I
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1180
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 25, 2009
Mr. Neugebauer introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services

A BILL
To amend the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury from receiving common stock or certain other voting stock under the Troubled Asset Relief Program, and for other purposes.

1.Prohibition on the receipt of common stock and the exercise of stock voting powerTitle I of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

137.Prohibition on the receipt of common stock and the exercise of stock voting power
(a)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of this title, in carrying out this title the Secretary shall not make any purchase for which the Secretary receives control-diluting stock.
(b)ApplicationSubsection (a) shall apply to purchases made by the Secretary under this title on or after the date of the enactment of this section.
(c)Conversion of certain securities received by the SecretaryNotwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Secretary shall not convert any security received by the Secretary under this title, other than a warrant, into control-diluting stock.
(d)Control-diluting stock definedFor purposes of this section, the term control-diluting stock means—
(1)common stock of a financial institution;
(2)any other voting stock of a financial institution, other than voting stock that the Secretary agrees not to exercise the voting power of such stock; or
(3)a warrant giving the right to the Secretary to receive stock described in paragraph (1) or (2)..


		II
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 3438
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			May 27 (legislative
			 day, May 26), 2010
			Mr. Reid (for himself,
			 Mr. Ensign, Mr.
			 Harkin, Mr. Tester,
			 Mr. Bennet, and Ms. Klobuchar) introduced the following bill; which
			 was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

		A BILL
		To promote clean energy infrastructure for
		  rural communities.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Clean Transmission for Rural
			 Communities Act of 2010.
		2.Transmission for renewables
			(a)Clarification of qualified facilities for
			 clean renewable energy bonds
				(1)In generalSection 54C(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue
			 Code of 1986 is amended by inserting , or a facility primarily for the
			 purpose of interconnecting one or more such qualified facilities to a
			 high-voltage transmission line after electric
			 company.
				(2)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by
			 this subsection shall apply to bonds issued after the date of enactment of this
			 Act.
				(b)Tax-Exempt financing of certain electric
			 transmission facilities
				(1)In generalSubsection (a) of section 142 of the
			 Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
					(A)by striking or at the end of
			 paragraph (14),
					(B)by striking the period at the end of
			 paragraph (15) and inserting , or, and
					(C)by adding at the end the following new
			 paragraph:

							(16)qualified electric transmission
				facilities.
							.
					(2)DefinitionSection 142 of such Code is amended by
			 adding at the end the following new subsection:

						(n)Qualified electric transmission
				facilities
							(1)In generalFor purposes of subsection (a)(16), the
				term qualified electric transmission facility means any electric
				transmission facility which is—
								(A)owned by—
									(i)a State or political subdivision of a
				State, or any agency, authority, or instrumentality of any of the foregoing,
				providing electric service, directly or indirectly to the public, or
									(ii)a State or political subdivision of a State
				expressly authorized under State law to finance and own electric transmission
				facilities, and
									(B)primarily for the purpose of
				interconnecting one or more renewable energy facilities to a high-voltage
				transmission line.
								(2)TerminationSubsection (a)(16) shall not apply with
				respect to any bond issued after December 31,
				2011.
							.
				(3)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by
			 this subsection shall apply to bonds issued after the date of enactment of this
			 Act.


I
One Hundred Twelfth Congress of the United States of America At the Second SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the third day of January, two thousand and twelve
H. R. 6587

AN ACT
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 225 Simi Village Drive in Simi Valley, California, as the Postal Inspector Terry Asbury Post Office Building.

1.Postal Inspector Terry Asbury Post Office Building
(a)DesignationThe facility of the United States Postal Service located at 225 Simi Village Drive in Simi Valley, California, shall be known and designated as the Postal Inspector Terry Asbury Post Office Building.
(b)ReferencesAny reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the Postal Inspector Terry Asbury Post Office Building.
 Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


I
One Hundred Eleventh Congress of the United States of America At the First SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the sixth day of January, two thousand and nine
H. R. 4218

AN ACT
To amend titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act to prohibit retroactive payments to individuals during periods for which such individuals are prisoners, fugitive felons, or probation or parole violators.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the No Social Security Benefits for Prisoners Act of 2009.
2.Prohibition of retroactive title II and title XVI payments to prisoners, fugitive felons, and probation or parole violators
(a)Amendments to title IISection 204(a)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 404(a)(1)(B)) is amended—
(1)by striking “(B) With” and inserting “(B)(i) Subject to clause (ii), with”; and
(2)by adding at the end the following:

(ii)No payment shall be made under this subparagraph to any person during any period for which monthly insurance benefits of such person—
(I)are subject to nonpayment by reason of section 202(x)(1), or
(II)in the case of a person whose monthly insurance benefits have terminated for a reason other than death, would be subject to nonpayment by reason of section 202(x)(1) but for the termination of such benefits,until section 202(x)(1) no longer applies, or would no longer apply in the case of benefits that have terminated.
(iii)Nothing in clause (ii) shall be construed to limit the Commissioner’s authority to withhold amounts, make adjustments, or recover amounts due under this title, title VIII or title XVI that would be deducted from a payment that would otherwise be payable to such person but for such clause..
(b)Amendments to title XVISection 1631(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1383(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(7)
(A)In the case of payment of less than the correct amount of benefits to or on behalf of any individual, no payment shall be made to such individual pursuant to this subsection during any period for which such individual—
(i)is not an eligible individual or eligible spouse under section 1611(e)(1) because such individual is an inmate of a public institution that is a jail, prison, or other penal institution or correctional facility the purpose of which is to confine individuals as described in clause (ii) or (iii) of section 202(x)(1)(A), or
(ii)is not an eligible individual or eligible spouse under section 1611(e)(4),until such person is no longer considered an ineligible individual or ineligible spouse under section 1611(e)(1) or 1611(e)(4).
(B)Nothing in subparagraph (A) shall be construed to limit the Commissioner’s authority to withhold amounts, make adjustments, or recover amounts due under this title, title II, or title VIII that would be deducted from a payment that would otherwise be payable to such individual but for such subparagraph..
(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall be effective for payments that would otherwise be made on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


109 HR 6351 IH: Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2006-12-05
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS 2d Session
H. R. 6351
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 5, 2006
Mr. Barton of Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Science and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL
To establish a voluntary framework through which commercial mobile service providers can elect to transmit emergency alerts to subscribers.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act.
2.Federal Communications Commission duties
(a)Commercial Mobile Service Alert RegulationsWithin 180 days after the date on which the Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee, established pursuant to section 3(a), transmits recommendations to the Federal Communications Commission, the Commission shall complete a proceeding to adopt relevant technical standards, protocols, procedures, and other technical requirements based on the recommendations of such Advisory Committee necessary to enable commercial mobile service alerting capability for commercial mobile service providers that voluntarily elect to transmit emergency alerts. The Commission shall consult with the National Institute of Standards and Technology regarding the adoption of technical standards under this subsection.
(b)Commercial Mobile Service Election
(1)Amendment of commercial mobile service licenseWithin 120 days after the date on which the Federal Communications Commission adopts relevant technical standards and other technical requirements pursuant to subsection (a), the Commission shall complete a proceeding—
(A)to allow any licensee providing commercial mobile service (as defined in section 332(d)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 332(d)(1))) to transmit emergency alerts to subscribers to, or users of, the commercial mobile service provided by such licensee;
(B)to require any licensee providing commercial mobile service that elects, in whole or in part, under paragraph (2) not to transmit emergency alerts to provide clear and conspicuous notice at the point of sale of any devices with which its commercial mobile service is included, that it will not transmit such alerts via the service it provides for the device; and
(C)to require any licensee providing commercial mobile service that elects under paragraph (2) not to transmit emergency alerts to notify its existing subscribers of its election.
(2)Election
(A)In generalWithin 30 days after the Commission issues its order under paragraph (1), each licensee providing commercial mobile service shall file an election with the Commission with respect to whether or not it intends to transmit emergency alerts.
(B)Transmission standards; notificationIf a licensee providing commercial mobile service elects to transmit emergency alerts via its commercial mobile service, the licensee shall—
(i)notify the Commission of its election; and
(ii)agree to transmit such alerts in a manner consistent with the technical standards, protocols, procedures and other technical requirements implemented by the Commission.
(C)No fee for serviceA commercial mobile service licensee that elects to transmit emergency alerts may not impose a separate or additional charge for such transmission or capability.
(D)Withdrawal; late electionThe Commission shall establish a procedure—
(i)for a commercial mobile service licensee that has elected to transmit emergency alerts to withdraw its election without regulatory penalty or forfeiture upon advance written notification of the withdrawal to its affected subscribers;
(ii)for a commercial mobile service licensee to elect to transmit emergency alerts at a date later than provided in subparagraph (A); and
(iii)under which a subscriber may terminate a subscription to service provided by a commercial mobile service licensee that withdraws its election without penalty or early termination fee.
(E)Consumer choice technologyAny commercial mobile service licensee electing to transmit emergency alerts may offer subscribers the capability of preventing the subscriber’s device from receiving such alerts, or classes of such alerts, other than an alert issued by the President. Within 2 years after the Commission completes the proceeding under paragraph (1), the Commission shall examine the issue of whether a commercial mobile service provider should continue to be permitted to offer its subscribers such capability. The Commission shall submit a report with its recommendations to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
(c)Digital Television Transmission Towers Retransmission CapabilityWithin 90 days after the date on which the Commission adopts relevant technical standards based on recommendations of the Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee, established pursuant to section 3(a), the Commission shall complete a proceeding to require licensees and permittees of noncommercial educational broadcast stations or public broadcast stations (as those terms are defined in section 397(6) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 397(6))) to install necessary equipment and technologies on, or as part of, any broadcast television digital signal transmitter to enable the distribution of geographically targeted alerts by commercial mobile service providers that have elected to transmit emergency alerts under this section.
(d)FCC Regulation of ComplianceThe Federal Communications Commission may enforce compliance with this Act but shall have no rulemaking authority under this Act, except as provided in subsections (a), (b), (c), and (f).
(e)Limitation of Liability
(1)In generalAny commercial mobile service provider (including its officers, directors, employees, vendors, and agents) that transmits emergency alerts and meets its obligations under this Act shall not be liable to any subscriber to, or user of, such person’s service or equipment for—
(A)any act or omission related to or any harm resulting from the transmission of, or failure to transmit, an emergency alert; or
(B)the release to a government agency or entity, public safety, fire service, law enforcement official, emergency medical service, or emergency facility of subscriber information used in connection with delivering such an alert.
(2)Election not to transmit alertsThe election by a commercial mobile service provider under subsection (b)(2)(A) not to transmit emergency alerts, or to withdraw its election to transmit such alerts under subsection (b)(2)(D) shall not, by itself, provide a basis for liability against the provider (including its officers, directors, employees, vendors, and agents).
(f)TestingThe Commission shall require by regulation technical testing for commercial mobile service providers that elect to transmit emergency alerts and for the devices and equipment used by such providers for transmitting such alerts.
3.Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee
(a)EstablishmentNot later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission shall establish an advisory committee, to be known as the Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee (referred to in this section as the Advisory Committee).
(b)MembershipThe chairman of the Federal Communications Commission shall appoint the members of the Advisory Committee, as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, from the following groups:
(1)State and local government representativesRepresentatives of State and local governments and representatives of emergency response providers, selected from among individuals nominated by national organizations representing such governments and personnel.
(2)Tribal governmentsRepresentatives from Federally recognized Indian tribes and National Indian organizations.
(3)Subject matter expertsIndividuals who have the requisite technical knowledge and expertise to serve on the Advisory Committee in the fulfillment of its duties, including representatives of—
(A)communications service providers;
(B)vendors, developers, and manufacturers of systems, facilities, equipment, and capabilities for the provision of communications services;
(C)third-party service bureaus;
(D)technical experts from the broadcasting industry;
(E)the national organization representing the licensees and permittees of noncommercial broadcast television stations;
(F)national organizations representing individuals with special needs, including individuals with disabilities and the elderly; and
(G)other individuals with relevant technical expertise.
(4)Qualified Representatives of other stakeholders and interested partiesQualified representatives of such other stakeholders and interested and affected parties as the chairman deems appropriate.
(c)Development of system-critical recommendationsWithin 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Advisory Committee shall develop and submit to the Federal Communications Commission recommendations—
(1)for protocols, technical capabilities, and technical procedures through which electing commercial mobile service providers receive, verify, and transmit alerts to subscribers;
(2)for the establishment of technical standards for priority transmission of alerts by electing commercial mobile service providers to subscribers;
(3)for relevant technical standards for devices and equipment and technologies used by electing commercial mobile service providers to transmit emergency alerts to subscribers;
(4)for the technical capability to transmit emergency alerts by electing commercial mobile providers to subscribers in languages in addition to English, to the extent practicable and feasible;
(5)under which electing commercial mobile service providers may offer subscribers the capability of preventing the subscriber’s device from receiving emergency alerts, or classes of such alerts, (other than an alert issued by the President), consistent with section 2(b)(2)(E);
(6)for a process under which commercial mobile service providers can elect to transmit emergency alerts if—
(A)not all of the devices or equipment used by such provider are capable of receiving such alerts; or
(B)the provider cannot offer such alerts throughout the entirety of its service area; and
(7)as otherwise necessary to enable electing commercial mobile service providers to transmit emergency alerts to subscribers.
(d)Meetings
(1)Initial meetingThe initial meeting of the Advisory Committee shall take place not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2)Other meetingsAfter the initial meeting, the Advisory Committee shall meet at the call of the chair.
(3)Notice; open meetingsAny meetings held by the Advisory Committee shall be duly noticed at least 14 days in advance and shall be open to the public.
(e)Rules
(1)QuorumOne-third of the members of the Advisory Committee shall constitute a quorum for conducting business of the Advisory Committee.
(2)SubcommitteesTo assist the Advisory Committee in carrying out its functions, the chair may establish appropriate subcommittees composed of members of the Advisory Committee and other subject matter experts as deemed necessary.
(3)Additional rulesThe Advisory Committee may adopt other rules as needed.
(f)Federal Advisory Committee ActNeither the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) nor any rule, order, or regulation promulgated under that Act shall apply to the Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee.
(g)Consultation with NISTThe Advisory Committee shall consult with the National Institute of Standards and Technology in its work on developing recommendations under subsections (c)(2) and (c)(3).
4.Research and development
(a)In GeneralThe Undersecretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology, in consultation with the director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, shall establish a research, development, testing, and evaluation program based on the recommendations of the Commercial Mobile Service Alert Advisory Committee, established pursuant to section 3(a), to support the development of technologies to increase the number of commercial mobile service devices that can receive emergency alerts.
(b)FunctionsThe program established under subsection (a) shall—
(1)fund research, development, testing, and evaluation at academic institutions, private sector entities, government laboratories, and other appropriate entities; and
(2)ensure that the program addresses, at a minimum—
(A)developing innovative technologies that will transmit geographically targeted emergency alerts to the public; and
(B)research on understanding and improving public response to warnings.
5.Grant program for remote community alert systems
(a)Grant ProgramThe Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall establish a program under which grants may be made to provide for outdoor alerting technologies in remote communities effectively unserved by commercial mobile service (as determined by the Federal Communications Commission within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act) for the purpose of enabling residents of those communities to receive emergency alerts.
(b)Applications and ConditionsIn conducting the program, the Undersecretary—
(1)shall establish a notification and application procedure; and
(2)may establish such conditions, and require such assurances, as may be appropriate to ensure the efficiency and integrity of the grant program.
(c)SunsetThe Undersecretary may not make grants under subsection (a) more than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
(d)LimitationThe sum of the amounts awarded for all fiscal years as grants under this section may not exceed $10,000,000.
6.Funding
(a)In GeneralIn addition to any amounts provided by appropriation Acts, funding for this Act shall be provided from the Digital Transition and Public Safety Fund in accordance with section 3010 of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 (47 U.S.C. 309 note).
(b)CompensationThe Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information shall compensate any such broadcast station licensee or permittee for reasonable costs incurred in complying with the requirements imposed pursuant to section 2(c) from funds made available under this section. The Assistant Secretary shall ensure that sufficient funds are made available to effectuate geographically targeted alerts.
(c)CreditThe Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, in consultation with the Undersecretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology and the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, may borrow from the Treasury beginning on October 1, 2006, such sums as may be necessary, but not to exceed $106,000,000, to implement this Act. The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information shall ensure that the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology and the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere are provided adequate funds to carry out their responsibilities under sections 4 and 5 of this Act. The Treasury shall be reimbursed, without interest, from amounts in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Fund as funds are deposited into the Fund.


117 S2230 IS: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to enhance the carbon oxide sequestration credit.
U.S. Senate
2021-06-24
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2230IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJune 24, 2021Mr. Luján (for himself, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Grassley, Ms. Stabenow, Ms. Smith, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Coons, and Mr. Hoeven) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to enhance the carbon oxide sequestration credit.1.Enhancement of carbon oxide sequestration credit(a)Increase in applicable dollar amountSubparagraph (A) of section 45Q(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:(A)In generalFor any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2021, the applicable dollar amount shall be an amount equal to—(i)for purposes of paragraph (3) of subsection (a), an amount equal to the product of $85 and the inflation adjustment factor for such calendar year determined under section 43(b)(3)(B) for such calendar year, determined by substituting 2020 for 1990, and(ii)for purposes of paragraph (4) of such subsection, an amount equal to the product of $60 and the inflation adjustment factor for such calendar year determined under section 43(b)(3)(B) for such calendar year, determined by substituting 2025 for 1990..(b)Definition of qualified facilityParagraph (2) of section 45Q(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:(2)at which carbon capture equipment installed at such facility captures qualified carbon oxide during the taxable year..(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021.


		IV
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. RES. 1273
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			April 20, 2010
			Mr. Smith of Texas
			 (for himself, Mr. Forbes,
			 Mr. Bartlett,
			 Mr. Harper,
			 Mr. Burton of Indiana,
			 Mr. Franks of Arizona,
			 Mr. Davis of Kentucky,
			 Mr. Aderholt,
			 Mr. Wamp, Mr. Ehlers, Mr.
			 Bachus, Mr. Jordan of
			 Ohio, Mr. Alexander,
			 Mr. Kline of Minnesota,
			 Mr. Westmoreland,
			 Mr. Miller of Florida,
			 Mr. Pence,
			 Mr. Lamborn,
			 Mr. Boozman,
			 Mr. Issa, Mr. Chaffetz, Mr.
			 Daniel E. Lungren of California, and Mr. LaTourette) submitted the following
			 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government
			 Reform

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of Congress with
		  respect to the National Day of Prayer.

		Whereas in our Declaration of Independence, the Founders
			 based their right to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected
			 them with another on the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s
			 God. They then declared, We hold these Truths to be
			 self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their
			 Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty,
			 and the Pursuit of Happiness. They ended, We, therefore, the
			 Representatives of the United States of America, … appealing to the Supreme
			 Judge of the World … do, … with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine
			 Providence, … pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred
			 Honor. The Declaration of Independence (1776);
		Whereas Article VII in the U.S. Constitution refers to
			 the Year of Our Lord, 1787. U.S. Const. art. VII;
		Whereas the First Congress not only acknowledged a proper
			 role for religion in public life, but it did so at the very time it drafted the
			 Establishment Clause. Just three days before Congress sent the text of the
			 First Amendment to the States for ratification, it authorized the appointment
			 of legislative chaplains. Marsh v. Chambers, 463 U.S. 783, 788 (1983);
		Whereas both Houses of Congress open their daily sessions
			 with prayer and, in recent years, recitation of the Pledge. See Senate Rule
			 IV.1, Standing Rules of the Senate, S. Doc. No. 107–1, at 4 (2002); House Rule
			 XIV.1, Constitution, Jefferson’s Manual, and Rules of the House of
			 Representatives, H.R. Doc. No. 106–320, at 620 (2001);
		Whereas, on September 25, 1789, the First Congress
			 unanimously approved a resolution calling on President George Washington to
			 proclaim a National Day of Thanksgiving for the people of the United States by
			 declaring, a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by
			 acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many favors of Almighty God,
			 especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a
			 constitution of government for their safety and happiness See Wallace
			 v. Jaffree, 472 U.S. 38, 101 (1985) (Rehnquist, J., dissenting);
		Whereas in Washington’s Proclamation of a Day of National
			 Thanksgiving, he wrote that it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge
			 the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his
			 benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor … 30 The
			 Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources 1745–1799,
			 at 427 (John C. Fitzpatrick ed., Gov’t Printing Office 1939);
		Whereas John Adams declared in 1799, As no truth is
			 more clearly taught in the Volume of Inspiration, nor any more fully
			 demonstrated by the experience of all ages, than that a deep sense and due
			 acknowledgment of the governing providence of a Supreme Being and of the
			 Accountableness of men to Him as the searcher of heart and righteous
			 distributor of rewards and punishments are conducive equally to the happiness
			 and rectitude of individuals and to the well-being of communities … I do hereby
			 recommend … to be observed throughout the United States as a day of solemn
			 humiliation, fasting, and prayer … 9 The Works of John Adams 172
			 (Charles F. Adams ed., 1850–56) (reprint by Books for Librarians Press,
			 1969);
		Whereas President James Madison, on July 9, 1812,
			 proclaimed that the third Thursday in August be set apart for the devout
			 purposes of rendering the Sovereign of the Universe and the Benefactor of
			 Mankind the public homage due to His holy attributes … 2 James D.
			 Richardson, A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents 498
			 (Bureau of National Literature, Inc.);
		Whereas President James Madison, on March 4, 1815,
			 declared a day of thanksgiving and of devout acknowledgments to Almighty
			 God for His great goodness manifested in restoring to them the blessing of
			 peace. No people ought to feel greater obligations to celebrate the goodness of
			 the Great Disposer of Events and of the Destiny of Nations than the people of
			 the United States. 2 James D. Richardson, A Compilation of the Messages
			 and Papers of the Presidents 546 (Bureau of National Literature, Inc.);
		Whereas a National Day of Prayer is
			 provided for under section 119 of title 36, United States Code;
		Whereas in 1952, evangelist Billy Graham led a six week
			 religious campaign in Washington, DC, holding events in the National Guard
			 Armory and on the Capitol steps;
		Whereas that campaign culminated in a speech in which
			 Graham called for a National Day of Prayer;
		Whereas, on April 17, 1952, Congress passed Public Law
			 82–324, providing that: The President shall set aside and proclaim a
			 suitable day each year, other than a Sunday, as a National Day of Prayer, on
			 which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation
			 at churches, in groups, and as individuals;
		Whereas, on April 17, 1952, President Harry S. Truman
			 signed that legislation into law;
		Whereas, on May 5, 1988, Congress approved Public Law
			 100–307, setting aside the first Thursday in May as the date on which
			 the National Day of Prayer is celebrated;
		Whereas, on May 9, 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed
			 the bill into law;
		Whereas the current version of the statute provides:
			 The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first
			 Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United
			 States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as
			 individuals.; and
		Whereas all Presidents since 1952 have issued
			 proclamations designating the National Day of Prayer each year: Now, therefore,
			 be it

		That it is the sense of the House of
			 Representatives that the National Day of Prayer is constitutional and a needed
			 tribute to the value of prayer and a fitting acknowledgment of our Nation’s
			 religious history.


109 HR 3023 IH: To suspend temporarily the duty on 2-amino-4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-06-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3023
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 22, 2005
Mr. Castle introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To suspend temporarily the duty on 2-amino-4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine.

1.2-amino-4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine
(a)In generalSubchapter II of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by inserting in numerical sequence the following new heading:

9902.08.01 2-amino-4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine (CAS No. 1668–54–8) (provided for in subheading 2933.69.60)FreeNo changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2009.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		II

		109th CONGRESS

		1st Session

		S. 597

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 10, 2005

			Mr. Bayh introduced the

			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the

			 Committee on the

			 Judiciary

		A BILL

		For the relief of Fatuka Kaikumba Flake.

		1.Permanent resident status for

			 Fatuka Kaikumba Flake

				(a)

				In general

				Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of section 201 of the

			 Immigration and Nationality Act,

			 Fatuka Kaikumba Flake shall be eligible for issuance of an immigrant visa or

			 for adjustment of status to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent

			 residence upon filing an application for issuance of an immigrant visa under

			 section 204 of such Act or for adjustment of status to lawful permanent

			 resident.

				(b)

				Waiver of grounds for removal or denial of admission

					(1)

					In general

					Notwithstanding sections 212(a) and 237(a) of the

			 Immigration and Nationality Act,

			 Fatuka Kaikumba Flake may not be removed from the United States, denied

			 admission to the United States, or considered ineligible for lawful permanent

			 residence in the United States, by reason of any ground for removal or denial

			 of admission that is reflected in the records of the Department of Homeland

			 Security or the Visa Office of the Department of State, on the date of the

			 enactment of this Act.

					(2)

					Rescission of outstanding order of removal

					The Secretary of Homeland Security shall rescind any outstanding

			 order of removal or deportation, or any finding of inadmissibility or

			 deportability, that has been entered against Fatuka Kaikumba Flake by reason of

			 any ground described in paragraph (1).

				(c)

				Adjustment of status

				If Fatuka Kaikumba Flake enters, or is admitted or paroled into,

			 the United States before the filing deadline specified in subsection (d), she

			 shall be considered to have entered and remained lawfully and shall, if

			 otherwise eligible, be eligible for adjustment of status under section 245 of

			 the Immigration and Nationality Act as

			 of the date of the enactment of this Act.

				(d)

				Deadline for application and payment of fees

				Subsections (a) and (b) shall apply only if the application for

			 issuance of an immigrant visa or the application for adjustment of status is

			 filed with appropriate fees within 2 years after the date of the enactment of

			 this Act.

			(e)Reduction of

			 immigrant visa numberUpon the granting of an immigrant visa or

			 permanent residence to Fatuka Kaikumba Flake, the Secretary of State shall

			 instruct the proper officer to reduce by 1, during the current or next

			 following fiscal year, the total number of immigrant visas that are made

			 available to natives of the country of the alien’s birth under section 203(a)

			 of the Immigration and Nationality Act

			 or, if applicable, the total number of immigrant visas that are made available

			 to natives of the country of the alien’s birth under section 202(e) of such

			 Act.


		IA
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. J. RES. 73
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			July 21, 2011
			Mr. Amash (for
			 himself, Mr. Benishek,
			 Mr. Campbell,
			 Mr. Culberson,
			 Mr. Flake,
			 Mr. Gardner,
			 Mr. Gibson,
			 Mr. Gosar,
			 Mr. Gowdy,
			 Mr. Graves of Georgia,
			 Mr. Hultgren,
			 Mr. Kingston,
			 Mr. Labrador,
			 Mr. Lipinski,
			 Mr. Mulvaney,
			 Mr. Nugent,
			 Mr. Pompeo,
			 Mr. Ribble,
			 Mr. Southerland,
			 Mr. Walsh of Illinois, and
			 Mr. Woodall) introduced the following
			 joint resolution; which was referred to the
			 Committee on the
			 Judiciary

		JOINT RESOLUTION
		Proposing a spending limit amendment to the
		  Constitution of the United States.

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

				 —
					1.Total outlays for a year shall not exceed
				the average annual revenue collected in the three prior years, adjusted in
				proportion to changes in population and inflation. Total outlays shall include
				all outlays of the United States except those for payment of debt, and revenue
				shall include all revenue of the United States except that derived from
				borrowing.
					2.Three-fourths of the whole number of each
				House of Congress may by roll call vote declare an emergency and provide by law
				for specific outlays in excess of the limit in section 1. The declaration shall
				specify reasons for the emergency designation and shall limit the period in
				which outlays may exceed the limit in section 1 to no longer than one
				year.
					3.All revenue in excess of outlays shall
				reduce the debt of the United States. Upon the retirement of such debt, revenue
				in excess of outlays shall be held by the Treasury to be used as specified in
				section 2.
					4.The Congress shall have power to enforce
				and implement this article by appropriate legislation.
					5.This article shall take effect in the first
				year beginning at least 90 days following ratification, except that outlays
				shall not surpass the sum of the limit described in section 1 and the following
				portion of the prior year’s outlays exceeding that limit (excepting emergency
				outlays as provided for in section 2): nine-tenths in the first year,
				eight-ninths in the second, seven-eighths in the third, six-sevenths in the
				fourth, five-sixths in the fifth, four-fifths in the sixth, three-fourths in
				the seventh, two-thirds in the eighth, one-half in the ninth, and the limit
				shall bind in the tenth year and
				thereafter.
					.


		II
		109th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2914
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			May 19, 2006
			Mr. DeWine introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and Natural
			 Resources

		A BILL
		To recognize and honor the soldiers of the
		  United States and the Republic of Korea who served, were wounded, or were
		  killed from 1953 until the present in the defense of the Republic of Korea, to
		  require the placement of a commemorative plaque at the Korean War Veterans
		  Memorial in Washington, D.C., and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 DMZ War Veterans Recognition Act of
			 2006.
		2.FindingsCongress finds that—
			(1)the Korean War, which began in 1950 and
			 ended when the Korean War Armistice was signed in 1953, is commonly known as
			 the Forgotten War;
			(2)a later war in Korea, known only to some
			 veterans and their families as the Unknown War or the DMZ
			 War, occurred long after the Korean War Armistice was signed in
			 1953;
			(3)according to military documents, the
			 leadership of North Korea issued a declaration of war against the United States
			 in a speech in 1966, which read that U.S. imperialists should be dealt
			 blows and their forces dispersed to the maximum in Asia. . . .;
			(4)the 124th Special Forces unit of North
			 Korea—
				(A)was trained—
					(i)to destroy the camps and civilians of the
			 United States;
					(ii)to disrupt travel and communication between
			 the Armed Forces; and
					(iii)to sabotage and assassinate the government
			 officials of South Korea and the United States; and
					(B)repeatedly confronted the soldiers of the
			 United States and the Republic of Korea when crossing through the Demilitarized
			 Zone;
				(5)since the Armistice was signed, over 40,000
			 Armistice violations have occurred, many of which involved troops of the United
			 States who were stationed in and around Korea;
			(6)some of those violations, like the capture
			 of the USS Pueblo, caught the attention of the media, although most have
			 not;
			(7)since the end of the Korean War, many
			 soldiers of the United States have died or been wounded in Korea as a result of
			 hostile fire;
			(8)some veterans of the Republic of Korea
			 suffer from exposure to Agent Orange, which was used during a period that began
			 in 1968 and ended in 1969 in and around the DMZ;
			(9)because the hazardous properties of Agent
			 Orange last for at least 100 years, soldiers of the United States who later
			 served in the Demilitarized Zone had been exposed to the chemical long after
			 the Armed Forces stopped using it;
			(10)the military personnel of the United States
			 who served in the Korean War during the period that began in 1966 and ended in
			 1969 received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; and
			(11)a few of the soldiers who fought and died
			 in the Korean War have been—
				(A)nominated posthumously for the
			 Congressional Medal of Honor; and
				(B)awarded—
					(i)the Silver Star or Bronze Star for valor in
			 combat; and
					(ii)the Purple Heart for being wounded in
			 combat.
					3.Definitions
			(a)PlaqueThe term plaque means the
			 plaque directed to be placed at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington,
			 D.C. under section 4(a).
			(b)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the
			 Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park
			 Service.
			4.Placement of
			 commemorative plaqueNot later
			 than November 11, 2009, the Secretary shall place on or near the grounds of the
			 Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., a plaque to commemorate the
			 sacrifices of those who served, were wounded, or were killed from 1953 until
			 the present in the defense of the Republic of Korea, that contains the
			 following inscription (in which the bracketed space shall include the date on
			 which the plaque is placed): Dedicated to the soldiers of the United
			 States and the Republic of Korea who served, were wounded, or were killed from
			 1953 until the present in the defense of the Republic of Korea. The efforts of
			 those soldiers have enabled the Republic of Korea to develop into a successful
			 and modern country. Since 1953, the Armed Forces of the United States
			 experienced more than 40,000 Armistice violation incidents.
			 Those incidents have caused the deaths of over 100 soldiers of the Armed Forces
			 of the United States and the wounding of hundreds more from hostile fire in the
			 Korean Peninsula and its surrounding waters. Unknown to most citizens, the
			 soldiers of the United States and the Republic of Korea fought and won the
			 DMZ War between November 1966 and December 1969. That war caused
			 the majority of the Armistice casualties. We remember the service, sacrifice,
			 and valor of all of those soldiers on this 40th anniversary of the start of the
			 DMZ War. Their fellow soldiers and their families will never forget them. Let
			 this Plaque aid their countries to remember them as well. Placed this day,
			 [__________]..


116 S4833 IS: To amend title 32, United States Code, to authorize cybersecurity operations and missions to protect critical infrastructure by members of the National Guard in connection with training or other duty.
U.S. Senate
2020-10-21
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 4833IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESOctober 21 (legislative day, October 19), 2020Ms. Hassan (for herself and Mr. Cornyn) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed ServicesA BILLTo amend title 32, United States Code, to authorize cybersecurity operations and missions to protect critical infrastructure by members of the National Guard in connection with training or other duty. 1.Cybersecurity operations and missions to protect critical infrastructure by members of the National Guard in connection with training or other dutySection 502(f)(1) of title 32, United States Code, is amended by adding after the flush matter at the end the following new sentence: Such training or other duty may include cybersecurity operations or missions undertaken by the member's unit at the request of the Governor of the State concerned to protect critical infrastructure (as that term is defined in the Critical Infrastructures Protection Act of 2001 (42 U.S.C. 5195c))..


116 SRES 790 IS: Supporting efforts to strengthen protection, assistance, and solutions for Venezuelan women and children.
U.S. Senate
2020-12-03
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

III116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. RES. 790IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESDecember 3, 2020Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Rubio, and Mr. Durbin) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign RelationsRESOLUTIONSupporting efforts to strengthen protection, assistance, and solutions for Venezuelan women and children.Whereas over 5,400,000 Venezuelans have been displaced across Latin America and the Caribbean—the world’s second largest displacement crisis—and at least 7,000,000 people inside Venezuela are in need of humanitarian assistance as a result of the country’s ongoing political and economic crisis;Whereas the COVID–19 pandemic is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, given the country’s weak health infrastructure, and posing particular risks for Venezuelan refugees and migrants such as eviction, loss of livelihoods, border closures and other travel restrictions, lack of access to health care for those without documentation, and gender-based violence;Whereas it is well-recognized that displacement crises—(1)exacerbate pre-existing violence against women and girls;(2)interrupt children’s education and increase their exposure to violence and exploitation;(3)cause major stress and trauma on individuals and families that can have profound effects on mental health and result in significant needs for psychological and social support; and(4)disrupt family and community connections that mitigate against such violence and trauma;Whereas, between 2015 and 2016, maternal mortality rates in Venezuela increased by 65 percent and infant mortality within the first week of life increased by 53 percent, and the dire state of Venezuela’s public health system has compelled women to flee the country in order to give birth;Whereas one-third of Venezuelan households are food insecure, with the greatest risk of adverse nutritional impacts on children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly, according to the World Food Program;Whereas the growing prevalence of criminal violence, especially intimate partner violence, and human trafficking, endemic corruption, and impunity in Venezuela has contributed to a significant increase in femicides;Whereas Venezuelan women and girls report an increase in pregnancies of adolescent girls over the past 2 years, including many resulting from sexual violence and coercion;Whereas indigenous women and girls in Venezuela’s border communities face heightened risks of violence as a result of extreme poverty, discrimination, and the encroachment of extractive mining industries on their land;Whereas women and girls fleeing Venezuela face grave threats of sexual violence, exploitation, and trafficking by armed groups operating in border regions, such as the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN), and these threats have grown since COVID-related border closures have forced asylum seekers into unofficial border crossing routes (trochas);Whereas the trafficking of Venezuelan women and children is linked to organized crime and armed groups, which often kidnap girls into trafficking networks in other countries and, in addition, forcibly recruit boys and young men;Whereas, despite the generous policies of host countries, less than half of Venezuelan refugee and migrant children were attending school prior to COVID-related closures, because of lack of documentation to enroll, limited space in public schools, and lack of resources to pay fees;Whereas governments throughout Latin America and the Caribbean have participated in a series of technical meetings to coordinate a regional strategy for the protection and regularization of Venezuelan refugees and migrants—known as the “Quito Process”—and issued a joint declaration in November 2019 that agreed to strengthen measures against human trafficking, gender-based violence, discrimination, and xenophobia, and to establish a regional protection protocol for refugee and migrant children and adolescents; Whereas the United States has committed to strengthen international protection of women and children through the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security, which aims to “promote the protection of women and girls’ human rights; access to humanitarian assistance; and safety from violence, abuse, and exploitation around the world”, as well as through the U.S. Government Strategy on Advancing Protection and Care for Children in Adversity; andWhereas the international community has prioritized addressing the issue of gender-based violence in humanitarian contexts by establishing a Safe from the Start initiative, implemented by the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development: Now, therefore, be itThat the Senate—(1)expresses grave concern for the massive and growing humanitarian needs of Venezuelans, including over 5,400,000 Venezuelan refugees and migrants, with particular concern for the impact of the displacement crisis and the COVID–19 pandemic on women and children; (2)recognizes the many communities across Latin America and the Caribbean that continue to generously receive and host Venezuelan refugees and migrants while also fighting to recover from the COVID–19 pandemic;(3)appreciates participation in the Quito Process by the Governments of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, and encourages implementation of their commitments to strengthen national processes of documentation and registration and to bolster protections for Venezuelan refugees and migrants subject to gender-based violence, human trafficking, and xenophobia; (4)encourages governments hosting Venezuelan refugees and migrants, as well as international and nongovernmental organizations providing assistance, to ensure that shelter, health care, food assistance, mental health and psychosocial support, and other basic services are accessible to women and children;(5)calls on the international community, including both humanitarian and development actors, to focus greater attention and resources to address the violence, abuse, and exploitation suffered by Venezuelan women and children, including by disaggregating data by sex and age in needs assessments and program reporting; and(6)supports increasing United States diplomatic initiatives and humanitarian assistance to strengthen protections for Venezuelan refugees and migrants and their host communities, with an emphasis on the protection of women and children.


II
109th CONGRESS 1st Session
S. 973
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

April 28, 2005
Mr. Durbin (for himself and Mr. Obama) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

A BILL
To establish the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Act.
2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
(1)The Heritage Area is a cohesive assemblage of natural, historic, cultural, or recreational resources that—
(A)together represent distinctive aspects of American heritage worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use; and
(B)are best managed through partnerships between private and public entities.
(2)The Heritage Area reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, or folklife, or some combination thereof, that are a valuable part of the heritage of the United States.
(3)The Heritage Area provides outstanding opportunities to conserve natural, cultural, or historic features, or a combination thereof.
(4)The Heritage Area provides outstanding recreational and interpretive opportunities.
(5)The Heritage Area has an identifiable theme and resources important to the theme retain integrity capable of supporting interpretation.
(6)Residents, nonprofit organizations, other private entities, and units of government throughout the Heritage Area demonstrate support for designation of the Heritage Area as a national heritage area and for management of the Heritage Area as appropriate for such designation.
(7)As our Nation enters the 21st Century, there is a compelling need to educate and cultivate among our citizens, particularly youth, an understanding appreciation for, and a renewed commitment to integrity, courage, self-initiative, and principled leadership in public and private life.
(8)Few individuals in our Nation’s history have as broadly exemplified such qualities as Abraham Lincoln, and few have so profoundly influenced United States history and the Character of our Nation as has our 16th president.
(9)The story and example of Lincoln’s life-his inspiring rise from humble origins to the highest office in the land, and his decisive leadership through the most harrowing and dangerous time in our Nation’s history, continues to bring hope and inspiration to millions in our country and around the world.
(10)The great issues of Lincoln’s time, national unity, equality and race relations, the capacity for democratic government and ideals to address these and related issues, continue to this day to define the challenges facing our Nation. The ideals Lincoln espoused and the sentiments he expressed in keeping our Nation together are as relevant today as they were in his troubled time.
(11)Illinois is known throughout the world as the land of Abraham Lincoln. Unquestionably, the physical, social, and cultural landscape of Illinois helped mold Lincoln's character. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man, Lincoln remarked on leaving. To this place and the kindness of these people I owe everything.
(12)Lincoln, in turn, left his own traces across the Illinois landscape. They remain today in the form of stories, folklore, artifacts, buildings, streetscapes, and landscapes. Though scattered geographically and in varying states of development and interpretation, together they bring an immediacy and tangible quality to the powerful Lincoln legacy. Individually and collectively, they constitute an important national cultural and historic resource.
(13)In particular the stories and cultural resources of the region’s Lincoln legacy—
(A)reflect the values and attitudes, the obstacles and ingenuity, the failures and accomplishments, the human frailties and strength of character of the men and women who made up the diverse people of Lincoln’s generation of Americans, including upland Southerners and Northeastern Yankees, Anglo-settlers and American Indians, free blacks, abolitionists, and their critics;
(B)reflect the material culture and relative levels of technical sophistication in the United States in Lincoln’s time;
(C)recreate the physical environment, revealing its impact on agriculture, transportation, trade, business, and social and cultural patterns in urban and rural settings; and
(D)interpret the effect of the era’s democratic ethos on the development of our Nation’s legal and political institutions and distinctive political culture.
(14)Three previous studies—Abraham Lincoln Research and Interpretive Center Suitability/Feasibility Study by the National Park Service (1991), Looking for Lincoln Illinois Heritage Tourism Project commissioned by the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs in cooperation with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (1998), and the Feasibility Study for the Proposed Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area revised in 2003, help document a sufficient assemblage of nationally distinctive historical resources to demonstrate the feasibility and need to establish the Heritage Area.
(15)The National Park Service operates and maintains the Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield, Illinois, and is responsible for advocating the protection and interpretation of the Nation’s cultural and historic resources and encouraging the development of interpretive context for these resources through appropriate planning and preservation.
(16)The Heritage Area can strengthen, complement, and support the Lincoln Home National Historic Site through the interpretation and conservation of the associated living landscapes outside of the boundaries of this historic site.
(17)There is a Federal interest in supporting the development of a regional framework and context to partner with and assist the National Park Service, the State of Illinois, local organizations and governments, and private citizens to conserve, protect, and bring recognition to the resources of the Heritage Area for the educational and recreational benefit of this and future generations.
(18)Communities throughout this region know the value of their Lincoln legacy, but need to expand upon an existing cooperative framework and technical assistance to achieve important goals by working together.
(19)The State of Illinois, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Bureau of Tourism officially designated Looking for Lincoln as a State Heritage Tourism Area and has identified the story of Lincoln as a key destination driver for the State.
(20)Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, the management entity for the Heritage Area, is a non-profit corporation created for the purposes of preserving, interpreting, developing, promoting, and making available to the public the story and resources related to the story of Abraham Lincoln’s adult life in Illinois and contributions to society and would be an appropriate entity to oversee the development of the Heritage Area.
(21)Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition has completed a business plan that—
(A)describes in detail the role, operation, financing, and functions of Looking For Lincoln Heritage Coalition, as the management entity; and
(B)provides adequate assurances that Looking For Lincoln Heritage Coalition is likely to have the financial resources necessary to implement the management plan for the Heritage Area, including resources to meet matching requirement for grants.
3.DefinitionsFor the purposes of this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1)Management entityThe term management entity means, Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, an entity recognized by the Secretary, in consultation with the chief executive officer of the State of Illinois, that agrees to perform the duties of a local coordinating entity under this Act.
(2)Heritage areaThe term Heritage Area means the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area established by section 4.
(3)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
(4)Unit of local governmentThe term unit of local government means the government of a State, a political subdivision of a State, or an Indian tribe.
4.Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area
(a)EstablishmentThere is established in the State of Illinois the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.
(b)BoundariesThe Heritage Area shall include the following:
(1)A core area located in Central Illinois, consisting of Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Dewitt, Douglas, Edgar, Fayette, Fulton, Greene, Hancock, Henderson, Jersey, Knox, LaSalle, Logan, McLean, McDonough, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Mason, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Peoria, Piatt, Pike, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, Tazwell, Vermillion, Warren and Woodford Counties.
(2)The following sites:
(A)Lincoln Home National Historic Site.
(B)Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site.
(C)Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site.
(D)Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum.
(E)Thomas and Sara Bush Lincoln Log Cabin and Living History Farm State Historic Site.
(F)Mt. Pulaski, Postville State Historic Sites and Metamora Courthouse.
(G)Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices State Historic Site.
(H)David Davis Mansion State Historic Site.
(I)Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site.
(J)Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum.
(K)Macon County Log Court House.
(L)Richard J. Oglesby Mansion.
(M)Lincoln Trail Homestead State Memorial.
(N)Governor John Wood Mansion.
(O)Beardstown Courthouse.
(P)Old Main at Knox College.
(Q)Carl Sandburg Home State Historic Site.
(R)Bryant Cottage State Historic Site.
(S)Dr. William Fithian Home.
(T)Vermillion County Museum.
(3)Sites, buildings, and districts within the core area recommended in the management plan.
(c)MapA map of the Heritage Area shall be included in the management plan. The map shall be on file in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
(d)Management entityThe management entity for the Heritage Area shall be Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition.
5.Authorities, duties, and prohibitions of the management entity
(a)AuthoritiesThe management entity may, for purposes of preparing and implementing the management plan, use funds made available under this Act to—
(1)prepare a management plan for the Heritage Area, which shall be complete not later than 3 years after funds are first made available for this Act;
(2)prepare reports, studies, interpretive exhibits and programs, historic preservation projects, and other activities recommended in the management plan for the Heritage Area;
(3)pay for operational expenses of the management entity incurred within the first 10 fiscal years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act;
(4)make grants or loans to the State of Illinois and its political subdivisions, nonprofit organizations, and other persons;
(5)enter into cooperative agreements with the State of Illinois, its political subdivisions, nonprofit organizations, and other organizations;
(6)hire and compensate staff;
(7)obtain money from any source under any program or law requiring the recipient of such money to make a contribution in order to receive such money; and
(8)contract for goods and services.
(b)DutiesIn addition to developing the management plan, the management entity shall—
(1)give priority to the implementation of actions, goals, and strategies set forth in the management plan, including assisting units of government and other persons in—
(A)carrying out the programs that recognize and protect important resource values in the Heritage Area;
(B)encouraging economic viability in the Heritage Area in accordance with the goals of the management plan;
(C)establishing and maintaining interpretive exhibits in the Heritage Area;
(D)developing heritage-based recreational and educational opportunities for residents and visitors in the Heritage Area;
(E)increasing public awareness of and appreciation for the cultural, historical, and natural resources of the Heritage Area;
(F)restoring historic buildings that are both—
(i)located in the Heritage Area; and
(ii)related to the themes of the Heritage Area; and
(G)installing throughout the Heritage Area clear, consistent, and appropriate signs identifying public access points and sites of interest;
(2)prepare and implement the management plan while considering the interests of diverse units of government, businesses, private property owners, and nonprofit groups within the Heritage Area;
(3)conduct public meetings at least quarterly regarding the development and implementation of the management plan; and
(4)for any fiscal year for which Federal funds are received under this Act—
(A)submit to the Secretary a report that describes, for that fiscal year—
(i)the accomplishments of the management entity;
(ii)the expenses and income of the management entity; and
(iii)each entity to which a grant was made;
(B)make available for audit by Congress, the Secretary, and appropriate units of government, all records pertaining to the expenditure of the funds and any matching funds; and
(C)require, for all agreements authorizing expenditure of Federal funds by any entity, that the receiving entity make available for audit all records pertaining to the expenditure of the funds.
(c)Prohibition of acquisition of real property
(1)In generalThe management entity shall not use Federal funds received under this Act to acquire real property or any interest in real property.
(2)Other sourcesNothing in this Act precludes the management entity from using Federal funds from other sources for authorized purposes including acquisition of real property or any interest in real property.
6.Management plan
(a)RequirementsIn preparing the management plan, the management entity shall perform the following duties:
(1)Management planPrepare and submit to the Secretary a management plan reviewed by participating units of government within the boundaries of the Heritage Area.
(2)CollaborationCollaborate with and consider the interests of diverse units of government, businesses, tourism officials, private property owners, and nonprofit groups within the the Heritage Area in developing and implementing the management plan.
(3)Public involvementEnsure regular public involvement, including public meetings at least annually, regarding the implementation of the management plan for the Heritage Area.
(4)Records for auditsMake available to the Secretary for audit, for any year in which Federal funds have been received under this Act, all records pertaining to the expenditure of such funds and any matching funds, and require, for all agreements authorizing expenditure of Federal funds by other organizations, that the receiving organizations make available to the Secretary for audit all records pertaining to the expenditure of such funds.
(b)Management planThe management plan for the Heritage Area shall—
(1)present a comprehensive program for the conservation, interpretation, funding, management, and development of the Heritage Area and of the historical, cultural, and natural resources and the recreational and educational opportunities of the Heritage Area, in a manner consistent with the existing local, State, and Federal land use laws and compatible economic viability of the Heritage Area;
(2)be prepared and implemented in a manner that involves residents, public agencies, and private organizations working in the Heritage Area;
(3)specify and coordinate, as of the date of the management plan, existing and potential sources of technical and financial assistance under this and other Federal laws to protect, manage, and develop the Heritage Area; and
(4)include—
(A)actions to be undertaken by units of government and private organizations to protect, conserve, and interpret the resources of the Heritage Area;
(B)an inventory of the resources contained in the Heritage Area, including a list of any property in the Heritage Area that is related to the themes of the Heritage Area and that is found to merit preservation, restoration, management, development, or maintenance because of its natural, cultural, historical, or recreational significance;
(C)policies for resource management with appropriate land and water management techniques, including the development of intergovernmental cooperative agreements, private sector agreements, or any combination thereof, to protect the historical, cultural, recreational, and natural resources of the Heritage Area in a manner consistent with supporting appropriate and compatible economic viability;
(D)a program for implementation of the management plan by the designated management entity, in cooperation with its partners and units of government;
(E)evidence that relevant State, county, and local plans applicable to the Heritage Area have been taken into consideration;
(F)an analysis of ways in which local, State, and Federal programs may best be coordinated to promote the purposes of this Act; and
(G)a business plan that—
(i)describes in detail the role, operation, financing, and functions of the local coordinating entity and of each activity included in the recommendations contained in the management plan; and
(ii)provides, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, adequate assurances that the management entity is likely to have the financial resources necessary to implement the management plan, including resources to meet matching requirement for grants awarded under this Act.
(c)Public noticeThe management entity shall place a notice of each of its public meetings in a newspaper of general circulation in the Heritage Area and shall make the minutes of the meeting available to the public.
(d)Disqualification from fundingIf a proposed management plan is not submitted to the Secretary within 3 years the funds are first made available for this Act, the management entity shall be ineligible to receive additional funding under this Act until the date on which the Secretary receives the proposed management plan.
(e)Approval and disapproval of management planThe Secretary , in consultation with the Governor of the State of Illinois or his appointed agency representative, shall approve or disapprove the proposed management plan submitted under this Act not later than 90 days after receiving the proposed management plan.
(f)Action following disapprovalIf the Secretary disapproves a proposed management plan, the Secretary shall advise the management entity, in writing, of the reasons for the disapproval and make recommendations for revisions to the proposed management plan. The Secretary shall approve or disapprove a revised proposed management plan not later than 90 days after it is submitted.
(g)Approval of amendmentsThe Secretary shall review and approve or disapprove substantial amendments to the management plan. Funds appropriated under this Act may not be expended to implement any changes made by an amendment to the management plan until the Secretary approves the amendment.
7.Technical and financial assistance; other Federal agencies
(a)Technical and financial assistance
(1)In generalOn the request of the management entity, the Secretary may provide technical and financial assistance for the development and implementation of the management plan.
(2)Priority for assistanceIn providing assistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall give priority to actions that assist in—
(A)conserving the significant cultural, historic, and natural resources of the Heritage Area; and
(B)providing educational, interpretive, and recreational opportunities consistent with the purposes of the Heritage Area.
(3)Spending for non-Federal propertyThe management entity may expend Federal funds made available under this Act on non-Federally owned property that is—
(A)identified in the management plan; or
(B)listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
(4)Other assistanceThe Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with public and private organizations to carry out this subsection.
(b)Other Federal agenciesAny Federal entity conducting or supporting an activity that directly affects the Heritage Area shall—
(1)consider the potential effect of the activity on the purposes of the Heritage Area and the management plan;
(2)consult with the management entity regarding the activity; and
(3)to the maximum extent practicable, conduct or support the activity to avoid adverse effects on the Heritage Area.
(c)Other assistance not affectedThis Act does not affect the authority of any Federal official to provide technical or financial assistance under any other law.
(d)Notification of other Federal activitiesThe head of each Federal agency shall provide to the Secretary and the management entity for the Heritage Area, to the extent practicable, advance notice of all activities which may have an impact on the Heritage Area.
8.Private property protection
(a)In GeneralNothing in this Act shall be construed to—
(1)require any private property owner to allow public access (including Federal, State, or local government access) to such private property; or
(2)modify any provision of Federal, State, or local law with regard to public access to or use of private property.
(b)LiabilityDesignation of the Heritage Area shall not be considered to create any liability, or to have any effect on any liability under any other law, of any private property owner with respect to any persons injured on such private property.
(c)Recognition of authority to control land useNothing in this Act shall be construed to modify any authority of Federal, State, or local governments to regulate land use.
(d)Participation of private property owners in Heritage AreaNothing in this Act shall be construed to require the owner of any private property located within the boundaries of the Heritage Area to participate in or be associated with the Heritage Area.
(e)Land use regulation
(1)In generalThe management entity shall provide assistance and encouragement to State and local governments, private organizations, and persons to protect and promote the resources and values of the Heritage Area.
(2)EffectNothing in this Act shall grant any power of zoning or land use to the management entity.
(f)Private property
(1)In generalThe management entity shall be an advocate for land management practices consistent with the purposes of the Heritage Area.
(2)EffectNothing in this Act—
(A)abridges the rights of any person with regard to private property;
(B)affects the authority of the State or local government regarding private property; or
(C)imposes any additional burden on any property owner.
9.Savings provisions
(a)Rules, regulations, standards, and permit processesNothing in this Act shall be construed to impose any environmental, occupational, safety, or other rule, regulation, standard, or permit process in the National Heritage Area that is different from those that would be applicable if the national heritage area had not been established.
(b)Water and water rightsNothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize or imply the reservation or appropriation of water or water rights.
(c)No diminishment of State authorityNothing in this Act shall be construed to diminish the authority of the State containing the National Heritage Area to manage fish and wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting within the national heritage area.
(d)Existing national heritage areasNothing in this Act shall affect any national heritage area so designated before the date of the enactment of this Act.
10.Authorization of appropriations
(a)In generalThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $10,000,000, of which not more than $1,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year.
(b)Cost-Sharing requirementThe Federal share of the total cost of any activity assisted under this Act shall be not more than 50 percent.
11.Termination of authorityThe authority of the Secretary to provide assistance under this Act terminates on the date that is 15 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.


117 HR 1192 : Puerto Rico Recovery Accuracy in Disclosures Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-02-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IIB117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1192IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 25, 2021Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesAN ACTTo impose requirements on the payment of compensation to professional persons employed in voluntary cases commenced under title III of the Puerto Rico Oversight Management and Economic Stability Act (commonly known as PROMESA).1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Puerto Rico Recovery Accuracy in Disclosures Act of 2021 or PRRADA.2.Disclosure by professional persons seeking approval of compensation under section 316 or 317 of PROMESA(a)Required disclosure(1)In generalIn a voluntary case commenced under section 304 of PROMESA (48 U.S.C. 2164), no attorney, accountant, appraiser, auctioneer, agent, consultant, or other professional person may be compensated under section 316 or 317 of that Act (48 U.S.C. 2176, 2177) unless prior to making a request for compensation, the professional person has submitted a verified statement conforming to the disclosure requirements of rule 2014(a) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure setting forth the connection of the professional person with—(A)the debtor;(B)any creditor;(C)any other party in interest, including any attorney or accountant;(D)the Financial Oversight and Management Board established in accordance with section 101 of PROMESA (48 U.S.C. 2121); and(E)any person employed by the Oversight Board described in subparagraph (D).(2)Other requirementsA professional person that submits a statement under paragraph (1) shall—(A)supplement the statement with any additional relevant information that becomes known to the person; and(B)file annually a notice confirming the accuracy of the statement.(b)Review(1)In generalThe United States Trustee shall review each verified statement submitted pursuant to subsection (a) and may file with the court comments on such verified statements before the professionals filing such statements seek compensation under section 316 or 317 of PROMESA (48 U.S.C. 2176, 2177).(2)ObjectionThe United States Trustee may object to compensation applications filed under section 316 or 317 of PROMESA (48 U.S.C. 2176, 2177) that fail to satisfy the requirements of subsection (e).(3)Right to be heardEach person described in section 1109 of title 11, United States Code, may appear and be heard on any issue in a case under this section.(c)JurisdictionThe district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction of all cases under this section.(d)Retroactivity(1)In generalIf a court has entered an order approving compensation under a case commenced under section 304 of PROMESA (48 U.S.C. 2164), each professional person subject to the order shall file a verified statement in accordance with subsection (a) not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.(2)No delayA court may not delay any proceeding in connection with a case commenced under section 304 of PROMESA (48 U.S.C. 2164) pending the filing of a verified statement under paragraph (1).(e)Limitation on compensation(1)In generalIn a voluntary case commenced under section 304 of PROMESA (48 U.S.C. 2164), in connection with the review and approval of professional compensation under section 316 or 317 of PROMESA (48 U.S.C. 2176, 2177), the court may deny allowance of compensation for services and reimbursement of expenses, accruing after the date of the enactment of this Act of a professional person if the professional person—(A)has failed to file statements of connections required by subsection (a) or has filed inadequate statements of connections;(B)except as provided in paragraph (3), is on or after the date of enactment of this Act not a disinterested person, as defined in section 101 of title 11, United States Code; or(C)except as provided in paragraph (3), represents, or holds an interest adverse to, the interest of the estate with respect to the matter on which such professional person is employed.(2)ConsiderationsIn making a determination under paragraph (1), the court may take into consideration whether the services and expenses are in the best interests of creditors and the estate.(3)Committee professional standardsAn attorney or accountant described in section 1103(b) of title 11, United States Code, shall be deemed to have violated paragraph (1) if the attorney or accountant violates section 1103(b) of title 11, United States Code.Passed the House of Representatives February 24, 2021.Cheryl L. Johnson,Clerk


110 HJ 29 IH: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the right of all citizens of the United States to a public education of equal high quality.
U.S. House of Representatives
2007-02-13
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.

IA
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. J. RES. 29
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 13, 2007
Mr. Jackson of Illinois introduced the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

JOINT RESOLUTION
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the right of all citizens of the United States to a public education of equal high quality.

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.All persons shall enjoy the right to a public education of equal high quality.
2.The Congress shall have power to enforce and implement this article by appropriate legislation. .


116 HR 5748 IH: Jobs, On-the-Job Earn-While-You-Learn Training, and Apprenticeships for Young African-Americans Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-02-03
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.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 5748IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESFebruary 3, 2020Mr. David Scott of Georgia (for himself, Ms. Fudge, and Mr. Cleaver) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and LaborA BILLTo rebuild the Nation’s crumbling infrastructure, transportation systems, technology and computer
			 networks, and energy distribution systems, by strongly and urgently
			 encouraging the immediate recruitment, employment, and on-the-job earn as you learn training of young African Americans who throughout history experience higher unemployment rates
			 than any other race, which is a national crisis.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Jobs, On-the-Job Earn-While-You-Learn Training, and Apprenticeships for Young African-Americans Act. 2.Findings and purpose (a)FindingsCongress finds the following:
 (1)Young African-American men and women are the hardest hit by economic instability. Declared and affirmed by the Federal Reserve, African Americans face unemployment rates that are two to three times higher than their White counterparts for the last several decades.
 (2)During economic recessions in 1974–75, 1981–82, 1990–91, and 2008, the African-American community faced significantly higher unemployment rates than their White counterparts.
 (3)Even during times of economic growth, African-American communities experience prolonged financial vulnerability and delayed recovery. Unemployment rates decline at a slower rate for African-American men, and even a slower rate for African-American women as compared to their White counterparts.
 (4)This extraordinarily high unemployment rate has a terrible rippling impact on the breakdown of the family structure, as men and women in this age group are in the primary child-producing ages.
 (5)Affirmed by the Department of Labor, diversity and inclusion within the workforce benefits employees and businesses across all industries, including apprenticeship programs, which provide economic mobility to its participants.
 (6)Through the combined efforts of building trades unions and community partners at the State and local level, there have been established more than 150 apprenticeship readiness programs across the United States that focus on creating pathways to Registered Programs for people of color, women, and veterans. Overall, from 2009 to 2019, building trades unions and their signatory contractors have invested over $100,000,000 in outreach efforts targeting under-represented communities to participate in apprenticeship readiness programs. Of the 4,800 individuals who have successfully completed a building trades apprenticeship readiness program since 2016, 70 percent were from communities of color and 22 percent were women.
 (7)The disproportionately high-unemployment rates, combined with low participation rates from African Americans in registered apprenticeship programs not only constitute a national crisis but a national tragedy for the young African Americans, many of whom are fathers and mothers who, without jobs, are unable to provide for their families or home.
 (b)PurposeThe purpose of this Act is to secure jobs, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships for young African Americans ages 18 to 39 with the labor unions, general contractors, and businesses who will rebuild the Nation’s crumbling infrastructure in cities and communities throughout the Nation.
 3.Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that— (1)this Act, while rebuilding the crumbling infrastructure of this great Nation, will simultaneously help create good paying jobs and job training that will provide young African Americans ages 18 to 39 with the technical skills, computer capabilities, and other skills necessary in this high technology-driven job market, thus providing young African Americans with highly developed skills that will make them very competitive and attractive to many employers;
 (2)this Act greatly exemplifies and strengthens the high nobility of purpose that is the founding grace of this great Nation; and
 (3)the African-American organizations described in section 4(c) have a long and rich history of working to improve the lives of African Americans, and can be very helpful in successfully reaching, contacting, and recruiting unemployed young African Americans.
			4.Urging employment, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships for unemployed young African Americans
			 in rebuilding the Nation’s crumbling infrastructure
 (a)In generalThe Secretary of Labor shall strongly and urgently encourage those labor unions, general contractors, and businesses, who will rebuild the Nation’s crumbling infrastructure, transportation systems, technology and computer networks, and energy distribution systems, to actively recruit, hire, train, and provide apprentice programs registered under the National Apprenticeship Act (29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.) to African Americans ages 18 to 39 through their existing jobs and through apprenticeships and earn-while-you-learn programs, registered under such Act. The Secretary shall provide assistance to such labor unions, general contractors, and businesses through every means available under existing law to help coordinate the recruitment of such individuals for such jobs, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships.
 (b)CoordinationThe jobs, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships made available by labor unions, general contractors, and businesses described in subsection (a) shall be conducted in conjunction with the Secretary of Labor and the labor unions and other associations which the Secretary has identified as those primarily involved in the infrastructure rebuilding described in such subsection. Such coordination shall also be done in conjunction with the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee.
 (c)RecruitmentThe Secretary shall coordinate with labor unions, general contractors, and businesses described in subsections (a) and (b) to recruit African Americans for the jobs, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships described in subsection (a) by reaching out and seeking assistance from within the African-American community, churches, and civil rights organizations that can offer valuable assistance to the Secretary of Labor, the labor unions, general contractors, and businesses with identifying, locating, and contacting unemployed young African Americans who want jobs, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships.


109 HR 6363 IH: To provide for an additional requirements payment under the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that Puerto Rico is treated in the same manner as other States for purposes of determining the amount of the requirements payment made under such Act, and for other purposes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2006-12-05
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS 2d Session
H. R. 6363
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 5, 2006
Mr. Fortuño introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on House Administration

A BILL
To provide for an additional requirements payment under the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure that Puerto Rico is treated in the same manner as other States for purposes of determining the amount of the requirements payment made under such Act, and for other purposes.

1.FindingsCongress finds as follows:
(1)The Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA) established a series of Federal requirements for election administration and provided funding for States and territories to meet those requirements.
(2)The amount of funds provided to a State was determined under a formula which is based largely on the State’s voting age population, with a base minimum amount. However, the base minimum amount for a State for a fiscal year was one-half of one percent of the total amount appropriated for the year, while the base minimum for amount for Puerto Rico and the other territories was one-tenth of one percent of the total amount appropriated for the year.
(3)Of all the States and territories whose payment under HAVA was the base minimum amount, only Puerto Rico received less than it would have received if the payment had been based on voting age population. Puerto Rico ranked 27th in voting age population in 2000 (2,716,509), but received less than any State and received the same amount as American Samoa (whose voting age population was 31,753), Guam (99,951), and the United States Virgin Islands (74,323).
(4)24 states and the District of Columbia had smaller voting age populations than Puerto Rico but received more HAVA funding to meet the new Federal requirements.
(5)The costs which a State incurs in meeting HAVA’s requirements are driven largely by the size of its electorate.
(6)Because the amount provided to Puerto Rico under HAVA was not based upon the size of its electorate, HAVA failed to provide Puerto Rico with an amount which reflected the costs of complying with the Act’s requirements.
2.Requirements Payment for Puerto Rico for Election Assistance
(a)PaymentNot later than December 31, 2007, the Election Assistance Commission shall make a requirements payment under subtitle D of title II of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15401 et seq.) to the State Election Commission of Puerto Rico.
(b)Use of PaymentThe use of the payment made under subsection (a) shall be subject to the same terms and conditions as the use of a payment made under section 251 of the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
(c)Amount of PaymentThe amount of the payment made under subsection (a) shall be equal to the difference between—
(1)the aggregate amount of requirements payments made to Puerto Rico under subtitle D of title II of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 prior to the enactment of this Act; and
(2)the aggregate amount of requirements payments which would have been made to Puerto Rico under such subtitle prior to the enactment of this Act if Puerto Rico had been treated in the same manner as each of the several States and the District of Columbia.
3.Revision of Formula for Determining Minimum Amount of Requirements Payments to Puerto RicoSection 252(c) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15402(c)) is amended—
(1)in paragraph (1), by striking several States or the District of Columbia, and inserting several States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,; and
(2)in paragraph (2), by striking the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,.


117 HRES 378 IH: Celebrating the 149th anniversary of Arbor Day.
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-05-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. RES. 378IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 7, 2021Mr. Westerman (for himself, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Ms. Herrera Beutler, and Mr. Kilmer) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and ReformRESOLUTIONCelebrating the 149th anniversary of Arbor Day.Whereas Arbor Day was founded on April 10, 1872, to recognize the importance of planting trees;Whereas Arbor Day is a time to recognize the importance of trees and an opportunity for communities to gather and plant for a greener future;Whereas Arbor Day is observed in all 50 States and across the world;Whereas participating in Arbor Day activities promotes civic participation and highlights the importance of planting and caring for trees and vegetation;Whereas such activities provide an opportunity to convey to future generations the value of land and stewardship;Whereas working forests have contributed to an increase in the number of trees planted in the United States and are sustainably managed, with less than 2 percent of working forests nationally harvested each year;Whereas a key factor in preventing forest conversion and deforestation is keeping forests productive;Whereas working forests are a critical part of a nature-based solution to climate change, and by providing a continuous cycle of growing, harvesting, and replanting, active forest management maximizes the ability to sequester and store carbon and improves forest resilience;Whereas private forests play an important role in conserving at-risk and declining species, and collaborative conservation efforts can benefit species while also helping to keep forests as forests;Whereas sustainably grown wood can be used in a wide variety of resilient infrastructure and building applications—from traditional timber framing to high-tech bridges to high-rise buildings made of mass timber—and as a natural, renewable, and biodegradable material, substituting wood for other materials in buildings and bridges could significantly decrease global carbon emissions;Whereas the Arbor Day Foundation and the Tree City USA program have been committed to greening cities and towns across the country since 1976, and in that time, more than 3,400 communities have made the commitment to becoming a Tree City USA;Whereas Tree City USA communities are home to more than 143,000,000 people in the United States who are dedicated to core standards of sound urban forestry management and who dedicate resources and time to urban forestry initiatives, which helps make their communities and our country a better place to live;Whereas National Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday of April each year; andWhereas April 30, 2021, marks the 149th anniversary of Arbor Day: Now, therefore, be itThat the House of Representatives—(1)celebrates the 149th anniversary of Arbor Day;(2)supports the goals and ideals of National Arbor Day; and(3)encourages the people of the United States to participate in National Arbor Day activities.