		I
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4816
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 9, 2014
			Mr. Honda (for himself, Mr. Grijalva, Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Higgins, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Keating, Mrs. Kirkpatrick, Ms. Lee of California, and Mr. Welch) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed 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 concerned

		A BILL
		To establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a national center for the diagnosis, treatment,
			 and research of health conditions of the descendants of veterans exposed
			 to toxic substances during service in the Armed Forces, to provide certain
			 services to those descendants, to establish an advisory board on exposure
			 to toxic substances, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2014.
		2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)Armed ForceThe term Armed Force means the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, including the reserve
			 components thereof.
			(2)DescendantThe term descendant means, with respect to an individual, the biological child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of
			 that individual.
			(3)Toxic substanceThe term toxic substance shall have the meaning given that term by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and shall include all
			 substances that have been proven by peer reviewed scientific research or a
			 preponderance of opinion in the medical community to lead to disabilities
			 related to the exposure of an individual to those substances while serving
			 as a member of the Armed Forces.
			(4)VeteranThe term veteran has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
			3.National center for the diagnosis, treatment, and research of health conditions of the descendants
			 of individuals exposed to toxic substances during service in the Armed
			 Forces
			(a)National center
				(1)In generalNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
			 Affairs shall select a medical center of the Department of Veterans
			 Affairs to serve as the national center for the diagnosis, treatment, and
			 research of health conditions of descendants of individuals exposed to
			 toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces that are
			 related to that exposure (in this section referred to as the Center).
				(2)Criteria for selectionThe Center shall be selected under paragraph (1) from among medical centers of the Department with
			 expertise in diagnosing and treating functional and structural birth
			 defects and caring for individuals exposed to toxic substances, or that
			 are affiliated with research medical centers or teaching hospitals with
			 such expertise, that seek to be selected under this section.
				(b)Functions
				(1)Diagnosis and treatment
					(A)In generalThe Center may diagnose and treat, without charge, each patient for whom the Secretary of Veterans
			 Affairs has made the following determinations:
						(i)The patient is a descendant of an individual who served as a member of the Armed Forces.
						(ii)The individual was exposed to a toxic substance while serving as a member of the Armed Forces.
						(iii)The patient is afflicted with a health condition that is determined by the advisory board
			 established in section 4 to be a health condition that results from the
			 exposure of that individual to that toxic substance.
						(B)TreatmentTreatment under this section is limited to treatment of health conditions for which the advisory
			 board established in section 4 has made a determination described in
			 subparagraph (A)(iii).
					(C)Additional diagnosis and treatmentNothing in this section shall preclude a patient from receiving additional diagnosis or treatment
			 at the Center or another facility of the Department in connection with
			 other health conditions or benefits to which the individual is entitled
			 under laws administered by the Secretary.
					(D)Recommendations for future treatmentRecommendations for future treatment of a patient shall be transmitted to a primary care provider
			 for that patient, with follow-up consultations with the Center scheduled
			 as appropriate.
					(E)Use of records
						(i)In generalThe Secretary of Defense or the head of a Federal agency may make available to the Secretary of
			 Veterans Affairs for review records held by the Department of Defense, an
			 Armed Force, or that Federal agency, as appropriate, that might assist the
			 Secretary of Veterans Affairs in making the determinations required by
			 subparagraph (A).
						(ii)MechanismThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense or the head of the appropriate
			 Federal agency may jointly establish a mechanism for the availability and
			 review of records by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under clause (i).
						(2)ResearchThe Center may conduct research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of descendants
			 of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the
			 Armed Forces that are related to that exposure.
				(3)Agent Orange conditionsThe Center, in coordination with the National Birth Defect Registry, shall track and research the
			 genetic link between individuals who are exposed to Agent Orange and the
			 medical conditions of the children of such individuals.
				(c)Social workersThe Center shall employ not less than one licensed clinical social worker to coordinate access of
			 patients to appropriate Federal, State, and local social and healthcare
			 programs and to handle case management.
			(d)Reimbursement for necessary travel and room and boardThe Center may reimburse any parent, guardian, spouse, or sibling who accompanies a patient
			 diagnosed or treated pursuant to this section for the reasonable cost of—
				(1)travel to the Center for diagnosis or treatment of the patient pursuant to this section; and
				(2)room and board during the period in which the patient is undergoing diagnosis or treatment at the
			 Center pursuant to this section.
				(e)ReportNot less frequently than annually, the Center shall submit a report to Congress that includes the
			 following:
				(1)A summary of the extent and nature of care provided pursuant to this section.
				(2)A summary of the research efforts of the Center under this section that have been completed within
			 the previous year and that are ongoing as of the date of the submission of
			 the report under this subsection.
				4.Advisory board
			(a)EstablishmentNot later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
			 Affairs shall establish an advisory board (in this section referred to as
			 the Advisory Board) to advise the Center established under section 3, to determine which health conditions result
			 from exposure to toxic substances, and to study and evaluate cases of
			 exposure of current and former members of the Armed Forces to toxic
			 substances if such exposure is related the service of the member in the
			 Armed Forces.
			(b)Membership
				(1)CompositionNot later than 150 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
			 Affairs shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human
			 Services and other heads of Federal agencies as the Secretary of Veterans
			 Affairs determines appropriate, select not less than 13 members of the
			 Advisory Board, of whom—
					(A)not less than three shall be members of organizations exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(19)
			 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
					(B)not less than one shall be—
						(i)a descendant of an individual who was exposed to toxic substances while serving as a member of the
			 Armed Forces and the descendant has manifested a birth defect or
			 functional disability as a result of the exposure of that individual; or
						(ii)a parent, child, or grandchild of that descendant; and
						(C)additional members may be selected from among—
						(i)health professionals, scientists, and academics with expertise in—
							(I)birth defects;
							(II)developmental disabilities;
							(III)epigenetics;
							(IV)public health;
							(V)the science of environmental exposure or environmental exposure assessment; or
							(VI)the science of toxic substances;
							(ii)social workers; and
						(iii)advocates for veterans or members of the Armed Forces.
						(2)ChairpersonThe Secretary shall select a Chairperson from among the members of the Advisory Board.
				(3)TermsEach member of the Advisory Board shall serve a term of two or three years as determined by the
			 Secretary.
				(c)Duties
				(1)Advisory role with respect to the CenterWith respect to the Center established under section 3, the Advisory Board shall—
					(A)oversee and assess the work of the Center; and
					(B)advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on—
						(i)issues related to the provision of treatment and care at the Center;
						(ii)issues related to the research conducted at the Center; and
						(iii)the particular benefits and services required by the descendants of individuals exposed to toxic
			 substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces.
						(2)Determination that health conditions resulted from toxic exposureThe Advisory Board shall determine which health conditions in descendants of individuals exposed to
			 toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces are health
			 conditions that resulted from the exposure of that individual to that
			 toxic substance for purposes of eligibility for the following:
					(A)Treatment of that descendant at the Center established under section 3.
					(B)Medical care for that descendant under section 1781 of title 38, United States Code.
					(C)Support for the family caregiver of that descendant under section 1720G(a) of such title.
					(D)Support for the caregiver of that descendant under section 1720G(b) of such title.
					(3)Study and consideration of toxic substance exposure claims
					(A)In generalThe Advisory Board shall study and evaluate claims of exposure to toxic substances by current and
			 former members of the Armed Forces that is related to the service of the
			 member in the Armed Forces.
					(B)Submission of claimsClaims of exposure described in subparagraph (A) may be submitted to the Advisory Board in such
			 form and in such manner as the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may require
			 by any of the following individuals or entities:
						(i)A member of the Armed Forces.
						(ii)A veteran.
						(iii)A descendant of a member of the Armed Forces.
						(iv)A descendant of a veteran.
						(v)A veterans advocacy group.
						(vi)An official of the Department of Veterans Affairs with responsibility or experience monitoring the
			 health of current and former members of the Armed Forces.
						(vii)An official of the Department of Defense with responsibility or experience monitoring the health of
			 current and former members of the Armed Forces.
						(C)Consideration of claimsNot later than 180 days after receiving a claim submitted pursuant to subparagraph (B), the
			 Advisory Board shall consider the claim and take one of the following
			 actions:
						(i)If the Advisory Board determines that exposure to a toxic substance occurred to a degree that an
			 individual exposed to that substance may have or develop a medical
			 condition that would qualify that individual for health care or
			 compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of
			 Defense, the Advisory Board shall submit to the Secretary of Veterans
			 Affairs a report described in subparagraph (D).
						(ii)If the Advisory Board determines that further consideration of the claim is necessary to adequately
			 assess the extent of exposure, the Advisory Board shall refer the claim to
			 the Office of Extramural Research established under section 5 to conduct
			 further research and report its findings to the Advisory Board.
						(iii)If the Advisory Board determines that exposure to a toxic substance did not occur or occurred to a
			 negligible extent, the Advisory Board shall report such determination to
			 the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
						(D)ReportIf the Advisory Board makes a determination under subparagraph (C)(i), the Advisory Board shall
			 submit to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a report that contains the
			 following:
						(i)Evidence used by the Advisory Board in making the determination under subparagraph (C)(i),
			 including, if appropriate, the following:
							(I)Scientific research, including any research conducted by the Office of Extramural Research
			 established under section 5.
							(II)Peer-reviewed articles from scientific journals relating to exposure to toxic substances.
							(III)Medical research conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, or the
			 medical community.
							(ii)Recommendations on the extent to which the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of
			 Defense should provide health care, benefits, or other compensation with
			 respect to exposure to a toxic substance to the following individuals:
							(I)An individual exposed to a toxic substance as determined under subparagraph (C)(i).
							(II)A descendant of that individual.
							(iii)Information on cost and attributable exposure, as defined in regulations prescribed pursuant to
			 this Act.
						(E)Publication of evidence
						(i)In generalExcept as provided in clause (ii), the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register the evidence
			 described in clause (i) of subparagraph (D) that is submitted with the
			 report required by that subparagraph.
						(ii)ExceptionSuch evidence may not be published if the Secretary determines that preventing such publication—
							(I)is in the national security interest of the United States; or
							(II)protects the privacy interests of individuals exposed to toxic substances.
							(F)Subpoena authorityThe Advisory Board may require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of witnesses necessary to
			 consider claims of exposure to toxic substances under this paragraph.
					(G)Cooperation of Federal AgenciesThe head of each relevant Federal agency, including the Administrator of the Environmental
			 Protection Agency, shall cooperate fully with the Advisory Board for
			 purposes of considering claims of exposure to toxic substances under this
			 paragraph.
					(d)MeetingsThe Advisory Board shall meet at the call of the Chair, but not less frequently than semiannually.
			(e)Compensation
				(1)In generalThe members of the Advisory Board shall serve without compensation.
				(2)Travel expensesThe members of the Advisory Board 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 the Advisory Board.
				(f)Personnel
				(1)In generalThe Chairperson may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint an executive
			 director of the Advisory Board, who shall be a civilian employee of the
			 Department of Veterans Affairs, and such other personnel as may be
			 necessary to enable the Advisory Board to perform its duties.
				(2)ApprovalThe appointment of an executive director under paragraph (1) shall be subject to approval by the
			 Advisory Board.
				(3)CompensationThe Chairperson may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without
			 regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of
			 title 5, United States Code, except that the rate of pay for the executive
			 director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V
			 of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
				5.Office of extramural research
			(a)OfficeNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
			 Affairs shall establish an Office of Extramural Research (in this section
			 referred to as the Office)—
				(1)to conduct research on wounds, illnesses, injuries, and other conditions suffered by individuals as
			 a result of exposure to toxic substances while serving as members of the
			 Armed Forces; and
				(2)to assist the Advisory Board established under section 4 in the consideration of claims of exposure
			 to toxic substances.
				(b)DirectorThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall select a Director of the Office.
			(c)Grants
				(1)In generalSubject to approval by the advisory council established under subsection (e), the Director may
			 award grants to reputable scientists and epidemiologists to carry out this
			 section.
				(2)ExceptionThe Director may not award grants to individuals or organizations associated with or having an
			 interest in a chemical company or any other organization that the
			 Secretary determines may have an interest in the increased use of toxic
			 substances.
				(d)Support to Advisory BoardNot later than 180 days after receiving a request from the Advisory Board established under section
			 4 to review a claim of exposure pursuant to subsection (c)(3)(C)(ii) of
			 that section, the Office shall submit a report to the Advisory Board with
			 one of the following determinations:
				(1)A determination that exposure to a toxic substance occurred to a degree that an individual exposed
			 to that substance may have or develop a medical condition that would
			 qualify that individual for health care or compensation from the
			 Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense.
				(2)A determination that further study of the claim is necessary, to be carried out by, or under the
			 direction of, the Office in coordination with the Advisory Board.
				(3)A determination that exposure to a toxic substance did not occur or occurred to a negligible
			 extent.
				(e)Advisory council
				(1)EstablishmentNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans
			 Affairs shall establish an advisory council (in this section referred to
			 as the Council) for the Office established under this section.
				(2)Membership
					(A)Composition
						(i)In generalThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human
			 Services and any other heads of Federal agencies as the Secretary of
			 Veterans Affairs determines appropriate, select 11 members of the Council,
			 of whom—
							(I)not less than three shall be members of organizations exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(19)
			 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and
							(II)additional members may be selected from among—
								(aa)environmental epidemiologists;
								(bb)academics; and
								(cc)veterans or the descendants of veterans.
								(ii)Requirements for scientistsWhen considering individuals who are members of the scientific community for selection to the
			 Council, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may select only those
			 individuals—
							(I)who have evidenced expertise in and demonstrate a commitment to research that leads to
			 peer-reviewed scientific evaluation of the wounds, illnesses, injuries,
			 and other conditions that may arise from exposure to toxic substances; and
							(II)who are not associated with and do not have an interest in a chemical company or any other
			 organization that the Secretary determines may have an interest in the
			 increased use of toxic substances.
							(B)ChairpersonThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall select a Chairperson from among the members of the Council.
					(C)TermsEach member of the Council shall serve a term of two or three years as determined by the Secretary
			 of Veterans Affairs.
					(3)DutiesThe Council shall—
					(A)approve or disapprove of grants proposed to be awarded by the Director pursuant to subsection (c);
			 and
					(B)advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Director on—
						(i)establishing guidelines for grant proposals and research proposals under this section; and
						(ii)assisting the Advisory Board established under section 4 in the consideration of claims of exposure
			 to toxic substances.
						(4)MeetingsThe Council shall meet at the call of the Chairperson, but not less frequently than semiannually.
				(5)Compensation
					(A)In generalThe members of the Council shall serve without compensation.
					(B)Travel expensesThe members of the Council 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 the Council.
					(f)ReportNot later than two years after the establishment of the Office under this section, the Director and
			 the Chairman of the Council shall jointly submit to the Secretary of
			 Veterans Affairs and Congress a report that contains the following:
				(1)A summary of the research efforts conducted and the grants awarded under this section.
				(2)A summary of the effects of exposure to toxic substances studied pursuant to this section.
				(3)Recommendations for steps to be taken to care for and serve—
					(A)individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as a member of the Armed Forces; and
					(B)the progeny of those individuals.
					6.Provision of dependent care and caregiver assistance to descendants of veterans exposed to certain
			 toxic substances during service in the Armed Forces
			(a)Dependent careSection 1781(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
				(1)in paragraph (3), by striking , and and inserting a comma;
				(2)in paragraph (4), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting , and; and
				(3)by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph:

						(5)an individual who is the biological child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a veteran who the
			 Secretary has determined was exposed to a toxic substance while serving as
			 a member of the Armed Forces, if—
							(A)the individual has a health condition that is determined by the Advisory Board established by
			 section 4 of the Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2014 to be a health condition that results from exposure to that toxic substance,
							(B)the individual is homebound as a result of that health condition, and
							(C)the Secretary determines that the veteran has or had the same health condition,.
				(b)Caregiver assistance
				(1)Comprehensive assistanceSubsection (a) of section 1720G of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
					(A)by striking veteran each place it appears (except for paragraph (2)(A)) and inserting individual;
					(B)by striking veterans each place it appears and inserting individuals;
					(C)in paragraph (2)—
						(i)by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following:

								(A)
									(i)is a veteran or member of the Armed Forces undergoing medical discharge from the Armed Forces and
			 has a serious injury (including traumatic brain injury, psychological
			 trauma, or other mental disorder) incurred or aggravated in the line of
			 duty in the active military, naval, or air service on or after September
			 11, 2001; or
									(ii)is the biological child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a veteran who the Secretary has
			 determined was exposed to a toxic substance while serving as a member of
			 the Armed Forces, if—
										(I)the individual has a health condition that is determined by the Advisory Board established by
			 section 4 of the Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2014 to be a health condition that results from exposure to that toxic substance;
										(II)the individual is homebound as a result of that health condition; and
										(III)the Secretary determines that the veteran has or had the same health condition; and; and
						(ii)by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B); and
						(D)in paragraph (9)(C)(i), by striking veteran’s and inserting individual’s.
					(2)General caregiver supportSubsection (b) of such section is amended—
					(A)by striking veteran each place it appears and inserting individual;
					(B)by striking veterans each place it appears and inserting individuals;
					(C)in paragraph (1), by striking who are and all that follows through of this title; and
					(D)in paragraph (2)—
						(i)by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), respectively; and
						(ii)in the matter preceding clause (i), as redesignated by clause (i), by striking any individual who needs and inserting “any individual who—

								(A)
									(i)is enrolled in the health care system established under section 1705(a) of this title; or
									(ii)is the biological child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a veteran who the Secretary has
			 determined was exposed to a toxic substance while serving as a member of
			 the Armed Forces, if—
										(I)the individual has a health condition that is determined by the Advisory Board established by
			 section 4 of the Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2014 to be a health condition that results from exposure to that toxic substance;
										(II)the individual is homebound as a result of that health condition; and
										(III)the Secretary determines that the veteran has or had the same health condition; and
										(B)needs.
						(3)DefinitionsSubsection (d) of such section is amended—
					(A)by striking eligible veteran each place it appears and inserting eligible individual;
					(B)by striking covered veteran each place it appears and inserting covered individual;
					(C)in paragraph (1), by striking the veteran and inserting the eligible individual or covered individual;
					(D)in paragraph (2), by striking the veteran and inserting the eligible individual;
					(E)in paragraph (3), by striking the veteran each place it appears and inserting the eligible individual;
					(F)in paragraph (4), by striking the veteran and inserting the eligible individual or covered individual; and
					(G)by adding at the end the following:

							(5)The term toxic substance has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Toxic Exposure Research and Military Family Support Act of 2014..
					(c)Conforming amendments
				(1)Beneficiary travelSection 111 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
					(A)in subsection (b)(1), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

							(G)An individual described in section 1720G(a)(2)(A)(ii) of this title.; and
					(B)in subsection (e)—
						(i)by striking veteran each place it appears (except for paragraph (2)(B)) and inserting individual; and
						(ii)in paragraph (2)(B)—
							(I)by striking a veteran and inserting an individual; and
							(II)by striking such veteran and inserting such individual.
							(2)Counseling, training, and mental health servicesSection 1782(c)(2) of such title is amended by striking an eligible veteran or a caregiver of a covered veteran and inserting a veteran who is an eligible individual or a caregiver of a veteran who is a covered individual.
				7.Declassification by Department of Defense of certain incidents of exposure of members of the Armed
			 Forces to toxic substances
			(a)In generalThe Secretary of Defense may declassify documents related to any known incident in which not less
			 than 100 members of the Armed Forces were exposed to a toxic substance
			 that resulted in at least one case of a disability that a member of the
			 medical profession has determined to be associated with that toxic
			 substance.
			(b)LimitationThe declassification authorized by subsection (a) shall be limited to information necessary for an
			 individual who was potentially exposed to a toxic substance to determine
			 the following:
				(1)Whether that individual was exposed to that toxic substance.
				(2)The potential severity of the exposure of that individual to that toxic substance.
				(3)Any potential health conditions that may have resulted from exposure to that toxic substance.
				(c)ExceptionThe Secretary of Defense is not required to declassify documents if the Secretary determines that
			 declassification of those documents would materially and immediately
			 threaten the security of the United States.
			8.National outreach campaign on potential long-term health effects of exposure to toxic substances by
			 members of the Armed Forces and their descendantsThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of
			 Defense shall jointly conduct a national outreach and education campaign
			 directed towards members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their family
			 members to communicate the following information:
			(1)Information on—
				(A)incidents of exposure of members of the Armed Forces to toxic substances;
				(B)health conditions resulting from such exposure; and
				(C)the potential long-term effects of such exposure on the individuals exposed to those substances and
			 the descendants of those individuals.
				(2)Information on the national center established under section 3 of this Act for individuals eligible
			 for treatment at the center.


110 HR 6346 IH: Federal Price Gouging Prevention

U.S. House of Representatives
2008-06-23
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.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6346
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 23, 2008
			Mr. Stupak introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Education and Labor, 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 protect consumers from price-gouging of gasoline and
		  other fuels, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Federal Price Gouging Prevention
			 Act.
		2.Unconscionable pricing
			 of gasoline and other petroleum distillates during emergencies
			(a)Unconscionable
			 pricing
				(1)In
			 generalIt shall be unlawful
			 for any person to sell, at wholesale or at retail in an area and during a
			 period of an energy emergency, gasoline or any other petroleum distillate
			 covered by a proclamation issued under paragraph (2) at a price that—
					(A)is unconscionably
			 excessive; and
					(B)indicates the
			 seller is taking unfair advantage of the circumstances related to an energy
			 emergency to increase prices unreasonably.
					(2)Energy emergency
			 proclamation
					(A)In
			 generalThe President may issue an energy emergency proclamation
			 for any area within the jurisdiction of the United States, during which the
			 prohibition in paragraph (1) shall apply. The proclamation shall state the
			 geographic area covered, the gasoline or other petroleum distillate covered,
			 and the time period that such proclamation shall be in effect.
					(B)DurationThe proclamation—
						(i)may
			 not apply for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, but may be renewed for
			 such consecutive periods, each not to exceed 30 days, as the President
			 determines appropriate; and
						(ii)may
			 include a period of time not to exceed 1 week preceding a reasonably
			 foreseeable emergency.
						(3)Factors
			 consideredIn determining whether a person has violated paragraph
			 (1), there shall be taken into account, among other factors—
					(A)whether the amount charged by such person
			 for the applicable gasoline or other petroleum distillate at a particular
			 location in an area covered by a proclamation issued under paragraph (2) during
			 the period such proclamation is in effect—
						(i)grossly exceeds
			 the average price at which the applicable gasoline or other petroleum
			 distillate was offered for sale by that person during the 30 days prior to such
			 proclamation;
						(ii)grossly exceeds the price at which the same
			 or similar gasoline or other petroleum distillate was readily obtainable in the
			 same area from other competing sellers during the same period;
						(iii)reasonably reflected additional costs, not
			 within the control of that person, that were paid, incurred, or reasonably
			 anticipated by that person, or reflected additional risks taken by that person
			 to produce, distribute, obtain, or sell such product under the circumstances;
			 and
						(iv)was substantially attributable to local,
			 regional, national, or international market conditions; and
						(B)whether the quantity of gasoline or other
			 petroleum distillate the person produced, distributed, or sold in an area
			 covered by a proclamation issued under paragraph (2) during a 30-day period
			 following the issuance of such proclamation increased over the quantity that
			 that person produced, distributed, or sold during the 30 days prior to such
			 proclamation, taking into account usual seasonal demand variations.
					(b)DefinitionsAs
			 used in this section—
				(1)the term
			 wholesale, with respect to sales of gasoline or other petroleum
			 distillates, means either truckload or smaller sales of gasoline or petroleum
			 distillates where title transfers at a product terminal or a refinery, and
			 dealer tank wagon sales of gasoline or petroleum distillates priced on a
			 delivered basis to retail outlets; and
				(2)the term retail, with respect
			 to sales of gasoline or other petroleum distillates, includes all sales to end
			 users such as motorists as well as all direct sales to other end users such as
			 agriculture, industry, residential, and commercial consumers.
				(c)ConstructionAs described in this section, a sale of
			 gasoline or other petroleum distillate does not include a transaction on a
			 futures market.
			3.Enforcement by
			 the Federal Trade Commission
			(a)Enforcement by
			 FTCA violation of section 2
			 shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act
			 or practice prescribed under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade
			 Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)). The Federal Trade Commission shall
			 enforce this Act in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same
			 jurisdiction as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade
			 Commission Act were incorporated into and made a part of this Act. In enforcing
			 section 2(a) of this Act, the Commission shall give priority to enforcement
			 actions concerning companies with total United States wholesale or retail sales
			 of gasoline and other petroleum distillates in excess of $500,000,000 per
			 year.
			(b)Civil
			 penalties
				(1)In
			 generalNotwithstanding the
			 penalties set forth under the Federal Trade Commission Act, any person who
			 violates this Act with actual knowledge or knowledge fairly implied on the
			 basis of objective circumstances shall be subject to the following
			 penalties:
					(A)Price gouging;
			 unjust profitsAny person who
			 violates section 2(a) shall be subject to—
						(i)a fine of not more than 3 times the amount
			 of profits gained by such person through such violation; or
						(ii)a fine of not more than $3,000,000.
						(B)False
			 informationAny person who violates section 2(b) shall be subject
			 to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000,000.
					(2)MethodThe
			 penalties provided by paragraph (1) shall be obtained in the same manner as
			 civil penalties obtained under section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act
			 (15 U.S.C. 45).
				(3)Multiple
			 offenses; mitigating factorsIn assessing the penalty provided by
			 subsection (a)—
					(A)each day of a
			 continuing violation shall be considered a separate violation; and
					(B)the court shall take into consideration,
			 among other factors, the seriousness of the violation and the efforts of the
			 person committing the violation to remedy the harm caused by the violation in a
			 timely manner.
					4.Criminal
			 penalties
			(a)In
			 generalIn addition to any
			 penalty applicable under section 3, any person who violates section 2 shall be
			 fined under title 18, United States Code—
				(1)if a corporation,
			 not to exceed $150,000,000; and
				(2)if an individual
			 not to exceed $2,000,000, or imprisoned for not more than 10 years, or
			 both.
				(b)EnforcementThe
			 criminal penalty provided by subsection (a) may be imposed only pursuant to a
			 criminal action brought by the Attorney General or other officer of the
			 Department of Justice.
			5.Enforcement at
			 retail level by State attorneys general
			(a)In
			 generalA State, as parens
			 patriae, may bring a civil action on behalf of its residents in an appropriate
			 district court of the United States to enforce the provisions of section 2(a)
			 of this Act, or to impose the civil penalties authorized by section 3(b)(1)(B),
			 whenever the attorney general of the State has reason to believe that the
			 interests of the residents of the State have been or are being threatened or
			 adversely affected by a violation of this Act or a regulation under this Act,
			 involving a retail sale.
			(b)NoticeThe
			 State shall serve written notice to the Federal Trade Commission of any civil
			 action under subsection (a) prior to initiating such civil action. The notice
			 shall include a copy of the complaint to be filed to initiate such civil
			 action, except that if it is not feasible for the State to provide such prior
			 notice, the State shall provide such notice immediately upon instituting such
			 civil action.
			(c)Authority To
			 interveneUpon receiving the notice required by subsection (b),
			 the Federal Trade Commission may intervene in such civil action and upon
			 intervening—
				(1)be
			 heard on all matters arising in such civil action; and
				(2)file petitions for
			 appeal of a decision in such civil action.
				(d)ConstructionFor
			 purposes of bringing any civil action under subsection (a), nothing in this
			 section shall prevent the attorney general of a State from exercising the
			 powers conferred on the attorney general by the laws of such State to conduct
			 investigations or to administer oaths or affirmations or to compel the
			 attendance of witnesses or the production of documentary and other
			 evidence.
			(e)Venue; service
			 of processIn a civil action brought under subsection (a)—
				(1)the venue shall be
			 a judicial district in which—
					(A)the defendant
			 operates;
					(B)the defendant was
			 authorized to do business; or
					(C)the defendant in
			 the civil action is found;
					(2)process may be
			 served without regard to the territorial limits of the district or of the State
			 in which the civil action is instituted; and
				(3)a
			 person who participated with the defendant in an alleged violation that is
			 being litigated in the civil action may be joined in the civil action without
			 regard to the residence of the person.
				(f)Limitation on
			 State action while Federal action is pendingIf the Federal Trade
			 Commission has instituted a civil action or an administrative action for
			 violation of this Act, no State attorney general, or official or agency of a
			 State, may bring an action under this subsection during the pendency of that
			 action against any defendant named in the complaint of the Federal Trade
			 Commission or the other agency for any violation of this Act alleged in the
			 complaint.
			(g)Enforcement of
			 State LawNothing contained in this section shall prohibit an
			 authorized State official from proceeding in State court to enforce a civil or
			 criminal statute of such State.
			6.Low Income energy
			 assistanceAmounts collected
			 in fines and penalties under section 3 of this Act shall be deposited in a
			 separate fund in the treasury to be known as the Consumer Relief Trust Fund. To
			 the extent provided for in advance in appropriations Acts, the fund shall be
			 used to provide assistance under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
			 administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
		7.Effect on other
			 laws
			(a)Other authority
			 of Federal Trade CommissionNothing in this Act shall be
			 construed to limit or affect in any way the Federal Trade Commission’s
			 authority to bring enforcement actions or take any other measure under the
			 Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) or any other provision of
			 law.
			(b)State
			 lawNothing in this Act preempts any State law.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4696
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 25, 2012
			Mr. Graves of
			 Missouri introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on product mixtures
		  containing Clothianidin.

		1.Product mixtures containing
			 Clothianidin
			(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:

								9902.01.00Product mixtures containing Clothianidin:
						(E)‑N‑[(2‑Chloro-1,3‑thiazol‑5‑yl)methyl]‑N‑ methyl[oxido (oxo)hydrazono]
						methanediamine or N‑[(2‑Chloro-1,3‑thiazol‑5‑yl)
						methyl]‑N‑{(E)-(methylamino) [oxido(oxo)hydrazono] methyl}amine (CAS No.
						210880–92–5), including application adjuvants (provided for in subheading
						3808.91.50)FreeNo changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2015

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


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6383
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 29, 2010
			Mrs. Schmidt
			 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce

		A BILL
		To assist the State of Ohio in conducting a bed bug
		  prevention and mitigation program.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Bed Bug Prevention and Mitigation
			 Pilot Program Act.
		2.Bed bug
			 prevention and mitigation pilot program
			(a)Grant
			 requiredUsing such amounts
			 as may be appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in
			 subsection (e), the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall
			 make a grant to the State of Ohio to support a pilot program under which
			 political subdivisions of the State and housing authorities in the State use
			 the grant funds to supplement on-going bed bug prevention and mitigation
			 activities.
			(b)Distribution of
			 FundsAs a condition on the
			 receipt of the grant under subsection (a), the State of Ohio shall charge the
			 Ohio Department of Agriculture, working in conjunction with the Ohio Department
			 of Health, to distribute the grant funds to political subdivisions and housing
			 authorities addressing persistent bed bug infestations and whose residents lack
			 the financial resources to adequately mitigate bed bug infestations without
			 assistance.
			(c)Use of
			 FundsGrant funds may be used
			 to—
				(1)retain commercial applicators of pesticides
			 (as defined in section 2(e)(3) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
			 Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136(e)(3))) to perform bed bug prevention and
			 mitigation activities that are proven and effective against bed bugs;
				(2)purchase and
			 distribute mattress covers;
				(3)dispose of and
			 replace bed beg infested material;
				(4)conduct bed bug
			 monitoring activities; and
				(5)treat used
			 mattresses and furniture using methods proven to control all life stages of bed
			 bugs.
				(d)Data collection
			 and report
				(1)Data
			 collectionAfter the end of
			 fiscal year 2012, the Administrator shall collect from the State of Ohio the
			 following data:
					(A)The number of political subdivisions and
			 housing authorities receiving grant funds and total funds awarded to each
			 political subdivision and housing authority.
					(B)The criteria used to award funds to such
			 political subdivisions and housing authorities.
					(C)The success
			 achieved in reducing bed bug infestation and the methods used to manage bed bug
			 infestation.
					(D)Documented results
			 of intervention efforts with some measurement of infestation rates both before
			 and after intervention.
					(2)Report to
			 congressNot later than
			 September 30, 2013, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report setting
			 forth the data collected under paragraph (1).
				(e)Authorization of
			 AppropriationsThere are
			 authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $500,000 for each of fiscal
			 years 2011 and 2012 to make grants under subsection (a).


100 HR 3643 IH: Undetectable Firearms Modernization Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-12-03
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.

I113th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3643IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESDecember 3, 2013Mr. Israel (for himself and Mr. King of New York) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo reauthorize the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 for 10 years and to close a loophole in the Act.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Undetectable Firearms Modernization Act of 2013.2.Amendments to prohibition on undetectable firearms(a)Extension of sunset provisionSection 2(f)(2) of the Undetectable Firearms Act of 1988 (Public Law 100–649; 18 U.S.C. 922 note) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking 25 and inserting 35.(b)Other amendmentsSection 922(p) of title 18, United States Code, is amended—(1)in paragraph (1)—(A)in subparagraph (A), by striking grips, stocks, and magazines and inserting all parts other than major components; and(B)in subparagraph (B), by striking when subjected to inspection by the types of x-ray machines commonly used at airports, does not generate and inserting the following: if subjected to inspection by the types of detection devices commonly used at airports for security screening, would not generate;(2)in paragraph (2)—(A)by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:(B)the term major component, with respect to a firearm—(i)means the slide or cylinder, or the frame or receiver of the firearm; and(ii)in the case of a rifle or shotgun, includes the barrel of the firearm; and; and(B)by striking subparagraph (C) and the proviso that follows and inserting the following:(C)the term Security Exemplar means an object, to be fabricated at the direction of the Attorney General, that is—(i)constructed of 3.7 ounces of material type 17–4 PH stainless steel in a shape resembling a handgun; and(ii)suitable for testing and calibrating metal detectors.;(3)in paragraph (3)—(A)in the first sentence, by inserting after of a firearm the following: , including a prototype,; and(B)by striking the second sentence; and(4)in paragraph (5), by striking shall not apply to any firearm which and all that follows and inserting the following: “shall not apply to—(A)any firearm received by, in the possession of, or under the control of the United States; or(B)the manufacture, importation, possession, transfer, receipt, shipment, or delivery of a firearm by a licensed manufacturer or licensed importer pursuant to an existing contract with the United States..


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5457
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			May 7, 2012
			Mr. Murphy of
			 Pennsylvania introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Ways and
			 Means

		A BILL
		To suspend temporarily the duty on pigments based on
		  titanium dioxide.

		1.Pigments based on titanium
			 dioxide
			(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:

								9902.01.00Pigments based on titanium dioxide (CAS No. 13463–67–7)
						(provided for in subheading 3206.11.00)FreeNo
						changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2015

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


116 S3496 IS: Preventing Layoffs During a Public Health Emergency Act of 2020
U.S. Senate
2020-03-12
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3496IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 12, 2020Mr. Reed (for himself, Mr. Whitehouse, and Mr. Sanders) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo provide for Federal financing of short-time compensation programs during public health emergencies.1.Short title; table of contents(a)In generalThis Act may be cited as the Preventing Layoffs During a Public Health Emergency Act of 2020.(b)Table of contentsThe table of contents of this Act is as follows:Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.Sec. 2. Federal financing of short-time compensation payments during a public health emergency in States with programs in law.Sec. 3. Temporary Federal financing of short-time compensation agreements during a public health emergency.Sec. 4. Assistance and guidance in implementing short-time compensation programs.2.Federal financing of short-time compensation payments during a public health emergency in States with programs in law(a)Payments to States(1)In generalSubject to paragraph (3) and subsections (b) and (c), there shall be paid to a State an amount equal to 100 percent of the amount of short-time compensation paid under a short-time compensation program (as defined in section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) under the provisions of the State law in any area of the State for which a public health emergency has been declared.(2)Terms of paymentsPayments made to a State under paragraph (1) shall be payable by way of reimbursement in such amounts as the Secretary estimates the State will be entitled to receive under this section for each calendar month, reduced or increased, as the case may be, by any amount by which the Secretary finds that the Secretary’s estimates for any prior calendar month were greater or less than the amounts which should have been paid to the State. Such estimates may be made on the basis of such statistical, sampling, or other method as may be agreed upon by the Secretary and the State agency of the State involved.(3)Limitations on payments(A)General payment limitationsNo payments shall be made to a State under this section for short-time compensation paid to an individual by the State during a benefit year in excess of 26 times the amount of regular compensation (including dependents’ allowances) under the State law payable to such individual for a week of total unemployment.(B)Employer limitationsNo payments shall be made to a State under this section for benefits paid to an individual by the State under a short-time compensation program if such individual is employed by the participating employer on a seasonal, temporary, or intermittent basis.(b)Applicability during a public health emergency and for 1 year after the end of such emergencyPayments to a State under subsection (a) shall be available, with respect to an area, for weeks of unemployment—(1)beginning on or after the date of the declaration of a public health emergency for the area (but in no case earlier than the date of the enactment of this Act); and(2)ending on or before the date that is 1 year after the date of the termination of such declaration for such area.(c)New programsSubject to subsection (b), if at any point after the date of enactment of this Act a State enacts a State law providing for the payment of short-time compensation under a short-time compensation program that meets the definition of such a program under section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the State shall be eligible for payments under this section after the effective date of such enactment.(d)Funding and certifications(1)FundingThere are appropriated, out of moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary for purposes of carrying out this section.(2)CertificationsThe Secretary shall from time to time certify to the Secretary of the Treasury for payment to each State the sums payable to such State under this section.(e)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Public health emergencyThe term public health emergency means a public health emergency declared for an area by—(A)the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d); or (B)a State public health official with the authority to declare such an emergency for the area. (2)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Labor.(3)State; State agency; State lawThe terms State, State agency, and State law have the meanings given those terms in section 205 of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note).(f)Technical correction to definitionSection 3306(v)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 3306) is amended by striking Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and inserting Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.3.Temporary Federal financing of short-time compensation agreements during a public health emergency(a)Federal-State agreements(1)In generalAny State which desires to do so may enter into, and participate in, an agreement under this section with the Secretary provided that such State’s law does not provide for the payment of short-time compensation under a short-time compensation program (as defined in section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).(2)Ability to terminateAny State which is a party to an agreement under this section may, upon providing 30 days’ written notice to the Secretary, terminate such agreement.(b)Provisions of Federal-State agreement(1)In generalSubject to paragraph (2) and subsections (d) and (e), any agreement under this section shall provide that the State agency of the State will make payments of short-time compensation under a plan approved by the State in any area of the State for which a public health emergency has been declared. Such plan shall provide that payments are made in accordance with the requirements under section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.(2)Limitations on plans(A)General payment limitationsA short-time compensation plan approved by a State shall not permit the payment of short-time compensation to an individual by the State during a benefit year in excess of 26 times the amount of regular compensation (including dependents’ allowances) under the State law payable to such individual for a week of total unemployment.(B)Employer limitationsA short-time compensation plan approved by a State shall not provide payments to an individual if such individual is employed by the participating employer on a seasonal, temporary, or intermittent basis.(3)Employer payment of costsAny short-time compensation plan entered into by an employer must provide that the employer will pay the State an amount equal to one-half of the amount of short-time compensation paid under such plan. Such amount shall be deposited in the State’s unemployment fund and shall not be used for purposes of calculating an employer’s contribution rate under section 3303(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.(c)Payments to States(1)In generalThere shall be paid to each State with an agreement under this section an amount equal to—(A)one-half of the amount of short-time compensation paid to individuals by the State pursuant to such agreement; and(B)any additional administrative expenses incurred by the State by reason of such agreement (as determined by the Secretary).(2)Terms of paymentsPayments made to a State under paragraph (1) shall be payable by way of reimbursement in such amounts as the Secretary estimates the State will be entitled to receive under this section for each calendar month, reduced or increased, as the case may be, by any amount by which the Secretary finds that the Secretary’s estimates for any prior calendar month were greater or less than the amounts which should have been paid to the State. Such estimates may be made on the basis of such statistical, sampling, or other method as may be agreed upon by the Secretary and the State agency of the State involved.(3)FundingThere are appropriated, out of moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary for purposes of carrying out this section.(4)CertificationsThe Secretary shall from time to time certify to the Secretary of the Treasury for payment to each State the sums payable to such State under this section.(d)Applicability during a public health emergency and for 1 year after the end of such emergency(1)In generalSubject to paragraph (2), after an agreement is entered into under this section, such agreement shall apply, with respect to an area, to weeks of unemployment—(A)beginning on or after the date of the declaration of a public health emergency for the area; and(B)ending on or before the date that is 1 year after the date of the termination of such declaration for such area.(2)TerminationNo payments shall be made under an agreement under this section for weeks of unemployment beginning on or after the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act.(e)Special ruleIf a State has entered into an agreement under this section and subsequently enacts a State law providing for the payment of short-time compensation under a short-time compensation program that meets the definition of such a program under section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the State—(1)shall not be eligible for payments under this section for weeks of unemployment beginning after the effective date of such State law; and(2)shall be eligible to receive payments under the provisions of section 2 after the effective date of such State law.(f)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Public health emergencyThe term public health emergency means a public health emergency declared for an area by—(A)the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d); or (B)a State public health official with the authority to declare such an emergency for the area. (2)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Labor.(3)State; State agency; State lawThe terms State, State agency, and State law have the meanings given those terms in section 205 of the Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 3304 note).4.Assistance and guidance in implementing short-time compensation
 programs(a)In generalIn order to assist States in establishing, qualifying, and implementing short-time compensation programs (as defined in section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986), the Secretary of Labor (in this section referred to as the Secretary) shall—(1)develop model legislative language which may be used by States in developing and enacting such programs and periodically review and revise such model legislative language;(2)provide technical assistance and guidance in developing, enacting, and implementing such programs; and(3)establish reporting requirements for States, including reporting on—(A)the number of estimated averted layoffs;(B)the number of participating employers and workers; and(C)such other items as the Secretary of Labor determines are appropriate.(b)Model language and guidanceThe model language and guidance developed under subsection (a) shall allow sufficient flexibility by States and participating employers while ensuring accountability and program integrity.(c)ConsultationIn developing the model legislative language and guidance under subsection (a), and in order to meet the requirements of subsection (b), the Secretary shall consult with employers, labor organizations, State workforce agencies, and other program experts.


117 S55 IS: To repeal the provision of law that provides automatic pay adjustments for Members of Congress.
U.S. Senate
2021-01-26
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 55IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJanuary 26, 2021Mr. Scott of Florida (for himself, Mr. Hawley, and Mr. Braun) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental AffairsA BILLTo repeal the provision of law that provides automatic pay adjustments for Members of Congress.1.Elimination of automatic pay
			 adjustments for Members of Congress(a)In
 generalParagraph (2) of section 601(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 4501) is repealed.(b)Technical and
 conforming amendmentsSection 601(a)(1) of such Act is amended—(1)by striking (a)(1) and inserting (a);(2)by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively; and(3)by striking as adjusted by paragraph (2) of this subsection and inserting adjusted as provided by law.(c)Effective
 dateThis section and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date on which the 118th Congress convenes.


110 HR 5905 IH: CARS Act of 2008
U.S. House of Representatives
2008-04-24
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5905
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 24, 2008
			Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart of
			 Florida (for himself, Mr.
			 Kirk, Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of
			 Florida, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen,
			 Mr. Keller of Florida,
			 Mr. Tim Murphy of Pennsylvania,
			 Mr. Alexander, and
			 Mr. Doolittle) 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
		  individuals a deduction for commuting expenses.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Commuter Aid and Relief for Suburbs
			 Act of 2008 or as the CARS Act of 2008.
		2.Deduction for certain
			 commuting expenses of individuals
			(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.Certain
				commuting expenses
						(a)In
				generalIn the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a
				deduction an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the amount paid or
				incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year for qualified commuting
				expenses of the taxpayer, his spouse, and dependents.
						(b)Applicable
				percentageFor purposes of this section—
							(1)In
				generalThe term applicable percentage means, with
				respect to the expenses of any individual in connection with a round-trip
				commute of a certain number of miles, the percentage determined in accordance
				with the following table:

											In the case of aThe applicable

											 round-trip commute of:percentage
						  is:

											Less than 10
						  miles10
						  percent

											At least 10
						  miles, but not greater than 15 miles30 percent

											At least 15
						  miles, but not greater than 25 miles50 percent

											At least 25
						  miles75
						  percent.

							(2)Special rule for
				high gas mileage vehicles and carpoolersNotwithstanding
				paragraph (1), the applicable percentage shall be 100 percent with respect to
				any round-trip commute which is made—
								(A)in a motor vehicle
				which has a gasoline equivalent fuel efficiency of more than 40 miles per
				gallon, or
								(B)in a motor vehicle
				while carrying carpooling passengers.
								(c)Definitions
				related to commutingFor purposes of this section—
							(1)Qualified
				commuting expensesThe term qualified commuting
				expenses means reasonable expenses paid or incurred for transportation
				in connection with travel between an individual’s residence and place of
				employment.
							(2)Round-trip
				commuteThe term round trip commute means the
				reasonable driving distance from an individual’s residence to such individual’s
				place of employment and back to such residence.
							.
			(b)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. Certain commuting
				expenses.

					.
			(c)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable
			 years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		III
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 182
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 1, 2007
			Mrs. Feinstein (for
			 herself, Mr. Specter,
			 Mr. Leahy, Mr.
			 Hatch, Mrs. Boxer,
			 Mr. Cornyn, Mr.
			 Kennedy, Mr. Durbin,
			 Mr. Dodd, Mr.
			 Kerry, Ms. Stabenow,
			 Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Harkin, Ms.
			 Landrieu, Mr. Menendez, and
			 Mr. Coleman) submitted the following
			 resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		Honoring the life of Jack
		  Valenti.

		Whereas Jack Valenti was born September 5, 1921, in
			 Houston, Texas, the grandson of Sicilian immigrants, Joe and Josephine Valenti,
			 and was the youngest high school graduate in the city at age 15;
		Whereas Jack Valenti married his beloved Mary Margaret in
			 1962, with whom he had 3 children, John, Alexandra, and Courtenay;
		Whereas Jack Valenti joined the United States Army Air
			 Forces in 1942 and flew 51 combat missions as a pilot of a B–25 attack bomber
			 with the 12th Air Force in Italy during World War II, obtained the rank of
			 lieutenant, and received 4 decorations, including the Distinguished Flying
			 Cross, the Air Medal with 4 clusters, the Distinguished Unit Citation with one
			 cluster, and the European Theater Ribbon with 4 battle stars;
		Whereas Jack Valenti received a B.A. degree from the
			 University of Houston in 1946 after doing all of his undergraduate work at
			 night and working during the day, and became the first University of Houston
			 graduate to be admitted to Harvard Business School, receiving an M.B.A. degree
			 in 1948;
		Whereas, in 1952, Jack Valenti cofounded Weekley and
			 Valenti, an advertising and political consulting agency that worked on Dwight
			 D. Eisenhower's presidential campaign in Texas, Representative Albert Thomas's
			 run for Congress, and John Connally's campaign for Governor of Texas;
		Whereas Jack Valenti met then-Senate Majority Leader
			 Lyndon B. Johnson in 1957, the two became close friends, and Valenti worked on
			 Lyndon Johnson's presidential campaign during the primaries of 1960;
		Whereas Weekley and Valenti handled press during President
			 John F. Kennedy’s and Vice President Lyndon Johnson’s fateful trip to Dallas,
			 Texas, in November 1963;
		Whereas Jack Valenti became the first special assistant
			 hired when Lyndon Johnson ascended to the Presidency;
		Whereas Jack Valenti resigned his White House post in 1966
			 and went on to serve as the president of the Motion Picture Association of
			 America (MPAA) for the next 38 years;
		Whereas Jack Valenti, as president of the MPAA, created
			 the voluntary film rating system that is still in place today, which provides
			 parents with advance information they can use to determine which movies are
			 appropriate for their children;
		Whereas Jack Valenti’s persona and skill combined to give
			 the motion picture industry a strong and enduring presence in the Nation’s
			 capital, which grew year by year during his nearly 4 decade tenure at the
			 MPAA;
		Whereas Jack Valenti presided over a worldwide change in
			 the motion picture industry, ushered movies into the digital era, championed
			 artists’ rights, and condemned intellectual property theft;
		Whereas Jack Valenti authored 5 books, including A
			 Very Human President, Protect and Defend, The
			 Bitter Taste Of Glory, Speak Up With Confidence, and,
			 his most recent, This Time, This Place: My Life in War, the White House,
			 and Hollywood, and wrote numerous essays for the New York Times, the
			 Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Reader's Digest, Atlantic Monthly,
			 Newsweek, Cox newspapers, and other publications;
		Whereas Jack Valenti was awarded with France’s
			 highly-prized Legion d'Honneur, the French Legion of Honor, and has been
			 honored with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; and
		Whereas Jack Valenti will be remembered as a dedicated
			 family man, a philanthropist, a voice for copyright owners, a true visionary
			 whose devotion, intelligence, creativity, and wisdom transformed the film
			 industry, and as Hollywood’s ultimate leading man: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate honors the life of
			 Jack Valenti, a pioneer in the fields of motion pictures and public service, a
			 dedicated family man, and a legendary figure in the history of the United
			 States.


110 HR 4908 IH: To suspend temporarily the duty on Lauroyl Peroxide.
U.S. House of Representatives
2007-12-19
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
110th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 4908
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 19, 2007
Mr. Lampson introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To suspend temporarily the duty on Lauroyl Peroxide.

1.Lauroyl Peroxide
(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._._Lauroyl Peroxide (CAS No. 105–74–8) (provided for in subheading 2915.90.10)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.


108 S3501 ES: To provide a 77-day extension of certain authorities for foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations, and for other purposes.
U.S. Senate

text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3501IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESAN ACTTo provide a 77-day extension of certain authorities for foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations, and for other purposes.1.Seventy-seven-day extension of authority to access certain business records for foreign intelligence and international terrorism investigations and for roving surveillanceSection 102(b)(1) of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–177; 50 U.S.C. 1805 note) is amended by striking March 15, 2020 and inserting May 30, 2020.2.Seventy-seven-day extension of authority for individual terrorists to be treated as agents of foreign powers under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978Section 6001(b)(1) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–458; 50 U.S.C. 1801 note) is amended by striking March 15, 2020 and inserting May 30, 2020.3.Effective dateThis Act and the amendments made by this Act take effect on March 14, 2020.Passed the Senate March 16, 2020.Secretary


113 HR 2691 IH: To amend certain appropriation Acts to repeal the requirement directing the Administrator of General Services to sell Federal property and assets that support the operations of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in Plum Island, New York, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-07-16
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. 2691
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 16, 2013
Mr. Bishop of New York (for himself, Mr. Courtney, and Mr. Grimm) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security

A BILL
To amend certain appropriation Acts to repeal the requirement directing the Administrator of General Services to sell Federal property and assets that support the operations of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in Plum Island, New York, and for other purposes.

1.FindingsCongress finds the following:
(1)The Federal Government has owned Plum Island since 1899.
(2)Since 1954, the Animal Disease Center on Plum Island has conducted first-rate scientific research on a variety of infectious animal-borne diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease, resulting, most recently, in the development of a new cell line that rapidly and reliably detects this highly debilitating disease of livestock.
(3)The safety record of the Center is unparalleled, with no accidental releases reaching the mainland in the history of the Center.
(4)$23,200,000 in Federal funds have been spent on upgrades to, and the maintenance of, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center since January 2012, and significant investments in the Center in the next five years are likely.
(5)In addition to the Animal Disease Center, Plum Island contains cultural, historical, ecological, and natural resources of regional and national significance.
(6)Plum Island is situated where the Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay meet, each being estuaries that are part of the National Estuary Program, reflecting each natural system's nationally significant environmental and economic values to the region.
(7)The Federal Government has invested hundreds of millions of Federal funds over the last two decades to make long-term improvements with respect to the conservation and management needs of Long Island Sound and Peconic Bay.
(8)Due to cleanup costs from past Center activities and the zoning proposed by the town of Southold, New York, prohibiting residental or commercial development, the Federal Government will receive very little to no compensation from the sale of Plum Island.
2.Repeal of requirement to sell certain Federal property in Plum Island, New York
(a)Repeal in Public Law 110–329Section 540 of title V of division D of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 (Public Law 110–329; 122 Stat. 3688) is repealed.
(b)Repeal in Public Law 112–74Section 538 of title V of division D of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112–74; 125 Stat. 976) is repealed.


110 HRES 1493 IH: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Voter Awareness Week.
U.S. House of Representatives
2008-09-24
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1493
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 24, 2008
Mr. Space (for himself and Mr. Jones of North Carolina) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration

RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a National Voter Awareness Week.

Whereas the Framers established the United States as a representative democracy with the fundamental principle of civic engagement on the part of all eligible citizens;
Whereas an essential element of an effective democracy is the ability of each eligible and qualified citizen to be able to vote in fair and open elections;
Whereas Congress has passed important election laws dedicated to increasing the transparency of the election process, strengthening our voting systems, and protecting the right of all citizens to vote, such as the Help America Vote Act of 2002, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965;
Whereas the 26th amendment to the United States Constitution states that the “right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on the account of age”;
Whereas Minnesota, Maine, New Hampshire, Idaho, Wisconsin, and Wyoming allow same-day registration of voters at the polls, and also experience the highest voter turnout rates in the country;
Whereas most States have 30-day voter registration deadlines, therefore the public must be informed of their local and State election laws in September to participate fully in the Federal elections in November;
Whereas experts estimate that more than 20 percent of voters nationwide will cast their ballots before election day in November 2008 by mail or at early-voting locations, a proportion of the electorate that is rising with each election;
Whereas many election officials note that early voting is convenient for voters, increases turnout, and reduces the strain on polling places and poll workers on election day;
Whereas, according to FairVote, a nonpartisan voting and democracy resource center, voter turnout in the United States is lower than in other developed nations, ranking 20th out of 21 in voter turnout among such nations; and
Whereas Senate bill 1901 in the 102d Congress proposed to amend section 6103 of title 5, United States Code, to establish Democracy Day as a legal public holiday on election day, in recognition of the need for increased participation of an educated electorate to preserve the legitimacy of democracy: Now, therefore, be it

That—
(1)it is the sense of the House of Representatives that—
(A)there should be established a National Voter Awareness Week; and
(B)the President should issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe National Voter Awareness Week with appropriate programs and activities including helping State and local institutions deliver sample ballots, voter registration forms, absentee ballots, and other education materials to all eligible voters; and
(2)the House of Representatives encourages all grassroots organizations and educational, cultural, and community institutions to promote voter awareness and registration programs that befit local election procedure.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5642
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 30, 2010
			Mr. Filner (for
			 himself and Mr. Buyer) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To codify increases in the rates of pension for disabled
		  veterans and surviving spouses and children that were effective as of December
		  1, 2009.

		1.Codification of 2009
			 cost-of-living adjustment in rates of pension for disabled veterans and
			 surviving spouses and children
			(a)Disabled
			 veteransSection 1521 of title 38, United States Code, is
			 amended—
				(1)in subsection (b),
			 by striking $3,550 and inserting $11,830;
				(2)in subsection
			 (c)—
					(A)by striking
			 $4,651 and inserting $15,493; and
					(B)by striking
			 $600 and inserting $2,020;
					(3)in subsection
			 (d)—
					(A)in paragraph (1),
			 by striking $5,680 and inserting $19,736;
			 and
					(B)in paragraph
			 (2)—
						(i)by
			 striking $6,781 and inserting $23,396; and
						(ii)by
			 striking $600 and inserting $2,020;
						(4)in subsection
			 (e)—
					(A)by striking
			 $4,340 and inserting $14,457;
					(B)by striking
			 $5,441 and inserting $18,120; and
					(C)by striking
			 $600 and inserting $2,020;
					(5)in subsection
			 (f)—
					(A)in paragraph (1),
			 by striking $4,651 and inserting $15,493;
					(B)in paragraph
			 (2)—
						(i)by
			 striking $6,781 and inserting $23,396; and
						(ii)by
			 striking $8,911 and inserting $30,480;
						(C)in paragraph
			 (3)—
						(i)by
			 striking $5,441 and inserting $18,120; and
						(ii)by
			 striking $6,231 and inserting $20,747;
						(D)in paragraph (4),
			 by striking $7,571 and inserting $26,018;
			 and
					(E)in paragraph (5),
			 by striking $600 and inserting $2,020; and
					(6)in subsection (g),
			 by striking $800 and inserting $2,686.
				(b)Surviving
			 spousesSection 1541 of such title is amended—
				(1)in subsection (b),
			 by striking $2,379 and inserting $7,933;
				(2)in subsection
			 (c)—
					(A)by striking
			 $3,116 and inserting $10,385; and
					(B)by striking
			 $600 and inserting $2,020;
					(3)in subsection
			 (d)—
					(A)in paragraph (1),
			 by striking $3,806 and inserting $12,681;
			 and
					(B)in paragraph
			 (2)—
						(i)by
			 striking $4,543 and inserting $15,128; and
						(ii)by
			 striking $600 and inserting $2,020; and
						(4)in subsection
			 (e)(1)—
					(A)by striking
			 $2,908 and inserting $9,696;
					(B)by striking
			 $3,645 and inserting $12,144; and
					(C)by striking
			 $600 and inserting $2,020.
					(c)Surviving
			 childrenSection 1542 of such title is amended by striking
			 $600 and inserting $2,020 both places it
			 appears.
			(d)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by
			 subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall apply with respect to pensions paid on or
			 after December 1, 2009.


116 S3791 IS: National Guard COVID–19 Response Stability Act
U.S. Senate
2020-05-20
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.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3791IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 20, 2020Ms. Duckworth (for herself, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Warner, Mr. Menendez, Ms. Warren, Mr. Brown, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Peters, Mr. Durbin, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Sanders, Ms. Sinema, Mrs. Feinstein, Ms. Baldwin, and Mr. Merkley) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed ServicesA BILLTo extend the period in which Governors of States may order members of the National Guard to active duty in connection with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19), and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the National Guard COVID–19 Response Stability Act.2.Extension of period in which Governors of States may order members of the National Guard to active duty in connection with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19)(a)In generalThe period in which the Governor of a State may order members of the National Guard to active duty under section 502(f) of title 32, United States Code, for duty in connection with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) public health emergency in accordance with, and in a manner covered by, the Memoranda on Providing Federal Support for Governors' Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID–19 shall extend through the date that is 30 days after the termination of that public health emergency.(b)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)The term Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) public health emergency means the public health emergency under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) that was declared on January 31, 2020, and renewed on April 21, 2020, in connection with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19).(2)The term Memoranda on Providing Federal Support for Governors' Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID–19 means the memoranda of the President on the provision of Federal support for Governors' use of the National Guard to respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19), including such memoranda issued on March 22, March 28, March 30, April 2, April 7, April 13, April 20, April 28, and May 8, 2020, and any successor memorandum.(3)The term Governor of a State means the following:(A)The Governor of a State or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, or the Virgin Islands.(B)The commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard.


110 HR 2029 IH: To facilitate the restoration of the native ecosystem on

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-04-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 2029
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 25, 2007
			Mrs. Capps introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To facilitate the restoration of the native ecosystem on
		  Santa Rosa Island within Channel Islands National Park, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Repeal of public law
			 109–364Section 1077(c) of
			 Public Law 109–364 is repealed.