109 HR 2217 IH: To amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to confirm the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s jurisdiction over child safety devices for handguns, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-05-10
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2217
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 10, 2005
Mr. Engel (for himself and Mr. Owens) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

A BILL
To amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to confirm the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s jurisdiction over child safety devices for handguns, and for other purposes.

1.Amendment of Consumer Product Safety Act
(a)In generalThe Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:

39.Child handgun safety devices
(a)Establishment of standard
(1)In general
(A)Rulemaking requiredNotwithstanding section 3(a)(1)(E) of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, within 90 days after the date of enactment of this section to establish a consumer product safety standard for handgun locks. The Commission may extend the 90-day period for good cause. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, the Commission shall promulgate a final consumer product safety standard under this paragraph within 12 months after the date on which it initiated the rulemaking. The Commission may extend that 12-month period for good cause. The consumer product safety standard promulgated under this paragraph shall take effect 6 months after the date on which the final standard is promulgated.
(B)Standard requirementsThe standard promulgated under subparagraph (A) shall require gun locks that—
(i)are sufficiently difficult for children to de-activate or remove; and
(ii)prevent the discharge of the handgun unless the gunlock has been de-activated or removed.
(2)Certain provisions not to apply
(A)Provisions of this ActSections 7, 9, and 30(d) of this Act do not apply to the rulemaking proceeding under paragraph (1). Section 11 of this Act does not apply to any consumer product safety standard promulgated under paragraph (1).
(B)Chapter 5 of title 5Except for section 553, chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, does not apply to this section.
(C)Chapter 6 of title 5Chapter 6 of title 5, United States Code, does not apply to this section.
(D)National environmental policy ActThe National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321) does not apply to this section.
(b)No effect on State lawNotwithstanding section 26 of this Act, this section does not annul, alter, impair, affect, or exempt any person subject to the provisions of this section from complying with any provision of the law of any State or any political subdivision thereof, except to the extent that such provisions of State law are inconsistent with any provision of this section, and then only to the extent of the inconsistency. A provision of State law is not inconsistent with this section if such provision affords greater protection to children in respect of handguns than is afforded by this section.
(c)EnforcementNotwithstanding subsection (a)(2)(A), the consumer product safety standard promulgated by the Commission under subsection (a) shall be enforced under this Act as if it were a consumer product safety standard described in section 7(a).
(d)DefinitionsIn this section:
(1)ChildThe term child means an individual who has not attained the age of 13 years.
(2)Handgun lockThe term handgun lock means any disabling or locking device that is not built into the handgun at the time of manufacture and that is designed to prevent the handgun from being discharged unless the device has been deactivated or removed.
(3)HandgunThe term handgun—
(A)has the meaning given that term in section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code; and
(B)includes any article taxable at the rate of 10 percent under section 4181 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 4181).
(4)Incorporated definitionsThe terms licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, and licensed dealer have the meanings given those terms in section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code..
(b)Conforming amendmentSection 1 of the Consumer Product Safety Act is amended by adding at the end of the table of contents the following:

Sec. 39. Child handgun safety devices.
2.Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the Consumer Product Safety Commission $2,000,000 to carry out the provisions of section 39 of the Consumer Product Safety Act, such sums to remain available until expended.


115 S3293 IS: To provide for the use of unleaded aviation gasoline.
U.S. Senate
2018-07-26
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		115th CONGRESS2d Session
		S. 3293
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			July 26, 2018
			Mr. Inhofe introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

		A BILL
		To provide for the use of unleaded aviation gasoline.

		1.Aviation fuel
 (a)Use of unleaded aviation gasolineThe Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (in this section referred to as the Administrator) shall allow the use of an unleaded aviation gasoline in an aircraft as a replacement for a leaded gasoline if the Administrator—
 (1)determines that the unleaded aviation gasoline qualifies as a replacement for an approved leaded gasoline;
 (2)identifies the aircraft and engines that are eligible to use the qualified replacement unleaded gasoline; and
 (3)adopts a process (other than the traditional means of certification) to allow eligible aircraft and engines to operate using qualified replacement unleaded gasoline in a manner that ensures safety.
 (b)TimingThe Administrator shall adopt the process described in subsection (a)(3) not later than 180 days after the later of—
 (1)the date on which the Administration completes the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative; or (2)the date on which the American Society for Testing and Materials publishes a production specification for an unleaded aviation gasoline.
 (c)Other means and methodsAny other existing regulatory mechanism by which the use of an unleaded aviation gasoline can be approved, either directly, or by a Supplemental Type Certificate for individual aircraft and engines or by use of an Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate providing coverage for all, or substantially all, of the entire fleet of aircraft and engines identified in the Federal Aviation Administration databases, shall continue to be fully available as a means of approving and bringing an unleaded aviation gasoline into general use in the United States. Such existing regulatory mechanisms shall not be further conditioned on the success, failure, or timing of the progress of the Piston Aviation Fuels Initiative, nor dependent upon a specification approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials.


117 HR 3267 IH: Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-05-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3267IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 17, 2021Mr. Brendan F. Boyle of Pennsylvania (for himself, Mr. Kildee, Mr. Larson of Connecticut, Mr. Casten, Ms. Norton, Mr. Khanna, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Moulton, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Cohen, and Mr. Pallone) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to publish a maximum contaminant level goal and promulgate a national primary drinking water regulation for total per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Protect Drinking Water from PFAS Act of 2021.2.Deadline for regulations on PFASSection 1412(b)(12) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g–1(b)(12)) is amended by adding at the end the following:(C)Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances(i)In generalNotwithstanding any other deadline established in this subsection, not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the Administrator shall publish a maximum contaminant level goal and promulgate a national primary drinking water regulation for total per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.(ii)Health protectionThe maximum contaminant level goal and national primary drinking water regulation promulgated under clause (i) shall be protective of the health of subpopulations at greater risk, as described in section 1458..


		IV
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 131
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 4, 2009
			Mr. Frank of
			 Massachusetts submitted the following resolution; which was referred
			 to the Committee on House
			 Administration

		RESOLUTION
		Providing amounts for the expenses of the
		  Committee on Financial Services in the One Hundred Eleventh
		  Congress.

		1.Amounts for Committee
			 ExpensesFor the expenses of
			 the Committee on Financial Services (hereafter in this resolution referred to
			 as the Committee), including the expenses of all staff salaries,
			 there shall be paid, out of the applicable accounts of the House of
			 Representatives for committee salaries and expenses, not more than
			 $19,224,887.00 for the One Hundred Eleventh Congress.
		2.Session
			 LimitationsOf the amount
			 specified in section 1—
			(1)not more than
			 $9,322,449.00 shall be available for expenses incurred during the period
			 beginning at noon on January 3, 2009, and ending immediately before noon on
			 January 3, 2010; and
			(2)not more than
			 $9,902,438.00 shall be available for expenses incurred during the period
			 beginning at noon on January 3, 2010, and ending immediately before noon on
			 January 3, 2011.
			3.VouchersPayments under this resolution shall be made
			 on vouchers authorized by the Committee, signed by the Chairman of the
			 Committee, and approved in the manner directed by the Committee on House
			 Administration.
		4.RegulationsAmounts made available under this resolution
			 shall be expended in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Committee on
			 House Administration.


116 S1298 IS: Primary Regulators of Insurance Vote Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-05-02
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1298IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 2, 2019Mr. Scott of South Carolina (for himself and Mr. Jones) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban AffairsA BILLTo amend the Financial Stability Act of 2010 to include the State insurance commissioner as a
			 voting member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council, and for other
 purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Primary Regulators of Insurance Vote Act of 2019.2.Establishment of State insurance commissioner as a voting member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council(a)In generalSection 111 of the Financial Stability Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5321) is amended—(1)in subsection (b)—(A)in paragraph (1)—(i)by redesignating subparagraph (J) as subparagraph (K);(ii)in subparagraph (I), by striking and at the end; and(iii)by inserting after subparagraph (I) the following:(J)a State insurance commissioner, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, as described in paragraph (4); and; and(B)by adding at the end the following:(4)State insurance commissionerIn selecting an individual to appoint as a State insurance commissioner under paragraph (1)(J), the President shall request a list of recommendations for the individual from State insurance commissioners through a process determined by the State insurance commissioners. The recommendations shall not be binding on the President. If the State insurance commissioners fail to submit a list of recommendations within 15 business days after the date of the request, the President may select an individual to appoint without considering the recommendations.; and(2)in subsection (c)—(A)in paragraph (1), by inserting , the State insurance commissioner shall serve for a term of 4 years after 6 years;(B)in paragraph (2), by inserting at the end the following: For vacancy in the membership of the State insurance commissioner serving under subsection (b)(1)(J), the President shall appoint another State insurance commissioner to serve on the Council for the remainder of the term or until a successor is appointed and confirmed under paragraph (5), whichever is earlier.; and(C)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(5)Term of State insurance commissionerNotwithstanding paragraph (1), if a successor to the State insurance commissioner serving under subsection (b)(1)(J) is not appointed and confirmed by the end of the term of service of such commissioner, such commissioner may continue to serve until the earlier of—(A)18 months after the date on which the term of service ends; or(B)the date on which a successor to such member is appointed and confirmed..(b)Technical and conforming amendmentSection 111(c)(4) of the Financial Stability Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5321(c)(4)) is amended by striking subsection (b)(1)(J) and inserting subsection (b)(1)(K).3.Repeal of State insurance commissioner as nonvoting member of FSOC(a)In generalSection 111(b)(2) of the Financial Stability Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5321(b)(2)) is amended by striking subparagraph (C) and redesignating subparagraph (D) and (E) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively.(b)Technical and conforming amendmentSection 111(c)(1) of the Financial Stability Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5321(c)(1)) is amended by striking by subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) and inserting subparagraphs (C) and (D).4.Temporary service; transitionNotwithstanding the amendments made by this Act, during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on the date on which the State insurance commissioner is appointed and confirmed pursuant to section 111(b)(1) of the Financial Stability Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5321(b)(1)), as amended by section 2 of this Act, section 111(b)(2)(C) of the Financial Stability Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5321(b)(2)(C)), as in effect before the date of enactment of this Act, shall continue to apply.


115 HR 6069 : Fight Illicit Networks and Detect Trafficking Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-06-26
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IIB115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6069IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 26, 2018Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban AffairsAN ACTTo require the Comptroller General of the United States to carry out a study on how virtual
			 currencies and online marketplaces are used to buy, sell, or facilitate
			 the financing of goods or services associated with sex trafficking or drug
 trafficking, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Fight Illicit Networks and Detect Trafficking Act or the FIND Trafficking Act.2.FindingsThe Congress finds the following:(1)According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 2017 National Drug Threat Assessment, transnational criminal organizations are increasingly using virtual currencies.(2)The Treasury Department has recognized that: The development of virtual currencies is an attempt to meet a legitimate market demand. According to a Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago economist, United States consumers want payment options that are versatile and that provide immediate finality. No United States payment method meets that description, although cash may come closest. Virtual currencies can mimic cash’s immediate finality and anonymity and are more versatile than cash for online and cross-border transactions, making virtual currencies vulnerable for illicit transactions..(3)Virtual currencies have become a prominent method to pay for goods and services associated with illegal sex trafficking and drug trafficking, which are two of the most detrimental and troubling illegal activities facilitated by online marketplaces.(4)Online marketplaces, including the dark web, have become a prominent platform to buy, sell, and advertise for illicit goods and services associated with sex trafficking and drug trafficking.(5)According to the International Labour Organization, in 2016, 4.8 million people in the world were victims of forced sexual exploitation, and in 2014, the global profit from commercial sexual exploitation was $99 billion.(6)In 2016, within the United States, the Center for Disease Control estimated that there were 64,000 deaths related to drug overdose, and the most severe increase in drug overdoses were those associated with fentanyl and fentanyl analogs (synthetic opioids), which amounted to over 20,000 overdose deaths.(7)According to the United States Department of the Treasury 2015 National Money Laundering Risk Assessment, an estimated $64 billion is generated annually from United States drug trafficking sales.(8)Illegal fentanyl in the United States originates primarily from China, and it is readily available to purchase through online marketplaces.3.GAO Study(a)Study requiredThe Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on how virtual currencies and online marketplaces are used to facilitate sex and drug trafficking. The study shall consider—(1)how online marketplaces, including the dark web, are being used as platforms to buy, sell, or facilitate the financing of goods or services associated with sex trafficking or drug trafficking (specifically, opioids and synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and any precursor chemicals associated with manufacturing fentanyl or fentanyl analogs) destined for, originating from, or within the United States;(2)how financial payment methods, including virtual currencies and peer-to-peer mobile payment services, are being utilized by online marketplaces to facilitate the buying, selling, or financing of goods and services associated with sex or drug trafficking destined for, originating from, or within the United States;(3)how virtual currencies are being used to facilitate the buying, selling, or financing of goods and services associated with sex or drug trafficking, destined for, originating from, or within the United States, when an online platform is not otherwise involved;(4)how illicit funds that have been transmitted online and through virtual currencies are repatriated into the formal banking system of the United States through money laundering or other means;(5)the participants (state and non-state actors) throughout the entire supply chain that participate in or benefit from the buying, selling, or financing of goods and services associated with sex or drug trafficking (either through online marketplaces or virtual currencies) destined for, originating from, or within the United States;(6)Federal and State agency efforts to impede the buying, selling, or financing of goods and services associated with sex or drug trafficking destined for, originating from, or within the United States, including efforts to prevent the proceeds from sex or drug trafficking from entering the United States banking system;(7)how virtual currencies and their underlying technologies can be used to detect and deter these illicit activities; and(8)to what extent can the immutable and traceable nature of virtual currencies contribute to the tracking and prosecution of illicit funding.(b)ScopeFor the purposes of the study required under subsection (a), the term sex trafficking means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act that is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age.(c)Report to CongressNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report summarizing the results of the study required under subsection (a), together with any recommendations for legislative or regulatory action that would improve the efforts of Federal agencies to impede the use of virtual currencies and online marketplaces in facilitating sex and drug trafficking.Passed the House of Representatives June 25, 2018.Karen L. Haas,Clerk.


117 S104 IS: Improving Social Determinants of Health Act of 2021
U.S. Senate
2021-01-28
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. 104IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJanuary 28, 2021Ms. Smith (for herself, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Brown, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Klobuchar, and Mr. Blumenthal) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and PensionsA BILLTo authorize the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to carry out a Social Determinants of Health Program, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Improving Social Determinants of Health Act of 2021.2.FindingsCongress finds the following:(1)Healthy People 2030 defines social determinants of health as conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.(2)One of the overarching goals of Healthy People 2030 is to create social, physical, and economic environments that promote attaining the full potential for health and well-being for all.(3)Healthy People 2030 developed a place-based organizing framework, reflecting five key areas of social determinants of health namely—(A)economic stability;(B)education access and quality;(C)social and community context;(D)health care access and quality; and(E)neighborhood and built environment.(4)It is estimated that medical care accounts for only 10 to 20 percent of the modifiable contributors to healthy outcomes for a population.(5)The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has indicated the importance of the social determinants in its work stating that, As we seek to foster innovation, rethink rural health, find solutions to the opioid epidemic, and continue to put patients first, we need to take into account social determinants of health and recognize their importance..(6)The Department of Health and Human Services’ Public Health 3.0 initiative recognizes the role of public health in working across sectors on social determinants of health, as well as the role of public health as chief health strategist in communities.(7)Through its Health Impact in 5 Years initiative, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has highlighted nonclinical, community-wide approaches that show positive health impacts, results within five years, and cost effectiveness or cost savings over the lifetime of the population or earlier.(8)Health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are not funded for such cross-cutting work.3.Social Determinants of Health Program(a)ProgramTo the extent and in the amounts made available in advance in appropriations Acts, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (in this Act referred to as the Director), shall carry out a program, to be known as the Social Determinants of Health Program (in this Act referred to as the Program), to achieve the following goals:(1)Improve health outcomes and reduce health inequities by coordinating social determinants of health activities across the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.(2)Improve the capacity of public health agencies and community organizations to address social determinants of health in communities.(b)ActivitiesTo achieve the goals listed in subsection (a), the Director shall carry out activities including the following:(1)Coordinating across the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that relevant programs consider and incorporate social determinants of health in grant awards and other activities.(2)Awarding grants under section 4 to State, local, territorial, and Tribal health departments and organizations, and to other eligible entities, to address social determinants of health in target communities. (3)Awarding grants under section 5 to nonprofit organizations and public or other nonprofit institutions of higher education—(A)to conduct research on best practices to improve social determinants of health;(B)to provide technical assistance, training, and evaluation assistance to grantees under section 4; and(C)to disseminate best practices to grantees under section 4.(4)Coordinating, supporting, and aligning activities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention related to social determinants of health with activities of other Federal agencies related to social determinants of health, including such activities of agencies in the Department of Health and Human Services such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.(5)Collecting and analyzing data related to the social determinants of health.4.Grants to address social determinants of health(a)In generalThe Director, as part of the Program, shall award grants to eligible entities to address social determinants of health in their communities.(b)EligibilityTo be eligible to apply for a grant under this section, an entity shall be—(1)a State, local, territorial, or Tribal health agency or organization;(2)a qualified nongovernmental entity, as defined by the Director; or(3)a consortium of entities that includes a State, local, territorial, or Tribal health agency or organization.(c)Use of funds(1)In generalA grant under this section shall be used to address social determinants of health in a target community by designing and implementing innovative, evidence-based, cross-sector strategies.(2)Target communityFor purposes of this section, a target community shall be a State, county, city, Tribe, or other municipality.(d)Priority and set aside(1)PriorityIn awarding grants under this section, the Director shall prioritize applicants proposing to serve target communities with significant unmet health and social needs, as defined by the Director. (2)Set asideThe Director shall set aside 5 percent of amounts appropriated to carry out this section in each fiscal year to award grants to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.(e)ApplicationTo seek a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall—(1)submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require;(2)propose a set of activities to address social determinants of health through evidence-based, cross-sector strategies, which activities may include—(A)collecting quantifiable data from health care, social services, and other entities regarding the most significant gaps in health-promoting social, economic, and environmental needs;(B)identifying evidence-based approaches to meeting the nonmedical, social needs of populations identified by data collection described in subparagraph (A), such as unstable housing or food insecurity;(C)developing scalable methods to meet patients’ social needs identified in clinical settings or other sites;(D)convening entities such as local and State governmental and nongovernmental organizations, health systems, payors, and community-based organizations to review, plan, and implement community-wide interventions and strategies to advance health-promoting social conditions;(E)monitoring and evaluating the impact of activities funded through the grant on the health and well-being of the residents of the target community and on the cost of health care; and (F)such other activities as may be specified by the Director; (3)demonstrate how the eligible entity will collaborate with—(A)health systems;(B)payors, including, as appropriate, Medicaid managed care organizations (as defined in section 1903(m)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(m)(1)(A))), Medicare Advantage plans under part C of title XVIII of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–21 et seq.), and health insurance issuers and group health plans (as such terms are defined in section 2791 of the Public Health Service Act);(C)other relevant stakeholders and initiatives in areas of need, such as the Accountable Health Communities Model of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, health homes under the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), community-based organizations, and human services organizations;(D)other non-health care sector organizations, including organizations focusing on transportation, housing, or food access; and(E)local employers; and(4)identify key health inequities in the target community and demonstrate how the proposed efforts of the eligible entity would address such inequities.(f)Monitoring and evaluationAs a condition of receipt of a grant under this section, a grantee shall agree to submit an annual report to the Director describing the activities carried out through the grant and the outcomes of such activities.(g)Independent national evaluation(1)In generalNot later than 5 years after the first grants are awarded under this section, the Director shall provide for the commencement of an independent national evaluation of the Program under this section.(2)Report to CongressNot later than 60 days after receiving the results of such independent national evaluation, the Director shall report such results to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.5.Research and trainingThe Director, as part of the Program—(1)shall award grants to nonprofit organizations and public or other nonprofit institutions of higher education—(A)to conduct research on best practices to improve social determinants of health;(B)to provide technical assistance, training, and evaluation assistance to grantees under section 4; and(C)to disseminate best practices to grantees under section 4; and(2)may require a grantee under paragraph (1) to provide technical assistance and capacity building to entities that are eligible entities under section 4 but not receiving funds through such section.6.Funding(a)In generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act, $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2026.(b)AllocationOf the amount made available to carry out this Act for a fiscal year, not less than 75 percent shall be used for grants under sections 4 and 5.


IV
108th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 650
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 19, 2004
Mr. Sullivan submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform

RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the House with respect to the life and work of Tony Randall.

Whereas Tony Randall was born Leonard Rosenberg in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on February 26, 1920, the son of Mogscha Rosenberg, a dealer in artworks and antiques, and the former Julia Finston, and attended Tulsa’s Central High School;
Whereas by the late 1950s, Mr. Randall was a much sought-after actor, appearing in a number of television shows, briefly substituting for Steve Allen on the Tonight Show and for Arthur Godfrey, and performed in a great many television plays;
Whereas he was nominated often for Golden Globe awards and performed n the Rock Hudson-Doris Day films Pillow Talk (1959), Lover Come Back (1961) and Send Me No Flowers (1964) as well as the Jayne Mansfield comedy Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957);
Whereas he was probably best known for his television roles including his TV work in the 1950s by his supporting role in the sitcom Mr. Peepers, and various other projects until he landed the part on The Odd Couple;
Whereas the Emmy-winning actor made the role of fussy neatnik Felix Unger his own in TV’s The Odd Couple, and in the sitcom, Randall played the fussy, comically compulsive Felix Unger, apartment-mate of sloppy Oscar Madison portrayed by Jack Klugman, winning an Emmy for the show in 1975;
Whereas Tony Randall’s work brought laughter to America, including The Odd Couple, The Carol Burnett Show, The Dean Martin Show, and numerous What's My Line? episodes;
Whereas throughout all of his television work, he maintained his connection to the theater, spending much of his final years involved with his own theatre company, the National Actors Theater, which he started in 1992; and
Whereas he is survived by his wife, actress Heather Harlan, and their two children: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—
(1)commends Tony Randall for his life and accomplishments; and
(2)recognizes his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft.


114 HCON 103 IH: Expressing the sense of the Congress that it runs contrary to America’s values to take away the constitutional rights of American citizens without due process, and that any legislation that would do so would be unconstitutional and should not be considered.
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-12-17
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IV
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. CON. RES. 103
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			December 17, 2015
			Mrs. Ellmers of North Carolina (for herself, Mr. Culberson, and Mr. Brooks of Alabama) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

		CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of the Congress that it runs contrary to America’s values to take away the
			 constitutional rights of American citizens without due process, and that
			 any legislation that would do so would be unconstitutional and should not
			 be considered.

 Whereas the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution grants individuals the right to keep and bear arms;
 Whereas, under current law, there are already sufficient and robust safeguards that prevent terrorists from purchasing firearms in the United States;
 Whereas the Terrorist Watch List is a tool for law enforcement, and not a list of criminals or terrorists that have been afforded any due process;
 Whereas the Terrorist Watch List sometimes includes American citizens that have not been accused of any crime; and Whereas categorically denying the right to purchase a firearm to anyone on the Terrorist Watch List would include these citizens: Now, therefore, be it

 That it is the sense of the Congress that— (1)it runs contrary to America’s values to take away the constitutional rights of American citizens without due process; and
 (2)any legislation that would do so would be unconstitutional and should not be considered.


115 HR 1766 IH: Medical Practice Freedom Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-03-28
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. 1766IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 28, 2017Mr. Roe of Tennessee (for himself and Mrs. Blackburn) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo prohibit conditioning health care provider licensure on participation in a health plan or the
			 meaningful use of electronic health records.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Medical Practice Freedom Act of 2017. 2.Health care provider licensure cannot be conditioned on participation in a health plan or the meaningful use of electronic health records (a)In generalThe Secretary of Health and Human Services and any State (as a condition of receiving Federal financial participation under title XIX of the Social Security Act) may not require any health care provider, as a condition of licensure of the provider in any State—
 (1)to participate in any health plan; or (2)to comply with any requirements relating to the meaningful use of electronic health records (including under part 170 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations).
 (b)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)Health planThe term health plan has the meaning given such term in section 1171(5) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d(5)), and includes a basic health program established under section 1331 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18051), a qualified health plan offered by a qualified nonprofit health insurance issuer under the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO–OP) program under section 1322 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 18042), a qualified health plan offered under a health care choice compact under section 1333 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 18053), a multi-State qualified health plan offered under section 1334 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 18054), or other health plan offered under title I of such Act.
 (2)Health care providerThe term health care provider means any person or entity that is required by State or Federal laws or regulations to be licensed, registered, or certified to provide health care services and is so licensed, registered, or certified, or exempted from such requirement by other statute or regulation.
 (3)StateThe term State has the meaning given such term for purposes of title XIX of the Social Security Act.


114 HR 4332 : Maximizing Small Business Competition Act of 2016
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-04-20
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		IIB
		114th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4332
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
		April 20, 2016Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and EntrepreneurshipAN ACT
		To amend the Small Business Act to clarify the duties of procurement center representatives with
			 respect to reviewing solicitations for a contract or task order contract.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Maximizing Small Business Competition Act of 2016. 2.Duties of procurement center representatives with respect to reviewing solicitations for a contract or task order contractSection 15(l)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(l)(2)(D)) is amended—
 (1)by redesignating subparagraphs (E) through (I) as subparagraphs (F) through (J), respectively; and (2)by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph:

 (E)review any solicitation for a contract or task order without regard to whether the contract or task order or part of the contract or task order is set aside for small business concerns, whether one or more contract or task order awards are reserved for small business concerns under a multiple award contract, or whether or not the solicitation would result in a bundled or consolidated contract (as defined in subsection (s)) or a bundled or consolidated task order;.

	Passed the House of Representatives April 19, 2016.Karen L. Haas,Clerk


		IV
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 171
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 15, 2011
			Mr. Brady of
			 Pennsylvania (for himself, Mr.
			 Grijalva, Mr. Towns,
			 Mr. Meeks,
			 Mr. Clarke of Michigan,
			 Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas,
			 Mr. Connolly of Virginia,
			 Ms. Bordallo,
			 Mr. Honda,
			 Ms. Norton,
			 Ms. Lee of California,
			 Mr. Faleomavaega,
			 Mr. Hinojosa,
			 Mr. Cummings,
			 Ms. Moore,
			 Mr. Serrano,
			 Mr. Conyers,
			 Mr. Butterfield,
			 Mr. Garamendi,
			 Mr. Hastings of Florida,
			 Mr. Pastor of Arizona,
			 Ms. Schakowsky, and
			 Mr. Al Green of Texas) submitted the
			 following resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Oversight and Government
			 Reform

		RESOLUTION
		Supporting the goals and ideals of National
		  Minority Health Awareness Month in April 2011 in order to bring attention to
		  the severe health disparities faced by minority populations such as American
		  Indians and Alaska Natives, Asians, Blacks or African-Americans, Hispanics or
		  Latinos, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders.

		Whereas many of these populations experience a
			 disproportionate lack of access to healthcare, exposure to environmental
			 hazards, mortality, morbidity, behavioral risk factors, disability status, and
			 unique social determinants of health at the national level;
		Whereas the expected increase in these populations in the
			 near future will impact the entire United States health system, making their
			 collective improved health even more critical to the entire Nation;
		Whereas the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
			 has identified six main categories in which racial and ethnic minorities
			 experience the most disparate access and health outcomes, including infant
			 mortality, cancer screening and management, cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
			 HIV/AIDS infection, and immunizations;
		Whereas according to the Centers for Disease Control and
			 Prevention (CDC), African-American, American Indian, and Puerto Rican infants
			 have higher death rates than White infants;
		Whereas African-American women are more than twice as
			 likely to die of cervical cancer than White women and are more likely to die of
			 breast cancer than women of any other racial or ethnic group;
		Whereas the rate of death from coronary heart disease was
			 20 percent higher among African-American adults than among White adults older
			 than 44, and the death rate from stroke was 48 percent higher in 2006;
		Whereas in 2008, African-American adults were 6 times more
			 likely to have medically diagnosed diabetes compared with non-Hispanic Whites,
			 Hispanics were 1.5 times more likely, and Asians were 1.2 times more
			 likely;
		Whereas African-Americans and Hispanics represented only
			 27 percent of the United States population in 2008, but accounted for an
			 estimated 68 percent of adult AIDS diagnoses and 71 percent of estimated
			 pediatric AIDS diagnoses in that year; and
		Whereas in 2008, Hispanics and African-Americans age 65
			 and older were less likely than non-Hispanic Whites to report having received
			 influenza and pneumococcal vaccines: Now, therefore, be it

		That the House of Representatives supports
			 the goals and ideals of National Minority Health Awareness Month in order to
			 bring attention to the severe health disparities faced by minority populations
			 such as American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asians, Blacks or
			 African-Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, and Native Hawaiians and other Pacific
			 Islanders.


115 HJ 8 IH: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for balanced budgets for the Government.
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.

IA115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. J. RES. 8IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 3, 2017Mr. Fitzpatrick submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryJOINT RESOLUTIONProposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide for balanced budgets for
			 the Government.

 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:

				 —
 1.Total outlays for any fiscal year shall not exceed total receipts for that fiscal year, unless two-thirds of the whole number of each House of Congress shall provide by law for a specific excess of outlays over receipts by a rollcall vote.
 2.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.
 3.The Congress may waive the provisions of this article for any fiscal year in which a declaration of war is in effect by a rollcall vote.
 4.The Congress may waive the provisions of this article for any fiscal year in which a declaration of national emergency is in effect, as so declared by a joint resolution, adopted by a majority of the whole number of each House, which becomes law.
 5.The Congress may waive the provisions of this article for any fiscal year in which a declaration of a natural disaster is in effect, as so declared by a joint resolution, adopted by a majority of the whole number of each House, which becomes law.
 6.The Congress shall enforce and implement this article by appropriate legislation, which may rely on estimates of outlays and receipts.
 7.This article shall take effect beginning with the fifth fiscal year beginning after its ratification..


IIB
111th CONGRESS 2d Session
H. R. 4438
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

July 14, 2010
Received

August 5, 2010
Read twice and referred to the  Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

AN ACT
To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to expand the boundary of the Park, to conduct a study of potential land acquisitions, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Boundary Expansion Act of 2010.
2.Park boundary studySection 201 of Public Law 95–629 (16 U.S.C. 410ee) is amended—
(1)by redesignating subsections (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) as subsections (c), (e), (f), (g), and (h) respectively;
(2)by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection:

(b)
(1)The Secretary shall conduct a study of lands within Bexar and Wilson Counties, Texas, to identify lands that would be suitable for inclusion within the boundaries of the park. In conducting the study, the Secretary shall examine the natural, cultural, recreational, and scenic values and characteristics of lands within Bexar and Wilson Counties.
(2)Not later than 3 years after the date funds are made available for the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study.; and
(3)by inserting after subsection (c) (as so redesignated) the following new subsection:

(d)The Secretary may assign park employees to provide interpretive services, including visitor information and education, at facilities outside the boundary of the park..
3.Boundary expansionSection 201(a) of Public Law 95–629 (16 U.S.C. 410ee(a)) is amended as follows:
(1)By striking In order and inserting the following: (1) In order.
(2)By striking The park shall also and inserting the following:

(2)The park shall also.
(3)By striking After advising the and inserting the following:

(4)After advising the.
(4)By inserting after paragraph (2) (as so designated by paragraph (2) above) the following:

(3)The boundary of the park is further modified to include approximately 151 acres, as depicted on the map titled San Antonio Missions National Historical Park Proposed Boundary Addition 2009, numbered 472/68,027, and dated November 2009. The map shall be on file and available for inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The Secretary of the Interior may not use condemnation authority to acquire any lands or interests in lands under this Act..
 Passed the House of Representatives July 13, 2010.Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.


		III

		109th CONGRESS

		2d Session

		S. RES. 427

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			April 5, 2006

			Mr. Inhofe (for himself,

			 Mr. Warner, Mr.

			 Bond, Mr. Voinovich,

			 Mr. Chafee, Ms.

			 Murkowski, Mr. Vitter,

			 Mr. Thune, Mr.

			 DeMint, Mr. Isakson,

			 Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Baucus, Mr.

			 Lieberman, Mrs. Boxer,

			 Mr. Carper, Mrs. Clinton, Mr.

			 Lautenberg, Mr. Obama, and

			 Mr. Reid) submitted the following

			 resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION

		Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the

		  Interstate System.

		Whereas, on June 29, 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower

			 signed into law—

			(1)the Federal-Aid

			 Highway Act of 1956 (Public Law 84–627; 70 Stat. 374) to establish the

			 41,000-mile National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, later

			 designated as the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and

			 Defense Highways; and

			(2)the Highway

			 Revenue Act of 1956 (Public Law 84–627; 70 Stat. 387) to create the Highway

			 Trust Fund;

			Whereas, in 1990, the National System of Interstate and

			 Defense Highways was renamed the Dwight D. Eisenhower System of Interstate and

			 Defense Highways to recognize the role of President Eisenhower in the creation

			 of the Interstate Highway System;

		Whereas that web of superhighways, now spanning a total of

			 46,876 miles throughout the United States, has had a powerful and positive

			 impact on the lives of United States citizens;

		Whereas the Interstate System has proven to be a vital

			 tool for transporting people and goods from 1 region to another speedily and

			 safely;

		Whereas the use of the Interstate System has helped the

			 Nation facilitate domestic and global trade, and has allowed the Nation to

			 create unprecedented economic expansion and opportunities for millions of

			 United States citizens;

		Whereas the Interstate System has enabled diverse

			 communities throughout the United States to come closer together, and has

			 allowed United States citizens to remain connected to each other as well as to

			 the larger world;

		Whereas the Interstate System has made it easier and more

			 enjoyable for United States citizens to travel to long-distance destinations

			 and spend time with family members and friends who live far away;

		Whereas the Interstate System is a pivotal link in the

			 national chain of defense and emergency preparedness efforts;

		Whereas the Interstate System remains 1 of the paramount

			 assets of the United States, as well as a symbol of human ingenuity and

			 freedom; and

		Whereas the anniversary of the Interstate System provides

			 United States citizens with an occasion to honor 1 of the largest public works

			 achievements of all time, and reflect on how the Nation can maintain the

			 effectiveness of the System in the years ahead: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate—

			(1)proclaims 2006 as

			 the Golden Anniversary Year of the Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of

			 Interstate and Defense Highways;

			(2)recognizes and

			 celebrates the achievements of the Federal Highway Administration, State

			 departments of transportation, and the highway construction industry of the

			 United States, including contractors, designers, engineers, labor, materials

			 producers, and equipment companies, for their contributions to the quality of

			 life of the citizens of the United States; and

			(3)encourages

			 citizens, communities, governmental agencies, and other organizations to

			 promote and participate in celebratory and educational activities that mark

			 this uniquely important and historic milestone.


109 HR 1604 IH: To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the inclusion of hazardous duty pay and diving pay in the computation of military retired pay for members of the Armed Forces with extensive hazardous duty experience, to require a Comptroller General study on the need for a tax credit for businesses that employ members of the National Guard and Reserve, and to require a report by the Secretary of Defense on the expansion of the Junior ROTC and similar military programs for young people.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-04-13
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 1604
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 13, 2005
Ms. Granger introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

A BILL
To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for the inclusion of hazardous duty pay and diving pay in the computation of military retired pay for members of the Armed Forces with extensive hazardous duty experience, to require a Comptroller General study on the need for a tax credit for businesses that employ members of the National Guard and Reserve, and to require a report by the Secretary of Defense on the expansion of the Junior ROTC and similar military programs for young people.

1.Inclusion of hazardous duty pay and diving pay in computation of military retired pay for members of the Armed Forces with extensive hazardous duty experience
(a)In generalChapter 71 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

1415.Members with extensive hazardous duty experience: increase in retired pay
(a)Increase in retired pay for qualifying membersThe retired pay of a member who performs qualifying hazardous duty and who retires on or after the date of the enactment of this section shall be increased by the amount determined under subsection (b).
(b)Computation of increaseThe amount of an increase in retired pay under this section shall be the sum of the following:
(1)Hazardous duty special payIf the member received special pay under section 301 of title 37, the amount equal to the product of—
(A)the monthly amount of special pay under that section as in effect for the final month for which the member received that special pay; and
(B)the fraction in which the numerator is the number of months for which the member received such special pay and the denominator is the total number of months for which the member received basic pay.
(2)Diving duty special payIf the member received special pay under section 304 of title 37, the amount equal to the product of—
(A)the monthly amount of special pay under that section as in effect for the final months for which the member received that special pay; and
(B)the fraction in which the numerator is the number of months for which the member received such special pay and the denominator is the total number of months for which the member received basic pay.
(c)Qualifying membersA member shall be considered to have performed qualifying hazardous duty for purposes of this section if the member received special pay under section 301 of title 37 (relating to special pay for hazardous duty) or section 304 of title 37 (relating to special pay for diving duty), or both, for not less than 60 months (whether or not consecutive).
(d)Treatment under other provisions relating to retired payAn amount by which retired pay is increased under this section shall not be considered to be retired pay for purposes of section 1408 of this title or for purposes of the Survivor Benefit Plan under subchapter II of chapter 73 of this title.
(e)Retainer payIn this section, the term retired pay includes retainer pay payable under section 6330 of this title..
(b)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

1415. Members with extensive hazardous duty experience: increase in retired pay.
2.Comptroller General study of tax credits and small business loan changes to assist businesses that employ Guard and Reserve members
(a)Study requiredThe Comptroller General shall conduct a study to determine—
(1)whether members of the National Guard and Reserve comprise a disproportionately large portion of the employees of any size or type of business, including small business concerns;
(2)the amount of Federal tax benefit that would be appropriate to compensate such a business for costs associated with employing members of National Guard and Reserve units and having such members called to active duty; and
(3)whether changes can be made to the small business loan program, such as a targeted level of loans, reduced interest rates, and reduced paperwork burdens for loan applications, to assist small business concerns to deal with the costs associated with employing members of National Guard and Reserve units and having such members called to active duty.
(b)ReportNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the study. The report shall include legislative proposals—
(1)to provide the recommended tax benefit identified in the study; and
(2)to modify the small business loan program to assist small business concerns that employ members of National Guard and Reserve units.
3.Secretary of Defense Report on expansion of Junior ROTC and similar military programs for young people
(a)FindingsCongress finds that—
(1)the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, the Civil Air Patrol, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League provide significant benefits for the Armed Forces, including significant public relations benefits; and
(2)there is substantial interest in expanding the scope of those programs.
(b)ReportNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report providing the Secretary’s assessment of the feasibility and desirability of expanding the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program of each of the military departments, the Civil Air Patrol, the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and the Young Marines of the Marine Corps League. The report shall include such recommendations as the Secretary considers appropriate for expansion of those programs through an increase in the number of units or participants in those programs, increased funding for those programs, or such other means as the Secretary determines.


117 S505 IS: Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act
U.S. Senate
2021-03-01
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.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 505IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMarch 1, 2021Mr. Blumenthal (for himself, Mr. Markey, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Brown, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Merkley, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Casey, Ms. Warren, Mr. Booker, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Menendez, Ms. Cantwell, Ms. Cortez Masto, Mr. Murphy, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Reed, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Van Hollen, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Coons, Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Heinrich, Ms. Smith, Mrs. Feinstein, Ms. Duckworth, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Carper, Ms. Hassan, Mr. Peters, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Padilla, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Luján, Mr. Warnock, and Mr. Ossoff) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo amend title 9 of the United States Code with respect to arbitration.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act.2.PurposesThe purposes of this Act are to—(1)prohibit predispute arbitration agreements that force arbitration of future employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights disputes; and(2)prohibit agreements and practices that interfere with the right of individuals, workers, and small businesses to participate in a joint, class, or collective action related to an employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights dispute.3.Arbitration of employment, consumer, antitrust, and civil rights disputes(a)In generalTitle 9 of the United States Code is amended by adding at the end the following:4Arbitration of Employment, Consumer, Antitrust, and Civil Rights DisputesSec. 401. Definitions.402. No validity or enforceability.401.DefinitionsIn this chapter—(1)the term antitrust dispute means a dispute—(A)arising from an alleged violation of the antitrust laws (as defined in subsection (a) of the first section of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12(a)) or State antitrust laws; and(B)in which the plaintiffs seek certification as a class under rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or a comparable rule or provision of State law;(2)the term civil rights dispute means a dispute—(A)arising from an alleged violation of—(i)the Constitution of the United States or the constitution of a State; or(ii)any Federal, State, or local law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, or any legally protected status in education, employment, credit, housing, public accommodations and facilities, voting, veterans or servicemembers, health care, or a program funded or conducted by the Federal Government or a State government, including any law referred to or described in section 62(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including parts of such law not explicitly referenced in such section but that relate to protecting individuals on any such basis; and(B)in which at least 1 party alleging a violation described in subparagraph (A) is an individual (or an authorized representative of an individual), including an individual seeking certification as a class under rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or a comparable rule or provision of State law;(3)the term consumer dispute means a dispute between—(A)1 or more individuals, including an individual who seeks certification as a class under rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or a comparable rule or provision of State law, who seek or acquire real or personal property, services (including services related to digital technology), securities or other investments, money, or credit for personal, family, or household purposes; and(B)(i)the seller or provider of such property, services, securities or other investments, money, or credit; or(ii)a third party involved in the selling, providing of, payment for, receipt or use of information about, or other relationship to any such property, services, securities or other investments, money, or credit;(4)the term employment dispute—(A)means a dispute between 1 or more individuals (or their authorized representative) and a person arising out of or related to the work relationship or prospective work relationship between them, including a dispute regarding the terms of or payment for, advertising of, recruiting for, referring of, arranging for, or discipline or discharge in connection with, such work, regardless of whether the individual is or would be classified as an employee or an independent contractor with respect to such work; and(B)includes—(i)a dispute arising under any law referred to or described in section 62(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including parts of such law not explicitly referenced in such section but that relate to protecting individuals on any such basis; and(ii)a dispute in which an individual seeks certification as a class under rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or as a collective action under section 16(b) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 U.S.C. 216(b)), or a comparable rule or provision of State law;(5)the term predispute arbitration agreement means an agreement to arbitrate a dispute that has not yet arisen at the time of the making of the agreement; and(6)the term predispute joint-action waiver means an agreement, whether or not part of a predispute arbitration agreement, that would prohibit, or waive the right of, one of the parties to the agreement to participate in a joint, class, or collective action in a judicial, arbitral, administrative, or other forum, concerning a dispute that has not yet arisen at the time of the making of the agreement.402.No validity or enforceability(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of this title, no predispute arbitration agreement or predispute joint-action waiver shall be valid or enforceable with respect to an employment dispute, consumer dispute, antitrust dispute, or civil rights dispute.(b)Applicability(1)In generalAn issue as to whether this chapter applies with respect to a dispute shall be determined under Federal law. The applicability of this chapter to an agreement to arbitrate and the validity and enforceability of an agreement to which this chapter applies shall be determined by a court, rather than an arbitrator, irrespective of whether the party resisting arbitration challenges the arbitration agreement specifically or in conjunction with other terms of the contract containing such agreement, and irrespective of whether the agreement purports to delegate such determinations to an arbitrator.(2)Collective bargaining agreementsNothing in this chapter shall apply to any arbitration provision in a contract between an employer and a labor organization or between labor organizations, except that no such arbitration provision shall have the effect of waiving the right of a worker to seek judicial enforcement of a right arising under a provision of the Constitution of the United States, a State constitution, or a Federal or State statute, or public policy arising therefrom..(b)Technical and conforming amendments(1)In generalTitle 9 of the United States Code is amended—(A)in section 1, by striking of seamen, and all that follows through interstate commerce and inserting of individuals, regardless of whether the individuals are designated as employees or independent contractors for other purposes;(B)in section 2, by inserting or as otherwise provided in chapter 4 before the period at the end;(C)in section 208—(i)in the section heading, by striking Chapter 1; residual application and inserting Application; and(ii)by adding at the end the following: This chapter applies to the extent that this chapter is not in conflict with chapter 4.; and(D)in section 307—(i)in the section heading, by striking Chapter 1; residual application and inserting Application; and(ii)by adding at the end the following: This chapter applies to the extent that this chapter is not in conflict with chapter 4..(2)Table of sections(A)Chapter 2The table of sections for chapter 2 of title 9, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 208 and inserting the following:208. Application..(B)Chapter 3The table of sections for chapter 3 of title 9, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 307 and inserting the following:307. Application..(3)Table of chaptersThe table for chapters of title 9, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:4.Arbitration of employment, consumer, antitrust, and civil rights disputes401.4.Effective dateThis Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act and shall apply with respect to any dispute or claim that arises or accrues on or after such date.


117 HR 2704 : Improving VA Accountability To Prevent Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-05-19
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IIB117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2704IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 19, 2021Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' AffairsAN ACTTo amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the equal employment opportunity functions of Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Improving VA Accountability To Prevent Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Act of 2021.2.Improvements to equal employment opportunity functions of Department of Veterans Affairs(a)Alignment of EEO Director(1)Reporting and dutiesSubsection (h) of section 516 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—(A)by striking The provisions and inserting (1) The provisions; and(B)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(2)Beginning not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, in carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that the official of the Department who serves as the Equal Employment Opportunity Director of the Department—(A)reports directly to the Deputy Secretary with respect to the functions under this section; and(B)does not also serve in a position that has responsibility over personnel functions of the Department or other functions that conflict with the functions under this section..(2)Conforming amendmentsSuch section is further amended—(A)in subsection (b)(1), by inserting , in accordance with subsection (h)(2), after an Assistant Secretary or a Deputy Assistant Secretary; and(B)in subsection (e)(1)(A), by striking the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration and inserting the Secretary. (b)Alignment of EEO program managersSuch section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:(i)In accordance with subsection (b), not later than December 31, 2021, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that each Equal Employment Opportunity program manager of the Department at the facility level reports to the head of the Office of Resolution Management, or such successor office established pursuant to subsection (a), with respect to the equal employment functions of the program manager. .(c)Reporting harassment and employment discrimination complaintsSubsection (a) of such section 516 is amended—(1)by striking The Secretary and inserting (1) The Secretary; and(2)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:(2)The Secretary shall ensure that the employment discrimination complaint resolution system established under paragraph (1) requires that any manager of the Department who receives a sexual or other harassment or employment discrimination complaint reports such complaint to the Office of Resolution Management, or such successor office, immediately, or if such immediate reporting is impracticable, not later than two business days after the date on which the manager receives the complaint..(d)TrainingSubsection (c) of such section 516 is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: Beginning not later than September 30, 2021, the Secretary shall provide to each employee of the Department mandatory annual training on identifying and addressing sexual and other harassment and employment discrimination, including with respect to processes under the Harassment Prevention Program of the Department, or such successor program. An employee of the Department who is hired on or after such date shall receive the first such mandatory annual training not later than 60 days after being hired..(e)Harassment and employment discrimination policies and directivesThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall—(1)by not later than September 30, 2021, and on a regular basis thereafter, review the policies relating to sexual and other harassment and employment discrimination of the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that such policies are complete and in accordance with the sexual and other harassment and employment discrimination policies established by the Office of Resolution Management of the Department, or such successor office; and(2)by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, issue a final directive and a handbook for the Harassment Prevention Program of the Department.(f)ReportsNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and semiannually thereafter for one year, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the progress the Secretary has made in carrying out this section and section 516 of title 38, United States Code, as amended by this section, including with respect to reporting sexual and other harassment and employment discrimination complaints pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of such section 516.Passed the House of Representatives May 18, 2021.Cheryl L. Johnson,Clerk


116 SRES 699 ATS: Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 11 through September 17 as “Patriot Week”.
U.S. Senate
2020-09-16
text/xml
EN
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III116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. RES. 699IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 16, 2020Mr. Peters (for himself and Mr. Kennedy) submitted the following resolution; which considered and agreed toRESOLUTIONExpressing support for the designation of the week of September 11 through September 17 as Patriot Week. Whereas the events that led to the signing of the Constitution of the United States by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787, have significance for every citizen of the United States and are honored in public schools across the United States on Constitution Day, which is September 17 of each year;Whereas the rule of law, the social compact, democracy, liberty, equality, and unalienable human rights are the essential values upon which the United States flourishes;Whereas diversity is one of the greatest strengths of the United States, and the motto inscribed on the Great Seal of the United States, E pluribus unum, Latin for out of many, one, symbolizes that individuals in the United States from all walks of life are unified by shared values;Whereas exceptional, visionary, and indispensable individuals such as Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, John Adams, John Marshall, George Washington, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison founded or advanced the United States;Whereas the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions signed in Seneca Falls, New York, the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the I Have a Dream speech delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr., express sentiments that have advanced liberty in the United States; andWhereas the Bennington flag (commonly known as the ’76 flag), the Betsy Ross flag, the current flag of the United States, the flag of the women’s suffrage movement, the Union flag (commonly known as the Fort Sumter flag), the Gadsden flag, and the flags of the States are physical symbols of the history of the United States: Now, therefore, be itThat the Senate—(1)supports the designation of the week of September 11 through September 17 as Patriot Week;(2)recognizes that understanding the history of the United States and the first principles of the United States is indispensable to the survival of the United States as a free people;(3)acknowledges, in great reverence to the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks, that citizens of the United States should take time to honor the first principles, founders, documents, and symbols of their history;(4)recognizes that each generation should renew the spirit of the United States based on the first principles, historical figures, founding documents, and symbols of the United States; and(5)encourages citizens, schools and other educational institutions, and Federal, State, and local governments and their agencies to recognize and participate in Patriot Week by honoring, celebrating, and promoting the study of the history of the United States so that all people of the United States may offer the reverence that is due to the free republic.


116 HR 1308 IH: Let It Go Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-02-15
text/xml
EN
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I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1308IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 15, 2019Mr. Takano introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House AdministrationA BILLTo amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to provide for a limitation on the time for the
			 use of contributions or donations, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Let It Go Act. 2.Timeframe for and prioritization of disposal of contributions or donationsSection 313 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30114) is amended—
 (1)by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (2)by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:

					(c)Disposal
 (1)TimeframeContributions or donations described in subsection (a) may only be used— (A)in the case of an individual who is not a candidate with respect to an election for any Federal office for a 6-year period beginning on the day after the date of the most recent such election in which the individual was a candidate for any such office, during such 6-year period; or
 (B)in the case of an individual who becomes a registered lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, before the date on which such individual becomes such a registered lobbyist.
 (2)Means of disposal; prioritizationBeginning on the date the 6-year period described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) ends (or, in the case of an individual described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph, the date on which the individual becomes a registered lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995), contributions or donations that remain available to an individual described in such paragraph shall be disposed of, not later than 30 days after such date, as follows:
 (A)First, to pay any debts or obligations owed in connection with the campaign for election for Federal office of the individual.
 (B)Second, to the extent such contribution or donations remain available after the application of subparagraph (A), through any of the following means of disposal (or a combination thereof), in any order the individual considers appropriate:
 (i)Returning such contributions or donations to the individuals, entities, or both, who made such contributions or donations.
 (ii)Making contributions to an organization described in section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
 (iii)Making transfers to a national, State, or local committee of a political party.. 3.1-year transition period for certain individuals (a)In generalIn the case of an individual described in subsection (b), any contributions or donations remaining available to the individual shall be disposed of—
 (1)not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2)in accordance with the prioritization specified in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of subsection (c)(2) of section 313 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30114), as amended by section 2.
 (b)Individuals describedAn individual described in this subsection is an individual who, as of the date of the enactment of this Act—
				(1)
 (A)is not a candidate with respect to an election for any Federal office for a period of not less than 6 years beginning on the day after the date of the most recent such election in which the individual was a candidate for any such office; or
 (B)is an individual who becomes a registered lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995; and (2)would be in violation of subsection (c) of section 313 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30114), as amended by section 2.


114 S2470 IS: To repeal the provision permitting the use of rocket engines from the Russian Federation for the evolved expendable launch vehicle program.
U.S. Senate
2016-01-28
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.

II114th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 2470IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJanuary 28, 2016Mr. McCain (for himself and Mrs. Ernst) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed ServicesA BILLTo repeal the provision permitting the use of rocket engines from the Russian Federation for the
			 evolved expendable launch vehicle program.

		1.Repeal of provision permitting the use of rocket engines from the Russian Federation for the
 evolved expendable launch vehicle programSection 8048 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2016 (division C of Public Law 114–113) is repealed and shall be deemed never to have been enacted.


		III

		108th CONGRESS

		2d Session

		S. RES. 458

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 10, 2004

			Mr. Bingaman (for

			 himself, Mr. McCain,

			 Mr. Hollings, Mr. Brownback, Mr.

			 Inhofe, and Mr. Domenici)

			 submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed

			 to

		RESOLUTION

		Congratulating the SpaceShipOne team for

		  achieving a historic milestone in human space flight.

		Whereas the Ansari X Prize was established with private

			 capital to jumpstart the space tourism industry, inspire and educate students,

			 focus public attention and investment capital on this new business frontier,

			 and challenge explorers and rocket scientists around the world;

		Whereas the $10,000,000 Ansari X Prize was modeled after

			 the $25,000 Orteig Prize won by trans-Atlantic aviator Charles Lindbergh in

			 1927;

		Whereas on October 4, 2004, SpaceShipOne, designed by Burt

			 Rutan and flown first by Mike Melvill and later by Brian Binnie, won the Ansari

			 X Prize by being the first privately funded space vehicle to depart from and

			 safely return to Earth twice within 2 weeks;

		Whereas SpaceShipOne broke the previous record for maximum

			 altitude achieved by a plane, which was set by the X-15 in 1963;

		Whereas the SpaceShipOne flights represent a historic

			 accomplishment for humanity; and

		Whereas future achievements in commercial space flight

			 will be stimulated by an ongoing annual competition for an X Prize Cup,

			 beginning in 2006 at White Sands Missile Range outside Las Cruces, New Mexico:

			 Now, therefore be it

		That the Senate—

			(1)congratulates the

			 SpaceShipOne team led by Bert Rutan, and test pilots Mike Melvill and Brian

			 Binnie, for their historic achievement in human space flight;

			(2)recognizes the

			 contributions of all members and supporters of the X Prize Foundation and the

			 SpaceShipOne team, the efforts of which were instrumental in this

			 accomplishment; and

			(3)encourages the

			 continuation of efforts towards practical commercial space flight through

			 future X Prize Cup and other competitions.


116 HR 4442 IH: Equal Right to Life Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-09-20
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4442IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 20, 2019Mr. Duffy introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the JudiciaryA BILLTo amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit prenatal genetic testing and abortions on the
			 basis of sexual orientation, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Equal Right to Life Act. 2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
 (1)A 1993 study of the role of genetics in male sexual orientation found a linkage between DNA markers on the X chromosome.
 (2)A 2019 study found same-sex sexual behavior has a genetic component. (3)As science advances, noninvasive prenatal screening for sexual orientation could become a reality in the near future.
 (4)All unborn children, regardless of anticipated sexual orientation, are entitled to a right to life. 3.Restriction on prenatal genetic testing and abortion based on possible sexual orientation (a)In generalChapter 74 of title 18, United States Code, is amended—
 (1)in the chapter heading by striking Partial-Birth; and (2)by inserting after section 1531 the following:

						1532.Prenatal genetic testing and abortion based on possible sexual orientation
 (a)Genetic testingAny physician who, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, performs a genetic test to identify the likely sexual orientation of the child shall be fined under this title and imprisoned for not less than 1 year and not more than 10 years.
 (b)Abortion performed post-Prenatal genetic testing for sexual orientationAny physician who, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, knowingly performs an abortion and thereby kills a human fetus in the case that the mother underwent genetic testing prohibited under subsection (a) and seeks the abortion because of the results of that test, shall be fined under this title and imprisoned for not less than 10 years or imprisoned for life.
 (c)Liability of the patientA patient upon whom an abortion is performed may not be prosecuted under this section or for a conspiracy to violate this section..
				(b)Clerical Amendment
 (1)Chapter 74The table of sections for chapter 74 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1531 the following:

							1532. Prenatal genetic testing and abortion based on possible sexual orientation..
 (2)Part IThe table of chapters at the beginning of part I of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to chapter 74 and inserting the following:

							74.Abortions1531.


115 SRES 367 IS: Condemning the Government of Iran for its violence against demonstrators and calling for peaceful resolution to the concerns of the citizens of Iran.
U.S. Senate
2018-01-04
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.

		III
		115th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. RES. 367
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			January 4, 2018
			Mr. Cruz (for himself, Mrs. Fischer, Mr. Leahy, Mr. Cotton, Mrs. Ernst, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Inhofe, and Mr. Perdue) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

		RESOLUTION
		Condemning the Government of Iran for its violence against demonstrators and calling for peaceful
			 resolution to the concerns of the citizens of Iran.

 Whereas, on December 28, 2017, citizens began protesting the Government of Iran across the country in the cities and towns of Dorud, Khomaini Shahr, Najafabad, Qahdarijan, Tehran, and Tuyserkan;
 Whereas so far 20 people have been killed and 450 have been arrested since demonstrations first began;
 Whereas the United States is committed to promoting universal human rights, specifically freedom of speech and freedom of assembly;
 Whereas the Government of Iran has provided monetary support to terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas; and
 Whereas the citizens of Iran deserve the support of the international community in their pursuit of a democratic government that respects human rights and freedoms: Now, therefore, be it

 That the Senate— (1)condemns the Government of Iran—
 (A)for its funding of terrorist organizations and activities; (B)the continued oppression of its citizens; and
 (C)the suppression of communication through interference with internet applications such as Instagram, Facebook, Telegram and Twitter; and
 (2)reaffirms— (A)the commitment of the United States to preserving and promoting the freedoms of speech and assembly as universal rights; and
 (B)the support of the United States for the citizens of Iran to establish a freely elected, democratic system.


109 HR 5594 IH: SUN Act of 2006
U.S. House of Representatives
2006-06-13
text/xml
EN
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		I
		109th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5594
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			June 13, 2006
			Mr. Smith of Texas
			 (for himself, Mr. Udall of Colorado,
			 Mr. Wamp, Mr. Ehlers, Mr.
			 Boehlert, Mr. Brown of
			 Ohio, Mr. Bachus,
			 Mr. Doggett,
			 Mr. Simmons,
			 Mr. McCaul of Texas,
			 Mr. Bartlett of Maryland,
			 Mr. Cardin,
			 Mr. Bass, Mr. Hayworth, and Mr. Butterfield) introduced the following bill;
			 which was referred to the Committee on
			 Science

		A BILL
		To direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a
		  photovoltaic demonstration program, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Solar Utilization Now Demonstration
			 Act of 2006 or the SUN Act of 2006.
		2.FindingsCongress makes the following
			 findings:
			(1)Renewable energy
			 is a growth industry around the world. However, the United States has not been
			 investing as heavily as other countries, and is losing market share.
			(2)Since 1996, the
			 United States has lost significant market share in the solar industry, dropping
			 from 44 percent of the world market to 13 percent in 2003.
			(3)In 2003, Japan
			 spent more than $200,000,000 on solar research, development, demonstration, and
			 commercial application and other incentives, and Germany provided more than
			 $750,000,000 in low cost financing for solar photovoltaic projects. This
			 compares to United States Government spending of $139,000,000 in 2003 for
			 research, development, demonstration, and commercial application and other
			 incentives.
			(4)Germany and Japan
			 each had domestic photovoltaic industries that employed more than 10,000 people
			 in 2003, while in the same year the United States photovoltaics industry
			 employed only 2,000 people.
			(5)The United States
			 is becoming increasingly dependent on imported energy.
			(6)The high cost of
			 fossil fuels is hurting the United States economy.
			(7)Small reductions
			 in peak demand can result in very large reductions in price, according to
			 energy market experts.
			(8)Although the
			 United States has only 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves and 3 percent of
			 the world’s natural gas reserves, our Nation’s renewable energy resources are
			 vast and largely untapped.
			(9)Renewable energy
			 can reduce the demand for imported energy, reducing costs and decreasing the
			 variability of energy prices.
			(10)By using domestic
			 renewable energy resources, the United States can reduce the amount of money
			 sent into unstable regions of the world and keep it in the United
			 States.
			(11)By supporting
			 renewable energy research and development, and funding demonstration and
			 commercial application programs for renewable energy, the United States can
			 create an export industry and improve the balance of trade.
			(12)Renewable energy
			 can significantly reduce the environmental impacts of energy production.
			3.Photovoltaic
			 demonstration program
			(a)In
			 GeneralThe Secretary of Energy (in this Act referred to as the
			 Secretary) shall establish a program of grants to States to
			 demonstrate advanced photovoltaic technology.
			(b)Requirements
				(1)Ability to meet
			 requirementsTo receive funding under the program under this
			 section, a State must submit a proposal that demonstrates, to the satisfaction
			 of the Secretary, that the State will meet the requirements of subsection
			 (f).
				(2)Compliance with
			 requirementsIf a State has received funding under this section
			 for the preceding year, the State must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the
			 Secretary, that it complied with the requirements of subsection (f) in carrying
			 out the program during that preceding year, and that it will do so in the
			 future, before it can receive further funding under this section.
				(3)Funding
			 allocationExcept as provided in subsection (c), each State
			 submitting a qualifying proposal shall receive funding under the program based
			 on the proportion of United States population in the State according to the
			 2000 census. In each fiscal year, the portion of funds attributable under this
			 paragraph to States that have not submitted qualifying proposals in the time
			 and manner specified by the Secretary shall be distributed pro rata to the
			 States that have submitted qualifying proposals in the specified time and
			 manner.
				(c)CompetitionIf
			 more than $80,000,000 is available for the program under this section for any
			 fiscal year, the Secretary shall allocate 75 percent of the total amount of
			 funds available according to subsection (b)(3), and shall award the remaining
			 25 percent on a competitive basis to the States with the proposals the
			 Secretary considers most likely to encourage the widespread adoption of
			 photovoltaic technologies.
			(d)ProposalsNot
			 later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and in each
			 subsequent fiscal year for the life of the program, the Secretary shall solicit
			 proposals from the States to participate in the program under this
			 section.
			(e)Competitive
			 CriteriaIn awarding funds in a competitive allocation under
			 subsection (c), the Secretary shall consider—
				(1)the likelihood of a
			 proposal to encourage the demonstration of, or lower the costs of, advanced
			 photovoltaic technologies; and
				(2)the extent to
			 which a proposal is likely to—
					(A)maximize the
			 amount of photovoltaics demonstrated;
					(B)maximize the
			 proportion of non-Federal cost share; and
					(C)limit State
			 administrative costs.
					(f)State
			 ProgramA program operated by a State with funding under this
			 section shall provide competitive awards for the demonstration of advanced
			 photovoltaic technologies. Each State program shall—
				(1)require a
			 contribution of at least 60 percent per award from non-Federal sources, which
			 may include any combination of State, local, and private funds, except that at
			 least 10 percent of the funding must be supplied by the State;
				(2)limit awards for
			 any single project to a maximum of $1,000,000;
				(3)prohibit any
			 nongovernmental recipient from receiving more than $1,000,000 per year;
				(4)endeavor to fund
			 recipients in the commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental, and
			 residential sectors;
				(5)limit State
			 administrative costs to no more than 10 percent of the grant;
				(6)report annually to
			 the Secretary on—
					(A)the amount of
			 funds disbursed;
					(B)the amount of
			 photovoltaics purchased; and
					(C)the results of the
			 monitoring under paragraph (7);
					(7)provide for
			 measurement and verification of the output of a representative sample of the
			 photovoltaics systems demonstrated throughout the average working life of the
			 systems, or at least 20 years; and
				(8)require that
			 applicant buildings must have received an independent energy efficiency audit
			 during the 6-month period preceding the filing of the application.
				(g)Unexpended
			 FundsIf a State fails to expend any funds received under
			 subsection (b) or (c) within 3 years of receipt, such remaining funds shall be
			 returned to the Treasury.
			(h)ReportsThe
			 Secretary shall report to Congress 5 years after funds are first distributed to
			 the States under this section—
				(1)the amount of
			 photovoltaics demonstrated;
				(2)the number of
			 projects undertaken;
				(3)the administrative
			 costs of the program;
				(4)the amount of
			 funds that each State has not received because of a failure to submit a
			 qualifying proposal, as described in subsection (b)(3);
				(5)the results of the
			 monitoring under subsection (f)(7); and
				(6)the total amount
			 of funds distributed, including a breakdown by State.
				(i)Authorization of
			 AppropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated to the
			 Secretary for the purposes of carrying out this section—
				(1)$50,000,000 for
			 fiscal year 2007;
				(2)$100,000,000 for
			 fiscal year 2008;
				(3)$150,000,000 for
			 fiscal year 2009;
				(4)$200,000,000 for
			 fiscal year 2010; and
				(5)$300,000,000 for
			 fiscal year 2011.


113 HR 3187 IH: Military Pay Protection Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-09-26
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I113th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3187IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 26, 2013Ms. Sinema (for herself and Ms. Gabbard) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo appropriate such funds as may be necessary to ensure that members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components thereof, and supporting civilian and contractor personnel continue to receive pay and allowances for active service performed when a Governmentwide shutdown occurs, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Military Pay Protection Act of 2013.2.Emergency appropriation of funds to provide pay and allowances for members of the Armed Forces and supporting civilian and contractor personnel during Governmentwide shutdownDuring a Governmentwide shutdown, the Secretary of the Treasury shall make available to the Secretary of Defense (and the Secretary of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard), out of any amounts in the general fund of the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such amounts as the Secretary of Defense (and the Secretary of Homeland Security in the case of the Coast Guard) determines to be necessary to continue to provide the following:(1)Pay and allowances (without interruption) to the following:(A)Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including reserve components thereof, who perform active service during the Governmentwide shutdown.(B)At the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, such civilian personnel of the Department of Defense who are providing support to the members of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (1) as the Secretary considers appropriate.(C)At the discretion of the Secretary of Defense, such personnel of contractors of the Department of Defense who are providing direct support to the members of the Armed Forces described in paragraph (1) as the Secretary considers appropriate.(2)Funding necessary to prevent interruptions or delays in the performance of domestic disaster relief and recovery operations during the Governmentwide shutdown.3.Governmentwide shutdown definedIn this Act, the term Governmentwide shutdown means any portion of a fiscal year during which none of the appropriation bills for the fiscal year have become law and an Act or joint resolution making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year is not in effect.