military Severely Injured Joint Support Operations Center in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, thereby providing a means for integrating the efforts of the Army Disabled Soldier Support System, the Marine for Life Injured Support Program, the Air Force Palace HART program, and the Navy Wounded Marines and Sailors Initiative; and
Whereas that Joint Support Center, as originally conceived in H.R. 5057 of the 108th Congress and supported by a large number of bipartisan Representatives and Senators, seeks to provide a range of resources for severely injured members of the Armed Forces and their families by serving as a clearinghouse of advocacy, support, and information: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—
(1)reiterates its support for all members of the uniformed services and their families, and particularly for those members wounded or severely injured in service to the Nation;
(2)applauds the action of the Department of Defense on February 1, 2005, in establishing within the Office of the Secretary of Defense the Military Severely Injured Joint Support Operations Center, thereby providing a means to integrate the efforts of the separate service branches to provide resources for severely injured service members and their families that are carried out through the Army Disabled Soldier Support System, the Marine for Life Injured Support Program, the Air Force Palace HART program, and the Navy Wounded Marines and Sailors Initiative; and
(3)expresses its strong commitment to that center and the accomplishment of the mission of that center and pledges to ensure that the center receives the resources required for it to fulfill its mission.


110 HRES 1317 EH: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1286) to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail.
U.S. House of Representatives
2008-07-10
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1317
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

July 10, 2008

RESOLUTION
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1286) to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail.

That at any time after the adoption of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1286) to amend the National Trails System Act to designate the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route National Historic Trail. The first reading of the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Natural Resources. After general debate the bill shall be considered for amendment under the five-minute rule. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Natural Resources now printed in the bill modified by the amendment printed in part A of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. That amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. All points of order against that amendment in the nature of a substitute are waived except those arising under clause 10 of rule XXI. Notwithstanding clause 11 of rule XVIII, no amendment to that amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be in order except those printed in part B of the report of the Committee on Rules. Each such amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole. All points of order against such amendments are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment, the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. Any Member may demand a separate vote in the House on any amendment adopted in the Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the amendment in the nature of a substitute made in order as original text. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the bill and amendments thereto to final passage without intervening motion except one motion to recommit with or without instructions.
2.During consideration in the House of H.R.1286 pursuant to this resolution, notwithstanding the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to such time as may be designated by the Speaker.

Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.


116 HR 4038 IH: Workforce Development Through Post-Graduation Scholarships Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-07-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4038IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 25, 2019Mr. LaHood (for himself and Ms. Sewell of Alabama) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude certain post-graduation scholarship grants
			 from gross income in the same manner as qualified scholarships to promote
			 economic growth.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Workforce Development Through Post-Graduation Scholarships Act of 2019. 2.Post-graduation scholarship grants excluded from gross income in same manner as qualified scholarships (a)In generalSection 117(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
 (1)by striking the period at the end and inserting , or; (2)by striking any amount received and inserting the following:

 any amount which—(1)is received; and (3)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (2)is a post-graduation scholarship grant received by or paid on behalf of an individual.. (b)Post-Graduation scholarship grantSection 117(b) of such Code is amended by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3) and by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:

					(2)Post-graduation scholarship grant
 (A)In generalThe term post-graduation scholarship grant means any grant program— (i)which is established by an organization which—
 (I)is described in section 501(c)(3) and exempt from tax under section 501(a), and (II)is either a private foundation (other than a private foundation established by an organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) or an organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii) the principal purpose or function of which is the provision of medical education) or a community trust described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi),
 (ii)which is designed to encourage individuals to serve in occupations of unmet needs or in areas of unmet needs (as such terms are used in section 108(f)(2)(D)(ii)), and
 (iii)under which, in accordance with the conditions of a grant, such organization repays any portion of an applicable education loan incurred by an individual.
 (B)Applicable education loanFor purposes of subparagraph (A)(iii), the term applicable education loan means, with respect to any individual, a qualified education loan (as defined in section 221(d)(1)) incurred to pay qualified higher education expenses (as defined in section 221(d)(2)) of such individual..
 (c)Amount not treated as taxable expenditure by private foundationSection 4945(g) of such Code is amended by striking or at the end of paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (3) and inserting , or, and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:  (4)the grant is a post-graduation scholarship grant (as defined in section 117(b)(2))..
 (d)Denial of double benefitSection 221(e) of such Code is amended by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:

 (2)Denial of double benefit in case of post-graduation scholarship grantsAny interest which is paid as part of a post-graduation scholarship grant and excluded from gross income under section 117 shall not be taken into account under this section..
 (e)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.


110 HR 5860 IH: To increase the average fuel economy of light-duty

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-04-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5860
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 22, 2008
			Mr. Ackerman
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Oversight and Government
			 Reform, 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 increase the average fuel economy of light-duty
		  vehicles in the Federal fleet.

		1.Increased average fuel
			 economy of the Federal fleetSection 32917(b)(1) of title 49, United
			 States Code, is amended by striking at least the greater of— and
			 all that follows and inserting

				at
			 least—(A)27.5 miles per gallon for the year
				beginning on January 1, 2009; and
				(B)for the year
				beginning January 1, 2010, and each year thereafter, the fuel economy required
				for the previous year increased by at least 2 miles per gallon, until a
				requirement of 40 miles per gallon is
				reached.
				.


113 HRES 389 IH: Congratulating the Minnesota Lynx women’s basketball team on winning the 2013 Women’s National Basketball Association Championship.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-10-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV113th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 389IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESOctober 23, 2013Mr. Ellison (for himself, Ms. McCollum, Mr. Nolan, Mr. Walz, Mr. Paulsen, Mrs. Bachmann, Mr. Peterson, and Mr. Kline) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government ReformRESOLUTIONCongratulating the Minnesota Lynx women’s basketball team on winning the 2013 Women’s National Basketball Association Championship.Whereas, on October 10, 2013, the Minnesota Lynx won the 2013 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA);Whereas this is the second national championship for the Minnesota Lynx in three years;Whereas the Minnesota Lynx won every game in the post-season playoffs, beating the Seattle Storm in the semifinals, the Phoenix Mercury in the Western Conference finals and decisively beating the Atlanta Dream in the Championship round;Whereas more than 13,000 fans attended the home games at the Target Center in Minneapolis to cheer on the Minnesota Lynx;Whereas the Minnesota Lynx features three gold medal winning Olympians, Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, and Lindsay Whalen, as well as a highly talented team of professionals including Rebekkah Brunson, Janel McCarville, and Monica Wright; andWhereas the Minnesota Lynx are only one of four WNBA teams to win multiple championships, both times under the coaching guidance of Cheryl Reeve: Now, therefore, be itThat the House of Representatives—(1)recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, fans, and staff whose hard work and dedication helped the Minnesota Lynx win the 2013 Women’s National Basketball Association National Championship; and(2)recognizes the Twin Cities region and Minnesota which enthusiastically supports the team and women’s professional basketball.