		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3382
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			November 4, 2011
			Mrs. Davis of
			 California (for herself, Mr.
			 Meeks, Ms. DeGette,
			 Mr. Holt, and
			 Mr. Faleomavaega) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and
			 Infrastructure

		A BILL
		To prohibit smoking in and around Federal
		  buildings.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Smoke-Free Federal Buildings
			 Act.
		2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
			(1)Tobacco smoke
			 contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 69 carcinogens.
			(2)Secondhand smoke
			 is responsible for almost 50,000 deaths in the United States each year.
			(3)In 2006, the
			 Surgeon General of the United States concluded that there is no safe level of
			 exposure to secondhand smoke.
			(4)Secondhand smoke
			 causes lung cancer and heart disease among adults who do not smoke.
			(5)Workplaces are a
			 major source of secondhand smoke exposure.
			(6)The Surgeon
			 General has concluded that smoke-free policies are the only effective way to
			 eliminate secondhand smoke exposure in the workplace. Separating smokers from
			 nonsmokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate
			 exposure.
			(7)An October 2009
			 report Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cardiovascular Effects: Making
			 Sense of the Evidence from the Institute of Medicine concludes that
			 smoke-free laws reduce heart attacks.
			(8)In the Ending the Tobacco Epidemic:
			 A Tobacco Control Strategic Action Plan, the Department of Health and
			 Human Services calls for a collaboration to fully implement tobacco-free
			 facility policies across the Federal Government.
			3.Smoke-free
			 Federal buildings
			(a)Smoke-Free
			 Federal buildingsNot later than 90 days after the date of the
			 enactment of this Act and except as provided in subsection (c), smoking shall
			 be prohibited in Federal buildings.
			(b)EnforcementEach agency head or a designee shall take
			 such actions as may be necessary to institute and enforce the prohibition
			 contained in subsection (a) as such prohibition applies to all Federal
			 buildings owned or leased for use by an Executive Agency.
			(c)Limited
			 exceptionThe head of an
			 executive agency may grant a limited exception to the ban on smoking in a
			 Federal building where such agency is housed if such exception relates to
			 research that may benefit public health.
			4.Preemption
			(a)In
			 generalNothing in this Act
			 is intended to preempt any provision of a law in a State or political
			 subdivision of a State that is more protective than a provision of this
			 Act.
			(b)More protective
			 lawsNothing in the Act shall
			 be interpreted as prohibiting an executive agency or department, including a
			 military installation from implementing more protective smoke-free or
			 tobacco-free laws.
			5.DefinitionsFor the purposes of this Act, the following
			 definitions apply:
			(1)Executive
			 agencyThe term executive agency has the same
			 meaning such term has under section 105 of title 5, United States Code.
			(2)Federal
			 buildingThe term Federal building means any
			 building, workplace, or other structure (or portion thereof) and 25 feet from
			 the perimeter of such building, courtyard, areas used for children’s
			 playgrounds, or structure owned, leased, or leased for use by a executive
			 agency; except that such term does not include any building or other structure
			 on a military installation located outside the United States.
			(3)Military
			 installationThe term military installation means a
			 base, camp, post, station, yard, center, homeport facility for any ship, or
			 other facility under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense, including
			 any leased facility. Such term does not include any facility used primarily for
			 civil works (including any rivers and harbors project or flood control project)
			 or buildings used by civilian defense employees.


117 HR 1181 IH: Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-02-18
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. 1181IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 18, 2021Mr. Takano introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo ensure due process protections of individuals in the United States against unlawful detention based solely on a protected characteristic.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2021.2.Prohibition against unlawful detentionSection 4001 of title 18, United States Code, is amended—(1)by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and(2)by inserting after subsection (a) the following:(b)Prohibition on detention based on protected characteristics(1)In generalNo individual may be imprisoned or otherwise detained based solely on an actual or perceived protected characteristic of the individual.(2)DefinitionIn this subsection, the term protected characteristic includes each of the following:(A)Race.(B)Ethnicity.(C)National origin.(D)Religion.(E)Sex.(F)Gender identity.(G)Sexual orientation.(H)Disability.(I)Any additional characteristic that the Attorney General determines to be a protected characteristic.(3)Rule of constructionNothing in this subsection shall be construed to allow the Attorney General to remove a characteristic described in subparagraphs (A) through (H) of paragraph (2) from the definition of the term protected characteristic under this subsection..


IV
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 580
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

June 25, 2009

RESOLUTION
Providing for the election of certain minority members to a standing committee.

That the following named Members be, and are hereby, elected to the following standing committee of the House of Represenattives:

 Committee on Education and Labor:Mr. Kline of Minnesota, to rank before Mr. Petri; and Mr. McKeon, to rank before Mr. Hoekstra.

Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.


115 HR 120 IH: Unaccompanied Alien Children Assistance Control Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-01-03
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.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 120IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 3, 2017Mr. Burgess introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign AffairsA BILLTo reduce the amount of foreign assistance to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador based on
			 the number of unaccompanied alien children who are nationals or citizens
			 of such countries and who in the preceding fiscal year are placed in
			 Federal custody by reason of their immigration status.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Unaccompanied Alien Children Assistance Control Act. 2.Reduction of amount of foreign assistance to Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador (a)In generalThe President shall reduce from amounts made available under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or any other Act and allocated for a covered country for a fiscal year an amount equal to—
 (1)the number of unaccompanied alien children who— (A)are nationals or citizens of the covered country, and
 (B)in the preceding fiscal year are placed in Federal custody by reason of their immigration status, multiplied by
 (2)$15,000. (b)DefinitionsIn this section—
 (1)the term covered country means Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, or El Salvador; and (2)the term unaccompanied alien child has the meaning given the term in section 462(g)(2) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279(g)(2)).
 (c)Effective dateThis Act takes effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and applies with respect to amounts made available under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or any other Act for fiscal year 2017 and each subsequent fiscal year.


114 HR 181 : Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-02-04
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IIB
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 181
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJanuary 28, 2015ReceivedFebruary 4, 2015Read twice and referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryAN ACT
		To provide justice for the victims of trafficking.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015. 2.Victim-centered sex trafficking deterrence grant programSection 203 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 14044b) is amended—
 (1)by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (j); (2)by striking subsections (a) through (f), and inserting the following:

 (a)Grants authorizedThe Attorney General may make grants to eligible entities to develop, improve, or expand comprehensive domestic child human trafficking deterrence programs that assist law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judicial officials, and qualified victims' services organizations in collaborating to rescue and restore the lives of victims, while investigating and prosecuting offenses involving child human trafficking.
 (b)Authorized activitiesGrants awarded under subsection (a) may be used for— (1)the establishment or enhancement of specialized training programs for law enforcement officers, first responders, health care officials, child welfare officials, juvenile justice personnel, prosecutors, and judicial personnel to—
 (A)identify victims and acts of child human trafficking; (B)address the unique needs of victims of child human trafficking;
 (C)facilitate the rescue of victims of child human trafficking; (D)investigate and prosecute acts of child human trafficking, including the soliciting, patronizing, or purchasing of commercial sex acts from children, as well as training to build cases against complex criminal networks involved in child human trafficking; and
 (E)implement and provide education on safe harbor laws enacted by States, aimed at preventing the criminalization and prosecution of victims of child human trafficking for prostitution offenses;
 (2)the establishment or enhancement of dedicated anti-child human trafficking law enforcement units and task forces to investigate child human trafficking offenses and to rescue victims, including—
 (A)funding salaries, in whole or in part, for law enforcement officers, including patrol officers, detectives, and investigators, except that the percentage of the salary of the law enforcement officer paid for by funds from a grant awarded under this section shall not be more than the percentage of the officer’s time on duty that is dedicated to working on cases involving child human trafficking;
 (B)investigation expenses for cases involving child human trafficking, including— (i)wire taps;
 (ii)consultants with expertise specific to cases involving child human trafficking; (iii)travel; and
 (iv)other technical assistance expenditures; (C)dedicated anti-child human trafficking prosecution units, including the funding of salaries for State and local prosecutors, including assisting in paying trial expenses for prosecution of child human trafficking offenses, except that the percentage of the total salary of a State or local prosecutor that is paid using an award under this section shall be not more than the percentage of the total number of hours worked by the prosecutor that is spent working on cases involving child human trafficking; and
 (D)the establishment of child human trafficking victim witness safety, assistance, and relocation programs that encourage cooperation with law enforcement investigations of crimes of child human trafficking by leveraging existing resources and delivering child human trafficking victims’ services through coordination with—
 (i)child advocacy centers; (ii)social service agencies;
 (iii)State governmental health service agencies; (iv)housing agencies;
 (v)legal services agencies; and (vi)non-governmental organizations and shelter service providers with substantial experience in delivering services to victims of child human trafficking;
 (3)the establishment or enhancement of problem solving court programs for child human trafficking victims that include—
 (A)continuing judicial supervision of victims of child human trafficking who have been identified by a law enforcement or judicial officer as a potential victim of child human trafficking, regardless of whether the victim has been charged with a crime related to human trafficking;
 (B)the development of specialized and individualized treatment programs for identified victims of child human trafficking, including—
 (i)State-administered outpatient treatment; (ii)life skills training;
 (iii)housing placement; (iv)vocational training;
 (v)education; (vi)family support services; and
 (vii)job placement; and (C)collaborative efforts with child advocacy centers, child welfare agencies, shelters, and non-governmental organizations to provide services to victims and encourage cooperation with law enforcement; and
 (4)the establishment or enhancement of victims’ services programs for victims of child human trafficking, which offer services including—
 (A)residential care, including temporary or long-term placement, as appropriate; (B)24-hour emergency social services response systems; and
 (C)counseling and case management services. (c)Application (1)In generalAn eligible entity shall submit an application to the Attorney General for a grant under this section in such form and manner as the Attorney General may require.
 (2)Required informationAn application submitted under this subsection shall— (A)disclose—
 (i)any other grant funding from the Department of Justice or from any other Federal department or agency for purposes similar to those described in subsection (b) for which the eligible entity has applied, and which application is pending on the date of the submission of an application under this section; and
 (ii)any other such grant funding that the eligible entity has received during the 5-year period prior to the date of the submission of an application under this section;
 (B)describe the activities for which assistance under this section is sought; (C)include a detailed plan for the use of funds awarded under the grant; and
 (D)provide such additional information and assurances as the Attorney General determines to be necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section.
 (3)PreferenceIn reviewing applications submitted in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2), the Attorney General shall give preference to grant applications if—
 (A)the application includes a plan to use awarded funds to engage in all activities described under paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b); or
 (B)the application includes a plan by the State or unit of local government to continue funding of all activities funded by the award after the expiration of the award.
							(d)Duration and renewal of award
 (1)In generalA grant under this section shall expire 1 year after the date of award of the grant. (2)RenewalA grant under this section shall be renewable not more than three times and for a period of not greater than 1 year.
 (e)EvaluationThe Attorney General shall enter into a contract or other agreement with an academic or nonprofit organization that has experience in issues related to child human trafficking and evaluation of grant programs to conduct an annual evaluation of grants made under this section to determine the impact and effectiveness of programs funded with grants awarded under this section, and shall submit any such evaluation to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate.
 (f)Oversight and accountabilityAn eligible entity that receives a grant under this section is subject to the requirements of section 10 of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2014.
 (g)Administrative CapThe cost of administering the grants authorized by this section shall not exceed 5 percent of the total amount appropriated to carry out this section.
 (h)Federal shareThe Federal share of the cost of a program funded by a grant awarded under this section may not exceed—
 (1)70 percent in the first year; (2)60 percent in the second year; and
 (3)50 percent in the third year. (i)DefinitionsIn this section—
 (1)the term child means a person under the age of 18; (2)the term child advocacy center means a center created under subtitle A of the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 13001 et seq.);
 (3)the term child human trafficking means one or more severe forms of trafficking in persons (as defined in section 103 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102)) involving a victim who is a child; and
 (4)the term eligible entity means a State or unit of local government that— (A)has significant criminal activity involving child human trafficking;
 (B)has demonstrated cooperation between Federal, State, local, and, where applicable, tribal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and social service providers in addressing child human trafficking; and
 (C)has developed a workable, multi-disciplinary plan to combat child human trafficking.; and  (3)in subsection (j) (as so redesignated)—
 (A)by striking Secretary of Health and Human Services and inserting Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services,; and (B)by striking fiscal years 2008 through 2011 and inserting fiscal years 2015 through 2019.
				3.Amendments to the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990
 The Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 13001 et seq.) is amended— (1)in section 212(5) (42 U.S.C. 13001a(5)), by inserting , including human trafficking and the production of child pornography before the semicolon at the end; and
 (2)in section 214 (42 U.S.C. 13002)— (A)by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively; and
 (B)by inserting after subsection (a) the following:  (b)Direct services for victims of child pornographyThe Administrator, in coordination with the Director and with the Director of the Office of Victims of Crime, may make grants to develop and implement specialized programs to identify and provide direct services to victims of child pornography..
 4.Streamlining Federal, State, and local human trafficking investigationsSection 2516 of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1)in paragraph (1)(C)—
 (A)by inserting before section 1591 the following: section 1581 (peonage; obstructing enforcement), section 1584 (sale into involuntary servitude), section 1589 (forced labor), section 1590 (trafficking with respect to peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, or forced labor),; and
 (B)by inserting before section 1751 the following: section 1592 (unlawful conduct with respect to documents in furtherance of trafficking, peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude, or forced labor),; and
 (2)in paragraph (2), by inserting human trafficking, offenses pertaining to child pornography, child sexual abuse, coercion and enticement of children, after kidnapping,.
 5.Enhancing human trafficking reportingSection 3702 of the Crime Control Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 5780) is amended— (1)in paragraph (2), by striking and at the end; and
 (2)in paragraph (4)— (A)in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking paragraph (2) and inserting paragraph (3);
 (B)in subparagraph (A), by inserting and a photograph taken within the previous 180 days after dental records; (C)in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end;
 (D)by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and (E)by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:

 (C)notify the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of each report received relating to a child reported missing from a foster care family home or childcare institution; and.
 6.Reducing demand for sex traffickingSection 1591 of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1)in subsection (a)(1), by striking or maintains and inserting maintains, patronizes, or solicits;
 (2)in subsection (b)— (A)in paragraph (1), by striking or obtained and inserting obtained, patronized, or solicited; and
 (B)in paragraph (2), by striking or obtained and inserting obtained, patronized, or solicited; and (3)in subsection (c)—
 (A)by striking or maintained and inserting , maintained, patronized, or solicited; and (B)by striking knew that the person and inserting knew, or recklessly disregarded the fact, that the person.
 7.Using existing task forces to target offenders who exploit childrenNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall ensure that all task forces and working groups within the Violent Crimes Against Children Program engage in activities, programs, or operations to increase the investigative capabilities of State and local law enforcement officers in the detection, investigation, and prosecution of persons who patronize, or solicit children for sex.
 8.Holding sex traffickers accountableSection 2423(g) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking a preponderance of the evidence and inserting clear and convincing evidence. 9.Oversight and accountability (a)Audit requirementIn fiscal year 2015, and each fiscal year thereafter, the Inspector General of the Department of Justice shall conduct audits of covered grantees to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of such funds. The Inspector General shall determine the appropriate number of covered grantees to be audited each year.
 (b)Mandatory exclusionA covered grantee that is found to have an unresolved audit finding shall not be eligible for an allocation of grant funds from the covered grant program from which it received a grant award during the first 2 fiscal years beginning after the end of the 12-month period described in subsection (g)(3).
 (c)ReimbursementIf a covered grantee is awarded funds under the covered grant program from which it received a grant award during the 2-fiscal-year period during which the covered grantee is ineligible for an allocation of grant funds as a result of subsection (b), the Attorney General shall—
 (1)deposit an amount equal to the amount of the grant funds that were improperly awarded to the covered grantee into the General Fund of the Treasury; and
 (2)seek to recoup the costs of the repayment to the Fund from the covered grantee that was erroneously awarded grant funds.
				(d)Nonprofit organization requirements
 (1)DefinitionFor purposes of this section, the term nonprofit, when used with respect to an organization, means an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.
 (2)ProhibitionA nonprofit organization that holds money in offshore accounts for the purpose of avoiding paying the tax described in section 511(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, shall not be eligible to receive, directly or indirectly, any funds from a covered grant program.
 (3)DisclosureEach nonprofit organization that is a covered grantee shall disclose in its application for such a grant, as a condition of receipt of such a grant, the compensation of its officers, directors, and trustees. Such disclosure shall include a description of the criteria relied upon to determine such compensation.
				(e)Conference expenditures
 (1)LimitationNo amounts made available under a covered grant program may be used to host or support a conference that uses more than $20,000 in funds made available by the Department of Justice unless the Deputy Attorney General or the appropriate Assistant Attorney General, Director, or principal deputy (as designated by the Deputy Attorney General) provides prior written approval that the funds may be expended to host or support such conference, except that a conference that uses more than $20,000 in such funds, but less than $500 in such funds for each attendee of the conference, shall not be subject to the limitation under this paragraph.
 (2)Written approvalWritten approval under paragraph (1) shall include a written estimate of all costs associated with the conference, including the cost of all food, beverages, audio-visual equipment, honoraria for speakers, and entertainment.
 (3)ReportThe Deputy Attorney General shall submit an annual report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives on all conference expenditures approved under this subsection.
				(f)Prohibition on lobbying activity
 (1)In generalAmounts made available under a covered grant program may not be used by any covered grantee to— (A)lobby any representative of the Department of Justice regarding the award of grant funding; or
 (B)lobby any representative of the Federal Government or a State, local, or tribal government regarding the award of grant funding.
 (2)PenaltyIf the Attorney General determines that a covered grantee has violated paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall—
 (A)require the covered grantee to repay the grant in full; and (B)prohibit the covered grantee from receiving a grant under the covered grant program from which it received a grant award during at least the 5-year period beginning on the date of such violation.
 (g)DefinitionsIn this section, the following definitions apply: (1)The term covered grant program means the following:
 (A)The grant program under section 203 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 14044b).
 (B)The grant programs under section 214 and 214A of the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 13002, 13003).
 (2)The term covered grantee means a recipient of a grant from a covered grant program. (3)The term unresolved audit finding means an audit report finding in a final audit report of the Inspector General of the Department of Justice that a covered grantee has used grant funds awarded to that grantee under a covered grant program for an unauthorized expenditure or otherwise unallowable cost that is not closed or resolved during the 12-month period beginning on the date on which the final audit report is issued.
				10.Crime victims’ rights
 (a)In generalSection 3771 of title 18, United States Code, is amended— (1)in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:

 (9)The right to be informed in a timely manner of any plea agreement or deferred prosecution agreement.
 (10)The right to be informed of the rights under this section and the services described in section 503(c) of the Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 10607(c)) and provided contact information for the Office of the Victims’ Rights Ombudsman of the Department of Justice.;
 (2)in subsection (d)(3), in the fifth sentence, by inserting , unless the litigants, with the approval of the court, have stipulated to a different time period for consideration before the period; and
 (3)in subsection (e)— (A)by striking this chapter, the term and inserting the following: “this chapter:

 (1)Court of appealsThe term court of appeals means— (A)the United States court of appeals for the judicial district in which a defendant is being prosecuted; or
 (B)for a prosecution in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
								(2)Crime victim
 (A)In generalThe term; (B)by striking In the case and inserting the following:

 (B)Minors and certain other victimsIn the case; and (C)by adding at the end the following:

 (3)District court; courtThe terms district court and court include the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.. (b)Appellate review of petitions relating to crime victims’ rights (1)In generalSection 3771(d)(3) of title 18, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a)(2) of this section, is amended by inserting after the fifth sentence the following: In deciding such application, the court of appeals shall apply ordinary standards of appellate review..
 (2)ApplicationThe amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to any petition for a writ of mandamus filed under section 3771(d)(3) of title 18, United States Code, that is pending on the date of enactment of this Act.
 11.Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that— (1)child human trafficking (as such term is defined in section 203(i) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 14044b), as added by this Act) has no place in a civilized society, and that persons who commit crimes relating to child human trafficking should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law;
 (2)the United States, as a leader in monitoring and combating human trafficking throughout the world, must hold all nations to the same standards to which we hold our Nation;
 (3)those who obtain, solicit, or patronize a victim of trafficking for the purpose of engaging in a commercial sex act with that person, are committing a human trafficking offense under Federal law;
 (4)the demand for commercial sex is a primary cause of the human rights violation of human trafficking, and the elimination of that human rights violation requires the elimination of that demand;
 (5)United States citizens or lawful permanent residents who are victims of severe forms of trafficking are not required to obtain an official certification from the Secretary of Health and Human Services in order to access any of the specialized services described in section 107 of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 or any other Federal benefits and protections to which they are otherwise entitled; and
 (6)as matters stand on the date of enactment of this Act, there are insufficient services and programs for victims of severe forms of human trafficking in the United States, including United States citizens and lawful permanent residents.
 12.Clarifying the benefits and protections offered to domestic victims of human traffickingSection 107(b) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7105(b)) is amended— (1)by redesignating subparagraph (F), as subparagraph (G);
 (2)by redesignating subparagraph (G), as subparagraph (H); and (3)by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:

 (F)No requirement of official certification for United States citizens and lawful permanent residentsNothing in this section may be construed to require United States citizens or lawful permanent residents who are victims of severe forms of trafficking to obtain an official certification from the Secretary of Health and Human Services in order to access any of the specialized services described in this subsection or any other Federal benefits and protections to which they are otherwise entitled..

	Passed the House of Representatives January 27, 2015.Karen L. Haas,Clerk


113 HCON 84 IH: Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion of its 105th anniversary.
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-02-11
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
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. CON. RES. 84
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 11, 2014
			Mr. Al Green of Texas (for himself, Ms. Bass, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Mr. Butterfield, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Mrs. Christensen, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Clay, Mr. Cleaver, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Ellison, Ms. Fudge, Mr. Hastings of Florida, Mr. Hinojosa, Mr. Honda, Mr. Jeffries, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Lee of California, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Meeks, Ms. Moore, Ms. Norton, Mr. Payne, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Richmond, Mr. Rush, Mr. Scott of Virginia, Ms. Sewell of Alabama, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Waters, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Mr. Veasey, Mr. Conyers, Ms. Jackson Lee, and Ms. Chu) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

		CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
		Honoring and praising the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the
			 occasion of its 105th anniversary.

		Whereas the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), originally known as
			 the National Negro Committee, was founded in New York City on February 12,
			 1909, the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, by a multiracial group of
			 activists who met in a national conference to discuss the civil and
			 political rights of African-Americans;
		Whereas the multiracial founders of the NAACP were a distinguished group of leaders in the struggle
			 for human rights, including Ida Wells-Barnett, W.E.B. DuBois, Henry
			 Moscowitz, Mary White Ovington, Oswald Garrison Villard, and William
			 English Walling;
		Whereas the NAACP is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States;
		Whereas the NAACP National Headquarters is located in Baltimore, Maryland;
		Whereas the mission of the NAACP is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic
			 rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial
			 discrimination;
		Whereas the NAACP is committed to achieving its goals through nonviolence;
		Whereas the NAACP advances its mission through reliance upon peaceful protest, the petition, the
			 ballot, and the courts, and has been persistent in the use of legal and
			 moral persuasion, even in the face of overt and violent racial hostility;
		Whereas the NAACP has used political pressure, marches, demonstrations, and effective lobbying to
			 serve as the voice, as well as the shield, for minorities in the United
			 States;
		Whereas after years of fighting segregation in public schools, the NAACP, under the leadership of
			 Special Counsel Thurgood Marshall, won one of its greatest legal victories
			 in the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S.
			 483 (1954);
		Whereas in 1955, NAACP member Rosa Parks was arrested and fined for refusing to give up her seat on
			 a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama, an act of courage that would
			 serve as the catalyst for the largest grassroots civil rights movement in
			 the history of the United States;
		Whereas the NAACP was prominent in lobbying for the passage of the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960,
			 and 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks,
			 Coretta Scott King, César E. Chávez, Barbara C. Jordan, William C.
			 Velásquez, and Dr. Hector P. Garcia Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and
			 Amendments Act of 2006, and the Fair Housing Act, laws that ensured
			 Government protection for legal victories achieved;
		Whereas in 2005, the NAACP launched the Disaster Relief Fund to help hurricane survivors in
			 Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, and Alabama to rebuild their
			 lives;
		Whereas in the 110th Congress, the NAACP was prominent in lobbying for the passage of H. Res. 826,
			 whose resolved clause expresses that the hanging of nooses is a horrible
			 act when used for the purpose of intimidation and which under certain
			 circumstances can be criminal, this conduct should be investigated
			 thoroughly by Federal authorities, and any criminal violations should be
			 vigorously prosecuted;
		Whereas in 2008, the NAACP vigorously supported the passage of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil
			 Rights Crime Act of 2007, a law that puts additional Federal resources
			 into solving the heinous crimes that occurred in the early days of the
			 civil rights struggle that remain unsolved and bringing those who
			 perpetrated such crimes to justice;
		Whereas the NAACP has helped usher in the new millennium by charting a bold course, beginning with
			 the appointment of the organization’s youngest President and Chief
			 Executive Officer, Benjamin Todd Jealous, and its youngest female Board
			 Chair, Roslyn M. Brock;
		Whereas under their leadership, the NAACP has outlined a strategic plan to confront 21st century
			 challenges in the critical areas of health, education, housing, criminal
			 justice, and environment;
		Whereas, on July 16, 2009, the NAACP celebrated its centennial anniversary in New York City,
			 highlighting an extraordinary century of Bold Dreams, Big Victories with a
			 historic address from the first African-American President of the United
			 States, Barack Obama;
		Whereas as an advocate for sentencing reform, the NAACP applauded the passage of the Fair
			 Sentencing Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–220; 124 Stat. 2372), a landmark
			 piece of legislation that reduces the quantity of crack cocaine that
			 triggers a mandatory minimum sentence for a Federal conviction of crack
			 cocaine distribution from 100 times that of people convicted of
			 distributing the drug in powdered form to 18 times that sentence;
		Whereas in 2011, the NAACP led the charge to defend the constitutional right to vote and to protect
			 that right for all citizens of the United States, whether they be seniors,
			 young voters, the poor, or from minority communities;
		Whereas in 2013, the NAACP signed a historic Memorandum of Agreement with the Federal Emergency
			 Management Agency (FEMA) to put mechanisms in place to ensure that the
			 needs of underrepresented communities are more fully integrated into
			 future plans for disaster preparedness; and
		Whereas in 2014, the NAACP is a leader in the effort to strengthen the Voting Rights Act and
			 protect the principle of one person, one vote: Now, therefore, be it

		That Congress—
			(1)recognizes the 105th anniversary of the historic founding of the National Association for the
			 Advancement of Colored People; and
			(2)honors and praises the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on the occasion
			 of its anniversary for its work to ensure the political, educational,
			 social, and economic rights of all persons.


115 HR 1672 IH: Make It In America Manufacturing Communities Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-03-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1672IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 22, 2017Mr. Cicilline (for himself, Mr. Reed, Mr. Ryan of Ohio, Mr. Pocan, Ms. Matsui, Ms. DeLauro, Mr. Doggett, Ms. Brownley of California, Mr. Schrader, Mrs. Bustos, and Mr. Garamendi) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial ServicesA BILLTo improve the competitiveness of United States manufacturing by designating and supporting
			 manufacturing communities.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Make It In America Manufacturing Communities Act. 2.DefinitionsIn this Act:
 (1)Manufacturing community support programThe term Manufacturing Community Support Program means the program established under section 3(a). (2)Participating agencyThe term participating agency means a Federal agency that elects to participate in the Manufacturing Community Support Program.
 (3)Participating programThe term participating program means a program identified by a participating agency under section 3(c)(1)(C). (4)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce.
			3.Program to designate and support manufacturing communities
 (a)Program authorizedThe Secretary shall establish a program to improve the competitiveness of United States manufacturing—
 (1)by designating consortiums as manufacturing communities under subsection (b); and (2)by supporting manufacturing communities, as so designated, under subsection (c).
				(b)Designation of manufacturing communities
 (1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (7), for purposes of the Manufacturing Community Support Program, the Secretary shall designate eligible consortiums as manufacturing communities through a competitive process.
				(2)Eligible consortiums
 (A)In generalAn eligible consortium is a consortium that— (i)represents a region defined by the consortium in accordance with subparagraph (B);
 (ii)includes at least one— (I)institution of higher education;
 (II)a private sector entity; and (III)a government entity;
 (iii)may include one or more— (I)private sector partners;
 (II)institutions of higher education; (III)government entities;
 (IV)economic development and other community and labor groups; (V)financial institutions; or
 (VI)utilities; and (iv)has, as a lead applicant—
 (I)a district organization (as defined in section 300.3 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or successor regulation);
 (II)an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)) or a consortium of Indian tribes;
 (III)a State or a political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions;
 (IV)an institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or (V)a public or private nonprofit organization or association that has an application that is supported by a State, a political subdivision of a State, or a native community.
 (B)RegionsSubject to approval by the Secretary, a consortium may define the region that it represents if the region—
 (i)is large enough to contain critical elements of the key technologies or supply chain prioritized by the consortium; and
 (ii)is small enough to enable close collaboration among members of the consortium. (3)DurationEach designation under paragraph (1) shall be for a period of two years.
				(4)Renewal
 (A)In generalUpon receipt of an application submitted under subparagraph (B), the Secretary may renew a designation made under paragraph (1) for up to two additional two-year periods. Any designation as a manufacturing community or renewal of such designation that is in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act shall count toward the limit set forth in this subparagraph.
 (B)Application for renewalAn eligible consortium seeking a renewal under subparagraph (A) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.
 (C)Modifications authorizedThe Secretary may renew a designation under subparagraph (A) for an eligible consortium that— (i)has changed its composition, either by adding or removing members; or
 (ii)as part of its application under subparagraph (B), submits a revision to the plan submitted under paragraph (5)(B)(iv) or the strategy submitted under paragraph (5)(B)(v).
 (D)Evaluation for renewalIn determining whether to renew a designation of an eligible consortium under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall assess the eligible consortium based upon—
 (i)the performance of the consortium against the terms of the consortium’s most recent designation under paragraph (1) and any post-designation awards the consortium may have received;
 (ii)the progress the consortium has made with respect to project-specific metrics the consortium proposed in the consortium’s application for the most recent designation under paragraph (1), particularly with respect to those metrics that were designed to help communities track their own progress;
 (iii)whether any changes to the composition of the eligible consortium or revisions to the plan or strategy described in subparagraph (C)(ii) would improve the competitiveness of United States manufacturing; and
 (iv)such other criteria as the Secretary considers appropriate. (5)Application for designation (A)In generalAn eligible consortium seeking a designation under paragraph (1) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require.
 (B)ContentsEach application submitted to the Secretary under subparagraph (A) shall include— (i)a description of the regional boundaries of the consortium;
 (ii)a description of the manufacturing concentration of the consortium, including an assessment of how the manufacturing concentration of the consortium competitively ranks nationally according to measures relating to employment, sales, location quotients for an industry’s level of concentration, or such other measures as the Secretary considers appropriate;
 (iii)an integrated assessment of the local industrial ecosystem of the region of the consortium, which may include assessment of workforce and training, supplier network, research and innovation, infrastructure or site development, trade and international investment, operational improvements, and capital access components needed for manufacturing activities in such region;
 (iv)an evidence-based plan for developing components of such ecosystem (selected by the consortium)— (I)by making specific investments to address gaps in such ecosystem; and
 (II)by making the manufacturing of the region of the consortium uniquely competitive; (v)a description of the investments the consortium proposes and the implementation strategy the consortium intends to use to address gaps in such ecosystem;
 (vi)a description of the outcome-based metrics, benchmarks, and milestones that the consortium will track and the evaluation methods the consortium will use while designated as a manufacturing community to gauge performance of the strategy of the consortium to improve the manufacturing in the region of the consortium; and
 (vii)such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate. (6)Evaluation of applicationsThe Secretary shall evaluate each application received under paragraph (5) to determine—
 (A)whether the applicant demonstrates a significant level of regional cooperation in their proposal; and
 (B)how the manufacturing concentration of the applicant competitively ranks nationally according to measures described in paragraph (5)(B)(ii).
 (7)Certain communities previously recognizedEach consortium that was designated as a manufacturing community by the Secretary in carrying out the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership initiative of the Department of Commerce before the date of the enactment of this Act shall be deemed a manufacturing community designated under this subsection if such consortium is still designated as a manufacturing community by the Secretary as part of such initiative.
				(c)Support for designated manufacturing communities
				(1)Preferential consideration
 (A)In generalExcept as provided in subparagraph (D), if a member of a consortium designated as a manufacturing community under subsection (b) seeks financial or technical assistance under a participating program of a participating agency, the head of such agency may give preferential consideration to such member with respect to the awarding of such financial or technical assistance if—
 (i)such head considers the award of the financial or technical assistance consistent with the economic development strategy of the consortium; and
 (ii)the member otherwise meets all applicable requirements for the financial or technical assistance. (B)Participating agenciesThe Secretary shall invite other Federal agencies to become participating agencies of the Manufacturing Community Support Program.
 (C)Participating programsThe head of each participating agency shall identify all programs administered by such participating agency that are applicable to the Manufacturing Community Support Program.
					(D)Multiple members of the same consortium seeking the same financial or technical assistance
 (i)In generalIf a participating agency receives applications for the same financial or technical assistance from more than one member of the same consortium designated as a manufacturing community under subsection (b), the head of such agency may determine how preference will be given under subparagraph (A), including by requiring the consortium to select which of the members should be given preference.
 (ii)CoordinationIf the head of a participating agency determines that more than one member of a consortium should be given preference for financial or technical assistance under subparagraph (A), he or she may require such members to demonstrate coordination with each other in developing their applications for the financial or technical assistance.
 (E)ReportNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the head of each participating agency shall submit a report to the Secretary that specifies how the head will give preferential consideration under subparagraph (A).
 (2)Technical assistanceThe Secretary may make a Federal point of contact available to each consortium designated as a manufacturing community under subsection (b) to help the members of the consortium access Federal funds and technical assistance.
				(3)Financial and technical assistance
 (A)In generalUnder the Manufacturing Community Support Program, the head of a participating agency may award financial or technical assistance to a member of a consortium designated as a manufacturing community under subsection (b) as he or she considers appropriate for purposes of such program and consistent with the economic development strategy of the consortium.
					(B)Use of funds
 (i)In generalA recipient of financial or technical assistance under subparagraph (A) may use such financial or technical assistance to support an investment in an ecosystem that will improve the competitiveness of United States manufacturing.
 (ii)Investments supportedInvestments supported under this subparagraph may include— (I)infrastructure;
 (II)access to capital; (III)promotion of exports and foreign direct investment;
 (IV)equipment or facility upgrades; (V)workforce training or retraining;
 (VI)energy or process efficiency; (VII)business incubators;
 (VIII)site preparation; (IX)advanced research;
 (X)supply chain development; and (XI)small business assistance.
							(4)Coordination
 (A)Coordination by Secretary of CommerceThe Secretary shall coordinate with the heads of the participating agencies to identify programs under paragraph (1)(C).
 (B)Inter-agency coordinationThe heads of the participating agencies shall coordinate with each other— (i)to leverage complementary activities, including from non-Federal sources, such as philanthropies; and
 (ii)to avoid duplication of efforts. (d)Receipt of transferred fundsThe Secretary may accept amounts transferred to the Secretary from the head of another participating agency to carry out this section.


		IIB
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 325
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			June 3, 2009
			Received; read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and Natural
			 Resources

		AN ACT
		To amend the Reclamation Wastewater and
		  Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior
		  to participate in the Avra/Black Wash Reclamation and Riparian Restoration
		  Project.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Avra/Black Wash Reclamation and
			 Riparian Restoration Project.
		2.Project
			 authorization
			(a)In
			 generalThe Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and
			 Facilities Act (Public Law 102–575, title XVI;
			 43 U.S.C. 390h et
			 seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

					16__.AVRA/BLACK
				WASH RECLAMATION AND RIPARIAN RESTORATION PROJECT, PIMA COUNTY,
				ARIZONA
						(a)AuthorizationThe
				Secretary, in cooperation with Pima County, Arizona, may participate in the
				planning, design, and construction of water recycling facilities and to enhance
				and restore riparian habitat in the Black Wash Sonoran Desert ecosystem in Avra
				Valley west of the metropolitan Pima County area.
						(b)Cost
				sharingThe Federal share of the cost of the project described in
				subsection (a) shall not exceed 25 percent of the cost of the project.
						(c)LimitationFederal
				funds provided under this section shall not be used for operation or
				maintenance of the project described in subsection (a).
						(d)Authorization of
				appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry
				out this section $14,000,000.
						(e)Use of
				fundsFederal funds provided
				under this section shall only be used for the design, planning and construction
				of water-related
				infrastructure.
						.
			(b)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of sections for
			 Public Law
			 102–575 is amended by inserting after the last item relating to
			 title XVI the following:

						Sec. 16__. Avra/Black Wash Reclamation and
				Riparian Restoration Project, Pima County,
				Arizona.

					.

			Passed the House of
			 Representatives June 2, 2009.
			Lorraine C. Miller,
			Clerk


113 S1445 IS: National Health Service Corps Improvement Act of 2013
U.S. Senate
2013-08-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1445
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			August 1, 2013
			Mr. Pryor introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Health, Education, Labor,
			 and Pensions

		A BILL
		To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the
		  participation of optometrists in the National Health Service Corps scholarship
		  and loan repayment programs, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 National Health Service Corps
			 Improvement Act of 2013.
		2.Participation of
			 optometrists in National Health Service Corps
			(1)Primary health
			 care servicesSection 331 of the Public Health Service Act (42
			 U.S.C. 254d) is amended—
				(A)in subsection
			 (a)(3)(D), by striking or mental health, and inserting
			 optometry, or mental health,; and
				(B)in subsection
			 (b)(2), by striking and physician assistants and inserting
			 optometrists, and physician assistants.
				(2)Scholarship
			 programSection 338A of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
			 254l) is amended—
				(A)in subsection
			 (a)(1), by striking and physician assistants and inserting
			 optometrists, and physician assistants; and
				(B)in subsection
			 (b)(1), by striking or other health profession and inserting
			 optometry, or other health profession.
				(3)Loan repayment
			 program
				(A)ParticipationSection
			 338B of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254l–1) is amended—
					(i)in
			 subsection (a)(1), by striking and physician assistants and
			 inserting optometrists, and physician assistants;
					(ii)in
			 subsection (b)(1)(A), by striking or another health profession
			 and inserting optometry, or another health profession;
			 and
					(iii)in
			 subsections (b)(1)(B) and (b)(1)(C)(ii), by striking the term or other
			 health profession each place such term appears and inserting
			 optometry, or other health profession.
					(B)Period of
			 obligated serviceClauses (ii) and (iii) of section 338C(b)(5)(C)
			 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254m(b)(5)(C)) are amended by
			 striking the term or other health profession each place such term
			 appears and inserting optometry, or other health
			 profession.


114 HR 2139 IH: Veteran’s Benefits Claims Faster Filing Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-04-30
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
114th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2139
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 30, 2015
Mr. O’Rourke (for himself, Ms. Kuster, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Rush, Mr. Jones, Ms. Gabbard, Mr. Swalwell of California, Miss Rice of New York, Mr. Yoho, and Mr. Takano) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

A BILL
To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide notice of average times for processing claims and percentage of claims approved, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Veteran’s Benefits Claims Faster Filing Act of 2015.  2.Department of Veterans Affairs notice of average times for processing claims and percentage of claims approved (a)Public noticeThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall post the information described in subsection (c)—
(1)in a conspicuous place in each regional office and claims intake facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and (2)on the Internet Web site of the Department.
(b)Notice to applicants
(1)In generalThe Secretary shall provide to each person who submits a claim for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary before the person submits such claim— (A)notice of the information described in subsection (c); and
(B)notice that the person is eligible to receive up to an extra year of benefits payments if the person files a claim that is fully developed. (2)Acknowledgment of receipt of noticeEach person who submits a claim for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary shall include in such application a signed form acknowledging that the person received the information described in subsection (c).
(c)Information described
(1)In generalThe information described in this subsection is the following: (A)The average processing time of the claims described in paragraph (2) and the percentage of such submitted claims for which benefits are awarded.
(B)The percentage of each of the following types of submitted claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for which benefits are awarded: (i)Claims filed by veterans who authorized a veterans service organization to act on the veterans’ behalf under a durable power of attorney.
(ii)Claims filed by veterans who authorized a person other than a veterans service organization to act on the veterans’ behalf under a durable power of attorney. (iii)Claims filed by veterans who did not authorize a person to act on the veterans’ behalf under a durable power of attorney.
(2)Claims describedThe claims described in this paragraph are each of the following types of claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs: (A)A fully developed claim that is submitted in standard electronic form.
(B)A fully developed claim that is submitted in standard paper form. (C)A claim that is not fully developed that is submitted in standard electronic form.
(D)A claim that is not fully developed that is submitted in standard paper form. (E)A claim that is not fully developed that is submitted in non-standard paper form.
(3)Update of informationThe information described in this subsection shall be updated not less frequently than once each fiscal quarter.


113 HJ 18 IH: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution to provide for a balanced budget for the United States Government and for greater accountability in the enactment of tax legislation.
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-01-18
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.

		IA
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. J. RES. 18
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 18, 2013
			Mrs. Emerson
			 introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		JOINT RESOLUTION
		Proposing an amendment to the Constitution
		  to provide for a balanced budget for the United States Government and for
		  greater accountability in the enactment of tax legislation.

		That the following article is
			 proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall
			 be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified
			 by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years
			 after the date of its submission for ratification:

				 —
					1.Prior to each fiscal year, the Congress and
				the President shall agree on an estimate of total receipts for that fiscal year
				by enactment into law of a joint resolution devoted solely to that subject.
				Total outlays for that year shall not exceed the level of estimated receipts
				set forth in such joint resolution, unless three-fifths of the total membership
				of each House of Congress shall provide, by a rollcall vote, for a specific
				excess of outlays over estimated receipts.
					2.Whenever actual outlays exceed actual
				receipts for any fiscal year, the Congress shall, in the ensuing fiscal year,
				provide by law for the repayment of such excess. The public debt of the United
				States shall not be increased unless three-fifths of the total membership of
				each House shall provide by law for such an increase by a rollcall vote.
					3.Prior to each fiscal year, the President
				shall transmit to the Congress a proposed budget for the United States
				Government for that fiscal year in which total outlays do not exceed total
				receipts.
					4.No bill to increase revenue shall become
				law unless approved by a majority of the total membership of each House by a
				rollcall vote.
					5.The provisions of this article are waived
				for any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect.
					6.Total receipts shall include all receipts
				of the United States except those derived from borrowing. Total outlays shall
				include all outlays of the United States except for those for repayment of debt
				principal.
					7.This article shall take effect beginning
				with the second fiscal year after its
				ratification.
					.


117 S1551 IS: Stop CO Poisoning Exposures Act
U.S. Senate
2021-05-11
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. 1551IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 11, 2021Mr. Blumenthal (for himself, Mrs. Fischer, and Mr. Markey) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationA BILLTo require the Secretary of Transportation to finalize a rule to protect consumers from the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning from keyless ignition motor vehicles, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Stop CO Poisoning Exposures Act or the SCOPE Act.2.Rulemaking to install automatic shutoff systems in motor vehicles(a)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)KeyThe term key has the meaning given the term in section 571.114 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).(2)ManufacturerThe term manufacturer has the meaning given the term in section 30102(a) of title 49, United States Code.(3)Motor vehicle(A)In generalThe term motor vehicle has the meaning given the term in section 30102(a) of title 49, United States Code.(B)ExclusionsThe term motor vehicle does not include—(i)a motorcycle or trailer (as those terms are defined in section 571.3 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations) (or successor regulations);(ii)any motor vehicle that is rated at more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicular weight; or(iii)a battery electric vehicle.(4)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation.(b)Automatic shutoff systems for motor vehicles(1)Final rule(A)In generalNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final rule amending section 571.114 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (relating to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 114), to require manufacturers to install in each motor vehicle equipped with a keyless ignition device and an internal combustion engine technology to automatically shut off the motor vehicle after the motor vehicle has idled for the period designated under subparagraph (B).(B)Period described(i)In generalThe period referred to in subparagraph (A) is the period designated by the Secretary as necessary to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.(ii)Different periodsThe Secretary may designate different periods under clause (i) for different types of motor vehicles, depending on the rate at which the motor vehicle emits carbon monoxide, if—(I)the Secretary determines a different period is necessary for a type of motor vehicle for purposes of section 30111 of title 49, United States Code; and(II)requiring a different period for a type of motor vehicle is consistent with the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning.(2)DeadlineThe rule under paragraph (1) shall become effective on the date that is 1 year after the date on which the Secretary issues that rule.


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 986
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 6, 2009
			Ms. Landrieu (for
			 herself, Mr. Bayh, and
			 Mrs. Lincoln) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To support the establishment or expansion
		  and operation of programs using a network of public and private community
		  entities to provide mentoring for children in foster care.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Foster Care Mentoring Act of
			 2009.
		2.FindingsCongress makes the following
			 findings:
			(1)Research shows that caring adults can make
			 a difference in children’s lives. Forty-five percent of mentored teens are less
			 likely to use drugs. Fifty-nine percent of mentored teens have better academic
			 performance. Seventy-three percent of mentored teens achieve higher goals
			 generally.
			(2)Children that have mentors have better
			 relationships with adults, fewer disciplinary referrals, and more confidence to
			 achieve their goals.
			(3)In 2006, 510,000 children were in foster
			 care. Of those children, 85,671 were between the ages of 10 and 13, and 164,407
			 were between the ages of 14 and 18.
			(4)States should be encouraged to incorporate
			 mentor programs into the delivery of their foster care services.
			(5)Mentor programs that serve foster children
			 are unique and require additional considerations, including specialized
			 training and support necessary to provide for consistent, long term
			 relationships for children in care.
			(6)Mentor programs are cost-effective
			 approaches to decreasing the occurrence of so many social ills such as teen
			 pregnancy, substance abuse, incarceration, and violence.
			3.Programs for mentoring
			 children in foster careSubpart 2 of part B of title IV of the
			 Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 629 et
			 seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

				440.Programs for
				mentoring children in foster care
					(a)PurposeIt is the purpose of this section to
				authorize the Secretary to make grants to eligible applicants to support the
				establishment or expansion and operation of programs using a network of public
				and private community entities to provide mentoring for children in foster
				care.
					(b)DefinitionsIn this section:
						(1)Children in
				foster careThe term
				children in foster care means children who have been removed from
				the custody of their biological or adoptive parents by a State child welfare
				agency.
						(2)MentoringThe term mentoring means a
				structured, managed program—
							(A)in which children are appropriately matched
				with screened and trained adult volunteers for one-on-one relationships;
							(B)that involves meetings and activities on a
				regular basis; and
							(C)that is intended to meet, in part, the
				child’s need for involvement with a caring and supportive adult who provides a
				positive role model.
							(3)Political
				subdivisionThe term
				political subdivision means a local jurisdiction below the level
				of the State government, including a county, parish, borough, or city.
						(c)Grant
				program
						(1)In
				generalThe Secretary shall
				carry out a program to award grants to States to support the establishment or
				expansion and operation of programs using networks of public and private
				community entities to provide mentoring for children in foster care.
						(2)Grants to
				political subdivisionsThe
				Secretary may award a grant under this subsection directly to a political
				subdivision if the subdivision serves a substantial number of foster care youth
				(as determined by the Secretary).
						(3)Application
				requirementsTo be eligible
				for a grant under paragraph (1), the chief executive officer of the State or
				political subdivision shall submit to the Secretary an application containing
				the following:
							(A)Program
				designA description of the
				proposed program to be carried out using amounts provided under this grant,
				including—
								(i)a list of local public and private
				organizations and entities that will participate in the mentoring
				network;
								(ii)the name, description, and qualifications
				of the entity that will coordinate and oversee the activities of the mentoring
				network;
								(iii)the number of mentor-child matches proposed
				to be established and maintained annually under the program;
								(iv)such information as the Secretary may
				require concerning the methods to be used to recruit, screen, support, and
				oversee individuals participating as mentors, (which methods shall include
				criminal background checks on the individuals), and to evaluate outcomes for
				participating children, including information necessary to demonstrate
				compliance with requirements established by the Secretary for the program;
				and
								(v)such other information as the Secretary may
				require.
								(B)TrainingAn assurance that all mentors covered under
				the program will receive intensive and ongoing training in the following
				areas:
								(i)Child development, including the importance
				of bonding.
								(ii)Family dynamics, including the effects of
				domestic violence.
								(iii)The foster care system and foster care
				principles and practices.
								(iv)Recognizing and reporting child abuse and
				neglect.
								(v)Confidentiality requirements for working
				with children in foster care.
								(vi)Working in coordination with the public
				school system.
								(vii)Other matters related to working with
				children in foster care.
								(C)ScreeningAn assurance that all mentors covered under
				the program are appropriately screened and have demonstrated a willingness to
				comply with all aspects of the mentor program, including—
								(i)a description of the methods to be used to
				conduct criminal background checks on all prospective mentors; and
								(ii)a description of the methods to be used to
				ensure that the mentors are willing and able to serve as a mentor on a long
				term, consistent basis.
								(D)Educational
				requirementsAn assurance
				that all mentors recruited to serve as academic mentors will—
								(i)have a secondary school diploma or its
				recognized equivalent; and
								(ii)have completed not less than 1 year of
				study in a program leading to a baccalaureate, graduate, or postgraduate
				degree.
								(E)Community
				consultation; coordination with other programsA demonstration that, in developing and
				implementing the program, the State or political subdivision will, to the
				extent feasible and appropriate—
								(i)consult with—
									(I)public and private community entities,
				including religious organizations, and including, as appropriate, Indian tribal
				organizations and urban Indian organizations; and
									(II)family members of children who may be
				potential clients of the program;
									(ii)coordinate the program and activities under
				the program with other Federal, State, and local programs serving children and
				youth; and
								(iii)consult and coordinate with appropriate
				Federal, State, and local corrections, workforce development, and substance
				abuse and mental health agencies.
								(F)Equal access
				for local service providersAn assurance that public and private
				entities and community organizations, including religious organizations and
				Indian organizations, will be eligible to participate on an equal basis.
							(G)Records,
				reports, and auditsAn
				agreement that the State or political subdivision will maintain such records,
				make such reports, and cooperate with such reviews or audits as the Secretary
				may find necessary for purposes of oversight of project activities and
				expenditures.
							(H)EvaluationAn agreement that the State or political
				subdivision will cooperate fully with the Secretary’s ongoing and final
				evaluation of the program under the plan, by means including providing the
				Secretary access to the program, the program's staff, program-related records
				and documents, and each public or private community entity receiving funding
				under the plan.
							(4)Federal
				share
							(A)In
				generalA grant for a program
				under this subsection shall be available to pay a percentage share of the costs
				of the program of not more than 75 percent for each year for which the grant is
				awarded.
							(B)Non-federal
				shareThe non-Federal share
				of the cost of projects under this subsection may be in cash or in kind. In
				determining the amount of the non-Federal share, the Secretary may attribute
				fair market value to goods, services, and facilities contributed from
				non-Federal sources.
							(5)Considerations
				in awarding grantsIn
				awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall take into
				consideration—
							(A)the overall qualifications and capacity of
				the State or political subdivision program and its partners to effectively
				carry out a mentoring program under this subsection;
							(B)the level and quality of training provided
				to mentors under the program;
							(C)evidence of coordination of the program
				with the social services and education programs of the State or political
				subdivision;
							(D)the ability of the State or political
				subdivision to provide supervision and support for mentors under the program
				and the youth served by such mentors;
							(E)evidence of consultation with institutions
				of higher learning;
							(F)the number of children in foster care
				served by the State or political subdivision; and
							(G)any other factors that the Secretary
				determines to be significant with respect to the need for or the potential
				success of carrying out a mentoring program under this subsection.
							(6)Use of
				fundsOf the amount awarded
				to a State or political subdivision under a grant under this subsection, the
				State or political subdivision shall—
							(A)use not less than 50 percent of the total
				grant amount for the training and ongoing educational support of mentors;
				and
							(B)use not more than 10 percent of the total
				grant amount for administrative purposes.
							(7)Maximum grant
				amount
							(A)In
				generalIn awarding grants
				under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider the number of children
				served by the jurisdiction and the grant amount relative to the need for
				services.
							(B)LimitThe amount of a grant awarded to a State or
				political subdivision under this subsection shall not exceed $600,000.
							(8)Annual
				reportNot later than 1 year
				after the date of enactment of the Foster
				Care Mentoring Act of 2009, and annually thereafter, the
				Secretary shall prepare and submit to Congress a report that includes the
				following with respect to the year involved:
							(A)A description of the number of programs
				receiving grant awards under this subsection.
							(B)A description of the number of mentors who
				serve in the programs described in subparagraph (A).
							(C)A description of—
								(i)the number of mentored children in foster
				care who graduate from secondary school;
								(ii)the number of such children who enroll in
				institutions of higher learning; and
								(iii)the number of such children who are adopted
				by their mentors.
								(D)Any other information that the Secretary
				determines to be relevant to the evaluation of the program under this
				subsection.
							(9)EvaluationNot later than 3 years after the date of
				enactment of the Foster Care Mentoring Act of
				2009, the Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the
				effectiveness of programs funded under this section, including a comparison
				between the rate of drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, delinquency,
				homelessness, and other outcome measures for mentored youth in foster care and
				non-mentored youth in foster care.
						(10)Authorization
				of appropriationsThere are
				authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection—
							(A)$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010
				and 2011; and
							(B)such sums as may be necessary for each
				succeeding fiscal year.
							(d)National
				coordination of statewide mentoring partnerships
						(1)In
				generalThe Secretary may
				award a competitive grant to an eligible entity to establish a national hotline
				service or website to provide information to individuals who are interested in
				becoming mentors to youth in foster care.
						(2)Authorization
				of appropriationsThere are
				authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection—
							(A)$4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010
				and 2011; and
							(B)such sums as may be necessary for each
				succeeding fiscal year.
							(e)Loan
				forgiveness
						(1)DefinitionsIn this subsection:
							(A)Eligible
				mentorThe term
				eligible mentor means an individual who has served as a mentor in
				a mentor program established under subsection (c) for at least 200 hours in a
				single calendar year.
							(B)Federal student
				loanThe term Federal
				student loan means any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under part B,
				D, or E of title IV of the Higher Education Act
				of 1965.
							(C)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the
				Secretary of Education.
							(2)Relief from
				indebtedness
							(A)In
				generalThe Secretary shall
				carry out a program to provide for the discharge or cancellation of the Federal
				student loan indebtedness of an eligible mentor.
							(B)Method of
				discharge or cancellationThe
				amount of a Federal student loan that will be discharged or canceled under the
				program under subparagraph (A) shall be discharged or canceled as provided for
				using the method under section 437(a), 455(a)(1), or 464(c)(1)(F) of the
				Higher Education Act of 1965, as
				applicable.
							(C)Amount of
				reliefThe amount of relief
				to be provided under this subsection with respect to a Federal student loan
				shall—
								(i)be equal to $2,000 for each 200 hours of
				service that the eligible mentor serves in a mentor program established under
				subsection (c) in a calendar year; and
								(ii)not exceed a total of $20,000 for an
				eligible mentor.
								(3)Facilitation of
				claimsThe Secretary
				shall—
							(A)establish procedures for the filing of
				applications for the discharge or cancellation of loans under this subsection
				by regulations that shall be prescribed and published within 90 days after the
				date of enactment of this section and without regard to the requirements of
				section 553 of title 5, United States Code; and
							(B)take such actions as may be necessary to
				publicize the availability of the program established under this subsection for
				eligible mentors.
							(4)FundingAmounts available for the purposes of
				making payments to lenders in accordance with section 437(a) of the
				Higher Education Act of 1965 for the
				discharge of indebtedness of deceased or disabled individuals shall be
				available for making payments to lenders of loans to eligible mentors, as
				provided for in this
				subsection.
						.


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1451
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 8, 2011
			Mrs. Davis of
			 California (for herself and Mr.
			 Hunter) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Veterans’
			 Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Appropriations, 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 repeal a modification of authority to make certain
		  interval payments of educational assistance under laws administered by the
		  Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Post 9/11 GI Bill Payment Restoration
			 Act.
		2.Repeal of
			 modification of authority to make certain interval payments of educational
			 assistance under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans
			 Affairs
			(a)RepealThe
			 Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 (Public Law
			 111–377) is amended by striking section 206.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on
			 the date of the enactment of this Act.
			3.Rescission of
			 unspent Federal funds to off set loss in revenues
			(a)In
			 GeneralNotwithstanding any other provision of law, of all
			 available unobligated funds equal to the amount required to implement this Act
			 in appropriated discretionary funds are hereby rescinded.
			(b)ImplementationThe
			 Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall determine and identify
			 funding from appropriation accounts that has been deemed duplicative by the
			 Government Accountability Office, and the rescission under subsection (a) shall
			 apply and the amount of such rescission that shall apply to each such account.
			 Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
			 Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit a report to the
			 Secretary of the Treasury and Congress of the accounts and amounts determined
			 and identified for rescission under the preceding sentence.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 4121
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			November 19, 2009
			Mr. Hall of New York
			 (for himself, Mr. Bilbray,
			 Mr. Lamborn,
			 Mr. Rodriguez,
			 Mrs. Kirkpatrick of Arizona,
			 Mrs. Halvorson,
			 Mr. Donnelly of Indiana, and
			 Mr. Miller of Florida) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the
		  appeals process of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to establish a
		  commission to study judicial review of the determination of veterans’ benefits,
		  and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis act may be cited as the
			 Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of
			 2009.
		2.Waiver of
			 regional office jurisdiction over incorporation of supplemental evidence into
			 previously submitted claims
			(a)WaiverSection 7104 of title 38, United States
			 Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(f)If a claimant submits new evidence in
				support of a case for which a substantive appeal has been filed, such evidence
				shall be submitted to the Board directly and not to a regional office of the
				Department, unless the claimant requests that the evidence be reviewed by the
				regional office before being submitted to the
				Board.
					.
			(b)Effective
			 dateSubsection (f) of
			 section 7104 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of
			 this section, shall apply with respect to evidence submitted on or after the
			 date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
			3.Modification of
			 Jurisdiction and finality of decisions of the Court of Appeals for Veterans
			 Claims
			(a)ModificationSubsection
			 (a) of section 7252 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
				(1)by striking the
			 third sentence; and
				(2)by adding at the
			 end the following new sentence: The Court shall have power to affirm,
			 modify, reverse, remand, or vacate and remand a decision of the Board after
			 deciding all relevant assignments of error raised by an appellant for each
			 particular claim for benefits. In a case in which the Court reverses a decision
			 on the merits of a particular claim and orders an award of benefits, the Court
			 need not decide any additional assignments of error with respect to that
			 claim..
				(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with
			 respect to a decision of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals made on or after the
			 date of the enactment of this Act.
			4.Commission to
			 study judicial review of the determination of veterans’ benefits
			(a)EstablishmentThere is established a commission to be
			 known as the Veterans Judicial Review Commission (in this
			 section referred to as the Commission).
			(b)DutiesThe
			 Commission shall—
				(1)evaluate the
			 administrative and judicial appellate review processes of veterans’ and
			 survivors’ benefits determinations; and
				(2)make specific recommendations and offer
			 solutions to improve the accuracy, fairness, transparency, predictability,
			 timeliness, and finality of such appellate review processes, including a
			 recommendation as to whether the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims should
			 have the authority to hear class action or associational standing cases.
				(c)Membership
				(1)In
			 generalThe Commission shall be composed of 13 members appointed
			 as follows:
					(A)Two individuals appointed by the Speaker of
			 the House of Representatives.
					(B)Two individuals appointed jointly by the
			 President of the Senate and the President pro tempore.
					(C)Two individuals appointed by the minority
			 leader of the House of Representatives.
					(D)Two individuals
			 appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.
					(E)Four individuals appointed by the
			 President.
					(F)One individual appointed by the President,
			 by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall serve as
			 chairperson.
					(2)QualificationsIndividuals
			 appointed under paragraph (1) shall—
					(A)be specially qualified to serve on the
			 Commission by virtue of their expert education, training, or experience
			 associated with veterans’ benefits, judicial review, constitutional law, or
			 other areas of expertise pertinent to the duties of the Commission; and
					(B)include
			 individuals who—
						(i)are
			 current or retired members of the judiciary;
						(ii)are
			 members of the legal or academic community; or
						(iii)represent—
							(I)veterans service
			 organizations;
							(II)legal service
			 organizations; or
							(III)other affected
			 entities.
							(3)TermsEach member shall be appointed for the life
			 of the Commission.
				(4)VacancyA vacancy in the Commission shall be filled
			 in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
				(d)Meetings
				(1)In
			 generalThe Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson
			 or a majority of its members.
				(2)QuorumA
			 majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may
			 hold hearings.
				(e)Pay
				(1)Rates of
			 payExcept as provided in paragraph (2), members shall serve
			 without pay.
				(2)Travel
			 expenseEach member shall receive travel expenses, including per
			 diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable provisions under
			 subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.
				(f)Staff
				(1)DirectorThe
			 Commission shall have a director who shall be appointed by the
			 Chairperson.
				(2)StaffSubject
			 to rules prescribed by the Commission, the Chairperson may appoint additional
			 personnel as the Chairperson considers appropriate.
				(3)Applicability of
			 certain civil service lawsThe director and staff of the
			 Commission shall be appointed subject to the provisions of title 5, United
			 States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and shall be
			 paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of
			 chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay
			 rates.
				(4)Experts and
			 consultantsSubject to rules prescribed by the Commission, the
			 Chairperson may procure temporary and intermittent services under section
			 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.
				(5)Staff to federal
			 agenciesUpon request of the Chairperson, the head of any Federal
			 department or agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel
			 of that department or agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its
			 duties under this section.
				(g)Powers of
			 Commission
				(1)Hearings and
			 sessionsThe Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this
			 Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony, and
			 receive evidence as the Commission considers appropriate. The Commission may
			 administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before it.
				(2)Powers of
			 Members and agentsAny member or agent of the Commission may, if
			 authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is
			 authorized to take by this section.
				(3)Obtaining
			 official dataThe Commission
			 may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States
			 information necessary to enable it to carry out this Act. Upon request of the
			 Chairperson of the Commission, the head of that department or agency shall
			 furnish that information to the Commission.
				(4)MailsThe Commission may use the United States
			 mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and
			 agencies of the United States.
				(5)Administrative
			 support servicesUpon the
			 request of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide
			 to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services
			 necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this
			 Act.
				(h)Reports
				(1)Interim
			 reportNot later than July 1,
			 2010, the Commission shall submit to Congress an interim report of the
			 evaluation and recommendations made under subsection (b).
				(2)Final
			 reportNot later than December 31, 2010, the Commission shall
			 submit to Congress a final report on the activities of the Commission,
			 including—
					(A)specific recommendations and solutions
			 proposed by the Commission under subsection (b), including a recommendation as
			 to whether the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims should have the authority
			 to hear class action or associational standing cases;
					(B)relevant
			 background and statistical information associated with such recommendations and
			 solutions; and
					(C)other information
			 the Commission determines appropriate.
					(i)TerminationThe Commission shall terminate on the date
			 that is two years after the date on which the Commission submits the final
			 report pursuant to section (h)(2).


114 HR 1938 IH: Inspectors General Transparency Act of 2015
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-04-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1938
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 22, 2015
			Mr. Kind (for himself, Mr. Ribble, Mr. Ryan of Wisconsin, Mr. Pocan, Ms. Moore, Mr. Sensenbrenner, Mr. Grothman, and Mr. Duffy) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

		A BILL
		To amend the Inspector General Act of 1978 to increase transparency of the Inspectors General, and
			 for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Inspectors General Transparency Act of 2015. 2.Duty to submit and make available to the public work productSection 4 of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

				(e)
 (1)Whenever an Inspector General, in carrying out the duties and responsibilities established under this Act, issues a work product the Inspector General shall—
 (A)submit the work product to— (i)the head of each establishment reviewed in the work product;
 (ii)the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
 (iii)the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives;
 (iv)the congressional committees of jurisdiction; (v)if the work product was initiated upon request by an individual or entity other than the Inspector General, that individual or entity; and
 (vi)any Member of Congress upon request; and (B)not later than 3 days after the work product is submitted in final form to the head of the establishment, post the work product on the website of the Office of Inspector General.
 (2)Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the public disclosure of information that is specifically prohibited from disclosure by any other provision of law..


117 S778 IS: Protecting Children From Experimentation Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-03-16
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.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 778IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 16, 2021Mr. Marshall (for himself, Mr. Braun, Mrs. Blackburn, and Mrs. Hyde-Smith) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo amend chapter 110 of title 18, United States Code, to prohibit gender reassignment medical interventions on minors, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Protecting Children From Experimentation Act of 2021.2.Gender reassignment medical interventions on minors prohibitedChapter 110 of title 18, United States Code, is amended—(1)by adding at the end the following: 2260B.Gender reassignment medical interventions on minors(a)In generalWhoever knowingly performs any gender reassignment medical intervention on a minor shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. (b)Prohibition on prosecution of person on whom intervention is performedNo person on whom the gender reassignment medical intervention under subsection (a) is performed may be arrested or prosecuted for an offense under this section.(c)Civil actionA person on whom a gender reassignment medical intervention is performed under this section may bring a civil action for appropriate relief against each person who performed the gender reassignment medical intervention.(d)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Gender reassignment medical intervention(A)In generalFor purposes of this chapter, except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term gender reassignment medical intervention means—(i)performing a surgery that sterilizes an individual, including castration, vasectomy, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, metoidioplasty, penectomy, phalloplasty, and vaginoplasty, to change the body of such individual to correspond to a sex that is discordant with biological sex;(ii)performing a mastectomy on an individual for the purpose described in clause (i); or(iii)administering or supplying to an individual medications for the purpose described in clause (i), including—(I)GnRH agonists or other puberty-blocking drugs to stop or delay normal puberty;(II)testosterone or other androgens to biological females at doses that are supraphysiologic to the female sex; or(III)estrogen to biological males at doses that are supraphysiologic to the male sex.(B)ExceptionSubparagraph (A) shall not apply to the following individuals:(i)An individual with external biological sex characteristics that are irresolvably ambiguous, such as those born with 46 XX chromosomes with virilization, 46 XY chromosomes with undervirilization, or having both ovarian and testicular tissue.(ii)An individual with respect to whom a physician has determined through genetic or biochemical testing that the individual does not have normal sex chromosome structure, sex steroid hormone production, or sex steroid hormone action for a biological male or biological female.(2)MinorThe term minor means any person under the age of eighteen years.; and(2)by amending the table of sections for such chapter by adding at the end the following:2260B. Gender reassignment medical interventions on minors..