		II
		Calendar No. 300
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1781
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			July 12, 2007
			Mrs. Boxer (for herself
			 and Mrs. Feinstein) introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Homeland Security and
			 Governmental Affairs

			August 1, 2007
			Reported by Mr.
			 Lieberman, without amendment

		A BILL
		To designate the facility of the United States Postal
		  Service located at 118 Minner Avenue in Bakersfield, California, as the
		  Buck Owens Post Office.

		1.Buck Owens Post
			 Office
			(a)DesignationThe facility of the United States Postal
			 Service located at 118 Minner Avenue in Bakersfield, California, shall be known
			 and designated as the Buck Owens Post Office.
			(b)ReferencesAny reference in a law, map, regulation,
			 document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred
			 to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Buck Owens
			 Post Office.

		August 1, 2007
		Reported without amendment


113 HR 480 IH: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to disallow a deduction for amounts paid or incurred by a responsible party relating to a discharge of oil.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-02-04
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
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 480
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 4, 2013
			Mr. Hastings of
			 Florida introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to disallow a
		  deduction for amounts paid or incurred by a responsible party relating to a
		  discharge of oil.

		1.Denial of deduction for
			 amounts paid or incurred by a responsible party
			(a)In
			 generalSection 162 of the
			 Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating subsection (q) as
			 subsection (r) and by inserting after subsection (p) the following new
			 subsection:

					(q)Certain expenses
				of a responsible party
						(1)In
				generalNo deduction shall be allowed under subsection (a) for
				any amount paid or incurred by a responsible party relating to any incident
				resulting in the discharge of oil into the navigable waters, other than an
				incident caused by an act of God or an act of war.
						(2)DefinitionsAny
				term used in paragraph (1) which is also used in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990
				shall have the meaning given such term by such
				Act.
						.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by this section shall apply to returns of
			 tax the due date of which (including extensions of time) is after the date of
			 the enactment of this Act.


117 HRES 57 IH: Impeaching Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States, for abuse of power by enabling bribery and other high crimes and misdemeanors.
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-12-10
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.

IV117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 57IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 21, 2021Mrs. Greene of Georgia submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryRESOLUTIONImpeaching Joseph R. Biden, President of the United States, for abuse of power by enabling bribery and other high crimes and misdemeanors.That Joseph Robinette Biden, President of the United States, is impeached for abuse of power by enabling bribery and other high crimes and misdemeanors, and that the following article of impeachment be exhibited to the United States Senate:Article of impeachment exhibited by the House of Representatives of the United States of America in the name of itself and of the people of the United States of America, against Joseph Robinette Biden, President of the United States of America, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him for abuse of power by enabling bribery and other high crimes and misdemeanors. Article I: Abuse of PowerThe Constitution provides that the House of Representatives shall have the sole Power of Impeachment and that the President shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.In his conduct as the former Vice President and current President of the United States, in violation of his constitutional oath faithfully to execute the offices of the Vice Presidency and President of the United States, and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, defend, the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed—Joseph Robinette Biden abused the power of the Office of the Vice President, enabling bribery and other high crimes and misdemeanors, by allowing his son to influence the domestic policy of a foreign nation and accept various benefits—including financial compensation—from foreign nationals in exchange for certain favors.As Vice President, Joseph Biden was the senior Obama Administration official overseeing anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine. Hence, any illegal activity involving corruption conducted by Hunter Biden within or in relation to Ukraine would fall under the purview of the Office of Vice President Biden and the Obama State Department’s anti-corruption efforts. In fact, many State Department officials within the Obama Administration repeatedly registered reservations about Hunter Biden’s role on the board of a corrupt company. Thus, any instances of corruption on behalf of Hunter Biden via his role as a board member of the Ukrainian-operated Burisma energy firm were either not investigated or covered up. The evidence of widespread knowledge, corruption, and collusion on behalf of the Biden family with foreign nationals is clear and compelling. Among other examples, it has been materially demonstrated that: (1)According to the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, the Vice President’s office and State Department officials were aware but ignored concerns relating to Hunter Biden’s role on the board of a Ukrainian-based natural gas company (hereafter, Burisma).(2)According to the same sources, Hunter Biden’s and his family’s financial transactions with Ukrainian, Russian, Kazakh, and Chinese nationals raise criminal concerns and extortion threats.(3)In early 2015 the former Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, George Kent, raised concerns to officials in Vice President Joe Biden’s office about the perception of a conflict of interest with respect to Hunter Biden’s role on Burisma’s board. Kent’s concerns went unaddressed, and in September 2016, he emphasized in an email to his colleagues, Furthermore, the presence of Hunter Biden on the Burisma board was very awkward for all U.S. officials pushing an anticorruption agenda in Ukraine..(4)In October 2015, senior State Department official Amos Hochstein raised concerns with Vice President Biden, as well as with Hunter Biden, that Hunter Biden’s position on Burisma’s board enabled Russian disinformation efforts and risked undermining U.S. policy in Ukraine. Vice President Biden did not resolve this conflict of interest. Instead, he enabled it. (5)In addition to the over $4 million paid by Burisma for Hunter Biden’s board membership, Hunter Biden, and his family received millions of dollars from foreign nationals with questionable backgrounds. Specifically, the ongoing FBI investigation into Hunter Biden’s laptop revealed that Hunter received a 2.8 carat diamond gift from a high-ranking Chinese official in 2017. Hunter Biden told the New Yorker Magazine that he felt uncomfortable receiving the diamond and gave it to other associates. (6)Hunter Biden had business associations with Ye Jianming, founder of the CEFC China Energy Company, Ltd., Gongwen Dong, and other Chinese nationals linked to the Communist government and the People’s Liberation Army. Those associations resulted in millions of dollars in cash flow. There exists a vast web of corporate connections and financial transactions between and among the Biden family and Chinese nationals.(7)Hunter Biden paid nonresident women who were nationals of Russia or other Eastern European countries and who appear to be linked to an Eastern European prostitution or human trafficking ring.(8)In 2016, Ukraine’s top anti-corruption prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, had an active and ongoing investigation into Burisma and its owner, Mykola Zlochevsky. At the time, Hunter Biden continued to serve on Burisma’s board of directors. According to news reports, then Vice-President Biden threatened to withhold $1 billion in United States loan guarantees if Ukraine’s leaders did not dismiss [Shokin]. After that, Ukraine’s Parliament fired Shokin.(9)Hunter Biden received millions of dollars from foreign sources as a result of business relationships that he built during the period when his father was Vice President of the United States and after. The financial transactions which Hunter engaged in illustrate serious counterintelligence and extortion concerns relating to Hunter Biden and his family.(10)Hunter Biden’s work with Chinese nationals connected to the Communist regime illustrate the deep financial connections that accelerated while his father was Vice President and continued after he left office.(11)On June 23, 2011, Sean Conlon, a business associate of Hunter Biden, suggested that a $10 billion deal could be struck in exchange for certain persons meeting Vice President Biden. This shows deliberate pay-for-play and quid-pro-quo. The email, in full, to Robert Biden, from Sean Conlon, is as follows:(A)So we have engagement letter if they get other 10 bonds they have a face value of 10b. While it is far fetched Devon [Archer] said he talked to his professor and these get traded. We get 10% in fees. We need to get these guys to an event or something where they get to just formally meet your Dad. For follow on they can talk to Chief of Staff. Let me know how soon we can do that. V brief. If Nagi get that done we get more bonds to move. Regards your hard working partner in Positano! Sean (emphasis added).(12)Emails between Hunter Biden and his cousin reveal that the President of Hunter’s Chinese Communist Party-linked firm, Eric Schwerin, repeatedly asked Hunter for an appointment to the Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad—a position he ultimately received. The email from Hunter to his cousin, Missy, regarding the request for the appointment to the Commission is as follows:(A)Eric asked for one of these [an appointment] the day after the election in 2008. You know better than me what are real and interesting appointments. Let’s go through the list with Steve and see what makes sense. I don’t know how much 2016 and nepotism plays into it..In all of this, President Biden gravely endangered the security of the United States and its institutions of government. Through blatant nepotism, he enabled his son to influence foreign policy and financially benefit as a result of his role as Vice President. He supported his son engaging in collusion with Chinese Communist Party-linked officials. He allowed his son to trade appointments with his father and other high-ranking administration officials in exchange for financial compensation. He permitted his son to take money from Russian oligarchs, including Elena Baturina, the wife of the former mayor of Moscow.In so doing, Joseph R. Biden threatened the integrity of the democratic system, interfered with the peaceful transition of power, and imperiled a coordinate branch of government. He thereby betrayed his trust as former Vice President and current President, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States. Wherefore President Biden, by such conduct, has demonstrated that he will remain a threat to national security, democracy, and the Constitution if allowed to remain in office, and has acted in a manner grossly incompatible with self-governance and the rule of law. President Biden thus warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States.


115 HR 6938 IH: Rightsizing the Federal Workforce Through Attrition Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-09-27
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6938IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 27, 2018Mr. Bishop of Michigan introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government ReformA BILLTo reduce the size of the Federal workforce through attrition, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Rightsizing the Federal Workforce Through Attrition Act. 2.Federal workforce reductions through attrition (a)Limitation (1)In generalThe President, acting through the Office of Management and Budget and in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management, shall take appropriate measures to ensure that, effective beginning in fiscal year 2019 and during each fiscal year thereafter, the total number of Federal employees shall not exceed 90 percent of the total number of Federal employees as of September 30, 2018, as determined under subsection (b).
 (2)Counting ruleFor purposes of this Act, any determination of the number of employees in an agency shall be expressed on a full-time equivalent basis.
 (b)Monitoring and notificationThe Office, in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management— (1)shall continuously monitor all agencies and make a determination, as of September 30, 2018, and the last day of each quarter of each fiscal year beginning thereafter, as to whether the total number of Federal employees exceeds the maximum number allowable under subsection (a); and
 (2)if a determination under paragraph (1) is made that the total number of Federal employees exceeds such maximum, shall provide written notice of that determination to the President and Congress.
				(c)Compliance
 (1)In generalWhenever, with respect to the quarter ending after September 30, 2018, the Office provides written notice under subsection (b)(2) that the total number of Federal employees exceeds the maximum number allowable under subsection (a), no agency may appoint any employee to fill any vacancy within such agency until the Office provides written notice to the President and Congress of a determination under subsection (b)(1) that the total number of Federal employees no longer exceeds the maximum number allowable under subsection (a).
 (2)Replacement rateTo the extent necessary to achieve the workforce reduction required by this section, the Office, in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management, shall take appropriate measures to ensure that agencies shall appoint no more than 1 employee for every 3 employees retiring or otherwise separating from Government service after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (d)Waiver for emergenciesThis section may be waived upon a determination by the President that— (1)the existence of a state of war or other national security concern so requires; or
 (2)the existence of an extraordinary emergency threatening life, health, public safety, property, or the environment so requires.
 (e)DefinitionsIn this section— (1)the term agency means an Executive agency as defined by section 105 of title 5, United States Code, but does not include the Government Accountability Office;
 (2)the term Federal employee means an employee as defined by section 2105 of such title; (3)the term Office means the Office of Management and Budget; and
 (4)the term total number of Federal employees means the total number of Federal employees in all agencies.


117 HRES 477 IH: Recognizing the significance of the California Waterfowl Association on its 75th anniversary.
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-06-15
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 477IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 15, 2021Mr. Thompson of California (for himself, Mr. LaMalfa, Mr. Issa, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Huffman, Mr. McNerney, Mr. Garamendi, Mr. Costa, Mr. Vargas, and Mr. DeSaulnier) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesRESOLUTIONRecognizing the significance of the California Waterfowl Association on its 75th anniversary.Whereas the California Waterfowl Association is celebrating its 75th anniversary and it is appropriate at this time to highlight its many achievements and underscore the positive impact it has made on the State of California;Whereas the California Waterfowl Association was formed in 1945 by duck hunters concerned about the growing need for waterfowl conservation efforts in California;Whereas, at the time, California had lost approximately 90 percent of its original wetlands, yet relatively few public or private resources were being invested to address this impact and there was also no collective voice advocating specifically on behalf of California’s waterfowl and wetland resources;Whereas, today, the California Waterfowl Association is the largest State-based waterfowl group in the United States, with about 21,000 members;Whereas the California Waterfowl Association’s vision is a California with thriving waterfowl populations, vibrant wetland ecosystems, and respected hunting communities;Whereas its approach to conservation is to rely on science and work cooperatively with private landowners, State and Federal resource agencies, and other partners in order to achieve ecological benefits for both wildlife and people;Whereas, in the last three decades, the California Waterfowl Association has completed more than 1,400 individual projects to protect, restore, and enhance almost 700,000 acres of wetlands and other waterfowl habitat, benefiting both game and nongame species;Whereas, recognizing the critical role that agriculture plays in California, the association works to promote wildlife-friendly farming practices, including a new delayed wheat harvest incentive program that gives ground-nesting birds the chance to hatch their broods and leave the field before harvest;Whereas the California Waterfowl Association’s Wood Duck Program has hatched more than 890,000 ducklings, while its banding program has marked over 270,000 waterfowl, and has begun fitting ducks and geese with GPS transmitters to support cutting-edge research;Whereas its education programs have reached almost 320,000 children, young adults, and families to help to create a better understanding of biology, conservation, and the outdoors;Whereas its hunting education programs help train adults and children alike to become responsible hunter-conservationists, and nurture their pursuits in the field and marsh in hopes they will develop a lasting passion for the outdoors that will be passed to the next generation; Whereas its legislative and regulatory work occurs at both the State and Federal levels, and has helped to protect wetlands from development, secure funding for wetland and waterfowl management purposes, enhance enforcement of fish and game laws, and expand waterfowl hunting and other outdoor opportunities for the public, amongst others; andWhereas the California Waterfowl Association currently owns wetland properties in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Suisun Marsh, Butte Sink, and Tulare Basin, and these properties are not only managed to maximize wildlife habitat values, but are also open to public use and education: Now, therefore, be itThat the House of Representatives recognizes the significance of the California Waterfowl Association on its 75th anniversary, and the benefits of its work for California’s waterfowl populations, wetlands, and public enjoyment thereof.


117 S1659 IS: Highway Cost Allocation Study Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-05-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1659IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 17, 2021Ms. Lummis (for herself and Mr. Kelly) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public WorksA BILLTo require the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a highway cost allocation study, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Highway Cost Allocation Study Act of 2021.2.FindingsCongress finds that—(1)the Highway Trust Fund was designed to be self-sustaining by relying on user fees from motorists on the roadways;(2)however, since 2008, the Highway Trust Fund has experienced a revenue shortfall;(3)Congress has relied on transfers from the general fund of the Treasury to supplement the Highway Trust Fund since that time, undermining the user fee model;(4)the Department of Transportation last completed a highway cost allocation study in 1997; and(5)the information gained from an updated highway cost allocation study could allow Congress to equitably ensure the long-term solvency of the Highway Trust Fund. 3.Highway cost allocation study(a)In generalNot later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation (referred to in this section as the Secretary), in coordination with State departments of transportation, shall carry out a highway cost allocation study to determine the direct costs of highway use by various types of users. (b)InclusionsThe study under subsection (a) shall include an examination of—(1)the Federal costs occasioned in the design, construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of Federal-aid highways by—(A)the use of vehicles of different dimensions, weights, number of axles, and other specifications; and(B)the frequency of those vehicles in the traffic stream; and(2)the proportionate share of the costs described in paragraph (1) that are attributable to each class of highway users.(c)RequirementsIn carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—(1)ensure that the study examines only direct Federal costs of highway use;(2)capture the various driving conditions in different geographic areas of the United States; and(3)to the maximum extent practicable, distinguish between costs directly occasioned by a highway user class and costs occasioned by all highway user classes.(d)Reports(1)Interim reportsNot less frequently than annually during the period during which the Secretary is carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress an interim report on the progress of the study.(2)Final reportOn completion of the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a final report on the results of the study, including the recommendations under subsection (e). (e)RecommendationsOn completion of the study under subsection (a), the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall develop recommendations for a set of revenue options to fully cover the costs occasioned by highway users, including recommendations for—(1)changes to existing revenue streams; and(2)new revenue streams based on user fees. (f)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as are necessary.


117 S1574 IS: Long-Term Care Pharmacy Definition Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-05-12
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.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1574IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 12, 2021Mr. Scott of South Carolina (for himself, Mr. Warner, Mr. Lankford, Ms. Smith, Ms. Collins, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Cassidy, and Ms. Rosen) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo codify a statutory definition for long-term care pharmacies.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Long-Term Care Pharmacy Definition Act of 2021.2.DefinitionSection 1860D–2 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–102) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:(f)Long-Term care pharmacy defined(1)In generalThe term long-term care pharmacy means a pharmacy licensed under applicable State law that is able to provide enhanced pharmacy and clinical services to individuals who require enhanced medication services and reside in a facility (as defined in paragraph (4)).(2)Enhanced pharmacy and clinical servicesAs used in this subsection, the term enhanced pharmacy and clinical services includes—(A)medications dispensed pursuant to a prescription or chart order in specialized packaging which shall include unit of use packaging, unit dose packaging, single use containers, packaging from remote automated dispensing technology, or other packaging required;(B)drug utilization review to identify potential adverse drug reactions and inappropriate drug usage;(C)medication reconciliation services at the transition of care and other necessary clinical management and medication services;(D)timely medication delivery 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;(E)pharmacist on-call availability to provider dispensing and clinical services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week;(F)emergency supplies of medication as permitted by law and as required, including emergency kits or remote automated dispensing technology at a facility; and(G)such other services as the Secretary determines appropriate.(3)Individuals requiring enhanced medication servicesAs used in this subsection, the term individual who requires enhanced medication services means an individual who has one or more comorbid and medically complex chronic conditions that are life-threatening or significantly limit overall health or function, pose a high risk of hospitalization or other adverse health outcomes, and require enhanced pharmacy and clinical services.(4)FacilityAs used in this subsection, the term facility includes a facility described in section 1819(a), 1919(a), or 1905(d), or any other setting in which individuals who require enhanced medication services reside as determined by the Secretary..


115 S2056 IS: Stopping Threats on Pedestrians Act of 2017
U.S. Senate
2017-11-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		115th CONGRESS1st Session
		S. 2056
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			November 1, 2017
			Mrs. Gillibrand introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works

		A BILL
		To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a traffic barrier installation grant
			 program, and
			 for other purposes.

		1.Short title
 This Act may be cited as the Stopping Threats on Pedestrians Act of 2017 or the STOP Act of 2017.
		2.Traffic barrier installation grant program
 (a)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation.
 (2)Traffic barrier installation projectThe term traffic barrier installation project means a project to install traffic barriers, which may include bollards, jersey barriers, planters, or other barriers approved by the Secretary, on a sidewalk, bicycle path, or pedestrian plaza or walkway adjacent to a roadway that are designed to slow or stop a motor vehicle.
 (b)EstablishmentNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish and carry out a competitive grant program to provide assistance to eligible entities for traffic barrier installation projects designed to prevent pedestrian injuries and acts of terrorism in areas used by large numbers of pedestrians.
 (c)Eligible entitiesAn entity eligible to receive a grant under this section is— (1)a State;
 (2)a metropolitan planning organization; or (3)a unit of local government.
 (d)ApplicationTo be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, which shall include, at a minimum—
 (1)a description of the proposed traffic barrier installation project to be carried out; (2)a description of the pedestrian or bicyclist injury or terrorism risks with respect to the proposed installation area; and
 (3)an analysis of how the proposed traffic barrier installation project will mitigate those risks. (e)Use of fundsA recipient of a grant under this section—
 (1)shall be the direct recipient of the grant; and (2)may only use the grant funds for a traffic barrier installation project.
 (f)Federal shareThe Federal share of the costs of a traffic barrier installation project carried out with a grant under this section may be up to 100 percent.
 (g)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2027.


109 HR 3733 IH: Emergency Savings Relief Act of 2005
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-09-13
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3733
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 13, 2005
Mr. Davis of Alabama introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals who are victims of Hurricane Katrina to withdraw funds without penalty from their individual retirement accounts and certain other retirement plans.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Emergency Savings Relief Act of 2005.
2.Penalty-free withdrawals from IRA’s and certain other retirement plans for victims of hurricane Katrina
(a)In generalParagraph (2) of section 72(t) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to 10-percent additional tax on early distributions from qualified retirement plans) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(G)Distributions from ira’s and certain other retirement plans to victims of hurricane katrina
(i)In generalAny qualified Katrina-relief distribution.
(ii)Qualified katrina-relief distributionFor purposes of this subparagraph, the term qualified Katrina-relief distribution means any distribution to an individual if—
(I)such distribution is from an individual retirement plan of such individual or from amounts attributable to employer contributions made pursuant to elective deferrals described in subparagraph (A) or (C) of section 402(g)(3) or section 501(c)(18)(D)(iii) by such individual,
(II)such individual encounters hardship by reason of Hurricane Katrina, and
(III)such distribution is made after August 24, 2005, and before the close of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this subparagraph.
(iii)Amount distributed may be repaidAny individual who receives a qualified Katrina-relief distribution may, at any time during the 5-year period beginning on the day after the date on which such distribution was made, make one or more contributions to an individual retirement plan of such individual in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount of such distribution. The dollar limitations otherwise applicable to contributions to individual retirement plans shall not apply to any contribution made pursuant to the preceding sentence. No deduction shall be allowed for any contribution pursuant to this clause..
(b)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to distributions received after August 24, 2005, in taxable years ending after such date.


109 HR 5430 IH: To establish sound criteria for civilian nuclear

U.S. House of Representatives
2006-05-19
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		109th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5430
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 19, 2006
			Mr. Berman introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on International
			 Relations, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Rules, 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 establish sound criteria for civilian nuclear
		  cooperation with certain countries.

		1.Agreements for cooperation
			 with states not party to the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear
			 weapons
			(a)In
			 GeneralChapter 11 of title I of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954
			 (42 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 123 the
			 following new section:
				123A.Nuclear cooperation with states not
		  party to the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear
		  weapons
				a.RequirementsCooperation may be undertaken under
				section 53, 54 a., 57, 64, 82, 103, or 104 with a state that is not a party to
				the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as of January 2002, if
				that state—
							(1)has not carried out any nuclear weapon test
				explosion or any other nuclear explosion after May 1998, and is adhering to a
				unilateral moratorium on carrying out any such explosion, or has signed and is
				adhering to a multilateral treaty prohibiting any such explosion;
							(2)either—
								(A)is adhering to a unilateral moratorium on
				the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons;
								(B)is adhering to a multilateral moratorium on
				the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons; or
								(C)has signed and is adhering to a
				multilateral treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear
				weapons;
								(3)has provided the
				United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency with a credible and
				comprehensive plan to separate all civil and military nuclear facilities,
				materials, and programs;
							(4)has entered into
				and is implementing an agreement with the IAEA requiring the application of
				safeguards in perpetuity to civil nuclear facilities and associated nuclear
				materials as declared in the plan described in paragraph (3);
							(5)has provided
				credible assurances, as part of the plan described in paragraph (3), that all
				future nuclear reactors that generate electricity will be designated as civil
				and placed under IAEA safeguards in perpetuity;
							(6)has signed and
				ratified, and is implementing, an IAEA Additional Protocol;
							(7)is playing an
				active and constructive role in addressing nuclear proliferation challenges
				posed by states of proliferation concern, preventing illicit nuclear
				transactions, and eliminating illicit nuclear commercial networks;
							(8)has established,
				and is successfully implementing, a national export control system capable of
				effectively controlling transfers of nuclear and nuclear-related material,
				equipment, technology, and related data, including stringent rules and
				procedures prohibiting unauthorized contacts and cooperation by personnel with
				nuclear expertise;
							(9)is adhering to the
				guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Missile Technology Control
				Regime;
							(10)has committed not
				to export enrichment, reprocessing, or other sensitive fuel-cycle equipment or
				technology to states that do not possess such equipment or technology or to any
				nongovernmental entity;
							(11)is applying
				stringent physical protection, control, and accountancy measures to all nuclear
				weapons, nuclear facilities, source material, and special nuclear material in
				its territory;
							(12)is in full compliance with any nuclear
				cooperation agreement previously entered into with the United States and with
				any derivative obligations stemming from such agreement that continue to
				apply;
							(13)is not engaged in illicit efforts to
				procure materials, equipment, or technology for a nuclear weapons
				program;
							(14)has a
				democratically-elected government that exerts effective control over the armed
				forces in its territory; and
							(15)meets the
				requirements under paragraphs (1), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9) of
				section 123 a.
							b.ExclusionsNo
				cooperation under this section may include the transfer of any enrichment or
				reprocessing equipment or technology, heavy water, or the means to produce
				heavy water.
						c.Procedural
				requirementsCooperation under this section shall become
				effective only if—
							(1)the President
				certifies to the Congress that all the requirements set forth in subsection a.
				have been met;
							(2)the President certifies to the Congress
				that the agreement between the state with which an agreement for cooperation
				has been entered into and the IAEA requiring the application of safeguards in
				perpetuity to civil nuclear facilities and associated nuclear materials
				conforms substantially to IAEA safeguards standards, principles, and
				practices;
							(3)the President,
				after meeting the requirements under paragraphs (1)) and (2), submits the
				proposed agreement for cooperation to the Congress, and, within a period of 60
				days of continuous session (as defined in section 130 g.) beginning on the date
				of the submission, the Congress adopts, and there is enacted, a joint
				resolution stating that the Congress does favor the agreement; and
							(4)the President certifies to the Congress
				that the NSG has reached a consensus decision to allow NSG participating
				governments to transfer trigger list items and related technology for use in
				civil nuclear facilities to the state with which an agreement for cooperation
				has been entered into, and that such decision does not allow transfers of
				nuclear or nuclear-related material, equipment, or technology that is
				prohibited under United States law or the terms of the agreement for
				cooperation with that state.
							Any such
				proposed agreement for cooperation shall be considered pursuant to the
				procedures set forth in section 130 i. for the consideration of Presidential
				submissions.d.Inapplicability
				of certain provisions
							(1)Prior
				activitiesSection 129 shall not apply to a state with which an
				agreement for cooperation is entered into under this section, with respect to
				actions by that state before January 1, 2006.
							(2)Future
				activitiesSection 129(1)(D)
				shall not apply to a state with which an agreement for cooperation is entered
				into under this section, with respect to actions by that state after the
				enactment of this section
							e.Conduct resulting
				in termination of nuclear exports
							(1)In
				generalNuclear or nuclear-related material, equipment, or
				technology may not be exported to a state with which an agreement for
				cooperation has been entered into under this section if the President
				determines the state, or any person or entity under the jurisdiction of the
				state, has—
								(A)materially
				violated the agreement for cooperation with the United States,
								(B)terminated or
				abrogated IAEA safeguards that the state is required to maintain,
								(C)materially violated
				an IAEA safeguards agreement,
								(D)made any transfers
				of nuclear or nuclear-related material, equipment or technology that do not
				conform to NSG guidelines,
								(E)made any transfers
				of ballistic missiles or missile-related equipment or technology that does not
				conform to MTCR guidelines,
								(F)produced fissile
				material for nuclear weapons,
								(G)carried out any
				nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion, or
								(H)assisted,
				encouraged, or induced any non-nuclear weapon state to engage in activities
				involving source and special nuclear material and having direct significance
				for the manufacture or acquisition of nuclear explosive devices,
								unless the
				President determines that cessation of such exports would be seriously
				prejudicial to the achievement of United States non-proliferation objectives or
				otherwise jeopardize the common defense and security.(2)Congressional
				review
								(A)In
				generalA determination of the President under paragraph (1)
				regarding cessation of exports being seriously prejudicial shall become
				effective only if—
									(i)the President submits the determination,
				together with a report containing the reasons for the determination, to the
				Congress; and
									(ii)during the period of 60 days of continuous
				session (as defined in subsection 130 g.) after the submission of the
				determination under clause (i), there is enacted a joint resolution stating in
				substance that the Congress does favor the determination.
									(B)ProceduresAny
				determination of the President submitted to the Congress under subparagraph
				(A)—
									(i)shall be referred to
				the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives and
				the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
									(ii)shall be
				considered pursuant to the procedures set forth in section 130 for the
				consideration of Presidential submissions, except that the reference in
				subsection f. of that section to a concurrent resolution shall be deemed to
				refer to a joint resolution.
									f.Annual
				reportFor each state that
				has entered into an agreement for cooperation under this section, the President
				shall submit to the Congress, not later than 1 year after such agreement has
				been entered into, and every 12 months thereafter, a report containing the
				President’s assessment of that state with respect to the matters addressed in
				subparagraphs (A) through (H) of subsection e.(1).
						g.DefinitionsIn
				this section:
							(1)IAEAThe
				term IAEA means the International Atomic Energy Agency.
							(2)MTCRThe
				term MTCR means the Missile Technology Control Regime.
							(3)NSGThe
				term NSG means the Nuclear Suppliers
				Group.
							.
			(b)Conforming
			 amendmentSection 130 of the
			 Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2159) is amended—
				(1)in subsection a., by striking
			 subsection 126 a. (2) and inserting section 123A e. (2),
			 126 a. (2); and
				(2)in subsection i.
			 (2), by inserting or 123A d. after 123 d..


115 S2213 RS: Admiral Lloyd R. Joe Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Display Establishment Act
U.S. Senate
2017-12-07
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.

IICalendar No. 359115th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 2213[Report No. 115–215]IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESDecember 7, 2017Ms. Hirono (for herself and Mr. Schatz) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesMarch 21, 2018Reported by Ms. Murkowski, without amendmentA BILLTo authorize Pacific Historic Parks to establish a commemorative display to honor members of the
			 United States Armed Forces who served in the Pacific Theater of World War
			 II, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Admiral Lloyd R. Joe Vasey Pacific War Commemorative Display Establishment Act. 2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
 (1)AssociationThe term Association means Pacific Historic Parks, a corporation that is— (A)a cooperating association with the National Park Service;
 (B)organized under the laws of the State of Hawaii; and (C)described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code.
 (2)DirectorThe term Director means the Director of the National Park Service. (3)Commemorative displayThe term commemorative display means the Pacific Theater of World War II Commemorative Display authorized to be established under section 4(a).
 3.PurposesThe purposes of this Act are to— (1)honor the brave members of the United States Armed Forces who fought on behalf of the United States of America in the Pacific Theater during World War II;
 (2)provide a place to mourn the more than 150,000 American and allied lives lost in the Pacific Theater during World War II; and
 (3)educate the public about United States battles in the Pacific Theater and its role in World War II.
			4.Pacific theater commemorative display
 (a)Authorization To establish commemorative displayThe Association may establish and maintain a commemorative display to honor the members of the United States Armed Forces and Allies who served in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
 (b)Use of Federal funds prohibitedFederal funds may not be used to design, procure, prepare, install, or maintain the commemorative display, but the Director may accept and expend contributions of non-Federal funds and resources for such purposes.
			(c)Location of commemorative display
 (1)In generalThe Director may allow the commemorative display to be established at a suitable location at the Pearl Harbor site of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Honolulu, Hawaii.
 (2)ConditionThe commemorative display may not be established at any location under the jurisdiction of the Director until the Director determines that an assured source of non-Federal funding has been established for the design, procurement, installation, and maintenance of the commemorative display.
 (d)Design of the commemorative displayThe final design of the commemorative display shall be subject to the approval of the Director.March 21, 2018Reported without amendment


113 S2990 IS: State Trade and Export Promotion Utilization Program for American Small Businesses Act
U.S. Senate
2014-12-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		113th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 2990
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			December 9, 2014
			Ms. Cantwell (for herself, Ms. Collins, and Mrs. Shaheen) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

		A BILL
		To establish a State Trade and Export Promotion Grant Program.

		1.Short title
			This Act may be cited as the State Trade and Export Promotion Utilization Program for American Small Businesses Act or the
		  STEP UP for American Small Businesses Act .2.State trade and export promotion(a)In generalSection 22 of the Small Business Act is amended—(1)by redesignating subsection (l) as subsection (m); and(2)by inserting after subsection (k) the following:(l)State Trade and Export Promotion Grant Program(1)DefinitionsIn this subsection—(A)the term eligible small business concern means a business concern that—(i)is organized or incorporated in the United States;(ii)is  operating in the United States;(iii)meets—(I)the applicable industry-based small business size standard established under section 3; or(II)the alternate size standard applicable to the program under section 7(a) of this Act  and the loan
			 programs under title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15
			 U.S.C. 695 et seq.);(iv)has been in business for not less than 1 year, as of the date on which assistance using a grant
			 under this subsection commences;(v)is export ready, as determined by the Associate Administrator; and(vi)has access to sufficient resources to bear the costs associated with exporting and doing business
			 with foreign purchasers, including the costs of packing, shipping, freight
			 forwarding, and customs brokers;
									(B)the term program means the State Trade and Export Promotion Grant Program established under paragraph (2);(C)the term rural small business concern means an eligible  small business concern located in a rural area, as that term is defined in
			 section
			 1393(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;(D)the term socially and economically disadvantaged small business concern has the meaning given that term in section 8(a)(4)(A) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
			 637(a)(4)(A)); and
								(E)the term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
			 Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,
			 and American Samoa.(2)Establishment of programThe Associate Administrator shall establish a trade and export promotion grant program, to be
			 known as the State Trade and Export Promotion Grant Program, to make
			 grants to States to carry out export programs that assist eligible small
			 business concerns in—
								(A)participation in a foreign trade mission;
								(B)a foreign market sales trip;
								(C)a subscription to services provided by the Department of Commerce;
								(D)the payment of website translation fees;
								(E)the design of international marketing media;
								(F)a trade show exhibition;
								(G)participation in training workshops;(H)a reverse trade mission;(I)procurement of foreign consultancy services (after consultation with the Department of Commerce to
			 avoid duplication); or
								(J)any other export initiative determined appropriate by the Associate Administrator.
								(3)Grants
								(A)Joint reviewIn carrying out the program, the Associate Administrator may make a grant to a State to increase
			 the number of eligible small business concerns in the State that export
			 and
			 to increase the value of the exports by eligible small business concerns
			 in the State.
								(B)ConsiderationsIn making grants under this subsection, the Associate Administrator may give priority to an
			 application by a State that proposes an export program that—
									(i)focuses on eligible small business concerns as part of an export promotion program;
									(ii)demonstrates intent to promote exports by—
										(I)socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns;
										(II)small business concerns owned or controlled by women; and
										(III)rural small business concerns;
										(iii)promotes exports from a State that is not 1 of the 10 States with the highest percentage of
			 exporters that are eligible small business concerns, based upon the most
			 recent
			 data
			 available from the Department of Commerce; and(iv)includes—(I)activities which have resulted in the highest return on investment based on the most recent year;
			 and(II)the adoption of shared best practices included in the annual report of the Administration.(C)Limitations
									(i)Single applicationA State may not submit more than 1 application for a grant under the program in any 1 fiscal year.
									(ii)Proportion of amountsThe total value of grants made under the program during a fiscal year to the 10 States with the
			 highest percentage of exporters that are eligible small business concerns,
			 based
			 upon
			 the most recent data available from the Department of Commerce, shall be
			 not
			 more than 40 percent of the amounts appropriated for the program for that
			 fiscal year.
									(iii)DurationThe Associate Administrator shall award a grant under this program for a period of not more than 2
			 years.(D)Application(i)In generalA State desiring a grant under the program shall submit an application at such time, in such
			 manner, and accompanied by such information as the Associate Administrator
			 may establish.(ii)Consultation to reduce duplicationA State desiring a grant under the program shall—(I)before submitting an application under clause (i), consult with applicable trade agencies of the
			 Federal Government on the scope and mission of the activities the State
			 proposes to carry out using the grant, to ensure proper coordination and
			 reduce duplication in services; and(II)document the consultation conducted under subclause (I) in the application submitted under clause
			 (i).(4)Competitive basisThe Associate Administrator shall award grants under the program on a competitive basis.(5)Federal shareThe Federal share of the cost of an export program carried out using a grant under the program
			 shall be—(A)for a State that has a high export volume, as determined by the Associate Administrator, not more
			 than 65 percent; and(B)for a State that does not have a high export volume, as determined by the Associate Administrator,
			 not more than 75 percent.(6)Non-Federal ShareThe non-Federal share of the cost of an export program carried out using a grant under the program
			 shall be comprised of not less than 50 percent cash and not more than 50
			 percent of indirect costs and in-kind contributions, except that no such
			 costs or contributions may be derived from funds from any other Federal
			 program.
							(7)Reports
								(A)Initial reportNot later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Associate Administrator shall
			 submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the
			 Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives
			 a report, which shall include—
									(i)a description of the structure of and procedures for the program;
									(ii)a management plan for the program; and
									(iii)a description of the merit-based review process to be used in the program.
									(B)Annual reports(i)In generalThe Associate Administrator shall publish on the website of the Administration an annual report
			 regarding the program, which shall include—
										(I)the number and amount of grants made under the program during the preceding year;
										(II)a list of the States receiving a grant under the program during the preceding year, including the
			 activities being performed with each grant;
										(III)the effect of each grant on exports by eligible small business concerns in the State receiving the
			 grant;(IV)the total return on investment for each State; and(V)a description of best practices by States that showed high returns on investment and significant
			 progress in helping more eligible small business concerns to export.(ii)Notice to CongressOn the date on which the Associate Administrator publishes a report under clause (i), the Associate
			 Administrator shall notify the Committee on Small Business and
			 Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the
			 House of Representatives that the report has been published.(8)Reviews by inspector general
								(A)In generalThe Inspector General of the Administration shall conduct a review of—
									(i)the extent to which recipients of grants under the program are measuring the performance of the
			 activities being conducted and the results of the measurements; and
									(ii)the overall management and effectiveness of the program.
									(B)Reports(i)Pilot programNot later than 6 months after the date of enactment of the STEP UP for American Small Businesses Act, the Inspector General of the Administration shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and
			 Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the
			 House of Representatives a report regarding the use of amounts made
			 available under the State Trade and Export Promotion Grant Program under
			 section 1207 of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010  (15 U.S.C. 649b
			 note).(ii)New STEP programNot later than 18 months after the date on which  the first grant is awarded under this subsection,
			 the Inspector General of the Administration shall submit to the Committee
			 on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on
			 Small Business of the House of Representatives a report regarding the
			 review conducted under subparagraph (A).
									(9)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program  $30,000,000 for each of fiscal
			 years 2015 through 2019.
							.(b)Membership of representatives of State trade promotion agencies on trade promotion coordinating
			 committeeSection 2312 of the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C.
4727) is amended—(1)in subsection (d)—(A)by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and(B)by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:(2)Representatives from State trade promotion agencies(A)In generalThe TPCC shall also include 1 or more members  appointed by the President, after consultation with
			 associations representing State   trade promotion agencies,  who are
			 representatives of State   trade promotion agencies.(B)TermA member appointed under subparagraph (A) shall be appointed for a term of 2 years.(C)Personnel matters(i)No compensationA member of the TPCC appointed under subparagraph (A) shall serve without compensation.(ii)Travel expensesA member of the TPCC appointed under subparagraph (A) shall be allowed travel expenses, including
			 per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of
			 agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code,
			 while away from the homes or regular place of business of the member in
			 the performance of services for the TPCC.(iii)Administrative assistanceThe Secretary of Commerce, or the head of another agency, as appropriate, shall make available to a
			 member of the TPCC appointed under subparagraph (A) administrative
			 services and assistance, including a security clearance, as the member may
			 reasonably require to carry out services for the TPCC.; and(2)in subsection (e), in the first sentence, by inserting (other than members described in subsection (d)(2)) after Members of the TPCC.


		III
		Calendar No. 1125
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. RES. 707
		[Report No. 110–522]
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			November 19, 2008
			Mr. Leahy, from the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary, submitted the following original resolution; which
			 was placed on the calendar

		RESOLUTION
		Authorizing the President of the Senate to
		  certify the facts of the failure of Joshua Bolten, as the Custodian of Records
		  at the White House, to appear before the Committee on the Judiciary and produce
		  documents as required by Committee subpoena.

		Whereas, since the beginning of this Congress, the Senate
			 Judiciary Committee has conducted an investigation into the removal of United
			 States Attorneys;
		Whereas the Committee's requests for information related
			 to its investigation, including documents and testimony from the White House
			 and White House personnel, were denied;
		Whereas the White House has not offered any accommodation
			 or compromise to provide the information requested that is acceptable to the
			 Committee;
		Whereas, on April 12, 2007, pursuant to its authority
			 under rule 26 of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Senate Committee on the
			 Judiciary authorized issuance to the Custodian of Records at the White House, a
			 subpoena which commands the Custodian of Records to provide the Committee with
			 all documents in the possession, control, or custody of the White House related
			 to the Committee's investigation;
		Whereas, on June 13, 2007, the Chairman issued a subpoena
			 pursuant to the April 12, 2007, authorization to White House Chief of Staff
			 Joshua Bolten as the White House Custodian of Records, for documents related to
			 the Committee's investigation, with a return date of June 28, 2007;
		Whereas, on June 28, 2007, in response to subpoenas for
			 documents issued by the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, White House
			 Counsel Fred Fielding conveyed the President's claim of executive privilege
			 over all information in the custody and control of the White House related to
			 the Committee's investigation;
		Whereas, based on this claim of executive privilege, Mr.
			 Bolten refused to appear and produce documents to the Committee in compliance
			 with the subpoena;
		Whereas, on June 29, 2007, the Chairmen of the House and
			 Senate Judiciary Committees provided the White House with an opportunity to
			 substantiate its privilege claims by providing the Committees with the specific
			 factual and legal bases for its privilege claims regarding each document
			 withheld and a privilege log to demonstrate to the Committees which documents,
			 and which parts of those documents, are covered by any privilege that is
			 asserted to apply and why;
		Whereas the White House declined this opportunity in a
			 July 9, 2007, letter to the Committee Chairmen from Mr. Fielding, while
			 reiterating the privilege claim;
		Whereas, on August 17, 2007, Mr. Fielding rejected the
			 Chairman's request for a meeting with the President to work out an
			 accommodation for the information sought by the Committee;
		Whereas, on November 29, 2007, the Chairman ruled that the
			 White House's claims of executive privilege and immunity are not legally valid
			 to excuse current and former White House employees from appearing, testifying,
			 and producing documents related to this investigation and directed Mr. Bolten,
			 along with other current and former White House employees, to comply
			 immediately with the Committee's subpoenas by producing documents and
			 testifying;
		Whereas Mr. Bolten has not complied with the Committee's
			 subpoenas or made any offer to cure his previous noncompliance; and
		Whereas the Committee's investigation is pursuant to the
			 constitutional legislative, oversight, and investigative powers of Congress and
			 the responsibilities of this Committee to the Senate and the American people;
			 including the power to: (1) investigate the administration of existing laws,
			 and obtain executive branch information in order to consider new legislation,
			 within the Committee's jurisdiction, including legislation related to the
			 appointment of U.S. Attorneys; (2) expose any corruption, inefficiency, and
			 waste within the executive branch; (3) protect the Committee's role in
			 evaluating nominations pursuant to the Senate's constitutional responsibility
			 to provide advice and consent; and (4) examine whether inaccurate, incomplete,
			 or misleading testimony or other information was provided to the Committee:
			 Now, therefore, be it

		That the President of the Senate
			 certify the facts in connection with the failure of Joshua Bolten, as the
			 Custodian of Records at the White House, though duly summoned, to appear and to
			 produce documents lawfully subpoenaed to be produced before the Committee,
			 under the seal of the United States Senate, to the United States Attorney for
			 the District of Columbia, to the end that Joshua Bolten may be proceeded
			 against in the manner and form provided by law.

		November 19, 2008
		Placed on the calendar


117 HR 922 IH: Crimea Annexation Non-Recognition Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-02-08
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.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 922IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 8, 2021Mr. Connolly (for himself and Mr. Chabot) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign AffairsA BILLTo prohibit United States Government recognition of the Russian Federation’s claim of sovereignty over Crimea, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Crimea Annexation Non-Recognition Act.2.Prohibition against United States recognition of the Russian Federation’s claim of sovereignty over Crimea(a)Statement of policyIt is the policy of the United States not to recognize the Russian Federation’s claim of sovereignty over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters.(b)ProhibitionIn accordance with subsection (a), no Federal department or agency may take any action or extend any assistance that implies recognition of the Russian Federation’s claim of sovereignty over Crimea, its airspace, or its territorial waters.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2304
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 7, 2009
			Mr. Boren (for
			 himself, Mr. Boustany,
			 Mr. Taylor,
			 Mr. Skelton, and
			 Mr. Conaway) introduced the following
			 bill; which was referred to the Committee
			 on Armed Services

		A BILL
		To amend title 10, United States Code, to direct the
		  Secretary of Defense to prohibit the unauthorized use of names and images of
		  members of the Armed Forces.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Soldiers Targeted by Offensive
			 Profiteering Act of 2009 (STOP Act).
		2.Prohibition on
			 the unauthorized use of names and images of members of the Armed
			 Forces
			(a)ProhibitionChapter
			 49 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
			 following new section:

					988.Unauthorized
				use of names and images of members of the armed forces
						(a)ProhibitionExcept with the permission of the
				individual or individuals designated under subsection (d), no person may
				knowingly use the name or image of a protected individual in connection with
				any merchandise, retail product, impersonation, solicitation, or commercial
				activity in a manner reasonably calculated to connect the protected individual
				with that individual’s service in the armed forces.
						(b)Authority to
				enjoin violationsWhenever it
				appears to the Attorney General that any person is engaged or is about to
				engage in an act or practice which constitutes or will constitute conduct
				prohibited by subsection (a), the Attorney General may initiate a civil
				proceeding in a district court of the United States to enjoin such act or
				practice. Such court shall proceed as soon as practicable to the hearing and
				determination of such action and may, at any time before final determination,
				enter such restraining orders or prohibitions, or take such other actions as is
				warranted, to prevent injury to the United States or to any person or class of
				persons for whose protection the action is brought.
						(c)Protected
				individualFor purposes of this section, a protected individual
				is any person who—
							(1)is a member of the
				armed forces; or
							(2)was a member of the
				armed forces at any time after April 5, 1917, and, if not living, has a
				surviving spouse, child, parent, grandparent, or sibling.
							(d)Designated
				individual or individuals(1)The individual or
				individuals designated under this subsection, with respect to a protected
				individual—
								(A)is the protected individual, if
				living; and
								(B)otherwise is the living survivor or
				survivors of the protected individual highest on the following list:
									(i)The surviving spouse.
									(ii)The children.
									(iii)The parents.
									(iv)The grandparents.
									(v)The siblings.
									(2)In the case of a protected individual
				for whom more than one individual is designated under clause (ii), (iii), (iv),
				or (v) of paragraph (1)(B), the prohibition under subsection (a) shall apply
				unless permission is obtained from each designated
				individual.
							.
			(b)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter
			 is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

						988. Unauthorized use of names and images
				of members of the armed
				forces.

					.


115 HR 3236 IH: Ambulance Medicare Budget and Operations Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-07-13
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3236IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 13, 2017Mr. Nunes (for himself and Mr. Upton) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo amend titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve provider and supplier cost
			 reporting of ambulance services under the Medicare program, and for other
			 purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Ambulance Medicare Budget and Operations Act of 2017. 2.Ground ambulance services cost reporting requirement (a)In generalSection 1121 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a) is amended—
 (1)in subsection (a)— (A)by striking For the purposes of and inserting Subject to subsection (d), for the purposes of; and
 (B)by inserting providers and suppliers of ground ambulance services, after health maintenance organizations,; and (2)by adding at the end the following new subsection:

 (d)In the case of a provider or supplier of ground ambulance services that furnishes such services for fewer than 20 individuals entitled to benefits under part A and enrolled under part B in a reporting period (as defined by the Secretary), the Secretary may modify the requirements for inclusion of any information specified in subsection (a) in reports made in accordance with the uniform reporting system established under this section with respect to such services..
 (b)Hospital provider agreementsSection 1866(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395cc(a)(1)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (X), by striking Secretary, and and inserting Secretary,;
 (2)in subparagraph (Y)(ii)(V), by striking the period at the end and inserting , and; and (3)by inserting after subparagraph (Y) the following new subparagraph:

 (Z)in the case of a hospital that is a provider of ground ambulance services, with respect to such services furnished for reporting periods (as defined by the Secretary) on or after January 1, 2022, to make reports to the Secretary of information described in section 1121(a) in accordance with the uniform reporting system established under such section for providers and suppliers of ground ambulance services..
 (c)Skilled nursing facility provider agreementsSection 1819(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395i–3(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (5)Ambulance services cost reportingA skilled nursing facility that furnishes ground ambulance services, with respect to such services furnished on or after January 1, 2022, shall make reports to the Secretary of information described in section 1121(a) in accordance with the uniform reporting system established under such section for providers and suppliers of ground ambulance services..
 (d)Home health agency provider agreementsSection 1891(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395bbb(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (7)In the case of an agency that furnishes ground ambulance services, with respect to such services furnished on or after January 1, 2022, the agency makes reports to the Secretary of information described in section 1121(a) in accordance with the uniform reporting system established under such section for providers and suppliers of ground ambulance services..
 (e)Suspension of payment for ground ambulance servicesSection 1834(l) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(l)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

					(17)Authority to suspend payments for ground ambulance services
 (A)In generalSubject to subparagraphs (C) and (D), in the case that the Secretary determines that a supplier of ground ambulance services has not made to the Secretary complete, accurate, and timely reports of such services for reporting periods (as defined by the Secretary) with respect to a year beginning with 2020 of information described in section 1121(a) in accordance with the uniform reporting system established under such section for providers and suppliers of ground ambulance services and, as determined appropriate by the Secretary, of any of the information described in subparagraph (B), the Secretary may suspend payments made under this subsection, in whole or in part, to such supplier until the Secretary determines that such supplier has submitted such reports with respect to such reporting period.
 (B)Additional informationThe Secretary may, with respect to a supplier of ground ambulance services, require the following information (to be reported to the extent practicable under the uniform reporting system established under section 1121(a)):
 (i)Whether the supplier is part of an emergency services department, a governmental organization, or another type of entity (as described by the Secretary).
 (ii)The number of hours in a week during which the supplier is available for furnishing ground ambulance services.
 (iii)Any State regulations regarding requirements relating to the stocking of ambulances with certain equipment or drugs.
 (iv)The average number of volunteer hours a week used by the supplier. (C)Hardship delayThe Secretary shall establish a process whereby a supplier of ground ambulance services may request a delay in reporting information described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) with respect to a reporting period for reason of significant hardship (as determined by the Secretary).
 (D)Authority to modify cost reporting elements and enforcementNot earlier than January 1, 2023, the Secretary may, after taking into account the recommendation of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission in the most recent report available to the Secretary submitted under section 3 of the Ambulance Medicare Budget and Operations Act of 2017 regarding whether cost reporting of ground ambulance services by a supplier or category of suppliers (as specified for purposes of the report submitted under such section) should be required or modified, and through notice and comment rulemaking, provide that subparagraph (A) no longer applies to ground ambulance services suppliers or such a category of such suppliers..
			(f)Stakeholder feedback
 (1)In generalThe Secretary shall implement the provisions of this section, including the amendments made by this section, through notice and comment rulemaking and seek input from stakeholders.
 (2)Nonapplication of Paperwork Reduction ActChapter 35 of title 44, United States Code, shall not apply with respect to notice and comment rulemaking carried out under paragraph (1).
				3.Ground ambulance services cost reporting study
 (a)In generalNot later than March 15, 2022, and as determined necessary by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission thereafter, such Commission shall assess and submit to Congress a report on ambulance services cost reporting carried out in accordance with sections 1121(a) and 1834(l) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a(a), 1395m(l)) and the adequacy of payments for such services made under section 1834(l) of such Act.
 (b)ContentsThe report described in subsection (a) shall contain the following: (1)An analysis of the accuracy of cost report data submitted in accordance with such sections.
 (2)An analysis of any burden on providers and suppliers of such services associated with reporting such data.
 (3)A recommendation on whether or not cost reporting of ambulance services by providers, suppliers, or a category of suppliers (as specified by the Secretary) of such services should be required or modified, taking into account the analyses described in paragraphs (1) and (2).
 4.Extension of ground ambulance services extendersSection 1834(l) of the Social Security Act (42. U.S.C. 1395m(l)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (12)(A), by striking 2018 and inserting 2023; and
 (2)in paragraph (13)(A), by striking 2018 each place it appears and inserting 2023.


117 SRES 145 ATS: Designating the first week of April 2021 as “National Asbestos Awareness Week”.
U.S. Senate

text/xml
EN
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III117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. RES. 145IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 25, 2021Mr. Tester (for himself, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Daines, Mr. Carper, and Mr. Durbin) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed toRESOLUTIONDesignating the first week of April 2021 as National Asbestos Awareness Week.Whereas dangerous asbestos fibers are invisible and cannot be smelled or tasted;Whereas the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can cause significant damage;Whereas asbestos fibers can cause cancer (such as mesothelioma), asbestosis, and other health problems;Whereas symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can take between 10 and 50 years to present themselves;Whereas the projected life expectancy for an individual diagnosed with mesothelioma is between 6 and 24 months;Whereas little is known about late-stage treatment of asbestos-related diseases, and there is no cure for those diseases;Whereas early detection of asbestos-related diseases may give some patients increased treatment options and may improve the prognoses of those patients;Whereas, although the consumption of asbestos within the United States has been substantially reduced, the United States continues to consume tons of the fibrous mineral each year for use in certain products;Whereas thousands of people in the United States have died from asbestos-related diseases and thousands more die every year from those diseases;Whereas, although individuals continue to be exposed to asbestos, safety measures relating to the prevention of asbestos exposure have significantly reduced the incidence of asbestos-related diseases and can further reduce the incidence of those diseases;Whereas thousands of workers in the United States face significant asbestos exposure, which has been a cause of occupational cancer;Whereas a significant percentage of victims of asbestos-related diseases were exposed to asbestos on naval ships and in shipyards;Whereas asbestos was used in the construction of a significant number of office buildings and public facilities built before 1975;Whereas people in the small community of Libby, Montana, suffer from asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, at a significantly higher rate than individuals in the United States as a whole; andWhereas the designation of a National Asbestos Awareness Week will raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure: Now, therefore, be itThat the Senate—(1)designates the first week of April 2021 as National Asbestos Awareness Week;(2)urges the Surgeon General of the United States to warn and educate people about the public health issue of asbestos exposure, which may be hazardous to their health; and(3)respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to the Office of the Surgeon General.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4286
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 28, 2012
			Ms. Hahn introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Education and the
			 Workforce

		A BILL
		To restore and extend the grace period before repayment
		  begins on Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized
		  Stafford Loans.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Student Loan Grace Period Extension
			 Act.
		2.Restoration and
			 extension of the start of the repayment period for certain Federal Direct
			 Loans
			(a)Restoration of
			 interest subsidy during grace periodSection 309(d) of title III of division F
			 of Public Law 112–74 (amending section 428(a)(3)(A)(i)(I) of the Higher
			 Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1078(a)(3)(A)(i)(I))) is repealed, and the
			 provisions of law amended by such section are restored or revived as if such
			 section had not been enacted.
			(b)Grace period
			 extension
				(1)AmendmentSection
			 428(b)(7) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1078(b)(7)) is
			 amended—
					(A)in subparagraph
			 (A), by striking 6 months and inserting 12
			 months; and
					(B)in subparagraph
			 (D), by striking 6-month period and inserting 12-month
			 period.
					(2)Effective date
			 and applicationThe amendments made by
			 paragraph (1) shall take effect on the
			 date of enactment of this section, and shall apply with respect to—
					(A)Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal
			 Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans made on or after such date of
			 enactment;
					(B)Federal Direct Stafford Loans made before
			 such date of enactment to borrowers who have not yet entered repayment on such
			 loans on such date of enactment; and
					(C)Federal Direct
			 Unsubsidized Stafford Loans made before such date of enactment to borrowers
			 who—
						(i)have
			 not yet entered repayment on such loans on the date that is 60 days after such
			 date of enactment; and
						(ii)elect a 12-month
			 grace period in accordance with
			 paragraph (3).
						(3)Election of
			 extended grace period for certain FDUS LoansThe Secretary of Education shall provide an
			 opportunity for each borrower who has a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford
			 Loan that was made before the date of enactment of this section and who has not
			 yet entered repayment on such loan on the date that is 60 days after such date
			 of enactment to elect a 12-month grace period, in accordance with section
			 428(b)(7) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by this subsection,
			 before beginning repayment. The Secretary shall—
					(A)notify each such
			 borrower of the opportunity for such an election not later than 30 days after
			 such date of enactment;
					(B)advise each such
			 borrower of the financial consequences of electing such 12-month grace period;
					(C)not require such a borrower to accept a
			 12-month grace period in accordance with section 428(b)(7) of the Higher
			 Education Act of 1965 (as amended by this subsection), unless the borrower
			 specifically elects such 12-month grace period during the 90-day period
			 beginning on the day the Secretary notifies such borrower of the option to
			 elect such a 12-month grace period, except that a borrower shall make such an
			 election no later than 10 days before the start of the borrower’s repayment
			 period, as determined under section 428(b)(7) of the Higher Education Act of
			 1965 as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this section;
			 and
					(D)in the case of such a borrower who does not
			 elect such a 12-month grace period during the period described in
			 subparagraph (C), determine the start
			 of the borrower’s repayment period in accordance with section 428(b)(7) of the
			 Higher Education Act of 1965 as in effect on the day before the date of
			 enactment of this section.


114 HR 421 IH: Classified Veterans Access to Care Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-01-20
text/xml
EN
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I
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 421
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 20, 2015
Ms. Sinema (for herself, Mr. Murphy of Pennsylvania, Mr. Peters, Mr. Yoho, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, Mr. Hunter, Ms. Kuster, Mr. Benishek, and Ms. Gabbard) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the mental health treatment provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans who served in classified missions.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Classified Veterans Access to Care Act. 2.Mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified missions (a)Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that veterans who experience combat-related mental health wounds should have immediate, appropriate, and consistent access to comprehensive mental health care.
(b)In generalSubchapter II of chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following section:  1720H.Mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified missions (a)Establishment of standards (1)The Secretary shall establish standards and procedures to ensure that each covered veteran may access mental health care provided by the Secretary in a manner that fully accommodates the obligation of the veteran to not improperly disclose classified information.
(2)The Secretary shall disseminate guidance to employees of the Veterans Health Administration, including mental health professionals, on the standards and procedures established under paragraph (1) and how to best engage covered veterans during the course of mental health treatment with respect to classified information. (b)IdentificationIn carrying out this section, the Secretary shall ensure that a veteran may elect to identify as a covered veteran on an appropriate form.
(c)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)The term classified information means any information or material that has been determined by an official of the United States pursuant to law, an Executive order, or regulation to require protection against unauthorized disclosure for reasons of national security.
(2)The term covered veteran means a veteran who— (A)is enrolled in the health care system established under section 1705(a) of this title;
(B)is seeking mental health treatment; and (C)in the course of serving in the Armed Forces, participated in a sensitive mission or served in a sensitive unit.
(3)The term sensitive mission means a mission of the Armed Forces that, at the time at which a covered veteran seeks treatment, is classified. (4)The term sensitive unit has the meaning given that term in section 130b(c)(4) of title 10. .
(c)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding after the item relating to section 1720G the following new item:   1720H. Mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified missions..


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3256
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 4, 2012
			Mr. Heller introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to improve
		  nonretaliation provisions relating to equal pay requirements.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the End Pay Discrimination Through
			 Information Act.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)People in the United States understand that
			 intentional workplace discrimination is wrong.
			(2)Equal pay for equal work is a principle and
			 practice that should be observed by all employers.
			(3)Women constitute a significant portion of
			 the workforce of the United States.
			(4)An increasing number of families in the
			 United States depend on the income of a working woman.
			(5)Many women are pursuing or have attained
			 postsecondary degrees or specialized training to make them strong candidates
			 for good jobs that will provide for their families.
			(6)Employers that intentionally discriminate
			 on the basis of sex should be held accountable for their wrongdoing.
			3.Enhanced
			 enforcement of equal pay requirementsSection 15 of the Fair Labor Standards Act
			 of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 215) is amended—
			(1)in
			 subsection (a)(3), by striking employee has filed and all that
			 follows through committee; and
			 inserting

					employee—(A)has made a charge or filed any complaint or
				instituted or caused to be instituted any investigation, proceeding, hearing,
				or action under or related to this Act, including an investigation conducted by
				the employer, or has testified or is planning to testify or has assisted or
				participated in any manner in any such investigation, proceeding, hearing, or
				action, or has served or is planning to serve on an industry committee;
				or
					(B)has inquired about, discussed, or disclosed
				the wages of the employee or another
				employee;
					;
				and
			(2)by
			 adding at the end the following:

					(c)Subsection (a)(3)(B) shall not apply to
				instances in which an employee who has access to the wage information of other
				employees as a part of such employee’s essential job functions discloses the
				wages of such other employees to an individual who does not otherwise have
				access to such information, unless such disclosure is in response to a charge
				or complaint or in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or
				action under section 6(d), including an investigation conducted by the
				employer. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit the rights of
				an employee provided under any other provision of
				law.
					.


I
111th CONGRESS 2d Session
H. R. 5860
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 26, 2010
Mr. Hensarling (for himself, Mr. Bachus, Mr. McCarthy of California, and Ms. Jenkins) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor

A BILL
To amend the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act to require the authorization of members of a labor organization before such organization may make certain political expenditures, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Union Member Protection Act.
2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
(1)Labor unions make significant political contributions and expenditures that directly or indirectly influence the election of candidates and support or oppose political causes. Decisions to use union dues for political contributions and expenditures are usually made by union leadership and management, rather than union membership.
(2)Unions, acting through their management, should be obligated to conduct business in the best interests of their membership.
(3)Historically, union members have not had a way to know, or to influence, the political activities of unions that are supposed to represent them. Union members and the public have a right to know how unions are spending members’ dues to make political contributions or expenditures benefitting candidates, political parties, and political causes.
(4)Unions should be accountable to their membership in making political contributions or expenditures affecting Federal governance and public policy. Requiring the express approval of a union’s membership for political contributions or expenditures will establish necessary accountability.
3.Disclosure and approval of certain political expenditures
(a)In generalTitle II of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (29 U.S.C. 431 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 201 the following:

201A.Disclosure and approval of certain political expenditures by labor organizations
(a)DisclosureThe report required under section 201 shall contain, in a clear and simple format—
(1)a description of the specific nature of any expenditures for political activities proposed to be made by the labor organization for the forthcoming fiscal year, to the extent the specific nature is known to the labor organization and including the total amount of such proposed expenditures; and
(2)a disclosure of how each officer of the labor organization voted to authorize or not to authorize each expenditure for political activities made by the labor organization during the preceding fiscal year.
(b)Restriction on expendituresNo labor organization shall make any expenditure for political activities in any fiscal year unless—
(1)such expenditure is of the nature of those proposed by the labor organization pursuant to subsection (a); and
(2)the full, free, and written authorization for such expenditures has been granted by a majority of the members of the labor organization.
(c)Mechanism for obtaining authorizationNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Union Member Protection Act, every labor organization shall adopt a mechanism for obtaining, by secret ballot, the authorization of its members as required under subsection (b)(2).
(d)LiabilityThe officers of a labor organization who authorize an expenditure without first obtaining the authorization of members required under subsection (b)(2) shall be jointly and severally liable in any action brought in any court of competent jurisdiction to any member of the labor organization or class of members for the amount of dues paid by such member or class of member during the 1 year period prior to the date that such expenditure was made.
(e)Definition of expenditure for political activitiesAs used in this section:
(1)The term expenditure for political activities means—
(A)an independent expenditure, as such term is defined in section 301(17) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431(17));
(B)contributions to any political party, committee, or electioneering communication, as such term is defined in section 304(f)(3)(A) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434(f)(3)(A)); and
(C)dues or other payments to trade associations or other tax exempt organizations that are, or could reasonably be anticipated to be, used for the purposes described in subparagraph (A).
(2)Such term shall not include—
(A)direct lobbying efforts through registered lobbyists employed or hired by the labor organization;
(B)communications by a labor organization to its members and executive or administrative personnel and their families; or
(C)the establishment, administration, and solicitation of contributions to a separate segregated fund to be utilized for political purposes by a labor organization. .
(b)Conforming amendments
(1)Section 201(c) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 431(c)) is amended by striking make available the information required to be contained in and inserting provide.
(2)Section 209(a) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 439(a)) is amended by inserting other than section 201A after this title.
4.Requirement of vote by principal officersSection 201 of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (29 U.S.C. 431) is further amended by adding at the end the following:

(f)The bylaws required under this section shall expressly provide for a vote of the principal officers of the labor organization on any individual expenditure for political activities (as such term is defined in section 201A(e)) in excess of $50,000. A labor organization shall make publicly available the individual votes of principal officers required by the preceding sentence within 48 hours of the vote, including in a clear and conspicuous location on the Internet website of the labor organization. .
5.ReportThe Comptroller General of the United States shall annually conduct a study on the compliance with the requirements of this Act by labor organizations and their management. Not later than April 1 of each year, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report of such study.
6.Effective dateThe amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of enactment of the Shareholder Protection Act of 2010.


110 HR 5731 IH: Secure the Capitol

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-04-08
text/xml
EN
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		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5731
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 8, 2008
			Mr. Gallegly (for
			 himself and Mr. Smith of Texas)
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on House
			 Administration

		A BILL
		To prohibit offices of the legislative branch from
		  entering into a contract for the provision of goods or services within the
		  Capitol Complex with any contractor who does not participate in the basic pilot
		  program for employment eligibility verification, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Secure the Capitol
			 Act.
		2.Requiring
			 legislative branch contractors to participate in employment eligibility
			 verification pilot program
			(a)Requiring
			 participation In and compliance with programAn office of the legislative branch may not
			 enter into a contract for the provision of goods or services within the Capitol
			 Complex with any contractor who employs individuals unless the
			 contractor—
				(1)elects to
			 participate in the basic pilot program described in section 403(a) of the
			 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C.
			 1324a note), and is in compliance with the terms and conditions of such
			 election, with respect to all of its employees as well as those providing goods
			 or services under the contract; and
				(2)certifies that
			 each of its subcontractors providing goods or services under the contract has
			 elected to participate in such program, and is in compliance with the terms and
			 conditions of such election, with respect to all of its employees as well as
			 those providing goods or services under the subcontract.
				3.Capitol complex
			 definedFor purposes of this
			 Act, the Capitol Complex consists of the following facilities
			 together with their grounds:
			(1)The United States
			 Capitol (including the Capitol Visitor Center) and the Capitol Grounds.
			(2)The Cannon,
			 Longworth, Rayburn, and Ford House Office Buildings.
			(3)The Russell,
			 Dirksen, and Hart Senate Office Buildings.
			(4)The House of
			 Representatives Child Care Center and the Senate Employee Child Care
			 Center.
			(5)Any facility
			 serving as a dormitory residence for Congressional pages.
			(6)The United States
			 Botanic Garden.
			(7)The Jefferson,
			 Madison, and Adams Buildings of the Library of Congress.
			(8)The Capitol Power
			 Plant.
			(9)The United States
			 Capitol Police Headquarters Building.
			4.Effective date;
			 transition for current contracts
			(a)In
			 generalThis Act shall apply
			 with respect to contracts entered into after the expiration of the 30-day
			 period which begins on the date of the enactment of this Act.
			(b)Transition for
			 current contractsUpon the enactment of this Act, each office of
			 the legislative branch with a contract in effect on the date of the enactment
			 of this Act which is described in section 2 shall obtain assurances from the
			 contractor involved that the contractor will meet the requirements of such
			 section prior to the expiration of the period described in subsection
			 (a).