		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6538
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 21, 2012
			Mr. Nunes introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To establish trade negotiating objectives with respect to
		  the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures to agricultural
		  products, and for other purposes.

		IAgricultural Trade
			 Facilitation
			101.Short titleThis title may be cited as the
			 Agricultural Trade Facilitation
			 Act.
			102.Congressional
			 findingsCongress finds the
			 following:
				(1)Pursuant to article I, section 8, clause 3
			 of the Constitution of the United States, Congress has the authority to
			 establish negotiating objectives for the United States for agreements related
			 to agricultural trade.
				(2)From 2008 to 2010,
			 the value of United States agricultural exports averaged nearly $107 billion
			 annually. Compared to 1998 to 2000, when the total value of agricultural
			 exports averaged $51,000,000,000 annually, United States agricultural exports
			 have more than doubled in past ten years.
				(3)The Department of
			 Agriculture’s Economic Research Service reports that each $1,000,000,000 in
			 United States agricultural exports supports approximately 8,400 jobs. The
			 Economic Research Service further reports that United States agricultural
			 exports supported nearly 830,000 full-time American jobs both on and off-farm
			 in 2009.
				(4)Even as the importance of agricultural
			 exports to the United States economy grows, there are continued reports that
			 non science-based sanitary and phytosanitary measures are restricting trade,
			 acting as non-tariff barriers to trade. The elimination and reduction of
			 unwarranted sanitary and phytosanitary barriers to trade will increase United
			 States agricultural exports and jobs.
				(5)Sanitary and phytosanitary measures are
			 those designed to protect human, animal or plant life or health from
			 risks arising from additives, contaminants, pests, toxins, diseases, or
			 disease-carrying and causing organisms in foods, beverages, feedstuffs,
			 animals, or plants. Sanitary and phytosanitary measures can take such forms as
			 specific product or processing standards, requirements for products to be
			 produced in disease-free areas, quarantine regulations, certification or
			 inspection procedures, sampling and testing requirements, health-related
			 labeling measures, maximum permissible pesticide residue levels, and
			 prohibitions on certain food additives.
				(6)There are currently 37 active disputes
			 involving sanitary and phytosanitary measures being argued within the World
			 Trade Organization (WTO) between Member countries. These cases have been
			 invoked under the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and
			 Phytosanitary Measures.
				(7)While the Agreement on the Application of
			 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, to which all WTO Member countries are
			 parties, explicitly recognizes the rights of each country to take their own
			 measures, they must be science-based and applied only to the extent necessary
			 to protect human, animal or plant health, and cannot be arbitrary or used to
			 unjustifiably discriminate domestically or between trading partners. Member
			 countries are also encouraged to observe established and recognized
			 international standards. Improper use of measures can create substantial, if
			 not complete, barriers to United States exports when they are disguised
			 barriers to trade, are not supported by science, or are otherwise
			 unwarranted.
				(8)In 2010, a United States interagency group
			 led by the Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, reviewed
			 more than 1,000 notifications from 50 countries as required under the Agreement
			 on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. The United States
			 Government commented on 173 proposed or in-force sanitary and phytosanitary
			 measures. Nearly one-half of the comments were measures regarding processed
			 products, one-third addressed requirements for live animals and fish (and their
			 products, including dairy products); and almost one-quarter were for measures
			 that introduced new standards or entry requirements for plants, bulk
			 commodities (including those made with biotechnology), and horticultural
			 products.
				(9)Each year, the United States Trade
			 Representative reports that non science-based sanitary and phytosanitary trade
			 barriers continue to threaten, constrain, or block United States agricultural
			 exports.
				(10)A Department of
			 Agriculture study of the impact of foreign technical trade barriers on United
			 States agricultural exports reported the presence of questionable
			 technical barriers in more than 60 countries affecting trade in more
			 than 300 agricultural products, valued at an estimated $5 billion of United
			 States agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports using 1996 data, accounting
			 for about 7 percent of total agricultural exports during that year. Although
			 more recent formal estimates of United States agricultural trade effects are
			 not available, the United States Trade Representative continues to assert:
			 [Sanitary and phytosanitary] trade barriers prevent U.S. producers from
			 shipping hundreds of millions of dollars worth of goods, hurting farms and
			 small businesses.
				(11)The improper use of sanitary and
			 phytosanitary trade barriers to trade can be reduced through achieving and
			 implementing agreements that provide for enhanced harmonization, transparency,
			 equivalency, improved regulatory practices, and more efficient and effective
			 dispute settlement. The elimination and reduction in use of such barriers to
			 trade will strengthen the international trading system by providing certainty,
			 predictability, and fair treatment.
				(12)The Agreement on the Application of
			 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures has proven valuable to United States
			 exporters, but experience has exposed certain inadequacies in its rules.
				(13)Accordingly, as the United States prepares
			 for future trade agreements, the Administration must prioritize further
			 strengthening of rules on sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
				103.Trade
			 negotiating objectives of the United States with respect to the application of
			 sanitary and phytosanitary measures to agricultural products
				(a)Overall trade
			 negotiating objectivesThe
			 overall trade negotiating objective of the United States with respect to the
			 application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures to agricultural products for
			 trade agreements between the United States and foreign countries is to secure
			 more open, equitable, and reciprocal market access by strengthening the rules
			 governing the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures to
			 agricultural products.
				(b)Principal trade
			 negotiating objectivesThe
			 principal trade negotiating objectives of the United States with respect to the
			 application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures to agricultural products are
			 the following:
					(1)To strengthen the requirement that the
			 application of measures is based on scientific evidence by requiring parties to
			 the agreement to make available their risk assessments and provide a
			 science-based justification for regulations, in particular in cases in which
			 measures are more restrictive than international standards.
					(2)To encourage parties to the agreement to
			 participate actively in the development of international standards relating to
			 the application of measures and to apply those standards whenever it is
			 appropriate to do so and to require parties to provide a scientific
			 justification whenever they apply a standard that deviates from an established
			 international standard.
					(3)To improve
			 regulatory coherence and increase the use of systems-based approaches, to
			 require parties to the agreement to evaluate on a timely basis the health and
			 safety protection systems of other parties and to allow imports of products if
			 the system of the exporting party meets or exceeds the end-product standards of
			 the importing party.
					(4)To require greater
			 transparency in the development and implementation of the measures, to require
			 parties to the agreement to publish proposed measures, including a scientific
			 justification, to provide an opportunity for interested parties to comment on
			 the proposal, and to take into account reasonable concerns, and to require
			 parties to provide significant advance notice before implementing new,
			 non-emergency measures in order to provide ample time for any necessary
			 adjustments by industry in order to come into compliance.
					(5)To require parties
			 to the agreement to carry out risk analysis in a timely manner consistent with
			 the guidelines developed by relevant international organizations, to ensure
			 that risk assessments are based on the most relevant scientific data, to
			 require parties to consider the full range of risk management options and to
			 ensure that the measures are no more trade-restrictive than necessary to meet
			 the intended purpose, and to require effective risk communication.
					(6)To improve rules
			 governing the testing of imported products, to require importing parties to use
			 validated test methods and to provide importers with the right to a
			 confirmatory test, and to provide the right of appeal.
					(7)To promote the harmonization of export
			 certification requirements and to require that parties to the agreement limit
			 information requirements on export documents to that which is necessary to
			 determine whether a product meets sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
					(8)To ensure that new
			 sanitary and phytosanitary trade obligations are fully enforceable through an a
			 more efficient and effective dispute settlement process.
					104.Effective
			 date
				(a)In
			 generalExcept as provided in
			 subsection (b), this title takes effect on the date of the enactment of this
			 Act and applies with respect to negotiations entered into before, on, or after
			 such date of enactment for any trade agreement relating to the application of
			 sanitary and phytosanitary measures to agricultural products.
				(b)ExceptionThis
			 title does not apply with respect to negotiations for any of the
			 following:
					(1)The United
			 States–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.
					(2)The United
			 States–Korea Free Trade Agreement.
					(3)The United
			 States–Panama Trade Promotion Agreement.
					(4)The Doha Development Round of the World
			 Trade Organization.
					IIGeneralized
			 System of Preferences Improvement
			201.Short
			 titleThis title may be cited
			 as the Generalized System of
			 Preferences Improvement Act.
			202.Designation of
			 beneficiary developing countriesSection 502 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
			 U.S.C. 2462) is amended—
				(1)in subsection
			 (b)(2)—
					(A)in subparagraph
			 (C)—
						(i)by
			 striking (C) and inserting (C)(i); and
						(ii)by
			 adding at the end the following:

								(ii)Such country enters into an agreement to
				afford preferential treatment to the products of a developed country, other
				than the United States, unless the President determines and certifies to
				Congress that it is in the national interests of the United States to designate
				such country as a beneficiary developing country under this
				title.
								;
						(B)by inserting after
			 subparagraph (H) the following:

							(I)Such country improperly uses sanitary and
				phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, or other non-tariff trade
				barriers through a sustained or recurring course of action or inaction, in a
				manner negatively affecting trade between the country and the United
				States.
							; and

					(C)in the matter
			 following subparagraph (I) (as added by subparagraph (B) of this paragraph), by
			 striking and (H) and inserting (H), and (I);
			 and
					(2)in subsection
			 (c)—
					(A)in paragraph (6),
			 by striking and at the end;
					(B)in paragraph (7),
			 by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and;
			 and
					(C)by adding at the
			 end the following:

							(8)whether or not and the extent to which such
				country, in accordance with its capacity, adopts and follows international
				sanitary or phytosanitary standards and provides scientific justifications for
				deviations from such
				standards.
							.
					203.Review and
			 report to CongressSection 504
			 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2464) is amended—
				(1)in the section heading, by striking
			 report and inserting
			 reports;
				(2)by striking
			 The President and inserting (a)
			 report on worker rights and
			 child labor.—The President; and
				(3)by adding at the
			 end the following:

						(b)Report on market
				access
							(1)In
				generalThe President shall submit an annual report to the
				Congress on the status of market access within each covered beneficiary
				developing country, including findings with respect to whether or not the
				beneficiary country, in accordance with its capacity, has adopted and followed
				international sanitary and phytosanitary standards and provides scientific
				justifications for deviations from such standards. The report shall also
				include findings as to whether or not each covered beneficiary developing
				country has improperly used sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical
				barriers to trade, and other non-tariff trade barriers.
							(2)Covered
				beneficiary developing countryIn paragraph (1), the term
				covered beneficiary developing country  means a beneficiary
				developing country that is one of the top 20 beneficiary developing countries
				in terms of dollar value of duty-free imports of articles under this title as
				identified on an annual basis by the United States International Trade
				Commission.
							.
				IIIUnited
			 States-Brazil Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade
			301.Short
			 titleThis title may be cited
			 as the United States-Brazil Joint
			 Commission on Commerce and Trade Act.
			302.PurposeThe purpose of this title is to establish
			 the United States-Brazil Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade to address
			 bilateral trade matters, seek removal of trade barriers, and promote commercial
			 opportunities, between the United States and Brazil.
			303.United
			 States-Brazil Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade
				(a)Establishment of
			 United States-Brazil Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade
					(1)In
			 generalThere is established a commission to be known as the
			 United States-Brazil Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (in this section
			 referred to as the Commission).
					(2)PurposeThe
			 purpose of the Commission is to improve the bilateral trade and economic
			 relationship between the United States and Brazil by establishing high level
			 reviews of barriers to trade between the two countries, to promote commercial
			 opportunities between the United States and Brazil, and to facilitate the
			 dialogue necessary to examine the mutual benefits of free trade.
					(3)Membership of
			 Commission
						(A)CompositionThe
			 Commission shall be composed of 16 members. The composition of the Commission
			 shall be divided equally between the United States Government and the Republic
			 of Brazil. United States Commissioners shall be appointed as follows:
							(i)Two
			 persons shall be appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate upon the
			 recommendation of the majority leader of the Senate, after consultation with
			 the Chairman of the Committee on Finance and the Chairman of the Committee on
			 Foreign Relations of the Senate.
							(ii)Two
			 persons shall be appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate upon the
			 recommendation of the minority leader of the Senate, after consultation with
			 the ranking minority member of the Committee on Finance and the ranking
			 minority member of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
							(iii)Two persons
			 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, after
			 consultation with the Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means and the
			 Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
			 Representatives.
							(iv)Two
			 persons shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of
			 Representatives, after consultation with the ranking minority member of the
			 Committee on Ways and Means and the ranking minority member of the Committee on
			 Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.
							(B)QualificationsIndividuals
			 appointed to the Commission shall be individuals who have expertise in
			 international trade matters and United States-Brazil relations.
						(4)Period of
			 appointment; vacancies
						(A)In
			 generalMembers of the Commission shall be appointed to 2-year
			 terms.
						(B)Staggering of
			 termsEach appointing authority referred to under clauses (i)
			 through (iv) of paragraph (3)(A) shall—
							(i)make
			 the appointments on a staggered term basis, so that of the members initially
			 appointed—
								(I)1
			 of the 2 appointments shall be for a term expiring on December 31, 2014;
			 and
								(II)the other
			 appointment shall be for a term expiring on December 31, 2015; and
								(ii)make the
			 appointments not later than 30 days after the date on which each new Congress
			 convenes.
							(C)ReappointmentMembers
			 of the Commission may be reappointed for additional terms of service as members
			 of the Commission.
						(D)VacanciesAny
			 vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in
			 the same manner as the original appointment.
						(5)ChairmenThe
			 members of the Commission shall select co-Chairmen, one from the United States
			 and one from Brazil.
					(6)MeetingsThe
			 Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairmen.
						(A)Initial
			 meetingNot later than 30 days after the date on which all
			 members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission shall hold its
			 first meeting.
						(B)Subsequent
			 meetingsThe Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairmen of
			 the Commission, with the responsibility of chairing proceedings alternating
			 between the United States and Brazil.
						(C)QuorumA
			 majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the
			 transaction of business of the Commission.
						(7)VotingEach
			 member of the Commission shall be entitled to one vote, which shall be equal to
			 the vote of every other member of the Commission.
					(b)DutiesNot
			 later than December 1 of each year (beginning in 2014), the Commission shall
			 submit to the United States Congress and the National Congress of Brazil a
			 report regarding the status and economic impact of trade relations between the
			 United States and Brazil. The report shall include a full analysis, along with
			 conclusions and recommendations for legislative and administrative actions, if
			 any, concerning barriers to trade and the enhancement of economic ties.
				(c)Hearings
					(1)In
			 generalThe Commission or, at its direction, any panel or member
			 of the Commission, may for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this
			 section, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony,
			 receive evidence, and administer oaths to the extent that the Commission or
			 such panel or member considers advisable.
					(2)InformationThe
			 Commission may secure directly from any Federal department or agency
			 information that the Commission considers necessary to enable the Commission to
			 carry out its duties under this section, unless that information is deemed to
			 contain sensitive national intelligence information or is otherwise subject to
			 rules concerning state secrets.
					(d)Commission
			 personnel matters
					(1)Compensation of
			 membersUnited States Members of the Commission shall be
			 compensated in the same manner provided for the compensation of members of the
			 Trade Deficit Review Commission under subsections (g)(1) and (g)(6) of section
			 127 of the Trade Deficit Review Commission Act (19 U.S.C. 2213 note).
					(2)Travel
			 expensesTravel expenses of the United States Commissioners shall
			 be allowed in the same manner provided for the allowance of the travel expenses
			 of the Trade Deficit Review Commission under section 127(g)(2) of the Trade
			 Deficit Review Commission Act.
					(3)StaffAn
			 executive director and other additional personnel for the Commission shall be
			 appointed, compensated, and terminated in the same manner provided for the
			 appointment, compensation, and termination of the executive director and other
			 personnel of the Trade Deficit Review Commission under section 127(g)(3) and
			 section 127(g)(6) of the Trade Deficit Review Commission Act. The executive
			 director and any personnel who are employees of the United States-Brazil Joint
			 Commission on Commerce and Trade shall be employees under section 2105 of title
			 5, United States Code, for purposes of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 89, and
			 90 of that title.
					(4)Detail of
			 government employeesFederal Government employees may be detailed
			 to the Commission in the same manner provided for the detail of Federal
			 Government employees to the Trade Deficit Review Commission under section
			 127(g)(4) of the Trade Deficit Review Commission Act.
					(5)Assignment of
			 personnel by the government of brazilThe Commission shall work
			 with the Government of Brazil to secure the appropriate expertise to carry out
			 its work, including through the assignment to the Commission of staff officials
			 selected by the Government of Brazil and the temporary or ongoing employment of
			 Brazilian nationals.
					(6)Foreign travel
			 for official purposesForeign travel for official purposes by
			 Commissioners to and from official proceedings may be authorized by the
			 Chairmen of the Commission. Travel by the staff of the Commission for official
			 purposes may be authorized by the Chairmen of the Commission only when
			 necessary to carry out essential activities that could not otherwise be
			 conducted using alternative means.
					(7)Procurement of
			 temporary and intermittent servicesThe Chairmen of the
			 Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services for the Commission
			 in the same manner provided for the procurement of temporary and intermittent
			 services for the Trade Deficit Review Commission under section 127(g)(5) of the
			 Trade Deficit Review Commission Act.
					(8)Privately funded
			 travelThe Chairmen of the Commission may authorize privately
			 funded travel by members and staff of the Commission for activities related to
			 the duties of the Commission. The Commission shall disclose to the public, not
			 later than 60 days after the privately funded travel occurs, the source of the
			 funding, together with the itinerary of the activities of members and staff of
			 the Commission participating in the privately funded travel.
					(e)Assistance in
			 performing dutiesThe President of the United States shall
			 provide for the transfer to the Commission of such staff, materials, and
			 infrastructure (including leased premises) of Federal departments and agencies
			 as the President considers necessary to assist the Commission in carrying out
			 its duties.
				(f)Authorization of
			 appropriations
					(1)In
			 generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Commission
			 for fiscal year 2013, and for each fiscal year thereafter, such sums as may be
			 necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its duties under this
			 section.
					(2)AvailabilityAmounts
			 appropriated to the Commission pursuant to this subsection shall remain
			 available until expended.
					IVNegotiations with
			 European Union
			401.Short
			 titleThis title may be
			 referred to as the Transatlantic
			 Commerce and Trade Enhancement Act.
			402.Trade agreement
			 authority with respect to the European Union
				(a)AuthoritySubject to subsection (b), the President is
			 authorized to seek to conduct negotiations with the European Union for purposes
			 of entering into a trade agreement with the European Union to reduce existing
			 duties or other import restrictions of the European Union or the United States
			 that are unduly burdening and restricting the foreign trade of the United
			 States.
				(b)Congressional
			 notification and consultationThe exercise of the authority of subsection
			 (a) shall be subject to all applicable congressional notification and
			 consultation requirements provided for under any other provision of law.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4078
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			November 16, 2009
			Mr. Perriello
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce

		A BILL
		To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to
		  develop a national model disclosure form to assist consumers in purchasing
		  long-term care insurance.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Long-Term Care Insurance Disclosure
			 Act of 2009.
		2.Development of
			 model disclosure form for long-term care insurance
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary of
			 Health and Human Services shall, in consultation with the National Association
			 of Insurance Commissioners and not later than 180 days after the date of the
			 enactment of this Act, develop a national model disclosure form for marketing
			 long-term care insurance policies.
			(b)RequirementsIn developing the model disclosure form
			 under subsection (a), the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall ensure
			 that at least each of the following requirements are met:
				(1)The model
			 disclosure form shall be not more than one single-sided page in length.
				(2)The model
			 disclosure form shall use standard, plain language for purposes of explaining
			 the services and benefits covered under the long-term care insurance policy
			 involved and restrictions on the services and benefits.
				(3)The model disclosure form shall use
			 standard, consistent definitions for coverage of the various types of services
			 and benefits provided under long-term care insurance policies in such a manner
			 as to ensure that issuers do not use different terms to describe the same
			 services or benefit.
				(4)The model disclosure form shall have a
			 standard, consistent format with respect to font, color, and type size to
			 enable consumers to more easily compare policies.
				(5)The model disclosure form shall provide for
			 a standard, consistent disclosure of key provisions, such as monthly premiums,
			 the maximum daily or monthly benefit, and the extent to which benefit amounts
			 will be adjusted for inflation in the future.
				(6)The model disclosure form shall provide for
			 such other minimum standards as the Secretary determines appropriate.
				3.Required use of
			 model disclosure form in marketing long-term care insurance policies
			(a)Application to
			 Tax-Qualified and Medicaid Partnership PoliciesNot later than 1 year after the date on
			 which the Secretary of Health and Human Services issues the proposed model
			 disclosure form under section 2—
				(1)the Secretary of
			 the Treasury shall promulgate a regulation requiring, not later than 1 year
			 after the date on which the regulation is final, any issuer of a qualified
			 long-term care insurance contract (as defined in section 7702B(b) of the
			 Internal Revenue Code of 1986) to use the proposed model disclosure form for
			 marketing such contracts; and
				(2)the Secretary of
			 Health and Human Services shall promulgate a regulation requiring, not later
			 than 1 year after the date on which the regulation is final, any issuer of a
			 qualified long-term care insurance contract that covers an insured who is a
			 resident of a State with a qualified State long-term care insurance partnership
			 under clause (iii) of section 1917(b)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act (42
			 U.S.C. 1396p(b)(1)(C)) or a long-term care insurance policy offered in
			 connection with a State plan amendment described in clause (iv) of such section
			 to use the proposed model disclosure form for marketing such contracts.
				4.DefinitionsFor purposes of this Act:
			(1)Long-term care
			 insurance policyThe term
			 long-term care insurance policy means—
				(A)a qualified
			 long-term care insurance contract (as defined in section 7702B(b) of the
			 Internal Revenue Code of 1986); and
				(B)a qualified
			 long-term care insurance contract that covers an insured who is a resident of a
			 State with a qualified State long-term care insurance partnership under clause
			 (iii) of section 1917(b)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
			 1396p(b)(1)(C)) or a long-term care insurance policy offered in connection with
			 a State plan amendment described in clause (iv) of such section.
				(2)StateThe term State means each of
			 the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
			 United States Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
			 Islands, and American Samoa.


112 HR 3623 IH: Improving Access to Capital for Emerging Growth Companies Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-11-22
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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.

I113th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3623IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 22, 2013Mr. Fincher (for himself and Mr. Delaney) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial ServicesA BILLTo amend certain provisions of the securities laws relating to the treatment of emerging growth companies.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Improving Access to Capital for Emerging Growth Companies Act.2.Filing requirement for public filing prior to public offeringSection 6(e)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77f(e)(1)) is amended by striking 21 days and inserting 15 days.3.Grace period for change of status of emerging growth companiesSection 6(e)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77f(e)(1)) is further amended by adding at the end the following: An issuer that was an emerging growth company at the time it filed a confidential registration statement for review under this subsection but is no longer an emerging growth company shall continue to be treated as an emerging growth company for purposes of this subsection through the earlier of the date on which the issuer consummates its initial public offering pursuant to such registration statement or the end of the 1-year period beginning on the date that the company is no longer an emerging growth company..4.Simplified disclosure requirements for emerging growth companiesSection 102 of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (Public Law 112–106) is amended by adding at the end the following:(d)Simplified disclosure requirementsWith respect to an emerging growth company (as such term is defined under section 2 of the Securities Act of 1933):(1)Requirement to include notice on form S–1Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Securities and Exchange Commission shall revise its general instructions on Form S–1 to indicate that a registration statement filed (or submitted for confidential review) by an issuer prior to an initial public offering may omit financial information for historical periods otherwise required by regulation S–X (17 C.F.R. 210.1–01 et seq.) as of the time of filing (or confidential submission) of such registration statement, provided that—(A)prior to the issuer distributing a preliminary prospectus to investors, such registration statement is amended to include all relevant periods required at the date of such amendment; and(B)the issuer reasonably believes such financial disclosure will no longer be required to be included in the Form S–1 at the time of the contemplated offering.(2)Reliance by issuersEffective 30 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, an issuer filing a registration statement (or submitting the statement for confidential review) utilizing Form S–1 may omit financial information for historical periods otherwise required by regulation S–X (17 C.F.R. 210.1–01 et seq.) as of the time of filing (or confidential submission) of such registration statement, provided that prior to the public filing of Form S–1, such registration statement is amended to include all relevant periods required at the date of such amendment..5.Filing requirements for follow-on offeringsSection 6(e) of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77f(e)) is further amended by adding at the end the following:(3)Follow-on offeringsAn emerging growth company may, within 1 year of the company’s initial public offering, confidentially submit to the Commission a draft registration statement for any securities to be issued subsequent to its initial public offering, for confidential nonpublic review by the staff of the Commission prior to publicly filing a registration statement, provided that the initial confidential submission and all amendments thereto shall be publicly filed with the Commission not later than 2 days before the date on which the emerging growth company issues such securities..


116 S2276 IS: Vested Employee Pension Benefit Protection Act
U.S. Senate
2019-07-25
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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. 2276IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJuly 25, 2019Mr. Blunt (for himself, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Durbin, and Mr. Hawley) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to protect employees in the building and construction
			 industry who are participants in multiemployer plans, and for other
			 purposes.

		1.Short
 titleThis Act may be cited as the Vested Employee Pension Benefit Protection Act.
		2.Minimum age for
			 distributions during working retirement
			(a)In
 generalParagraph (36) of section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:

					(36)Distributions
				during working retirement
						(A)In
 generalA trust forming part of a pension plan shall not be treated as failing to constitute a qualified trust under this section solely because the plan provides that a distribution may be made from such trust to an employee who has attained age 62 and who is not separated from employment at the time of such distribution.
						(B)Certain
 employees in the building and construction industrySubparagraph (A) shall be applied by substituting age 55 for age 62 in the case of a multiemployer plan described in section 4203(b)(1)(B)(i) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, with respect to individuals who were participants in such plan on or before April 30, 2013, if—
 (i)the trust to which subparagraph (A) applies was in existence before January 1, 1970, and
 (ii)before December 31, 2011, at a time when the plan provided that distributions may be made to an employee who has attained age 55 and who is not separated from employment at the time of such distribution, the plan received at least 1 written determination from the Internal Revenue Service that the trust to which subparagraph (A) applies constituted a qualified trust under this section..
			(b)Effective
 dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to distributions made before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.


110 HR 5048 IH: To suspend temporarily the duty on Acetoacetamide.
U.S. House of Representatives
2008-01-16
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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. 5048
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 17, 2008
Mr. Garrett of New Jersey introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To suspend temporarily the duty on Acetoacetamide.

1.Acetoacetamide
(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:

9902.01.00Acetoacetamide (CAS No. 5977–14–0) (provided for in subheading 2924.19.11)FreeNo changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2011    .
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.


115 HR 4572 IH: Worst-Case Scenario Hospital Preparedness Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-12-06
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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. 4572IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESDecember 6, 2017Mrs. Dingell (for herself and Mr. Webster of Florida) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into an arrangement with the National
			 Academy of Medicine to evaluate the preparedness of hospitals, long-term
			 care facilities, dialysis centers, and other medical facilities for public
			 health emergencies.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Worst-Case Scenario Hospital Preparedness Act. 2.National Academy of Medicine evaluation and report on the preparedness of hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, and other medical facilities for public health emergencies (a)Evaluation (1)In generalNot later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Medicine or, if the National Academy declines to enter into such an arrangement, another appropriate entity under which the National Academy (or other appropriate entity) agrees to evaluate the preparedness of hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, and other medical facilities nationwide for public health emergencies, including natural disasters.
 (2)Specific matters evaluatedThe arrangement under paragraph (1) shall require the National Academy of Medicine (or other appropriate entity)—
 (A)to catalogue, review, and evaluate the efficacy of current rules and regulations for hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, and medical facilities regarding emergency preparedness planning;
 (B)to identify and prioritize options to implement policies for hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, and other medical facilities nationwide that address future threats;
 (C)to review all Federal grant programs that affect the preparedness of hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, or other medical facilities for public health emergencies and provide recommendations for improving such preparedness by—
 (i)improving such existing Federal grant programs; or (ii)creating new Federal grant programs;
 (D)to review, identify, and recommend best practices for improving emergency preparedness at hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, and other medical facilities;
 (E)to identify and recommend best sources and guidelines for alterative or emergency power systems, including renewable sources, battery storage, and generators; and
 (F)to identify and recommend best practices and guidelines for emergency preparedness planning at hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, and other medical facilities related to access clean water.
					(b)Report
 (1)In generalThe arrangement under subsection (a)(1) shall require the National Academy of Medicine (or other appropriate entity) to submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Congress, not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, a report on the results of the evaluation conducted pursuant to this section.
 (2)ContentsThe report under paragraph (1) shall— (A)describe the findings and conclusions of the evaluation conducted pursuant to this section; and
 (B)include a strategy for improving the preparedness of hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, and other medical facilities nationwide for public health emergencies, including natural disasters.


117 HRES 713 IH: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Nation should honor and recognize military families who have been disproportionately affected by the COVID–19 crisis.
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-10-08
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EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 713IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESOctober 8, 2021Mr. Vela submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed ServicesRESOLUTIONExpressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Nation should honor and recognize military families who have been disproportionately affected by the COVID–19 crisis.Whereas families all over the world are making sacrifices resulting from the spread of COVID–19, but military families in particular are living in tremendous uncertainty;Whereas the families of members of the Armed Forces deployed around the world and working on the front lines of the virus face enormous challenges that are being exacerbated by the global pandemic;Whereas members of the Armed Forces who become infected may result in military families having to quarantine overseas;Whereas delayed and canceled permanent change of station moves, restrictions on travel, and stay-at-home orders are placing an exceptional amount of stress on military families as they face challenges including overextended leases, threatening loss of housing, and unexpected out-of-pocket expenses;Whereas spouses of members of the Armed Forces are facing job loss or may be unable to work because of the COVID–19 crisis, putting additional strain on family budgets;Whereas pandemic-related school closures can lead to food insecurity for military families;Whereas the closure of schools, the shift to distance learning, and limited access to care for younger children, including the closure of child development centers during the pandemic, place a major burden on families, particularly those where a parent is deployed;Whereas not all military families can afford the essential software, broadband access, and equipment required for online school;Whereas military personnel and their dependents dealing with mental and physical health issues have difficulty maintaining continuity of care throughout the pandemic;Whereas military dependents with special needs rely heavily on assistance from the Exceptional Family Member Program and other initiatives that may not be able to provide hands-on assistance due to restrictions to slow the spread of the virus;Whereas the COVID–19 crisis may result in fluctuations in deployment or reintegration schedules, adding further strain to an unpredictable time for military families; andWhereas communities and military leaders are working hard to support the families of members of the Armed Forces, including members of the reserve components, throughout this pandemic, the Nation owes a great debt of gratitude for their exceptional sacrifices: Now, therefore, be itThat it is the sense of the House of Representatives to honor the military families who have been disproportionately affected by the COVID–19 crisis.


115 HR 5141 IH: United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-03-01
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EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 5141IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 1, 2018Ms. Ros-Lehtinen (for herself and Mr. Deutch) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo make improvements to certain defense and security assistance provisions and to authorize
			 assistance for Israel, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title and table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the United States-Israel Security Assistance Authorization Act of 2018. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

					Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents.
					Sec. 2. Definition.
					Title I—Security Assistance for Israel
					Sec. 101. Findings.
					Sec. 102. Statement of policy.
					Sec. 103. Assistance for Israel.
					Sec. 104. Joint assessment of quantity of precision guided munitions for use by Israel.
					Sec. 105. Transfer of precision guided munitions to Israel.
					Sec. 106. Modification of rapid acquisition and deployment procedures.
					Sec. 107. Extension of War Reserves Stockpile authority.
					Sec. 108. Eligibility of Israel for the strategic trade authorization exception to certain export
			 control licensing requirements.
					Sec. 109. Extension of loan guarantees to Israel.
					Title II—Enhanced Cooperation Between the United States and Israel
					Sec. 201. United States-Israel cybersecurity cooperation.
					Sec. 202. United States-Israel space cooperation.
					Sec. 203. United States Agency for International Development—Israel enhanced cooperation.
					Sec. 204. Authority to enter into a cooperative project agreement with Israel to counter unmanned
			 aerial vehicles that threaten the United States or Israel.
					Title III—Ensuring Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge
					Sec. 301. Improved reporting on enhancing Israel’s qualtitative military edge and security posture.
					Sec. 302. Statement of policy.

 2.DefinitionIn this Act, the term appropriate congressional committees means— (1)the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and
 (2)the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate. ISecurity Assistance for Israel 101.FindingsCongress makes the following findings:
 (1)In April 1998, the United States designated Israel as a major non-NATO ally. (2)On August 16, 2007, the United States and Israel signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding on United States military assistance to Israel, the total amount of military assistance over the course of this period would equal $30 billion.
 (3)On July 27, 2012, the United States-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–150; 22 U.S.C. 8601 et seq.) declared it to be the policy of the United States to help the Government of Israel preserve its qualitative military edge amid rapid and uncertain regional political transformation and provide Israel defense articles and services, to include air refueling tankers, missile defense capabilities, and specialized munitions.
 (4)On December 19, 2014, the President signed into law the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–296) which stated the sense of Congress that Israel is a major strategic partner of the United States and declared it to be the policy of the United States to continue to provide Israel with robust security assistance, including for the procurement of the Iron Dome Missile Defense System.
 (5)Section 1679 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 129 Stat. 1135) authorized funds to be appropriated for Israeli cooperative missile defense program codevelopment and coproduction, including funds to be provided to the Government of Israel to procure the David’s Sling weapon system as well as the Arrow 3 Upper Tier Interceptor Program.
 (6)On September 13, 2016, the House of Representatives passed, by a vote of 405 to 4, House Resolution 729, expressing support for the expeditious consideration and finalization of a new, robust, and long-term Memorandum of Understanding on military assistance to Israel between the United States Government and the Government of Israel.
 (7)House Resolution 729 provides that the House of Representatives— (A)reaffirms that Israel is a major strategic partner of the United States;
 (B)reaffirms that it is the policy and law of the United States to ensure that Israel maintains its qualitative military edge and has the capacity and capability to defend itself from all threats;
 (C)reaffirms United States support of a robust Israeli tiered missile defense program; (D)supports continued discussions between the Government of the United States and the Government of Israel for a robust and long-term Memorandum of Understanding on United States military assistance to Israel;
 (E)urges the expeditious finalization of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the United States and the Government of Israel; and
 (F)supports a robust and long-term Memorandum of Understanding negotiated between the United States and Israel regarding military assistance which increases the amount of aid from previous agreements and significantly enhances Israel’s military capabilities.
 (8)On September 14, 2016, the United States and Israel signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding reaffirming the importance of continuing annual United States military assistance to Israel and cooperative missile defense programs in a way that enhances Israel’s security and strengthens the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
 (9)The 2016 Memorandum of Understanding reflected United States support of Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grant assistance to Israel over the 10-year period beginning in fiscal year 2019 and ending in fiscal year 2028. Such FMF grant assistance would equal $3.3 billion annually, totaling $33 billion.
 (10)The 2016 Memorandum of Understanding also reflected United States support for funding for cooperative programs to develop, produce, and procure missile, rocket and projectile defense capabilities over a 10-year period beginning in fiscal year 2019 and ending in fiscal year 2028 at a level of $500 million annually, totaling $5 billion.
 102.Statement of policyIt shall be the policy of the United States to provide assistance to the Government of Israel in order to support funding for cooperative programs to develop, produce, and procure missile, rocket, projectile, and other defense capabilities to help Israel meet its security needs and to help develop and enhance United States defense capabilities.
 103.Assistance for IsraelSection 513(c) of the Security Assistance Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–280; 114 Stat. 856) is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (1), by striking 2002 and 2003 and inserting 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; (2)in paragraph (2), by striking equal to— and all that follows and inserting not less than $3,300,000,000; and
 (3)in paragraph (3), by striking Funds authorized and all that follows through later. and inserting Funds authorized to be available for Israel under subsection (b)(1) and paragraph (1) of this subsection for fiscal years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 shall be disbursed not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of an Act making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the respective fiscal year, or October 31 of the respective fiscal year, whichever is later..
				104.Joint assessment of quantity of precision guided munitions for use by Israel
 (a)In generalThe President, acting through the Secretary of Defense, is authorized to conduct a joint assessment with the Government of Israel with respect to the matters described in subsection (b).
 (b)Matters describedThe matters described in this subsection are the following: (1)The quantity and type of precision guided munitions that are necessary for Israel to combat Hezbollah in the event of a sustained armed confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah.
 (2)The quantity and type of precision guided munitions that are necessary for Israel in the event of a sustained armed confrontation with other armed groups and terrorist organizations such as Hamas.
 (3)The resources the Government of Israel can plan to dedicate to acquire such precision guided munitions.
 (4)United States planning to assist Israel to prepare for the sustained armed confrontations described in paragraphs (1) and (2) as well as the ability of the United States to resupply Israel in the event of such confrontations described in paragraphs (1) and (2), if any.
					(c)Report
 (1)In generalNot later than 15 days after the date on which the joint assessment authorized under subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the joint assessment.
 (2)FormThe report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
					105.Transfer of precision guided munitions to Israel
 (a)In generalNotwithstanding section 514 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h), the President is authorized to—
 (1)utilize the Special Defense Acquisition Fund to transfer precision guided munitions and related defense articles and services to reserve stocks for Israel; and
 (2)transfer such quantities of precision guided munitions from reserve stocks for Israel as necessary for legitimate self-defense and is otherwise consistent with the purposes and conditions for such transfers under the Arms Export Control Act.
 (b)CertificationExcept in the case of an emergency, not later than 5 days before making a transfer under subsection (a), the President shall certify to the appropriate congressional committees that the transfer of the precision guided munitions—
 (1)does not affect the ability of the United States to maintain a sufficient supply of precision guided munitions; and
 (2)does not harm the combat readiness of the United States or the ability of the United States to meet its commitment to allies for the transfer of such munitions.
					106.Modification of rapid acquisition and deployment procedures
				(a)Requirement To establish procedures
 (1)In generalSection 806(a) of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 (10 U.S.C. 2302 note; 116 Stat. 2607) is amended—
 (A)in paragraph (1)(C), by striking ; and at the end; (B)in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
 (C)by adding at the end the following:  (3)urgently needed to support production of precision guided munitions—
 (A)for United States counterterrorism missions; or (B)to assist an ally of the United States under direct missile threat from—
 (i)an organization the Secretary of State has designated as a foreign terrorist organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189); or
 (ii)a country the government of which the Secretary of State has determined, for purposes of section 6(j) of the Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. 4605(j)) (as in effect pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act), section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371), section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2780), or any other provision of law, is a government that has repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism..
 (2)Prescription of proceduresThe Secretary of Defense shall prescribe procedures for the rapid acquisition and deployment of supplies and associated support services for purposes described in paragraph (3) of section 806(a) of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003, as added by paragraph (1) of this subsection, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (b)Use of amounts in Special Defense Acquisition FundSection 114(c)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting at the end before the period the following: or to assist an ally of the United States that is under direct missile threat, including from a terrorist organization supported by Iran, and such threat adversely affects the safety and security of such ally.
				107.Extension of War Reserves Stockpile authority
 (a)Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005Subsection (e) of section 12001 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108–287; 118 Stat. 1011), as redesignated by section 105 of this Act, is amended by striking after September 30, 2018 and inserting after September 30, 2023.
 (b)Foreign Assistance Act of 1961Section 514(b)(2)(A) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 and inserting 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
				108.Eligibility of Israel for the strategic trade authorization exception to certain export control
			 licensing requirements
 (a)FindingsCongress finds the following: (1)Israel has adopted high standards in the field of export controls.
 (2)Israel has declared its unilateral adherence to the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Australia Group, and the Nuclear Suppliers Group.
 (3)Israel is a party to— (A)the Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare, signed at Geneva June 17, 1925; and
 (B)the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, adopted at Vienna on October 26, 1979.
 (4)Section 6(b) of the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (22 U.S.C. 8603 note) directs the President, consistent with the commitments of the United States under international agreements, to take steps so that Israel may be included in the list of countries eligible for the strategic trade authorization exception under section 740.20(c)(1) of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, to the requirement for a license for the export, re-export, or in-country transfer of an item subject to controls under the Export Administration Regulations.
 (5)As of December 27, 2016, the last publication of the license exceptions country list, Israel had not been included in the list of countries eligible for the strategic trade authorization exception under section 740.20(c)(1) of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations.
					(b)Report on eligibility for Strategic Trade Authorization exception
 (1)In generalNot later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that—
 (A)describes the steps taken to include Israel in the list of countries eligible for the strategic trade authorization exception under section 740.20 (c) (1) of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations section, as required under 6(b) of the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (22 U.S.C. 8603 note); and
 (B)includes the reasons as to why Israel has not yet been included in such list of countries eligible for the strategic trade authorization exception.
 (2)FormThe report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
 109.Extension of loan guarantees to IsraelChapter 5 of title I of the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 (Public Law 108–11; 117 Stat. 576) is amended under the heading Loan Guarantees to Israel—
 (1)in the matter preceding the first proviso, by striking September 30, 2019' and inserting September 30, 2023; and (2)in the second proviso, by striking September 30, 2019 and inserting September 30, 2023.
				IIEnhanced Cooperation Between the United States and Israel
			201.United States-Israel cybersecurity cooperation
				(a)Grant program
 (1)EstablishmentThe Secretary, in accordance with the agreement entitled the Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the State of Israel on Cooperation in Science and Technology for Homeland Security Matters, dated May 29, 2008 (or successor agreement), and the requirements specified in paragraph (2), shall establish a grant program at the Department to support—
 (A)cybersecurity research and development; and (B)demonstration and commercialization of cybersecurity technology.
						(2)Requirements
 (A)ApplicabilityNotwithstanding any other provision of law, in carrying out a research, development, demonstration, or commercial application program or activity that is authorized under this section, the Secretary shall require cost sharing in accordance with this paragraph.
						(B)Research and development
 (i)In generalExcept as provided in clause (ii), the Secretary shall require not less than 50 percent of the cost of a research, development, demonstration, or commercial application program or activity described in subparagraph (A) to be provided by a non-Federal source.
 (ii)ReductionThe Secretary may reduce or eliminate, on a case-by-case basis, the percentage requirement specified in clause (i) if the Secretary determines that such reduction or elimination is necessary and appropriate.
 (C)Merit reviewIn carrying out a research, development, demonstration, or commercial application program or activity that is authorized under this section, awards shall be made only after an impartial review of the scientific and technical merit of the proposals for such awards has been carried out by or for the Department.
 (D)Review processesIn carrying out a review under subparagraph (C), the Secretary may use merit review processes developed under section 302(14) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 182(14)).
 (3)Eligible applicantsAn applicant shall be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection if the project of such applicant—
 (A)addresses a requirement in the area of cybersecurity research or cybersecurity technology, as determined by the Secretary; and
 (B)is a joint venture between— (i) (I)a for-profit business entity, academic institution, National Laboratory (as defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801)), or nonprofit entity in the United States; and
 (II)a for-profit business entity, academic institution, or nonprofit entity in Israel; or (ii) (I)the Federal Government; and
 (II)the Government of Israel. (4)ApplicationsTo be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, an applicant shall submit to the Secretary an application for such grant in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary, in consultation with the advisory board established under paragraph (5).
					(5)Advisory board
 (A)EstablishmentThe Secretary shall establish an advisory board to— (i)monitor the method by which grants are awarded under this subsection; and
 (ii)provide to the Secretary periodic performance reviews of actions taken to carry out this subsection.
 (B)CompositionThe advisory board established under subparagraph (A) shall be composed of three members, to be appointed by the Secretary, of whom—
 (i)one shall be a representative of the Federal Government; (ii)one shall be selected from a list of nominees provided by the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation; and
 (iii)one shall be selected from a list of nominees provided by the United States-Israel Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation.
 (6)Contributed fundsNotwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may accept or retain funds contributed by any person, government entity, or organization for purposes of carrying out this subsection. Such funds shall be available, subject to appropriation, without fiscal year limitation.
 (7)ReportNot later than 180 days after the date of completion of a project for which a grant is provided under this subsection, the grant recipient shall submit to the Secretary a report that contains—
 (A)a description of how the grant funds were used by the recipient; and (B)an evaluation of the level of success of each project funded by the grant.
 (8)ClassificationGrants shall be awarded under this subsection only for projects that are considered to be unclassified by both the United States and Israel.
 (b)TerminationThe grant program and the advisory board established under this section terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (c)No additional funds authorizedNo additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this section. Such requirements shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized.
 (d)DefinitionsIn this section— (1)the term cybersecurity research means research, including social science research, into ways to identify, protect against, detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity threats;
 (2)the term cybersecurity technology means technology intended to identify, protect against, detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity threats;
 (3)the term cybersecurity threat has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (enacted as title I of the Cybersecurity Act of 2015 (division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114–113)));
 (4)the term Department means the Department of Homeland Security; and (5)the term Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
					202.United States-Israel space cooperation
 (a)FindingsThe Congress finds that— (1)authorized in 1958, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) supports and coordinates United States Government research in aeronautics, human exploration and operations, science, and space technology;
 (2)established in 1983, the Israel Space Agency (ISA) supports the growth of Israel’s space industry by supporting academic research, technological innovation, and educational activities;
 (3)the mutual interest of the United States and Israel in space exploration affords both nations an opportunity to leverage their unique abilities to advance scientific discovery;
 (4)in 1996, NASA and the ISA entered into their first agreement outlining areas of mutual cooperation, which remained in force until 2005;
 (5)since 1996, NASA and the ISA have successfully cooperated on many space programs supporting the Global Positioning System and research related to the sun, earth science, and the environment;
 (6)the bond between NASA and the ISA was permanently forged on February 1, 2003, with the loss of the crew of STS–107 including Israeli Astronaut Ilan Ramon;
 (7)the United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–296) designated Israel as a Major Strategic Partner of the United States; and
 (8)on October 13, 2015, the United States and Israel signed the Framework Agreement between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the United States of America and the Israel Space Agency for Cooperation in Aeronautics and the Exploration and Use of Airspace and Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes.
 (b)Continuing cooperationThe Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall continue to work with the Israel Space Agency to identify and cooperatively pursue peaceful space exploration and science initiatives in areas of mutual interest, taking all appropriate measures to protect sensitive information, intellectual property, trade secrets, and economic interests of the United States.
				203.United States Agency for International Development—Israel enhanced cooperation
 (a)Statement of policyIt should be the policy of the United States Agency for International Development to cooperate with Israel in order to advance common goals across a wide variety of sectors, including energy, agriculture and food security, democracy, human rights and governance, economic growth and trade, education, environment, global health and water and sanitation.
 (b)Memorandum of understandingThe Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development is authorized to enter into memoranda of understanding with Israel in order to advance common goals on energy, agriculture and food security, democracy, human rights and governance, economic growth and trade, education, environment, global health and water sanitation with a focus on strengthening mutual ties and cooperation with nations throughout the world.
				204.Authority to enter into a cooperative project agreement with Israel to counter unmanned aerial
			 vehicles that threaten the United States or Israel
 (a)FindingsCongress finds the following: (1)On February 10, 2018, Iran launched an unmanned aerial vehicle (commonly known as a drone) from Syria that penetrated Israeli airspace.
 (2)Israeli officials noted that the unmanned aerial vehicle was in Israeli airspace for a minute and a half before being shot down by the Israeli air force.
 (3)Senior Israeli officials stated that the unmanned aerial vehicle was an advanced piece of technology.
 (4)It remains unclear whether the unmanned aerial vehicle was armed. Nonetheless, the launch, and sophistication of the unmanned aerial vehicle, highlight the threat Israel faces from unmanned aerial vehicles from Iranian forces active in Syria and from Hezbollah in Lebanon.
 (5)The United States likewise faces the threat of unmanned aerial vehicles along the United States border and in areas of active hostilities, including unmanned aerial vehicles of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria and unmanned aerial vehicles manufactured of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.
 (b)Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that— (1)joint research and development to counter unmanned aerial vehicles will serve the national security interests of the United States and Israel;
 (2)Israel faces urgent and emerging threats from unmanned aerial vehicles and other unmanned aerial vehicles, launched from Lebanon by Hezbollah, from Syria by forces of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, or from others seeking to attack Israel; and
 (3)the United States and Israel should continue to work together to defend against all threats to the safety, security, and national interests of both countries.
					(c)Authority To enter into agreement
 (1)In generalThe President is authorized to enter into a cooperative project agreement with Israel under the authority of section 27 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2767) to carry out research on and development, testing, evaluation, and joint production (including follow-on support) of defense articles and defense services to detect, track, and destroy unmanned aerial vehicles that threaten the United States or Israel.
 (2)Applicable requirementsThe cooperative project agreement described in paragraph (1)— (A)shall provide that any activities carried out pursuant to the agreement are subject to—
 (i)the applicable requirements described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of section 27(b)(2) of the Arms Export Control Act; and
 (ii)any other applicable requirements of the Arms Export Control Act with respect to the use, transfers, and security of such defense articles and defense services under that Act; and
 (B)shall establish a framework to negotiate the rights to intellectual property developed under the agreement.
						IIIEnsuring Israel’s Qualitative Military Edge
 301.Improved reporting on enhancing Israel’s qualtitative military edge and security postureSection 36(h)(2) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2776(h)(2)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end;
 (2)in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (3)by adding at the end the following:

 (E)an assessment of— (i)the ability of Israel to effectively defend itself against military threats from regional non-state actors;
 (ii)the risk that is posed by the sale or export of a subsequent unauthorized transfer or proliferation of the equipment for use against Israel;
 (iii)the range of cyber and asymmetric threats posed to Israel by state and non-state actors; (iv)the range of threats posed to Israel by state and non-state actors through the use of unmanned vehicles and systems, through air, land or water; and
 (v)the effective countermeasures available to Israel to defend against the risks and threats described in clauses (ii) through (iv)..
 302.Statement of policyIt is the policy of the United States to ensure that Israel maintains its ability to counter and defeat any credible conventional military or emerging threat from any individual state or possible coalition of states or from non-state actors, while sustaining minimal damages and casualties, through the use of superior military means, possessed in sufficient quantity, including weapons, command, control, communication, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities that in their technical characteristics are superior in capability to those of such other individual or possible coalition states or non-state actors.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1390
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 15, 2007
			Mrs. Clinton (for
			 herself, Mr. Vitter,
			 Mr. Brown, and Mrs. Dole) introduced the following bill; which was
			 read twice and referred to the Committee
			 on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

		A BILL
		To provide for the issuance of a forever
		  stamp to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the armed
		  forces who have been awarded the Purple Heart.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp
			 Act.
		2.FindingsThe Congress finds that—
			(1)the Purple Heart
			 is the oldest military decoration in the world still in use;
			(2)the Purple Heart
			 was first established by General George Washington on August 7, 1782, as the
			 Honorary Badge of Distinction, otherwise known as the Badge of Military Merit
			 or Decoration of the Purple Heart;
			(3)the Purple Heart
			 is awarded in the name of the President of the United States and may, among
			 others, be awarded—
				(A)to any member of
			 the armed forces who is wounded in an action against or held prisoner of war by
			 an enemy of the United States; or
				(B)posthumously to
			 the next of kin of any person who is a member of the armed forces at the time
			 the person is killed or wounded under circumstances otherwise qualifying that
			 person for award of the Purple Heart;
				(4)more than 1,700,000
			 Americans have been awarded the Purple Heart; and
			(5)the Purple Heart
			 postage stamp, first issued by the United States Postal Service on May 30,
			 2003, honors the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the armed forces who
			 have been awarded the Purple Heart.
			3.Perpetual Purple Heart
			 Stamp
			(a)In
			 generalIn order to continue
			 to honor the sacrifices of the brave men and women of the armed forces who have
			 been awarded the Purple Heart, the Postmaster General shall provide for the
			 issuance of a forever stamp suitable for that purpose.
			(b)DefinitionFor
			 purposes of this Act, the term forever stamp means a definitive
			 stamp which meets the postage required for first-class mail up to one ounce in
			 weight, and which retains full validity for that purpose even if the rate of
			 that postage is later increased.
			(c)Effective
			 dateThe stamp described in subsection (a) shall be issued
			 beginning as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act
			 and shall not thereafter be discontinued.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 396
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			February 17, 2011
			Mr. Cornyn (for himself
			 and Mrs. Hutchison) introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Veterans'
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure
		  that the South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, Texas,
		  includes a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient health care
		  facility.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Meeting the Inpatient Health Care
			 Needs of Far South Texas Veterans Act of 2011.
		2.FindingsCongress makes the following
			 findings:
			(1)The current and
			 future health care needs of veterans residing in the Far South Texas area are
			 not being fully met by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
			(2)The Department of
			 Veterans Affairs estimates that more than 117,000 veterans reside in Far South
			 Texas.
			(3)In its Capital
			 Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services study, the Department of Veterans
			 Affairs found that fewer than 3 percent of its enrollees in the Valley-Coastal
			 Bend Market of Veterans Integrated Service Network 17 reside within its acute
			 hospital access standards.
			(4)Travel times for
			 veterans from the market referred to in paragraph (3) can exceed 6 hours from
			 their residences to the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs hospital for
			 acute inpatient health care.
			(5)Even with the
			 significant travel times, veterans from Far South Texas demonstrate a high
			 demand for health care services from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
			(6)Current
			 deployments involving members of the Texas National Guard and other members of
			 the reserve components of the Armed Forces who reside in Texas will continue to
			 increase demand for medical services provided by the Department of Veterans
			 Affairs.
			3.Inpatient health
			 care at the South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that the
			 South Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care Center in Harlingen, Texas, includes a
			 full-service Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient health care facility and,
			 if necessary, shall modify the existing facility to meet this
			 requirement.
			(b)ReportNot
			 later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
			 shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the
			 Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report
			 outlining the specific actions the Secretary plans to take to satisfy the
			 requirements in subsection (a), including a detailed estimate of the cost of
			 such actions, if any, and the time necessary for completion of any modification
			 required by such subsection.


116 HR 3158 IH: To establish a pilot program to execute lease agreements using alternative procedures, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-06-06
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.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3158IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 6, 2019Mr. Meadows (for himself and Mr. Pence) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureA BILLTo establish a pilot program to execute lease agreements using alternative procedures, and for
			 other purposes.

		1.Streamlined Leasing Pilot Program
 (a)Execution of leasesThe Administrator of General Services shall establish and conduct a pilot program to execute lease agreements using alternative procedures pursuant to authority provided under section 585 of title 40, United States Code, and pursuant to the provisions of this section.
 (b)Goals of proceduresThe goals of the alternative procedures are— (1)reducing the costs to the Government of leased space, including—
 (A)executing long-term leases with firm terms of 10 years or more and reducing costly holdover and short-term lease extensions, including short firm term leases;
 (B)improving office space utilization rates of Federal tenants; and (C)streamlining and simplifying the leasing process to take advantage of real estate markets; and
 (2)significantly reducing or eliminating the backlog of expiring leases over the next 5 years. (c)Leasehold interests in real property (1)Simplified proceduresNotwithstanding subsection (b) of section 3305 of title 41, United States Code, but otherwise in accordance with such section, the Administrator shall provide special simplified procedures for acquisitions of leasehold interests in real property at rental rates that do not exceed the simplified lease acquisition threshold, as defined in paragraph (2). The rental rate under a multiyear lease does not exceed the simplified lease acquisition threshold if the average annual amount of the rent payable for the period of the lease does not exceed such threshold.
 (2)Acquisition thresholdFor purposes of this section, the simplified lease acquisition threshold is $500,000. (d)Consolidated lease prospectusesThe Administrator may, when acquiring leasehold interests subject to section 3307 of title 40, United States Code, transmit, pursuant to subsection (b) of such section, to the committees designated in such section for approval of a prospectus to acquire leased space, and waive the requirements pursuant to paragraphs (3) and (6) of section 3307(b), subject to the following requirements:
 (1)Cost per square footageThe cost per square footage does not exceed the maximum proposed rental rate designated for the respective geographical area.
 (2)Space utilizationThe overall space utilization rate is 170 usable square feet per person or less based on actual agency staffing levels when occupied.
 (3)Lease termThe lease firm term is 10 years or greater. (4)Geographic locationThe geographical location is identified as having a large amount of square footage of Federal office space and lease turnover and will likely result in providing for the ability, on a timely basis, of the agency to consolidate space effectively or meet any requirements for temporary or interim space required for planned consolidations.
 (5)SubmarketsAgencies may consider space in submarket locations that meet mission requirements. (e)Consolidations generallyThe Administrator may consolidate more than one project into a single prospectus submitted pursuant to section 3307(b) of title 40, United States Code, if such consolidation will facilitate efficiencies and reductions in overall space and improved utilization rates.
 (f)Waiver authorityThe Administrator may— (1)waive notice and comment rulemaking, if the Administrator determines the waiver is necessary to implement this section expeditiously; and
 (2)carry out the alternative procedures under this section as a pilot program. (g)Reports (1)Annual reportsDuring the period in which the pilot program is conducted under this section, the Administrator shall submit, annually, to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a progress report that provides updates on the number and square footage of leases expiring in the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, by agency and region, and which shall include for the expiring leases—
 (A)an average of the lease terms, including firm terms, for leases executed; and (B)the percentage of leases managed in-house or through the use of commercial real estate leasing services.
 (2)Final reportNot later than 180 days after termination of the pilot program, the Administrator shall submit a final report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate. The final report shall include—
 (A)a review and evaluation of the lease agreements executed under the alternative procedures established pursuant to this section in comparison to those agreements not executed pursuant to the alternative procedures;
 (B)recommendations on any permanent changes to the General Services Administration’s leasing authority; and
 (C)a progress evaluation in meeting the goals described in subsection (b). (h)TerminationThe authorities under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2024.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4681
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 24, 2010
			Mr. Forbes introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on House
			 Administration, 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 provide for rates of pay for Members of Congress to be
		  adjusted as a function of changes in Government spending.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Congressional Accountability Pay
			 Act.
		2.Change in method
			 for adjusting paySection
			 601(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 31) is amended
			 to read as follows:

				601.(a)(1)This subsection applies
				with respect to—
							(A)each Senator, Member of the House of
				Representatives, and Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident
				Commissioner from Puerto Rico,
							(B)the President pro tempore of the
				Senate, the majority leader and the minority leader of the Senate, and the
				majority leader and the minority leader of the House of Representatives,
				and
							(C)the Speaker of the House of
				Representatives.
							(2)Whenever outlays for any fiscal year
				are greater than outlays for the preceding fiscal year, then, effective as of
				the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January
				1 of the calendar year next beginning after the close of the second of those 2
				fiscal years, the rate of pay for each position under paragraph (1) shall be
				decreased by the percentage (rounded to the nearest 1/10
				of 1 percent) equal to the percentage by which outlays for the second of those
				2 fiscal years are greater than outlays for the first of those 2 fiscal year,
				but in no event below $1.
						(3)The Congressional Budget Office shall
				prescribe any regulations necessary to carry out this subsection, including
				regulations governing the determination of total outlays for a fiscal
				year.
						(4)For purposes of this subsection, the
				term outlays means budget outlays, as defined by section 3 of the
				Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 622).
						(5)This subsection shall apply for
				purposes of determining rates of pay for pay periods beginning on or after
				January 1,
				2012.
						.
		3.Coordination
			 rule
			(a)In
			 generalSection 225(l)(3) of
			 the Federal Salary Act of 1967 (2 U.S.C. 362(3)) is amended by adding at the
			 end the following:

					(C)Notwithstanding any other provision of this
				subsection, in the case of a position referred to in section 601(a) of the
				Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 31), no recommendation
				referred to in this subsection (in the matter before paragraph (1)) may be made
				which, if enacted, would cause the rate of pay for any such position to differ
				from the rate of pay which would, as of any given time, then be payable with
				respect to such position under such section
				601(a).
					.
			(b)Exclusion of
			 judgesSuch section 225(l)(3) is further amended—
				(1)in subparagraph
			 (A)(i), by striking all that follows recommended for and
			 inserting the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Vice
			 President of the United States, respectively, shall be equal.;
			 and
				(2)in subparagraph
			 (A)(iii), by striking all that follows a Delegate to the House of
			 Representatives, and that precedes and each office or position
			 under section 5313 of title 5.


114 HR 4345 IH: National Community Service Improvement Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-01-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4345
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 7, 2016
			Ms. Bordallo (for herself, Ms. Gabbard, and Mr. Sablan) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

		A BILL
		To expand the eligibility of individuals from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau for
			 participation in National Service Programs, and for other purposes.

 1.Short TitleThis Act may be cited as the National Community Service Improvement Act of 2015. 2.Expansion of Eligibility Criteria for National Service Program ParticipantsSection 137(a)(5) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12591(a)(5)) is amended to read as follows:

 (5)is a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States, or is a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or Palau and admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant under the terms of the applicable nation’s Compact of Free Association with the United States..
 3.Effective DateThe amendment made by this Act shall be effective for any participant in a program under the National and Community Service Act of 1990 selected after the date of enactment of this Act.


		III
		109th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. RES. 622
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			December 5, 2006
			Mr. Warner (for himself
			 and Mr. Allen) submitted the following
			 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
			 Pensions

		RESOLUTION
		Supporting the goals and ideals of a
		  National Children and Families Day, as established by the
		  National Children's Museum, on the fourth Saturday of June.

		Whereas research shows that spending time together as a
			 family is critical to raising strong and resilient kids;
		Whereas strong healthy families improve the quality of
			 life and development of children;
		Whereas it is essential to celebrate and reflect upon the
			 important role that all families play in the lives of children and in the
			 future of the United States; and
		Whereas the country’s greatest natural resource is its
			 children: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate supports the goals and
			 ideals of a National Children and Families Day on the fourth
			 Saturday of June, as established by the National Children's Museum, to—
			(1)encourage adults
			 to support, listen to, and encourage children throughout the United States so
			 that those children may achieve their hopes and dreams;
			(2)reflect upon the
			 important role that all families play in the lives of children; and
			(3)recognize that
			 strong, healthy families improve the quality of life and development of
			 children.