		II
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3534
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			June 24, 2010
			Ms. Landrieu (for
			 herself and Mr. Dorgan) introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Small Business and
			 Entrepreneurship

		A BILL
		To establish a Native American entrepreneurial
		  development program in the Small Business Administration.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Native American Small Business
			 Assistance and Entrepreneurial Growth Act of 2010.
		2.Native American
			 small business development programThe Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et
			 seq.) is amended—
			(1)in section
			 4(b)(1) (15 U.S.C. 633(b)(1))—
				(A)in the fifth
			 sentence, by striking five Associate Administrators and
			 inserting 6 Associate Administrators; and
				(B)by inserting
			 after the fifth sentence the following: 1 Associate Administrator shall
			 be the Associate Administrator of the Office of Native American Affairs
			 established by section 44.;
				(2)by redesignating
			 section 44 as section 45; and
			(3)by inserting
			 after section 43 (15 U.S.C. 657o) the following:

					44.Native American
				small business development program
						(a)DefinitionsIn
				this section:
							(1)Associate
				AdministratorThe term Associate Administrator means
				the Associate Administrator of the Office of Native American Affairs
				established under subsection (b).
							(2)Center; Native
				American business centerThe terms center and
				Native American business center mean a center established under
				subsection (c).
							(3)Eligible
				applicantThe term eligible applicant means—
								(A)a tribal
				college;
								(B)a private,
				nonprofit organization—
									(i)that provides
				business and financial or procurement technical assistance to 1 or more Native
				American communities; and
									(ii)that is
				dedicated to assisting one or more Native American communities; or
									(C)a small business
				development center, women’s business center, or other private organization
				participating in a joint project.
								(4)Joint
				projectThe term joint project means a project
				that—
								(A)combines the
				resources and expertise of 2 or more distinct entities at a physical location
				dedicated to assisting the Native American community; and
								(B)submits to the
				Administration a joint application that contains—
									(i)a
				certification that each participant of the project—
										(I)is an eligible
				applicant;
										(II)employs an
				executive director or program manager to manage the center; and
										(ii)information
				demonstrating a record of commitment to providing assistance to Native
				Americans and;
									(iii)information
				demonstrating that the participants in the joint project have the ability and
				resources to meet the needs, including the cultural needs, of the Native
				Americans to be served by the project.
									(5)Native American
				small business concernThe term Native American small
				business concern means a small business concern that is at least 51
				percent owned and controlled by—
								(A)an Indian tribe
				or a Native Hawaiian Organization, as the terms are described in paragraphs
				(13) and (15) of section 8(a), respectively; or
								(B)1 or more
				individual members of an Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian Organization.
								(6)Native American
				small business development programThe term Native American
				small business development program means the program established under
				subsection (c).
							(7)Small business
				concernThe term small business concern has the same
				meaning as in section 3.
							(8)Small business
				development centerThe term small business development
				center means a small business development center described in section
				21.
							(9)Tribal
				collegeThe term tribal college has the meaning
				given the term tribally controlled college or university in
				section 2(a) of the Tribally Controlled Community College Assistance Act of
				1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801(a)).
							(10)Tribal
				landThe term tribal land has the meaning given
				the term reservation in section 3 of the Indian Financing Act
				(25 U.S.C. 1452).
							(b)Office of
				Native American Affairs
							(1)EstablishmentThere
				is established within the Administration the Office of Native American Affairs,
				which, under the direction of the Associate Administrator, shall implement the
				programs of the Administration for the development of business enterprises by
				Native Americans.
							(2)PurposeThe
				purpose of the Office of Native American Affairs is to help Native American
				small business concerns—
								(A)to start,
				operate, and increase the business of small business concerns;
								(B)to develop
				management and technical skills;
								(C)to seek Federal
				procurement opportunities;
								(D)to increase
				employment opportunities for Native Americans through the establishment and
				expansion of small business concerns; and
								(E)to increase the
				access of Native Americans to capital markets.
								(3)Associate
				Administrator
								(A)AppointmentThe
				Administrator shall appoint a qualified individual to serve as Associate
				Administrator of the Office of Native American Affairs in accordance with this
				paragraph.
								(B)QualificationsThe
				Associate Administrator appointed under subparagraph (A) shall have—
									(i)knowledge of
				Native American culture; and
									(ii)experience
				providing culturally tailored small business development assistance to Native
				Americans.
									(C)Employment
				statusThe Administrator shall establish the position of
				Associate Administrator, who shall—
									(i)be an appointee
				in the Senior Executive Service (as defined in section 3132(a) of title 5,
				United States Code); and
									(ii)shall report to
				and be responsible directly to the Administrator.
									(D)Responsibilities
				and dutiesThe Associate Administrator shall—
									(i)administer and
				manage the Native American small business development program;
									(ii)formulate,
				execute, and promote the policies and programs of the Administration that
				provide assistance to small business concerns owned and controlled by Native
				Americans;
									(iii)act as an
				ombudsman for full consideration of Native Americans in all programs of the
				Administration;
									(iv)recommend the
				annual administrative and program budgets for the Office of Native American
				Affairs;
									(v)consult with
				Native American business centers in carrying out the Native American small
				business development program;
									(vi)recommend
				appropriate funding levels;
									(vii)review the
				annual budgets submitted by each applicant for the Native American small
				business development program;
									(viii)select
				applicants to participate in the Native American small business development
				program;
									(ix)implement this
				section; and
									(x)maintain a
				clearinghouse for the dissemination and exchange of information between all
				Administration-sponsored business centers.
									(E)Consultation
				requirementsIn carrying out the responsibilities and duties
				described in this paragraph, the Associate Administrator shall confer with and
				seek the advice of—
									(i)officials of the
				Administration working in areas served by Native American business centers;
				and
									(ii)eligible
				applicants.
									(c)Native American
				small business development program
							(1)Financial
				assistance
								(A)In
				generalThe Administration, acting through the Associate
				Administrator, shall provide financial assistance to eligible applicants to
				establish Native American business centers in accordance with this
				section.
								(B)Use of
				fundsThe financial and resource assistance provided under this
				subsection shall be used to establish a Native American business center to
				overcome obstacles impeding the establishment, development, and expansion of
				small business concerns, in accordance with this section.
								(2)5-Year
				projects
								(A)In
				generalEach Native American business center that receives
				assistance under paragraph (1)(A) shall conduct a 5-year project that offers
				culturally tailored business development assistance in the form of—
									(i)financial
				education, including training and counseling in—
										(I)applying for and
				securing business credit and investment capital;
										(II)preparing and
				presenting financial statements; and
										(III)managing cash
				flow and other financial operations of a business concern;
										(ii)management
				education, including training and counseling in planning, organizing, staffing,
				directing, and controlling each major activity and function of a small business
				concern; and
									(iii)marketing
				education, including training and counseling in—
										(I)identifying and
				segmenting domestic and international market opportunities;
										(II)preparing and
				executing marketing plans;
										(III)developing
				pricing strategies;
										(IV)locating
				contract opportunities;
										(V)negotiating
				contracts; and
										(VI)using varying
				public relations and advertising techniques.
										(B)Business
				development assistance recipientsThe business development
				assistance under subparagraph (A) shall be offered to prospective and current
				owners of Native American small business concerns.
								(3)Form of Federal
				financial assistance
								(A)DocumentationThe
				financial assistance to Native American business centers authorized under this
				subsection may be made by grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.
								(B)Payments
									(i)TimingPayments
				made under this subsection may be disbursed in periodic installments, at the
				request of the recipient.
									(ii)AdvanceThe
				Administrator may disburse not more than 25 percent of the annual amount of
				Federal financial assistance awarded to a Native American business center after
				notice of the award has been issued.
									(C)Non-Federal
				contributions
									(i)In
				general
										(I)Initial
				financial assistanceExcept as provided in subclause (II), an
				eligible applicant that receives financial assistance under this subsection
				shall provide non-Federal contributions for the operation of the Native
				American business center established by the eligible applicant in an amount
				equal to—
											(aa)in
				each of the first and second years of the project, not less than 33 percent of
				the amount of the financial assistance received under this subsection;
				and
											(bb)in
				the third through fifth years of the project, not less than 50 percent of the
				amount of the financial assistance received under this subsection.
											(II)RenewalsAn
				eligible applicant that receives a renewal of financial assistance under this
				subsection shall provide non-Federal contributions for the operation of a
				Native American business center established by the eligible applicant in an
				amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the amount of the financial
				assistance received under this subsection.
										(III)ExceptionsThe
				requirements of this section may be waived at the discretion of the
				Administrator, based on an evaluation of the ability of the eligible applicant
				to provide non-Federal contributions.
										(4)Contract and
				cooperative agreement authorityA Native American business center
				may enter into a contract or cooperative agreement with a Federal department or
				agency to provide specific assistance to Native American and other underserved
				small business concerns located on or near tribal land, to the extent that the
				contract or cooperative agreement is consistent with and does not duplicate the
				terms of any assistance received by the Native American business center from
				the Administration.
							(5)Application
				process
								(A)Submission of a
				5-year planEach applicant for assistance under paragraph (1)
				shall submit a 5-year plan to the Administration on proposed assistance and
				training activities.
								(B)Criteria
									(i)In
				generalThe Administrator shall evaluate applicants for financial
				assistance under this subsection in accordance with selection criteria that
				are—
										(I)established
				before the date on which eligible applicants are required to submit the
				applications;
										(II)stated in terms
				of relative importance; and
										(III)publicly
				available and stated in each solicitation for applications for financial
				assistance under this subsection made by the Administrator.
										(ii)ConsiderationsThe
				criteria required by this subparagraph shall include—
										(I)the experience of
				the applicant in conducting programs or ongoing efforts designed to impart or
				upgrade the business skills of current or potential owners of Native American
				small business concerns;
										(II)the ability of
				the applicant to commence a project within a minimum amount of time;
										(III)the ability of
				the applicant to provide quality training and services to a significant number
				of Native Americans;
										(IV)previous
				assistance from the Administration to provide services in Native American
				communities;
										(V)the proposed
				location for the Native American business center, with priority given based on
				the proximity of the center to the population being served and to achieve a
				broad geographic dispersion of the centers; and
										(VI)demonstrated
				experience in providing technical assistance, including financial, marketing,
				and management assistance.
										(6)Conditions for
				participationEach eligible applicant desiring a grant under this
				subsection shall submit an application to the Administrator that
				contains—
								(A)a certification
				that the applicant—
									(i)is an eligible
				applicant;
									(ii)employs a
				full-time executive director, project director, or program manager to manage
				the Native American business center; and
									(iii)agrees—
										(I)to a site visit
				by the Administrator as part of the final selection process;
										(II)to an annual
				programmatic and financial examination; and
										(III)to the maximum
				extent practicable, to remedy any problems identified pursuant to that site
				visit or examination;
										(B)information
				demonstrating that the applicant has the ability and resources to meet the
				needs, including cultural needs, of the Native Americans to be served by the
				grant;
								(C)information
				relating to proposed assistance that the grant will provide, including—
									(i)the number of
				individuals to be assisted; and
									(ii)the number of
				hours of counseling, training, and workshops to be provided;
									(D)information
				demonstrating the effectiveness and experience of the applicant in—
									(i)conducting
				financial, management, and marketing assistance programs designed to educate or
				improve the business skills of current or prospective Native American business
				owners;
									(ii)providing
				training and services to a representative number of Native Americans;
									(iii)using resource
				partners of the Administration and other entities, including institutions of
				higher education, Indian tribes, or tribal colleges; and
									(iv)the prudent
				management of finances and staffing;
									(E)the location at
				which the applicant will provide training and services to Native
				Americans;
								(F)a 5-year plan
				that describes—
									(i)the number of
				Native Americans and Native American small business concerns to be served by
				the grant;
									(ii)if the Native
				American business center is located in the continental United States, the
				number of Native Americans to be served by the grant; and
									(iii)the training
				and services to be provided to a representative number of Native Americans;
				and
									(G)if the applicant
				is a joint project—
									(i)a
				certification that each participant in the joint project is an eligible
				applicant;
									(ii)information
				demonstrating a record of commitment to providing assistance to Native
				Americans; and
									(iii)information
				demonstrating that the participants in the joint project have the ability and
				resources to meet the needs, including the cultural needs, of the Native
				Americans to be served by the grant.
									(7)Review of
				applicationsThe Administrator shall approve or disapprove each
				completed application submitted under this subsection not later than 90 days
				after the date on which the eligible applicant submits the application.
							(8)Program
				examination
								(A)In
				generalEach Native American business center established under
				this subsection shall annually provide to the Administrator an itemized cost
				breakdown of actual expenditures made during the preceding year.
								(B)Administration
				actionBased on information received under subparagraph (A), the
				Administration shall—
									(i)develop and
				implement an annual programmatic and financial examination of each Native
				American business center assisted pursuant to this subsection; and
									(ii)analyze the
				results of each examination conducted under clause (i) to determine the
				programmatic and financial viability of each Native American business
				center.
									(C)Conditions for
				continued fundingIn determining whether to renew a grant,
				contract, or cooperative agreement with a Native American business center, the
				Administration—
									(i)shall consider
				the results of the most recent examination of the center under subparagraph
				(B), and, to a lesser extent, previous examinations; and
									(ii)may withhold the
				renewal, if the Administrator determines that—
										(I)the center has
				failed to provide the information required to be provided under subparagraph
				(A), or the information provided by the center is inadequate;
										(II)the center has
				failed to provide adequate information required to be provided by the center
				for purposes of the report of the Administrator under subparagraph (E);
										(III)the center has
				failed to comply with a requirement for participation in the Native American
				small business development program, as determined by the Administrator,
				including—
											(aa)failure to
				acquire or properly document a non-Federal contribution;
											(bb)failure to
				establish an appropriate partnership or program for marketing and outreach to
				reach new Native American small business concerns;
											(cc)failure to
				achieve results described in a financial assistance agreement; and
											(dd)failure to
				provide to the Administrator a description of the amount and sources of any
				non-Federal funding received by the center;
											(IV)the center has
				failed to carry out the 5-year plan under in paragraph (6)(F); or
										(V)the center cannot
				make the certification described in paragraph (6)(A).
										(D)Continuing
				contract and cooperative agreement authority
									(i)In
				generalThe authority of the Administrator to enter into
				contracts or cooperative agreements in accordance with this subsection shall be
				in effect for each fiscal year only to the extent and in the amounts as are
				provided in advance in appropriations Acts.
									(ii)RenewalAfter
				the Administrator has entered into a contract or cooperative agreement with any
				Native American business center under this subsection, the Administrator may
				not suspend, terminate, or fail to renew or extend any such contract or
				cooperative agreement unless the Administrator—
										(I)provides the
				center with written notification that describes the reasons for the action of
				the Administrator; and
										(II)affords the
				center an opportunity for a hearing, appeal, or other administrative proceeding
				under chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code.
										(E)Annual
				management report
									(i)In
				generalThe Administrator shall prepare and submit to the
				Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Committee on Indian
				Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business and the Committee on
				Natural Resources of the House of Representatives an annual report on the
				effectiveness of all projects conducted by Native American business centers
				under this subsection and any pilot programs administered by the Office of
				Native American Affairs.
									(ii)ContentsEach
				report submitted under clause (i) shall include, with respect to each Native
				American business center receiving financial assistance under this
				subsection—
										(I)the number of
				individuals receiving assistance from the Native American business
				center;
										(II)the number of
				startup business concerns established with the assistance of the Native
				American business center;
										(III)the number of
				existing businesses in the area served by the Native American business center
				seeking to expand employment;
										(IV)the number of
				jobs established or maintained, on an annual basis, by Native American small
				business concerns assisted by the center since receiving funding under this
				section;
										(V)to the maximum
				extent practicable, the amount of the capital investment and loan financing
				used by emerging and expanding businesses that were assisted by a Native
				American business center;
										(VI)any additional
				information on the counseling and training program that the Administrator
				determines to be necessary; and
										(VII)the most recent
				examination, as required under subparagraph (B), and the determination made by
				the Administration under that subparagraph.
										(9)Annual
				reportsEach Native American business center receiving financial
				assistance under this subsection shall submit to the Administrator an annual
				report on the services provided with the financial assistance,
				including—
								(A)the number of
				individuals assisted, by tribal affiliation;
								(B)the number of
				hours spent providing counseling and training for those individuals;
								(C)the number of
				startup small business concerns established or maintained with the assistance
				of the Native American business center;
								(D)the gross
				receipts of small business concerns assisted by the Native American business
				center;
								(E)the number of
				jobs established or maintained by small business concerns assisted by the
				Native American business center; and
								(F)the number of
				jobs for Native Americans established or maintained at small business concerns
				assisted by the Native American business center.
								(10)Record
				retention
								(A)ApplicationsThe
				Administrator shall maintain a copy of each application submitted under this
				subsection for not less than 7 years.
								(B)Annual
				reportsThe Administrator shall maintain copies of the
				certification submitted under paragraph (6)(A) indefinitely.
								(d)Authorization
				of appropriations
							(1)In
				generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the
				Native American small business development program $10,000,000 for each of
				fiscal years 2011 through 2013.
							(2)AdministrationNot
				more than 10 percent of funds appropriated for a fiscal year may be used for
				the costs of administering the programs under this
				section.
							.


109 HR 3804 IH: Identity Theft Relief Act of 2005
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-09-15
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.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3804
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 15, 2005
Mrs. McCarthy 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 provide a 100 percent deduction for expenses related to identity theft.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Identity Theft Relief Act of 2005.
2.Deduction for expenses related to identity theft
(a)In generalPart VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized deductions) is amended by redesignating section 224 as section 225 and by inserting after section 223 the following new section:

224.Expenses related to identity theft
(a)In generalIn the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a deduction all the ordinary and necessary expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year, not compensated for by insurance or otherwise, in connection with a qualified identity theft.
(b)Qualified identity theftFor purposes of this section—
(1)Qualified identity theftIn the case of an individual, the term qualified identity theft means a fraud committed or attempted using the identifying information of such individual without authority.
(2)Identifying informationThe term identifying information means any name or number that may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify such individual, including—
(A)a name, social security number, date of birth, official State or government issued driver’s license or identification number, alien registration number, government passport number, or employer or taxpayer identification number,
(B)unique biometric data, such as fingerprint, voice print, retina or iris image, or other unique physical representation,
(C)unique electronic identification number, address, or routing code,
(D)telecommunication identifying information or access device (as defined in section 1029(e) of title 18, United States Code),
(E)a bank, savings association, credit union, or investment account number,
(F)a credit card or debit card account number,
(G)a password, access code, or security code relating to—
(i)a bank, savings association, credit union, or investment account number, or
(ii)a credit card or debit card account number, or
(H)any other unique identifying information..
(b)Deduction allowed in computing adjusted gross incomeSubsection (a) of section 62 of such Code is amended by inserting before the last sentence the following new paragraph:

(21)Expenses related to identity theftThe deduction allowed by section 224..
(c)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections for part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by redesignating the item relating to section 224 as an item relating to section 225 and inserting before such item the following new item:

Sec. 224. Expenses related to identity theft.
(d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years after December 31, 2005.


116 HR 1750 IH: Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-03-13
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.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1750IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 13, 2019Mr. Zeldin (for himself, Ms. Stefanik, and Mr. Suozzi) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsA BILLTo amend title 38, United States Code, to make permanent the authority of the Secretary of Veterans
			 Affairs to provide financial assistance for supportive services for very
			 low-income veteran families in permanent housing.

 1.Short TitleThis Act may be cited as the Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act. 2.Permanent authority to provide financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housingParagraph (1) of section 2044(e) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (H)The amounts that are appropriated to carry out such subsections for fiscal year 2020 and each fiscal year thereafter..


110 HR 2799 IH: Quadrennial Foreign Affairs Review

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-06-20
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2799
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 20, 2007
			Mr. Thornberry
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Foreign
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To require a quadrennial review of the diplomatic
		  strategy and structure of the Department of State and its related agencies to
		  determine how the Department can best fulfill its mission in the 21st century
		  and meet the challenges of a changing world.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the Quadrennial Foreign Affairs Review
			 Act.
		2.Quadrennial
			 foreign affairs review
			(a)FindingsCongress
			 finds the following:
				(1)The Department of
			 State, established in 1789, is responsible for representing the worldwide
			 interests of the United States and for advancing the policies of the United
			 States.
				(2)The Department
			 operates over 250 posts in more than 180 countries throughout the world and has
			 approximately 30,000 personnel.
				(3)There have been
			 dramatic changes in the world in which the Department must function, including
			 changes in technology, changes in religious, ethnic, and regional conflicts,
			 and changes in economic, political, and military relationships. Moreover, the
			 world has witnessed the spread of weapons of mass destruction and the spread of
			 terrorism. Yet, there has been little change in the diplomatic strategy and
			 structure of the Department or of its posts throughout the world.
				(4)The Department and
			 all United States diplomatic efforts should be the subject of a quadrennial
			 review to determine how the Department can best fulfill its mission and meet
			 the challenges of a changing world.
				(b)Quadrennial
			 reviewNot later than
			 September 30 of 2010 and every four years thereafter, the Secretary of State
			 shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
			 Representatives and to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a
			 comprehensive examination of the diplomatic strategy and structure, foreign
			 assistance programs, budget plans, personnel decisions, and public diplomacy
			 plans of the Department of State and its related agencies to determine the
			 foreign affairs strategy of the United States to best meet the challenges of a
			 changing world, together with the response report required under subsection
			 (c)(2). Such comprehensive examination shall be referred to as a
			 quadrennial review.
			(c)Involvement of
			 National Foreign Affairs Panel
				(1)Submission of
			 review to PanelNot later than July 30 of the year in which a
			 quadrennial review is conducted, the Secretary of State shall submit to a
			 National Foreign Affairs Panel (in this Act referred to as the
			 Panel), established in accordance with section 3, a copy of such
			 quadrennial review.
				(2)Response
			 reportNot later than August 30 of the year in which a
			 quadrennial review is submitted to a Panel under paragraph (1), such Panel
			 shall submit to the Secretary a report responding to the findings, conclusions,
			 and recommendations of such quadrennial review.
				(d)Contents of
			 quadrennial reviewThe quadrennial review shall include the
			 following information:
				(1)A review of the current structures of the
			 Department of State and its related agencies, including the organization,
			 staffing, and operation of United States embassies and consulates abroad, to
			 determine how best to efficiently and effectively represent the interests of
			 the United States throughout the world and advance the policies of the United
			 States.
				(2)A review of the
			 level of cooperation and degree of integration of the Department of State with
			 other Federal departments and agencies, including the Department of Defense,
			 the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of the Treasury, the
			 Department of Commerce, the Office of the United States Trade Representative,
			 the Agency for International Development, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the
			 elements of the intelligence community.
				(3)Recommendations
			 related to how best to meet the anticipated roles and missions of such
			 departments and agencies in the future.
				(4)A
			 review of the efforts of the Department of State with respect to public
			 diplomacy and any recommendations for changes or modifications in public
			 diplomacy initiatives or programs in order to improve performance.
				(5)An examination of
			 the assumptions used in the quadrennial review by the Secretary, including
			 assumptions relating to cooperation between the Department and other Federal
			 departments and agencies, communication with allies, levels of risk, real-time
			 situational awareness, and immediate communication within the
			 Department.
				(6)An examination of
			 the forward presence and pre-positioning necessary for the Department to engage
			 in negotiation and conflict deterrence in response to anticipated threats and
			 conflicts.
				(7)An examination of
			 the process of how the Department develops scenarios that may require a
			 Department response, and recommendations for improving this process to
			 incorporate nontraditional threat planning scenarios and input from other
			 Federal departments and agencies and nongovernmental organizations.
				3.National Foreign
			 Affairs Panel
			(a)EstablishmentNot later than December 1 of the year
			 immediately preceding the year in which a quadrennial review is conducted, the
			 Secretary of State shall establish a nonpartisan, independent panel to be known
			 as a National Foreign Affairs Panel.
			(b)Membership
				(1)In
			 generalA Panel shall be composed of a chairperson and eight
			 other individuals appointed by the Secretary, in consultation with the chairman
			 and ranking member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
			 Representatives and the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Foreign
			 Relations of the Senate, from among individuals in the private sector who are
			 recognized experts in matters relating to the foreign affairs and diplomacy
			 interests of the United States.
				(2)QuorumFive
			 members of a Panel shall constitute a quorum.
				(c)DutiesA Panel shall submit to the Secretary the
			 response report required under section 2(c)(2).
			(d)Information from
			 Federal agenciesA Panel may secure from the Department of State
			 and its related agencies and from any other Federal department or agency such
			 information as such Panel considers necessary to carry out its duties under
			 this Act. The head of the department or agency concerned shall ensure that
			 information requested by such Panel under this subsection is promptly provided
			 to such Panel.
			(e)Personnel
			 matters
				(1)Compensation of
			 membersEach member of a Panel shall be compensated at a rate
			 equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for
			 level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States
			 Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged
			 in the performance of the duties of such Panel.
				(2)Travel
			 expensesMembers of a Panel 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 their homes or regular places of business in the performance of
			 services for such Panel.
				(3)Executive
			 Director and staffWithout regard to the civil service laws and
			 regulations, the chairperson of a Panel may appoint and terminate an Executive
			 Director and a staff of not more than four additional individuals, none of whom
			 may be current employees of the Department of State or members of the Foreign
			 Service, if such Panel determines that an executive director and staff are
			 necessary in order for such Panel to perform its duties effectively. The
			 employment of an Executive Director shall be subject to confirmation by a
			 majority of members of such Panel.
				(4)Compensation of
			 Executive DirectorThe chairperson may fix the compensation of
			 the Executive Director, if one is appointed pursuant to paragraph (3), without
			 regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of
			 title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions and
			 General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the Executive
			 Director may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule
			 under section 5316 of such title.
				(5)Detail of
			 Government employeesAn employee of the Federal Government may be
			 detailed to a Panel without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without
			 interruption or loss of civil or foreign service status or privilege with
			 respect to such employee. The Secretary shall ensure that a sufficient number
			 of employees are detailed to a Panel to enable such Panel to carry out its
			 duties effectively.
				(6)Travel
			 conditionsTo the maximum extent practicable, the members and
			 employees of a Panel shall travel on Government aircraft, ships, vehicles, or
			 other conveyances when travel is necessary in the performance of the duties of
			 such Panel, except that no such aircraft, ship, vehicle, or other conveyance
			 may be scheduled primarily for the transportation of any such member or
			 employee when the cost of commercial transportation is less expensive.
				(f)Administrative
			 provisions
				(1)Use of the
			 mailsA Panel may use the United States mails and obtain printing
			 and binding services in the same manner and under the same conditions as other
			 departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
				(2)Administrative
			 and support servicesThe Secretary of State shall furnish a Panel
			 with any administrative and support services requested by such Panel.
				(3)Gifts and
			 donationsA Panel may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
			 donations of services or property.
				(g)Payment of Panel
			 expensesThe compensation, travel expenses, and per diem
			 allowances of members and employees of a Panel shall be paid out of funds made
			 available to the Department of State for the payment of compensation, travel
			 allowances, and per diem allowances, respectively, of civilian employees of the
			 Department. Any other expenses of a Panel shall be paid out of funds made
			 available to the Department for the payment of similar expenses incurred by the
			 Department.
			(h)Sunset
			 provisionA Panel shall terminate 30 days after the submission of
			 the response report required under section 2(c)(2).


114 HRES 409 IH: Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to exclude certain organizations from the definition of earmark.
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-09-08
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.

		IV
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 409
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 8, 2015
			Mr. Fattah submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules

		RESOLUTION
		Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to exclude certain organizations from the
			 definition of earmark.

 That clause 9(e) of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives is amended by adding at the end the following:

 Such term shall not include a provision or report language providing, authorizing or recommending any such specific amount to an entity that is—(1)a non-profit corporation that is (or has any subsidiary that is) a federally chartered corporation; and
 (2)determined by the chair, in consultation with the ranking member, of the Committee on Appropriations to have main focus on character development, mentoring, education, or training of individuals who have not attained 19 years of age.
				.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2087
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			February 9, 2012
			Mr. Brown of Ohio (for
			 himself, Ms. Klobuchar,
			 Mr. Franken, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr.
			 Schumer, Mr. Casey, and
			 Mrs. Hagan) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Armed
			 Services

		A BILL
		To clarify the meaning of produced for
		  purposes of limitations on the procurement by the Department of Defense of
		  specialty metals within the United States.

		1.Short
			 titleThis Act may be cited as
			 the United States Steel and Security
			 Act of 2012.
		2.Additional definition
			 relating to production of specialty metals within the United
			 StatesSection 2533b(m) of
			 title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
			 paragraph:

				(11)The term
				produced, as used in subsections (a) and (b), means melted, or
				processed in a manner that results in physical or chemical property changes
				that are the equivalent of melting. The term does not include finishing
				processes such as rolling, heat treatment, quenching, tempering, grinding, or
				shaving.
				.


116 HRES 958 EH: Condemning the practice of politically motivated imprisonment and calling for the immediate release of political prisoners in the Russian Federation and urging action by the United States Government to impose sanctions with respect to persons responsible for that form of human rights abuse.
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-12-03
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 958
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

December 3, 2020

RESOLUTION
Condemning the practice of politically motivated imprisonment and calling for the immediate release of political prisoners in the Russian Federation and urging action by the United States Government to impose sanctions with respect to persons responsible for that form of human rights abuse.

Whereas the right to liberty and security of a person and the protection from arbitrary imprisonment are among the principal human rights guaranteed by Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Article 23 of the Concluding Document of the Vienna Meeting of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, and Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights; Whereas the Russian Federation, as member of the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Council of Europe, is bound by international commitments with regard to human rights and the rule of law;
Whereas, on October 3, 2012, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted Resolution 1900 (2012) which defined anyone whose detention has been imposed in violation of one of the fundamental guarantees set out in the European Convention on Human Rights and its Protocols and is the result of proceedings which were clearly unfair and … appears to be connected with political motives of the authorities as a political prisoner; Whereas based on the criteria of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Resolution 1900 (2012), the Memorial Human Rights Center, a Russian nongovernmental organization, estimates that there are currently more than 300 political prisoners in the Russian Federation, a six-fold increase since 2015;
Whereas the Memorial Human Rights Center list of Russian political prisoners includes journalists, civil society activists, human rights advocates, participants of peaceful organizations, and Ukrainian citizens from illegally annexed Crimea; Whereas the Russian Federation’s longest-detained political prisoner, Alexey Pichugin, has been incarcerated since June 19, 2003, in violation of two rulings by the European Court of Human Rights and the opinion by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention;
Whereas investigative journalist and former editor of the independent newspaper Noviye Kolyosa, Igor Rudnikov was held in pretrial detention from November 1, 2017, until June 17, 2019, on alleged extortion charges, which were later dropped by the court; Whereas Igor Rudnikov’s detention and charges were criticized by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and Reporters without Borders, calling them clearly trumped-up and an act of political revenge, respectively;
Whereas opposition activist Konstantin Kotov was sentenced to 1.5 years imprisonment on April 20, 2020, for participating in peaceful demonstrations, in a ruling Amnesty International has described as a profound injustice; Whereas Anastasia Shevchenko, an activist in the Open Russia movement, has been held under house arrest since January 23, 2019, on the charge of belonging to an undesirable organization and has been designated by Amnesty International as a prisoner of conscience;
Whereas Yuri Dmitriev, a leader of Memorial Society’s branch in the Republic of Karelia region of the Russian Federation who has worked to document mass burial sites from Stalin-era executions, has been held in detention since June 28, 2018, on charges of child pornography that Human Rights Watch has described as bogus and part of an ongoing smear campaign, and was sentenced to 13 years in prison on September 29, 2020;  Whereas Dennis Christensen, a Jehovah’s Witness and a Danish citizen, was sentenced to 6 years’ imprisonment on February 6, 2019, in a decision condemned by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom as part of the broader pattern of the Russian Government engaging in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom;
Whereas, on February 10, 2020, 7 activists from Russia’s Penza Oblast were sentenced to terms of 6 to 18 years for alleged membership in a terrorist group following a detention marked by torture, ill-treatment to extract confessions, and periods held incommunicado; Whereas Human Rights Watch described the case as an example of the Russian authorities abusing counterterrorism laws to silence critics and deny fundamental human rights;
Whereas, on August 6, 2020, a court in Moscow sentenced seven activists to between four years suspended and sevem years in prison for participating in an alleged extremist organization, The New Greatness, after an investigation marked by the use of provocateurs, torture, ill-treatment, and forced confessions, in what the Memorial Human Rights Center and the Moscow Helsinki Group have described as a politically motivated case aimed at suppressing the freedom of expression; Whereas, on June 18, 2019, the Department of State affirmed that the United States is deeply concerned by the growing number of individuals … identified by credible human rights organizations as political and religious prisoners held by the Government of the Russian Federation and called on the Government of the Russian Federation to release all those identified as political or religious prisoners immediately and cease its use of the legal system to suppress dissent and peaceful religious practice;
Whereas, on January 28, 2020, 43 parliamentarians from 16 European countries introduced a Resolution in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to appoint a rapporteur to examine the growing crisis with politically motivated imprisonments in the Russian Federation; and Whereas, on June 29, 2020, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s Legal Affairs Committee appointed Icelandic lawmaker Thorhildur Sunna Aevarsdottir to serve as the rapporteur on political prisoners in Russia: Now, therefore, be it

 That the House of Representatives— (1)condemns the practice of politically motivated imprisonment in the Russian Federation that violates the country’s international obligations on human rights and the rule of law and expresses its solidarity with all those unjustly imprisoned in the Russian Federation;
(2)calls on the Government of the Russian Federation to immediately release individuals designated by the Memorial Human Rights Center as political prisoners under the criteria of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Resolution 1900 (2012), including Alexey Pichugin, Konstantin Kotov, Anastasia Shevchenko, Yuri Dmitriev, and Dennis Christensen; (3)urges the United States Government, in all its interactions with the Government of the Russian Federation, to raise individual cases of Russian political prisoners and advocate for their release; and
(4)calls on the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to use their authority under the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 (title IV of Public Law 112–208), the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (subtitle F of title XII of Public Law 114–328), and other applicable United States statutory authorities to designate officials of the Government of the Russian Federation who are responsible for human rights abuses in the form of politically motivated imprisonment.  Cheryl L. Johnson,Clerk.


116 S1325 IS: Military Humanitarian Operations Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-05-06
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1325IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 6, 2019Mr. Lee introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign RelationsA BILLTo provide that the President must seek congressional approval before engaging members of the
			 United States Armed Forces in military humanitarian operations.1.Short
 titleThis Act may be cited as the Military Humanitarian Operations Act of 2019.2.Military
			 humanitarian operation defined(a)In
 generalIn this Act, the term military humanitarian operation means a military operation involving the deployment of members or weapons systems of the United States Armed Forces where hostile activities are reasonably anticipated and with the aim of preventing or responding to a humanitarian catastrophe, including its regional consequences, or addressing a threat posed to international peace and security. The term includes—(1)operations undertaken pursuant to the principle of the “responsibility to protect” as referenced in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1674 (2006);(2)operations specifically authorized by the United Nations Security Council, or other international organizations; and(3)unilateral deployments and deployments made in coordination with international organizations, treaty-based organizations, or coalitions formed to address specific humanitarian catastrophes.(b)Operations not
 includedThe term military humanitarian operation does not mean a military operation undertaken for the following purposes:(1)Responding to or repelling attacks, or preventing imminent attacks, on the United States or any of its territorial possessions, embassies, or consulates, or members of the United States Armed Forces.(2)Direct acts of reprisal for attacks on the United States or any of its territorial possessions, embassies, or consulates, or members of the United States Armed Forces.(3)Invoking the inherent right to individual or collective self-defense in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations.(4)Military missions to rescue United States citizens or military or diplomatic personnel abroad.(5)Humanitarian missions in response to natural disasters where no civil unrest or combat with hostile forces is reasonably anticipated, and where such operation is for not more than 30 days.(6)Actions to maintain maritime freedom of navigation, including actions aimed at combating piracy.(7)Training exercises conducted by the United States Armed Forces abroad where no combat with hostile forces is reasonably anticipated.3.Requirement for
 congressional authorizationThe President may not deploy members of the United States Armed Forces into the territory, airspace, or waters of a foreign country for a military humanitarian operation not previously authorized by statute unless—(1)the President submits to Congress a formal request for authorization to use members of the Armed Forces for the military humanitarian operation; and(2)Congress enacts a specific authorization for such use of forces.4.SeverabilityIf any provision of this Act is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act shall not be affected.


117 HR 4079 IH: Saving America’s Pollinators Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-06-23
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4079IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 23, 2021Mr. Blumenauer (for himself, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Cartwright, Mr. Casten, Ms. Castor of Florida, Ms. Chu, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Connolly, Mr. DeFazio, Mr. García of Illinois, Mr. Himes, Mr. Huffman, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Keating, Mr. Khanna, Ms. Kuster, Mr. Lamb, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Levin of Michigan, Mr. Lowenthal, Ms. McCollum, Mrs. Napolitano, Ms. Newman, Ms. Norton, Ms. Pingree, Mr. Quigley, Ms. Scanlon, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Slotkin, Mr. Smith of Washington, Mr. Thompson of California, Mr. Tonko, Ms. Velázquez, Ms. Barragán, Mr. Lieu, Ms. Meng, Mr. Takano, and Mr. Raskin) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on AgricultureA BILLTo direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take certain actions related to pesticides that may affect pollinators, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Saving America’s Pollinators Act of 2021.2.FindingsCongress finds the following:(1)Pollination services are a vital part of agricultural production, valued at over $125,000,000,000 globally. According to a 2014 Presidential memorandum, pollinators provide for an annual amount of $24,000,000,000 to the economy of the United States and honey bees account for $15,000,000,000 of such amount. Similarly, pollination services of native pollinators, such as bumblebees, squash bees, and mason bees, contribute over $3,000,000,000 to the United States agricultural economy and are estimated to contribute between $937,000,000 and $2,400,000,000 to the economy of California alone.(2)One-third of food produced in North America—including nearly 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables such as almonds, avocados, cranberries, and apples—depends on pollination by bees.(3)Over the past several years, documented incidents of colony collapse disorder and other forms of excess bee mortality have been at a record high, with some beekeepers repeatedly losing 100 percent of their operations. The national honey crop reported in 2017 was the lowest in many decades.(4)National surveys sponsored by the Federal Government indicates that United States beekeepers lost between 35 and 46 percent of their hives annually between 2012 and 2018. On average, two-thirds of beekeepers experienced loss rates greater than the established acceptable winter mortality rates.(5)According to scientists at the Department of Agriculture, current losses of honey bee colonies are too high to confidently ensure the United States will be able to meet the pollination demands for agricultural crops.(6)Native pollinators, such as bumblebees, have also suffered alarming population declines. There are currently more than 40 pollinator species federally listed as threatened or endangered, and most recently, the iconic monarch butterfly has declined by 90 percent.(7)Scientists have linked the use of a certain class of systemic insecticides, known as neonicotinoids, to the rapid decline of pollinators and to the deterioration of pollinator health.(8)Neonicotinoids cause sublethal effects, including impaired foraging and feeding behavior, disorientation, weakened immunity, delayed larval development, and increased susceptibility to viruses, diseases, and parasites. Numerous reports also document acute, lethal effects from the application of neonicotinoids.(9)Conclusions from a recent global review of the impacts of systemic pesticides, primarily neonicotinoids, warn that they are causing significant damage to a wide range of beneficial invertebrate species, are a key factor in the decline of bees, and pose a global threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Another recent global review documented high levels of freshwater contamination.(10)Science has demonstrated that a single corn kernel coated with a neonicotinoid is toxic enough to kill a songbird. Peer-reviewed research from the Netherlands has shown that the most severe bird population declines occurred in those areas where neonicotinoid pollution was highest. Starlings, tree sparrows, and swallows were among the most affected.(11)In June 2013, over 50,000 bumblebees were killed as a direct result of exposure to a neonicotinoid applied to linden trees for cosmetic purposes.(12)In February 2014, Eugene, Oregon, voted to ban the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on city property. Similar bans and restrictions have been enacted in Thurston County, Spokane, and Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, Skagway, Alaska, and several other communities across the United States. The States of Connecticut, Maryland, and Vermont have all passed laws restricting consumer use of neonicotinoids in favor of less toxic alternative products and practices.(13)In June 2014, a Presidential memorandum established a Pollinator Health Task Force after identifying pollinator decline as a threat to the sustainability of food production systems, the agricultural economy, and the health of the environment in the United States.(14)In July 2014, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service announced plans to phase out neonicotinoid pesticides in all national wildlife refuges across the United States by January 2016. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service recognized that the prophylactic use of neonicotinoids for agricultural purposes harms a wide range of nontarget species and is therefore inconsistent with the management policy of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.(15)In October 2014, an assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency found that neonicotinoid seed coatings provide little benefit to overall soybean crop yield. Additional studies determined that in approximately 80 to 90 percent of row crop uses, neonicotinoid coatings are unnecessary. The prophylactic overuse of neonicotinoids violates the fundamental principles of integrated pest management.(16)In November 2014, the Province of Ontario, Canada, announced the province will move to restrict the use of neonicotinoid-coated corn and soybean seeds because of the broad harms from their overuse, with a goal of 80 percent reduction by 2017.(17)In September 2015, the Circuit Court of the United States for the Ninth Circuit ruled to revoke the Environmental Protection Agency’s approval for sulfoxaflor—a neonicotinoid pesticide.(18)In November 2016, Health Canada, the department of the Government of Canada responsible for national public health, proposed a ban on almost all outdoor uses of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid, saying it is contaminating Canadian waterways at levels that can harm insects and the ecosystem.(19)The President’s budget for fiscal year 2018 cuts funding for pesticide review programs of the Environmental Protection Agency by 20 percent delaying reviews of new, potentially safer pesticides as well as reviews of older, more dangerous pesticides such as neonicotinoids.(20)In 2018, the European Union permanently banned outdoor uses of the neonicotinoids imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam after the European Food Safety Authority confirmed their risks to honey bees and wild bees.(21)In August 2018, Health Canada, proposed a ban on almost all outdoor uses of clothianidin and thiamethoxam similar to the proposed ban on imidacloprid, citing concerns that the chemicals are contaminating Canadian waterways at levels that can harm insects and the ecosystem.(22)Worldwide, insects are experiencing population declines twice as high as those of vertebrate species, with a rate of local species extinction eight times higher than that of vertebrate species. About one-third of all insect species are threatened with extinction, with 1 percent added every year. Such declines result in an annual 2.5 percent loss in biomass, which threatens the overall functioning and stability of ecosystems worldwide.(23)Insect biodiversity is essential to the proper functioning of ecosystems, and declines are disrupting pollination, natural pest control, food resources, nutrient recycling, and decomposition services provided by insects.(24)Major declines in insect populations can be traced to the expansion of intensive, industrial agriculture, including the systematic and widespread use of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and chemical fertilizers.(25)Because insects constitute the world’s most abundant and speciose animal group and provide critical services within ecosystems, such event cannot be ignored and should prompt decisive action to avert a catastrophic collapse of nature’s ecosystems.3.Establishment of a Pollinator Protection Board(a)In generalThe Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (in this section referred to as the Administrator) shall establish a Pollinator Protection Board in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2 et seq.) (hereafter referred to in this section as the Board) to assist in the development of an independent review process for pesticides that pose a threat to pollinators and pollinator habitat, and advise the Administrator on any other aspects of the implementation of this title.(b)Composition of the BoardThe Board shall be composed of 15 members without conflicts of interests (as defined in subsection (g) of this Act) of which—(1)4 shall be scientists with expertise in pollinators, toxicology, and ecosystems, of which at least 1 shall have expertise in native bees;(2)3 shall be beekeepers—(A)1 shall be a commercial beekeeper;(B)1 shall be a chemical-free beekeeper; and(C)1 shall be a hobby beekeeper;(3)2 shall be certified organic farmers;(4)2 shall be non-organic farmers;(5)3 shall be representatives of environment, conservation, or resource organizations; and(6)1 shall be a representative of a commercial enterprise that protects bees.(c)AppointmentNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall appoint members of the Board under subsection (b) from nominations received from States, State beekeeping organizations, and other interested persons and organizations.(d)TermA member of the Board shall serve for a term of 5 years except that with respect to initial appointments of the Board, 7 members shall serve for a 4-year term. A member may not serve consecutive terms unless such member served an original term that was less than 5 years.(e)MeetingsThe Administrator shall convene a first meeting of the Board not later than 60 days after the appointment of the members under subsection (c) and shall convene subsequent meetings at least once a year thereafter.(f)Compensation and expensesA member of the Board—(1)shall serve without compensation; and(2)may be allowed travel or transportation expenses under section 5703 of title 5, United States Code.(g)Conflict of interestExcept for the representative specified in subsection (b)(6), no member of the Board or any technical advisory panel of such Board may have a financial or other interest that can reasonably be anticipated to interfere with the impartial and scientific assessment of the information to be considered under subsection (k)(1)(A), such as the acceptance of contributions, donations, remunerations, or grants by the pesticide or agrochemical industry, or related groups.(h)ChairpersonThe Board shall select a Chairperson for the Board.(i)QuorumA majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business.(j)Decisive votesTwo-thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present shall be decisive of any motion.(k)Other terms and conditionsThe Administrator shall authorize the Board to hire a staff director and shall detail staff of the Environmental Protection Agency or allow for the hiring of staff and may, subject to necessary appropriations, pay necessary expenses incurred by the Board in carrying out the provisions of this Act, as determined appropriate by the Administrator.(1)In generalThe Board shall evaluate pesticides registered and under application for registration for application to plants or plant seeds by the Environmental Protection Agency under sections 3 and 4 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a) for their toxicity to pollinators and pollinator habitat, using the following evaluation procedures:(A)Evaluation proceduresIn evaluating pesticides for their toxicity to pollinators and pollinator habitat and making determinations under paragraph (2), the Board shall consider the following:(i)Available information from the Environmental Protection Agency, United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Environmental Health Studies and such other sources as appropriate, concerning the potential for adverse effects of a pesticide on pollinator populations or pollinator habitat.(ii)Peer-reviewed scientific literature relating to the impact of a registered pesticide on individual pollinators, pollinator populations, overall insect biomass and biodiversity, and pollinator habitat, including—(I)chronic and acute toxicity of a registered pesticide on individual pollinators, pollinator populations, and pollinator habitat;(II)ecosystem-wide impacts of a pesticide, including but not limited to secondary non-target impacts and impacts to the trophic food web; and(III)synergistic effects of a pesticide on individual pollinators, pollinator populations, overall insect biomass and biodiversity, and pollinator habitat.(iii)Field studies examining the impact of a pesticide on honey bees and native bees, including bumblebees and solitary bees.(iv)Alternative products and practices that may be adopted in place of the pesticide under evaluation.(B)Technical advisory panelsThe Board shall convene technical advisory panels, without conflicts of interest, to provide scientific evaluation of pesticides under paragraph (1). Such panels may include experts in agronomy, entomology, conservation ecology, health sciences, toxicology, and other relevant disciplines.(2)Determinations(A)In generalAfter conducting evaluation procedures, the Board shall hold a vote regarding whether registration of the evaluated pesticide under section 3 or 4 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a) presents an unacceptable hazard, based upon the potential to cause harm, including injury, illness, or damage to honey bees, and other pollinators, or pollinator habitat. Such determination shall be made on the basis of the factors specified in paragraph (1)(A). The registration of an evaluated pesticide shall only be affirmed by a decisive vote of the Board finding the pesticide does not present an unacceptable hazard-based upon the potential to cause harm, including injury, illness, or damage to honey bees, and other pollinators, or pollinator habitat.(B)No voteIf an evaluated pesticide’s registration is not affirmed by a decisive vote of the Board, the Administrator shall within 30 days issue a notice of intent to cancel the registration of a pesticide pursuant to section 6 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136d).(C)CancellationPesticides subject to cancellation procedures as a result of the Board’s determination are prohibited from continued sale and use of existing stocks.(D)Denial of registrationIf a pesticide not yet registered under section 3 or 4 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a) is not affirmed registration by a decisive vote, the Administrator shall deny registration under such sections.(3)Prioritizing reviews(A)In generalThe Board shall establish procedures to evaluate registered pesticides for their harm to pollinators and pollinator habitat, prioritizing those identified by the Environmental Protection Agency or peer-reviewed scientific literature as posing acute or chronic risks to honey bees or other pollinators. The Board may collectively evaluate and vote upon pesticides associated with one or more related active ingredients to enhance the efficiency of its review.(B)PriorityThe Board shall review pesticides prior to registration under sections 3 and 4 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a) if preliminary data indicates acute or chronic risks to honey bees or other pollinators. Such pesticides shall be prioritized by the Board.(C)PetitionAny person may petition the Board to prioritize review of one or more pesticides.(4)ReportPesticides not affirmed for registration by a decisive vote of the Board shall be transmitted to the Administrator in a formal report. Such a report shall outline in detail the Board’s reasoning for its determination.(l)No additionsThe Administrator may not include exemptions for the use of specific substances or specific uses of substances proposed for cancellation by the Board.(m)Notice and commentBefore issuing the cancellation, the Administrator shall seek public comment on such proposals, and may adopt standards that are only more restrictive than the Board’s determination.4.Urgent regulatory response for honey bee and pollinator protection(a)In general(1)CancellationEffective on the date of enactment of this subsection—(A)all active ingredients and pesticide products containing one or more of the active ingredients imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, acetamiprid, sulfoxaflor, flupyradifurone, chlorantraniliprole, or fipronil (referred to in this subsection as neonicotinoid pesticides) shall be deemed to generally cause unreasonable adverse effects to the environment; and(B)notwithstanding any other provision of law, including section 6(b) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, the registration of all uses of neonicotinoid pesticides shall be immediately and permanently canceled by operation of law and without further proceedings.(2)Revocation of tolerances and exemptionsNot later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (in this section referred to as the Administrator) shall, in accordance with section 408(b)(1)(B) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 346a(b)(1)(B)), revoke any tolerance or exemption that allows the presence of a neonicotinoid pesticide, or any pesticide chemical residue that results from neonicotinoid pesticide use, in or on food.(b)Sale of existing stocks prohibitedEffective on the date of enactment of this subsection, the continued sale or use of existing stocks of neonicontinoid pesticides shall be prohibited.(c)No future neonicotinoid registrationsEffective on the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator may not register any neonicotinoid pesticide under section 4 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.(d)Monitoring of native beesThe Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the Administrator and the Secretary of Agriculture, shall, for purposes of protecting and ensuring the long-term viability of native bees and other pollinators of agricultural crops, horticultural plants, wild plants, and other plants—(1)consult with members of the Pollinating Insects Research Units of the Agricultural Research Service of the Department of Agriculture, the Pollinator Protection Board, taxonomists who survey and identify native bees, and other pollinator scientists on the best methods and data collection;(2)annually monitor the health and population status of native bees, including the status of native bees in agricultural and nonagricultural habitats including rural, urban, and suburban areas within each of the twelve unified regions as defined by the Secretary of the Interior, noted on U.S. Geological Survey map dated July 20, 2018;(3)identify the scope and likely causes of unusual native bee mortality; and(4)beginning not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and each year thereafter, submit to Congress, and make available to the public, a report on such health and population status.(e)Exemptions(1)In generalAn exemption under section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136p) may not be made with respect to the use by a Federal or State agency of a neonicotinoid pesticide unless the Board established by section 3 of this Act determines by a decisive vote that use of the pesticide is warranted for one of the following reasons—(A)in an emergency situation to avert significant risk to threatened or engendered species as described in clauses (i) and (ii) of section 166.2(a)(2) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations);(B)to quarantine invasive species as described in section 166.2(b) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); or(C)to protect public health as described in section 166.2(c) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).(2)LimitationsIf the Board makes a determination under paragraph (1) with respect to an exemption under section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136p), the Board shall conduct an evaluation of the use of the pesticide pursuant to section 3(k)(1)(A) of this Act not less than once per year.(3)RenewalThe Board shall evaluate all applications for exemptions under section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136p) regardless of past Board approvals for exemptions for that pesticide.5.Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.


115 HR 5240 RH: Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-05-10
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.

		IB
		Union Calendar No. 615
		115th CONGRESS2d Session
		H. R. 5240
		[Report No. 115–795]
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 9, 2018
			Mr. McNerney (for himself and Mr. Latta) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

		June 28, 2018Additional sponsor: Ms. Rosen
			June 28, 2018
			Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the
			 Union, and ordered to be printed
			Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic
			For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on March 9, 2018

		A BILL
		To provide for certain programs and developments in the Department of Energy concerning the
			 cybersecurity and vulnerabilities of, and physical threats to, the
			 electric grid, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act. 2.Program to promote and advance physical security and cybersecurity of electric utilities (a)EstablishmentThe Secretary of Energy, in consultation with State regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, the Electric Reliability Organization, and other Federal agencies the Secretary determines appropriate, shall carry out a program to—
 (1)develop, and provide for voluntary implementation of, maturity models, self-assessments, and auditing methods for assessing the physical security and cybersecurity of electric utilities;
 (2)provide training to electric utilities to address and mitigate cybersecurity supply chain management risks;
 (3)increase opportunities for sharing best practices and data collection within the electric sector; (4)assist with cybersecurity training for electric utilities;
 (5)advance the cybersecurity of third-party vendors that work in partnerships with electric utilities; and
 (6)provide technical assistance for electric utilities subject to the program. (b)ScopeIn carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall—
 (1)take into consideration different sizes of electric utilities and the regions that such electric utilities serve;
 (2)prioritize electric utilities with fewer available resources due to size or region; and (3)to the extent practicable, utilize and leverage existing Department of Energy programs.
 (c)Protection of informationInformation provided to, or collected by, the Federal Government pursuant to this section— (1)shall be exempt from disclosure under section 552(b)(3) of title 5, United States Code; and
 (2)shall not be made available by any Federal, State, political subdivision or tribal authority pursuant to any Federal, State, political subdivision, or tribal law requiring public disclosure of information or records.
				3.Report on cybersecurity and distribution systems
 (a)In generalThe Secretary of Energy, in consultation with State regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and other Federal agencies the Secretary determines appropriate, shall submit to Congress a report that assesses—
 (1)priorities, policies, procedures, and actions for enhancing the physical security and cybersecurity of electricity distribution systems to address threats to, and vulnerabilities of, such electricity distribution systems; and
 (2)implementation of such priorities, policies, procedures, and actions, including an estimate of potential costs and benefits of such implementation, including any public-private cost-sharing opportunities.
 (b)Protection of informationInformation provided to, or collected by, the Federal Government pursuant to this section— (1)shall be exempt from disclosure under section 552(b)(3) of title 5, United States Code; and
 (2)shall not be made available by any Federal, State, political subdivision or tribal authority pursuant to any Federal, State, political subdivision, or tribal law requiring public disclosure of information or records.
				4.Electricity interruption information
 (a)Interruption cost estimate calculatorThe Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, State regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and other Federal agencies the Secretary determines appropriate, shall update the Interruption Cost Estimate Calculator, as often as appropriate and feasible, but not less than once every 2 years.
 (b)IndicesThe Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, State regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and other Federal agencies the Secretary determines appropriate, shall, as often as appropriate and feasible, update the following:
 (1)The System Average Interruption Duration Index. (2)The System Average Interruption Frequency Index.
 (3)The Customer Average Interruption Duration Index. (c)SurveyThe Administrator of the Energy Information Administration shall collect information on electricity interruption costs, if available, from a representative sample of owners of electric grid assets through a biennial survey.
 5.DefinitionsIn the Act, the following definitions apply: (1)Electric reliability organizationThe term Electric Reliability Organization has the meaning given such term in section 215(a)(2) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824o(a)(2)).
 (2)Electric utilityThe term electric utility has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796). (3)State regulatory authorityThe term State regulatory authority has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796).

		June 28, 2018
		Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the
			 Union, and ordered to be printed


110 HR 5163 IH: To suspend temporarily the duty on a certain chemical

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-01-29
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5163
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 29, 2008
			Mr. Brady of Texas
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on a certain chemical
		  that is used for dyeing apparel home textiles.

		1.Chemical that is used for
			 dyeing apparel home textiles
			(a)In
			 generalSubchapter II of
			 chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by
			 inserting in numerical sequence the following new heading:

								9902.01.003,10-Bis[(2-aminopropyl)amino]-6,13-dichloro-4,11-triphenodioxazinedisulfonic
						acid reaction products with 2-amino-1,4-benzenedisulfonic acid,
						2-[(4-aminophenyl)sulfonyl]ethyl hydrogen sulfate and
						2,4,6-trifluoro-1,3,5-trifluoro-1,3,5-triazine, sodium salts (CAS No.
						191877–09–5) (provided for in subheading 3204.16.30)FreeNo
						changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2011

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


110 HCON 181 : Recognizing and commending all volunteers

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-09-06
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		III
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. CON. RES. 181
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			September 6, 2007
			 Received and referred to the
			 Committee on Armed
			 Services

		CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
		Recognizing and commending all volunteers
		  and other persons who provide support to the families and children of members
		  of the Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserve personnel, who are
		  deployed in service to the United States.

		Whereas there are 1.2 million children who are the sons or
			 daughters of members of the Armed Forces, including more than 153,000 children
			 of members of reserve components, and more than one third of these children are
			 under the age of five;
		Whereas the families of members of the Armed Forces,
			 and in particular their children, provide unconditional love and
			 support to their loved ones serving in the Armed Forces before, during, and
			 after their deployment;
		Whereas the Department of Defense recognizes that the
			 family of a deployed member of the Armed Forces also serves and has made a
			 commitment to military families by establishing goals for a New Social Compact
			 with members of the Armed Forces and their families;
		Whereas the Government makes significant resources
			 available to families and children of members of the Armed Forces who reside on
			 or near a military installation, however, resources for families and children
			 of deployed Reserve and National Guard members are often difficult to access
			 because the families do not reside near a military installation;
		Whereas a number of nonprofit organizations have dedicated
			 themselves to ensuring that children of military families receive the support
			 they urgently need while they cope with the deployment of parents, in
			 particular by providing essential extracurricular activities and programs for
			 school-aged children of deployed Reserve and National Guard members;
		Whereas these organizations include Our Military Kids,
			 Inc., Parents as Teachers, Citizen Soldier Support program, Operation Homefront
			 Inc., American Military Families, Inc., and Kids Serve 2; and
		Whereas these programs and organizations have helped
			 children of deployed members of the Armed Forces maintain as normal a life as
			 possible by allowing funds to be used for a range of activities that might
			 otherwise be unavailable to them: Now, therefore, be it

		That Congress recognizes and commends all
			 volunteers and other persons who provide support to the families and children
			 of members of the Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserve personnel,
			 who are deployed in service to the United States and honors military families
			 and the non-governmental organizations that support them.

			Passed the House of
			 Representatives September 5, 2007.
			Lorraine C. Miller,
			Clerk.Jorge E. Sorensen,
			Deputy Clerk.


113 HR 1428 IH: Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-04-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1428
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 9, 2013
			Mr. Burgess (for
			 himself, Mr. Kind,
			 Mrs. Blackburn,
			 Mr. Marino,
			 Mr. Cassidy,
			 Mr. Young of Florida,
			 Mr. Crenshaw,
			 Mr. McDermott,
			 Mr. Bachus,
			 Mr. Grimm,
			 Mr. Wolf, Mr. Tiberi, Mr.
			 Loebsack, Mr. Cooper,
			 Mr. Himes,
			 Mrs. Capps,
			 Mr. Takano,
			 Mr. Cummings,
			 Mr. Hastings of Florida,
			 Mr. Holt, Mrs. Davis of California,
			 Ms. Eshoo, and
			 Mr. David Scott of Georgia) introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Ways and Means, for a
			 period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for
			 consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the
			 committee concerned

		A BILL
		To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to
		  provide Medicare entitlement to immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant
		  recipients.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug
			 Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act of
			 2013.
		2.Medicare
			 entitlement to immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant
			 recipients
			(a)Kidney
			 transplant recipientsSection 226A(b)(2) of the Social Security
			 Act (42 U.S.C. 426–1(b)(2)) is amended by inserting (except for
			 eligibility for enrollment under part B solely for purposes of coverage of
			 immunosuppressive drugs described in section 1861(s)(2)(J)) before
			 , with the thirty-sixth month.
			(b)Individuals
			 eligible only for coverage of immunosuppressive drugs
				(1)In
			 generalSection 1836 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395o)
			 is amended—
					(A)by striking
			 Every and inserting (a)
			 In
			 general.—Every; and
					(B)by inserting at
			 the end the following new subsection:

							(b)Individuals
				eligible for immunosuppressive drug coverageBeginning on January
				1, 2014, every individual whose insurance benefits under part A have ended
				(whether before, on, or after such date) by reason of section 226A(b)(2) is
				eligible for enrollment in the insurance program established by this part
				solely for purposes of coverage of immunosuppressive
				drugs.
							.
					(2)Conforming
			 amendmentSections 1837, 1838, and 1839 of the Social Security
			 Act (42 U.S.C. 1395(o), 42 U.S.C. 1395(p), 42 U.S.C. 1395(q)) are each amended
			 by striking 1836 and inserting 1836(a) each place
			 it appears.
				(c)Enrollment for
			 individuals only eligible for coverage of immunosuppressive
			 drugsSection 1837 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395(p))
			 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(m)(1)Any individual who is
				eligible under section 1836(b) to enroll in the medical insurance program
				established under this part for purposes of coverage of immunosuppressive drugs
				may enroll only in such manner and form as may be prescribed by regulations,
				and only during an enrollment period described in this subsection.
						(2)An individual described in paragraph
				(1) may enroll beginning on the first day of the third month before the month
				in which the individual first satisfies section 1836(b).
						(3)An individual described in paragraph
				(1) whose entitlement for hospital insurance benefits under part A ends by
				reason of section 226A(b)(2) on or after January 1, 2014, shall be deemed to
				have enrolled in the medical insurance program established by this part for
				purposes of coverage of immunosuppressive
				drugs.
						.
			(d)Coverage period
			 for individuals only eligible for coverage of immunosuppressive drugs
				(1)In
			 generalSection 1838 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
			 1395(q)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

						(g)In the case of an
				individual described in section 1836(b), the following rules shall
				apply:
							(1)In the case of
				such an individual who is deemed to have enrolled in part B for coverage of
				immunosuppressive drugs under section 1837(m)(3), such individual’s coverage
				period shall begin on the first day of the month in which the individual first
				satisfies section 1836(b).
							(2)In the case of
				such an individual who enrolls in part B for coverage of immunosuppressive
				drugs under section 1837(m)(2), such individual’s coverage period shall begin
				on the first day of the month in which the individual first satisfies section
				1836(b) or the month following the month in which the individual so enrolls,
				whichever is later.
							(3)The provisions of
				subsections (b) and (d) shall apply with respect to an individual described in
				paragraph (1) or (2).
							(4)In addition to the
				reasons for termination under subsection (b), the coverage period of an
				individual described in paragraph (1) or (2) shall end when the individual
				becomes entitled to benefits under this title under section 226(a), 226(b), or
				226A.
							.
				(2)Conforming
			 amendmentsSection 1838(b) is amended in the matter following
			 paragraph (2) by adding or section 1837(m)(3) after
			 section 1837(f) each place it appears.
				(e)Premiums for
			 individuals only eligible for coverage of immunosuppressive
			 drugsSection 1839 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395r)
			 is amended—
				(1)in subsection (b),
			 by adding at the end the following new sentence: No increase in the
			 premium shall be effected for individuals who are enrolled pursuant to section
			 1836(b) for coverage only of immunosuppressive drugs.; and
				(2)by adding at the
			 end the following new subsection:

						(j)Determination of
				premium for individuals only eligible for coverage of immunosuppressive
				drugsThe Secretary shall, during September of each year,
				determine and promulgate a monthly premium rate for the succeeding calendar
				year for individuals who enroll only for the purpose of coverage of
				immunosuppressive drugs under section 1836(b). Such premium shall be equal to
				35 percent of the monthly actuarial rate for enrollees age 65 and over,
				determined according to paragraph (1), for that succeeding calendar year. The
				monthly premium of each individual enrolled for coverage of immunosuppressive
				drugs under section 1836(b) for each month shall be the amount promulgated in
				this subsection. Such amount shall be adjusted in accordance with subsections
				(c) and
				(f).
						.
				(f)Government
			 contributionSection 1844(a) of the Social Security Act (42
			 U.S.C. 1395(w)) is amended—
				(1)in paragraph (3),
			 by striking the period at the end and inserting ; plus;
				(2)by adding at the
			 end the following new paragraph:

						(4)a Government contribution equal to the
				estimated aggregate reduction in premiums payable under part B that results
				from establishing the premium at 35 percent of the actuarial rate under section
				1839(j) instead of 50 percent of the actuarial rate for individuals who enroll
				only for the purpose of coverage of immunosuppressive drugs under section
				1836(b).
						;
				and
				(3)by adding at the
			 end the following flush matter:

						The
				Government contribution under paragraph (4) shall be treated as premiums
				payable and deposited for purposes of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph
				(1)..
				(g)Extension of
			 secondary payer requirements for ESRD beneficiaries eligible for coverage of
			 immunosuppressive drugsSection 1862(b)(1)(C) (42 U.S.C.
			 1395(y)(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence:
			 With regard to immunosuppressive drugs furnished to an individual who
			 enrolls for the purpose of coverage of immunosuppressive drugs under section
			 1836(b) on or after January 1, 2014, this subparagraph shall apply without
			 regard to any time limitation, except that when such individual becomes
			 entitled to benefits under this title under sections 226(a) or 226(b), or
			 entitled to or eligible for benefits under this title under section 226A, the
			 provisions of subparagraphs (A) and (B), and the time limitations under this
			 subparagraph, respectively, shall apply..
			(h)Ensuring
			 coverage under the Medicare savings programSection 1905(p)(1)(A)
			 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(p)(1)(A)) is amended by inserting
			 or an individual who is enrolled under part B for the purpose of
			 coverage of immunosuppressive drugs under section 1836(b) after
			 section 1818.
			(i)Part
			 DSection 1860D–1(a)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
			 1395w–101(a)(3)(A)) is amended by inserting (but not including an
			 individual enrolled solely for coverage of immunosuppressive drugs under
			 section 1836(b)) before the period at the end.


116 HR 7683 IH: Affordable Child Care for Economic Strategies and Success Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-07-20
text/xml
EN
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I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7683IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 20, 2020Ms. Finkenauer (for herself and Mr. Hagedorn) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, 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 the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to make projects that directly or indirectly increase the accessibility of affordable, quality child care eligible for certain grants, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Affordable Child Care for Economic Strategies and Success Act or the ACCESS Act. 2.Grants for public works and economic development(a)In generalSection 201 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3141) is amended—(1)in subsection (a)—(A)in paragraph (1) by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;(B)in paragraph (2) by striking the period and inserting ; and; and(C)by adding at the end the following:(3)planning, developing, or creating a project or facility that will directly or indirectly increase the accessibility of affordable, quality child care. ; and (2)in subsection (b)(1)—(A)in subparagraph (B) by striking ; or and inserting a semicolon;(B)in subparagraph (C) by striking the semicolon and inserting ; or; and(C)by adding at the end the following:(D)increase the accessibility of affordable, quality child care; . (b)RegulationsNot later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall issue such regulations as are necessary to establish criteria for whether a project directly or indirectly increases the accessibility of affordable, quality child care. Such criteria shall consider:(1)The availability, validity, and accessibility of timely data.(2)The extent to which a project contributes to a family’s financial security.(3)The extent to which a project address child care needs in child care deserts or areas otherwise recognized as being in shortage.(c)Child care desert definedIn this section, the term child care desert means—(1)an area—(A)within a census tract; and(B)in which the number of children who are under age 5 (as determined using the most recent American Community Survey 1-year Estimates, as published by the Bureau of the Census) is more than 3 times the number of slots provided by child care providers who are licensed or registered by the State involved; or(2)a community that the State or tribal entity involved determines has a low supply of quality, affordable child care.3.Grants for planning and grants for administrative expensesSection 203(b)(4) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3143(b)(4)) is amended to read as follows: (4)formulating and implementing an economic development program that includes systematic efforts to—(A)reduce unemployment and increase incomes; or(B)increase the accessibility of affordable, quality child care..4.Grants for training, research, and technical assistanceSection 207(a)(2) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3147(a)(2)) is amended—(1)in subparagraph (H) by striking ; and;(2)by redesignating subparagraph (I) as subparagraph (J); and(3)by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following:(I)the planning, development, or creation of a project or facility that will directly or indirectly increase the accessibility of affordable, quality child care; and.5.Comprehensive economic development strategies(a)In generalSection 302(a)(3)(A) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3162(a)(3)(A)) is amended by inserting (including by directly or indirectly increasing the accessibility of affordable, quality child care) after promotes economic development and opportunity.(b)GuidanceIn carrying out the amendment made under subsection (a), the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall issue guidance on how to include the accessibility of affordable, quality child care in a comprehensive economic development strategy developed under section 302 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3162).