 HR 150 ENR: Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives

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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.

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One Hundred Sixteenth Congress of the United States of AmericaAt the First SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Thursday, the third day of January, two thousand and nineteen
H. R. 150

AN ACT
To modernize Federal grant reporting, and for other purposes.

1.Short title; table of contents
(a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Grant Reporting Efficiency and Agreements Transparency Act of 2019 or the GREAT Act. (b)Table of contentsThe table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Purposes.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
Sec. 4. Data standards for grant reporting.
Sec. 5. Single Audit Act.
Sec. 6. Consolidation of assistance-related information; publication of public information as open data.
Sec. 7. Evaluation of nonproprietary identifiers.
Sec. 8. Rule of construction.
Sec. 9. No additional funds authorized.
2.PurposesThe purposes of this Act are to— (1)modernize reporting by recipients of Federal grants and cooperative agreements by creating and imposing data standards for the information that those recipients are required by law to report to the Federal Government;
(2)implement the recommendation by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget contained in the report submitted under section 5(b)(6) of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note) relating to the development of a comprehensive taxonomy of standard definitions for core data elements required for managing Federal financial assistance awards; (3)reduce burden and compliance costs of recipients of Federal grants and cooperative agreements by enabling technology solutions, existing or yet to be developed, for use in both the public and private sectors to better manage the data that recipients already provide to the Federal Government; and
(4)strengthen oversight and management of Federal grants and cooperative agreements by agencies by consolidating the collection and display of and access to open data that has been standardized and, where appropriate, increasing transparency to the public. 3.DefinitionsIn this Act, the terms agency, Director, Federal award, and Secretary have the meanings given those terms in section 6401 of title 31, United States Code, as added by section 4(a) of this Act.
4.Data standards for grant reporting
(a)AmendmentSubtitle V of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 63 the following:  64Data standards for grant reporting  Sec. 6401. Definitions. 6402. Data standards for grant reporting. 6403. Guidance applying data standards for grant reporting. 6404. Agency requirements. 6401.DefinitionsIn this chapter:
(1)AgencyThe term agency has the meaning given the term in section 552(f) of title 5. (2)Core data elementsThe term core data elements means data elements relating to financial management, administration, or management that—
(A)are not program-specific in nature or program-specific outcome measures, as defined in section 1115(h) of this title; and (B)are required by agencies for all or the vast majority of recipients of Federal awards for purposes of reporting.
(3)DirectorThe term Director means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. (4)Executive departmentThe term Executive department has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 5.
(5)Federal awardThe term Federal award— (A)means the transfer of anything of value for a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States, including financial assistance and Government facilities, services, and property;
(B)includes a grant, a subgrant, a cooperative agreement, or any other transaction; and (C)does not include a transaction or agreement—
(i)that provides for conventional public information services or procurement of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the Government; or (ii)that provides only—
(I)direct Government cash assistance to an individual; (II)a subsidy;
(III)a loan; (IV)a loan guarantee; or
(V)insurance. (6)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the head of the standard-setting agency.
(7)Standard-setting agencyThe term standard-setting agency means the Executive department designated under section 6402(a)(1). (8)StateThe term State means each State of the United States, the District of Columbia, each commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States, and each federally recognized Indian Tribe.
6402.Data standards for grant reporting
(a)In general
(1)Designation of standard-setting agencyThe Director shall designate the Executive department that administers the greatest number of programs under which Federal awards are issued in a calendar year as the standard-setting agency. (2)Establishment of standardsNot later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this chapter, the Secretary and the Director shall establish Governmentwide data standards for information reported by recipients of Federal awards.
(3)Data elementsThe data standards established under paragraph (2) shall include, at a minimum— (A)standard definitions for data elements required for managing Federal awards; and
(B)unique identifiers for Federal awards and recipients of Federal awards that can be consistently applied Governmentwide. (b)ScopeThe data standards established under subsection (a)—
(1)shall include core data elements; (2)may cover information required by law to be reported to any agency by recipients of Federal awards, including audit-related information reported under chapter 75 of this title; and
(3)may not be used by the Director or any agency to require the collection of any data not otherwise required under Federal law. (c)RequirementsThe data standards established under subsection (a) shall, to the extent reasonable and practicable—
(1)render information reported by recipients of Federal awards fully searchable and machine-readable; (2)be nonproprietary;
(3)incorporate standards developed and maintained by voluntary consensus standards bodies; (4)be consistent with and implement applicable accounting and reporting principles; and
(5)incorporate the data standards established under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note). (d)ConsultationIn establishing the data standards under subsection (a), the Secretary and the Director shall consult with—
(1)the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure that the data standards established under subsection (a) incorporate the data standards established under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note); (2)the head of each agency that issues Federal awards;
(3)recipients of Federal awards and organizations representing recipients of Federal awards; (4)private sector experts;
(5)members of the public, including privacy experts, privacy advocates, auditors, and industry stakeholders; and (6)State and local governments.
6403.Guidance applying data standards for grant reporting
(a)In generalNot later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this chapter— (1)the Secretary and the Director shall jointly issue guidance to all agencies directing the agencies to apply the data standards established under section 6402(a) to all applicable reporting by recipients of Federal awards; and
(2)the Director shall prescribe guidance applying the data standards established under section 6402(a) to audit-related information reported under chapter 75 of this title. (b)GuidanceThe guidance issued under subsection (a) shall—
(1)to the extent reasonable and practicable— (A)minimize the disruption of existing reporting practices of, and not increase the reporting burden on, agencies or recipients of Federal awards; and
(B)explore opportunities to implement modern technologies in reporting relating to Federal awards; (2)allow the Director to permit exceptions for classes of Federal awards, including exceptions for Federal awards granted to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations consistent with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.), if the Director publishes a list of those exceptions and submits the list to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Reform of the House of Representatives; and
(3)take into consideration the consultation required under section 6402(d). (c)Updating guidance (1)In generalNot less frequently than once every 10 years, the Director shall update the guidance issued under subsection (a).
(2)ProceduresIn updating guidance under paragraph (1), the Director shall, to the maximum extent practicable, follow the procedures for the development of the data standards and guidance prescribed under this section and section 6402. 6404.Agency requirementsNot later than 1 year after the date on which guidance is issued or updated under subsection (b) or (c), respectively, of section 6403, the head of each agency shall—
(1)ensure that all of the Federal awards that the agency issues use data standards for all future information collection requests; and (2)amend existing information collection requests under chapter 35 of title 44 (commonly known as the Paperwork Reduction Act) to comply with the data standards established under section 6402 of this chapter, in accordance with the guidance issued by the Secretary and the Director under section 6403 of this chapter..
(b)Technical and conforming amendmentThe table of chapters for subtitle V of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 63 the following:   64.Data standards for grant reporting6401. 5.Single Audit Act (a)Amendments (1)Audit requirementsSection 7502(h) of title 31, United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting in an electronic form in accordance with the data standards established under chapter 64 and after the reporting package,.
(2)RegulationsSection 7505 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:  (d)Such guidance shall require audit-related information reported under this chapter to be reported in an electronic form in accordance with the data standards established under chapter 64..
(b)GuidanceNot later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall issue guidance requiring audit-related information reported under chapter 75 of title 31, United States Code, to be reported in an electronic form consistent with the data standards established under chapter 64 of that title, as added by section 4(a) of this Act. 6.Consolidation of assistance-related information; publication of public information as open data (a)Collection of informationNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Director shall, using the data standards established under chapter 64 of title 31, United States Code, as added by section 4(a) of this Act, enable the collection, public display, and maintenance of Federal award information as a Governmentwide data set, subject to reasonable restrictions established by the Director to ensure protection of personally identifiable information and otherwise sensitive information.
(b)Publication of informationThe Secretary and the Director shall require the publication of data reported by recipients of Federal awards that is collected from all agencies on a single public portal, which may be an existing Governmentwide website, as determined appropriate by the Director. (c)FOIANothing in this section shall require the disclosure to the public of information that would be exempt from disclosure under section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Freedom of Information Act).
7.Evaluation of nonproprietary identifiers
(a)Determination requiredThe Director and the Secretary shall determine whether to use nonproprietary identifiers described in section 6402(a)(3)(B) of title 31, United States Code, as added by section 4(a) of this Act. (b)Factors to be consideredIn making the determination under subsection (a), the Director and the Secretary shall consider factors such as accessibility and cost to recipients of Federal awards, agencies that issue Federal awards, private sector experts, and members of the public, including privacy experts, privacy advocates, transparency experts, and transparency advocates.
(c)Publication and report on determinationNot later than the earlier of 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act or the date on which the Director and the Secretary establish data standards under section 6402(a)(2) of title 31, United States Code, as added by section 4(a) of this Act, the Director and the Secretary shall publish and submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Reform of the House of Representatives a report explaining the reasoning for the determination made under subsection (a). 8.Rule of constructionNothing in this Act, or the amendments made by this Act, shall be construed to require the collection of data that is not otherwise required under any Federal law, rule, or regulation.
9.No additional funds authorizedNo additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this Act and the amendments made by this Act. Such requirements shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized.  Speaker of the House of Representatives.Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.


115 HR 3002 IH: Small Business Cyber Training Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-06-22
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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.

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115th CONGRESS1st Session
H. R. 3002
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 22, 2017
Mr. Chabot introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Small Business

A BILL
To amend the Small Business Act to require cyber certification for small business development center counselors, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Small Business Cyber Training Act of 2017. 2.Duties of small business development center counselors Section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(o)Cyber strategy training for small business development centers
(1)DefinitionsIn this subsection— (A)the term cyber strategy means resources and tactics to assist in planning for cybersecurity and defending against cyber risks and cyber attacks; and
(B)the term lead small business development center means a small business development center that has received a grant from the Administration.  (2)Certification programThe Administrator shall establish a cyber counseling certification program, or approve a similar existing program, to certify the employees of lead small business development centers to provide cyber planning assistance to small business concerns.
(3)Number of certified employeesThe Administrator shall ensure that the number of employees of each lead small business development center who are certified in providing cyber planning assistance under this subsection is not fewer than the lesser of— (A)5; or
(B)10 percent of the total number of employees of the lead small business development center. (4)Consideration of Small Business Development Center Cyber StrategyIn carrying out this subsection, the Administrator, to the extent practicable, shall consider any cyber strategy methods included in the Small Business Development Center Cyber Strategy developed under section 1841(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2662).
(5)Reimbursement for certification
(A)In generalSubject to the availability of appropriations and subparagraph (B), the Administrator shall reimburse a lead small business development center for costs relating to the certification of an employee of the lead small business development center under the program established under paragraph (2). (B)LimitationThe total amount reimbursed by the Administrator under subparagraph (A) may not exceed $350,000 in any fiscal year..


113 HR 5451 IH: Next Generation Research Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-09-11
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		I
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5451
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 11, 2014
			Mr. Pocan (for himself, Ms. Schakowsky, and Mr. Welch) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

		A BILL
		To demonstrate a commitment to our Nation’s scientists by increasing opportunities for the
			 development of our next generation of researchers.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Next Generation Research Act.
		2.Investing in the next generation of researchersPart A of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 281 et seq.) is amended by adding at
			 the end the following:

				404M.Next generation of research
					(a)Next Generation of Research InitiativeThere shall be established within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health,
			 the Next Generation of Research Initiative (referred to in this section as
			 the Initiative), through which the Director shall coordinate all policies and programs within the National
			 Institutes of Health aimed at promoting and providing opportunities for
			 new researchers.
					(b)ActivitiesThe Director of NIH through the Initiative shall—
						(1)promote policies and programs within the National Institutes of Health that are aimed at improving
			 opportunities for new researchers, including existing policies and
			 programs such as the Pathway to Independence Award, the NIH Director's New
			 Innovator Award, the Early Independence Award, and Early-Stage
			 Investigator grant review procedures;
						(2)develop or modify policies, as needed, within the National Institutes of Health to promote
			 opportunities for new researchers, including policies to strengthen
			 mentorship programs between new and veteran researchers, enhance workforce
			 diversity efforts, and help to improve new researchers' success in
			 obtaining renewal funding; and
						(3)carry out other activities, as appropriate, to promote the development of the next generation of
			 researchers.
						(c)Study and report
						(1)StudyThe Director of NIH shall request the National Academy of Sciences, as part of the studies
			 conducted under section 489, to conduct a comprehensive study on policies
			 affecting the next generation of researchers in the United States. Such
			 study shall include an evaluation of the legislative, administrative,
			 educational, and cultural barriers to providing for a successful next
			 generation of researchers.
						(2)ReportNot later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Academy of Sciences
			 shall submit to the Director, the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
			 House of Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
			 Representatives, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
			 of the Senate, and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, a report
			 concerning the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1). Such
			 report shall include—
							(A)an evaluation of the legislative, administrative, educational, and cultural barriers faced by the
			 next generation of researchers;
							(B)an evaluation of the impact of sequestration resulting from the Budget Control Act of 2011 (Public
			 Law 112–25) and Federal budget constraints on the next generation of
			 researchers; and
							(C)recommendations for the implementation of policies to incentivize, improve entry into, and sustain
			 careers in research for the next generation of researchers, including
			 proposed policies for agencies and academic institutions.
							(d)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated, such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section..


116 S3049 IS: Laboratory Access for Beneficiaries Act
U.S. Senate
2019-12-12
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EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 3049IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESDecember 12, 2019Mr. Brown (for himself and Mr. Burr) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for certain amendments relating to
			 reporting requirements with respect to clinical diagnostic laboratory
			 tests, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Laboratory Access for Beneficiaries Act or the LAB Act. 2.Amendments relating to reporting requirements with respect to clinical diagnostic laboratory tests (a)Revised reporting period for reporting of private sector payment rates for establishment of Medicare payment ratesSection 1834A(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m–1(a)) is amended—
 (1)in paragraph (1)— (A)by striking Beginning January 1, 2016 and inserting the following:

 (A)General reporting requirementsSubject to subparagraph (B), beginning January 1, 2016; (B)in subparagraph (A), as added by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, by inserting (referred to in this subsection as the reporting period) after at a time specified by the Secretary; and
 (C)by adding at the end the following:  (B)Revised reporting periodIn the case of reporting with respect to clinical diagnostic laboratory tests that are not advanced diagnostic laboratory tests, the Secretary shall revise the reporting period under subparagraph (A) such that—
 (i)no reporting is required during the period beginning January 1, 2020, and ending December 31, 2020; (ii)reporting is required during the period beginning January 1, 2021, and ending March 31, 2021; and
 (iii)reporting is required every three years after the period described in clause (ii).; and (2)in paragraph (4)—
 (A)by striking In this section and inserting the following:  (A)In generalSubject to subparagraph (B), in this section; and
 (B)by adding at the end the following:  (B)ExceptionIn the case of the reporting period described in paragraph (1)(B)(ii) with respect to clinical diagnostic laboratory tests that are not advanced diagnostic laboratory tests, the term data collection period means the period beginning January 1, 2019, and ending June 30, 2019..
 (b)Corrections relating to phase-In of reductions from private payor rate implementationSection 1834A(b)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m–1(b)(3)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (A), by striking through 2022 and inserting through 2023; and
 (2)in subparagraph (B)— (A)in clause (i), by striking through 2019 and inserting through 2020; and
 (B)in clause (ii), by striking 2020 through 2022 and inserting 2021 through 2023. 3.Study and report by MedPAC (a)In generalThe Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (in this section referred to as the Commission) shall conduct a study to review the methodology the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has implemented for the private payor rate-based clinical laboratory fee schedule under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.).
 (b)Scope of studyIn carrying out the study described in subsection (a), the Commission shall consider the following:
 (1)How best to implement the least burdensome data collection process required under section 1834A(a)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m–1(a)(1)) that would—
 (A)result in a representative and statistically valid data sample of private market rates from all laboratory market segments, including hospital outreach laboratories, physician office laboratories, and independent laboratories; and
 (B)consider the variability of private payor payment rates across market segments and laboratory setttings.
 (2)Appropriate statistical methods for estimating rates that are representative of the market. (c)Report to CongressNot later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Administrator, the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and the Committees on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that includes—
 (1)conclusions about the methodology described in such subsection; and (2)any recommendations the Commission deems appropriate.


115 HR 4112 IH: Contractor Accountability and Workplace Safety Act of 2017
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-10-24
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EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4112IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESOctober 24, 2017Mr. Pocan (for himself, Ms. Schakowsky, Mr. Cicilline, Mr. DeSaulnier, Ms. Lee, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Takano, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Norcross, Mr. Pallone, and Mr. McGovern) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed ServicesA BILLTo ensure the safety of workers of contractors that serve and supply the Armed Forces and the
			 accountable use of taxpayer dollars.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Contractor Accountability and Workplace Safety Act of 2017. 2.Department of Defense contractor workplace safety and accountability (a)Identification of known workplace safety and health violations (1)In generalA contracting officer, prior to awarding or renewing a covered contract, shall, as part of the responsibility determination, consider any identified violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 651 et seq.) or equivalent State laws by the offeror, and by any covered subcontractors.
 (2)Responsibility determinationThe contracting officer shall consider violations described in paragraph (1) in determining whether the offeror is a responsible source with a satisfactory record of performance that meets mission and ethical standards.
 (3)Referral of information to suspension and debarment officialsAs appropriate, a contracting officer shall refer matters related to violations described in paragraph (1) to the Department of Defense's suspension and debarment official in accordance with Department procedures.
 (b)Contractor rightsThe Secretary of Defense shall establish policies and practices— (1)ensuring that when making responsibility determinations, contracting officers request that contractors provide any and all information the contractors deem necessary to demonstrate responsibility prior to final determinations;
 (2)establishing mechanisms for contractors to have an expedited process to review any information used to support determinations of non-responsibility; and
 (3)establishing mechanisms for contractors to have an expedited process to appeal determinations of non-responsibility.
 (c)Protest rightsThe Secretary of Defense shall protect the rights of contractors to protest bids and appeal actions taken pursuant to this section.
 (d)Training and guidanceThe Secretary of Defense shall develop and provide clear training and guidance to acquisition officials, contracting officers, and current and potential contractors regarding implementation policies and practices for this section.
			(e)Comptroller General report
 (1)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Department of Defense and the congressional defense committees a report on the health and safety records of Department of Defense contractors.
 (2)ElementsThe report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements: (A)A description of the Department of Defense's existing procedures to evaluate the safety and health records of current and prospective contractors.
 (B)An evaluation of the Department's adherence to those procedures. (C)An assessment of the current incidence of health and safety violations by Department contractors.
 (D)An assessment of whether the Department of Labor has the resources to investigate and identify safety and health violations by Department of Defense contractors.
 (E)An assessment of whether the Department of Labor should consider assuming an expanded investigatory role or a targeted enforcement program for ensuring the safety and health of workers under Department of Defense contracts.
 (f)DefinitionsIn this section: (1)Congressional defense committeesThe term congressional defense committees has the meaning given the term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code.
 (2)Covered contractThe term covered contract means a Department of Defense contract for the procurement of property or services, including construction, valued in excess of $1,000,000.
 (3)Covered subcontractorThe term covered subcontractor means a subcontractor listed in the bid for a covered contract or known by the Department of Defense to be a subcontractor of the offeror.


113 HR 2302 IH: Hospice Evaluation and Legitimate Payment Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-06-06
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EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
113th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 2302
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 6, 2013
Mr. Reed (for himself, Mr. Thompson of California, Mr. Paulsen, Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Michaud, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Young of Florida, Mr. King of Iowa, and Mr. Grijalva) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

A BILL
To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to strengthen and protect Medicare hospice programs.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Hospice Evaluation and Legitimate Payment Act of 2013.
2.Ensuring timely access to hospice care
(a)In generalSection 1814(a)(7)(D)(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(a)(7)(D)(i)) is amended to read as follows:

(i)a hospice physician, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or physician assistant (as those terms are defined in section 1861(aa)(5)), or other health professional (as designated by the Secretary), has a face-to-face encounter with the individual to determine continued eligibility of the individual for hospice care prior to the first 60-day period and each subsequent recertification under subparagraph (A)(ii) (or, in the case where a hospice program newly admits an individual who would be entering their first 60-day period or a subsequent hospice benefit period or where exceptional circumstances, as defined by the Secretary, may prevent a face-to-face encounter prior to the beginning of the hospice benefit period, not later than 7 calendar days after the individual’s election under section 1812(d)(1) with respect to the hospice program) and attests that such visit took place (in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary); and.
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) takes effect on January 1, 2014, and applies to hospice care furnished on or after such date.
3.Restoring and protecting the Medicare hospice benefit
(a)In generalSection 1814(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(i)) is amended—
(1)in paragraph (6)—
(A)in subparagraph (D)—
(i)in clause (i)—
(I)in the first sentence, by striking not earlier than October 1, 2013, the Secretary shall, by regulation, and inserting subject to clause (iii), not earlier than the later of 2 years after the demonstration program under subparagraph (F) is completed or October 1, 2017, the Secretary shall, by regulation, preceded by a notice of the proposed regulation in the Federal Register and a period for public comment in accordance with section 1871(b)(1),; and
(II)in the second sentence, by inserting  and shall take into account the results of the evaluation conducted under subparagraph (F)(ii) before the period; and
(ii)by adding at the end the following new clause:

(iii)The Secretary shall implement the revisions in payment pursuant to clause (i) unless the Secretary determines that the demonstration program under subparagraph (F) demonstrated that such revisions would adversely affect access to quality hospice care by beneficiaries under this title.; and
(B)by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(F)Hospice payment reform demonstration program
(i)Establishment of demonstration program
(I)In generalBefore implementing any revisions to the methodology for determining the payment rates for routine home care and other services included in hospice care under subparagraph (D), the Secretary shall establish a Medicare Hospice Payment Reform demonstration program (in this subparagraph referred to as the demonstration program) to test such proposed revisions.
(II)DurationThe demonstration program shall be conducted for a 2-year period beginning on or after October 1, 2013.
(III)ScopeAny certified hospice program may apply to participate in the demonstration program and the Secretary shall select not more than 15 such hospice programs to participate in the demonstration program.
(IV)Representative participationHospice programs selected under subclause (III) to participate in the demonstration program shall include a representative cross-section of hospice programs throughout the United States, including programs located in urban and rural areas.
(ii)Evaluation and report
(I)EvaluationThe Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of the demonstration program. Such evaluation shall include an analysis of whether the use of the revised payment methodology under the demonstration program has improved the quality of patient care and access to hospice care for beneficiaries under this title and the impact of such payment revisions on hospice care providers, including the impact, if any, on the ability of hospice programs to furnish quality care to beneficiaries under this title.
(II)ReportNot later than 2 years after the completion of the demonstration program, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the evaluation conducted under subclause (I), together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(iii)Budget neutralityWith respect to the 2-year period of the demonstration program, the Secretary shall ensure that revisions in payment implemented as part of the demonstration program shall result in the same estimated amount of aggregate payments under this title for hospice care for the programs participating in the demonstration as would have been made if the hospice programs had not participated in the demonstration program. .
4.Hospice survey requirement Section 1861(dd)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(dd)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(C)Any entity that is certified as a hospice program shall be subject to a standard survey by an appropriate State or local survey agency, or an approved accreditation agency, as determined by the Secretary, not less frequently than once every 36 months beginning 6 months after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph..


109 HCON 205 IH: Recognizing the spirit of Jacob Mock Doub and his contribution to encouraging youth to be physically active and fit and expressing the sense of Congress that
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-07-11
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EN
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IV
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. CON. RES. 205
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 11, 2005
Ms. Foxx (for herself and Mr. Udall of Colorado) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the spirit of Jacob Mock Doub and his contribution to encouraging youth to be physically active and fit and expressing the sense of Congress that National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day should be established in Jacob Mock Doub’s honor.

Whereas according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity rates have nearly tripled in adolescents in the United States since 1980;
Whereas overweight adolescents have a 70 percent chance of becoming overweight or obese adults;
Whereas research conducted by the National Institutes of Health indicates that while genetics do play a role in childhood obesity, the large increase in childhood obesity rates over the past few decades can be traced to overeating and lack of sufficient exercise;
Whereas the Surgeon General and the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recommend regular physical activity, including bicycling, for the prevention of overweight and obesity;
Whereas Jacob Mock Jack Doub, born July 11, 1985, was actively involved in encouraging others, especially children, to ride bicycles;
Whereas Jack Doub, an active youth with an avid interest in the outdoors, was introduced to mountain biking at the age of 11 near Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, and quickly became a talented cyclist;
Whereas Jack Doub won almost every cross-country race he entered for two years, and between the ages of 14 and 17 became a top national-level downhill and slalom competitor;
Whereas Jack Doub placed second in junior expert dual slalom at the 2002 National Off Road Bicycling Association’s National Championship Series at Snowshoe Mountain;
Whereas Jack Doub died unexpectedly from complications related to a bicycling injury on October 21, 2002;
Whereas Jack Doub’s family and friends have joined, in association with the International Mountain Bicycling Association, to honor Jack Doub’s spirit and love of bicycling by establishing the Jack Doub Memorial Fund to promote and encourage children of all ages to learn to ride and lead a physically active lifestyle;
Whereas the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s worldwide network includes 32,000 individual members, more than 450 bicycle clubs, 140 corporate partners, and 240 bicycle retailer members who coordinate more than 1,000,000 volunteer trailwork hours each year and have built more than 5,000 miles of new trails; and
Whereas the International Mountain Bicycling Association has encouraged low-impact riding and volunteer trailwork participation since 1988: Now, therefore, be it

That Congress—
(1)recognizes the health risks associated with childhood obesity;
(2)recognizes the spirit of Jacob Mock Doub and his contribution to encouraging youth of all ages to be physically active and fit, especially through bicycling;
(3)expresses its sense that National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day should be established in honor of Jacob Mock Doub; and
(4)encourages parents, schools, civic organizations, and students to promote increased physical activity among youth in the United States.


117 HR 5327 IH: Masks Off Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-09-22
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.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 5327IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 22, 2021Mr. Bishop of North Carolina (for himself, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Harris, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Perry, Mr. Tiffany, Mr. Steube, Mr. Budd, Mr. Newhouse, Mr. Good of Virginia, Mr. Feenstra, and Mr. Gibbs) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and LaborA BILLTo direct the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program to make grants to the parents of students served by local educational agencies that require students to wear face masks during in-person instruction, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Masks Off Act.2.Opportunity grant program(a)In generalThe Secretary shall establish a grant program (to be known as the Opportunity Grant Program) to make grants to parents of eligible students for the purposes described in subsection (d).(b)Application(1)In generalTo be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a parent of an eligible student shall submit to the Secretary an application demonstrating—(A)the household income of such eligible student; and(B)with respect to school year 2021–2022, that the local educational agency serving such eligible student has required that students wear face masks during in-person instruction.(2)Other requirementsThe Secretary shall accept applications under paragraph (1) on an annual rolling basis and make such application available as a standardized form in electronic and written format.(c)Amount of grantsSubject to the availability of appropriations, each parent of an eligible student who the Secretary determines qualifies for a grant under this section shall receive a grant under this section in an amount that—(1)in the case of an eligible student with a household income less than or equal to 100 percent of the reduced price lunch rate income, is equal to 100 percent of the per-pupil funding with respect to the local educational agency serving such eligible student, as determined by the Secretary;(2)in the case of an eligible student with a household income greater than 100 percent but less than or equal to 150 percent of the reduced price lunch rate income, is equal to 90 percent of the per-pupil funding with respect to the local educational agency serving such eligible student, as determined by the Secretary;(3)in the case of an eligible student with a household income greater than 150 percent but less than or equal to 200 percent of the reduced price lunch rate income, is equal to 80 percent of the per-pupil funding with respect to the local educational agency serving such eligible student, as determined by the Secretary; and(4)in the case of an eligible student with a household income greater than 200 percent but less than or equal to 250 percent of the reduced price lunch rate income, is equal to 70 percent of the per-pupil funding with respect to the local educational agency serving such eligible student, as determined by the Secretary.(d)Use of fundsAny amounts made available to a parent under this section may be used—(1)with respect to an eligible student, to pay the tuition and fees for a private elementary school or a private secondary school;(2)for private tutoring (including through a learning pod or microschool);(3)for the home school expenses of such eligible student;(4)to purchase educational materials, including instruction materials and textbooks for such eligible student;(5)for purchasing electronic devices to facilitate the education of such eligible student; or(6)for such other purposes as the Secretary determines appropriate.(e)Rules of constructionNothing in this section shall be construed—(1)to impact any aspect of private, religious, or home education providers;(2)to exclude private, religious, or home education providers from receiving funds pursuant to a grant under this section; or(3)to require a qualified educational service provider to alter any creed, practice, admissions policy, or curriculum in order to receive funds pursuant to a grant under this section.(f)Renewal(1)In generalThe Secretary shall renew opportunity grants for parents of eligible students with an approved application under paragraph (2).(2)ApplicationTo be eligible to receive a renewal under this subsection, a parent of an eligible student shall submit to the Secretary an application demonstrating the information described in subsection (b)(1).(3)AdjustmentThe Secretary shall adjust the grant amount to account for any change in household income of the eligible student but may not provide less than the amount described in subsection (c)(4).(g)FundingFrom any amounts appropriated under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Secretary shall use 10 percent of such amounts to carry out this section and award opportunity grants to parents with approved applications in accordance with this section.(h)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Eligible studentThe term eligible student means a student—(A)served by a local educational agency that, with respect to school year 2021–2022, required students to wear face masks during in-person instruction; and(B)from a household with a household income that is less than 250 percent of the reduced price lunch rate income.(2)ESEA termsThe terms local educational agency, parent, and Secretary have the meanings given such terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).(3)Household incomeThe term household income has the meaning given such term in section 36B(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 36B(d)(2)).(4)Reduced price lunch rate incomeThe term reduced price lunch rate income means 185 percent of the applicable family size income levels contained in the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, as adjusted annually in accordance with subparagraph (B) of section 9(b)(1) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(b)(1)).


		I
		112th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 706
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 15, 2011
			Mr. Engel (for
			 himself and Mr. Bartlett) introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Energy and
			 Commerce, and in addition to the
			 Committee on
			 Appropriations, for a period to be subsequently determined by
			 the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within
			 the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

		A BILL
		To direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a pilot
		  program to award grants and loan guarantees to hospitals to carry out projects
		  for the purpose of reducing energy costs and increasing resilience to improve
		  security.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Hospital Energy Independence Act.
		2.Energy
			 Conservation Grant and Loan Guarantee Pilot Program
			(a)EstablishmentThe Secretary of Energy shall establish a
			 pilot program to award grants and loan guarantees to hospitals to carry out
			 energy conservation projects for the purpose of—
				(1)significantly improving the energy
			 efficiency of such hospitals; and
				(2)encouraging onsite power generation and
			 energy storage, capable of operating independent of the grid, and providing
			 sufficient onsite emergency backup power for essential hospital functions.
				(b)Number of
			 hospitalsThe Secretary shall
			 award grants and loan guarantees under the pilot program to no more than 6
			 hospitals during the period described in subsection (f).
			(c)ApplicationsA hospital seeking a grant or loan
			 guarantee under the pilot program shall submit an application to the Secretary
			 at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the
			 Secretary may require.
			(d)ConsiderationsIn
			 selecting a hospital to award a grant or loan guarantee to under the pilot
			 program, the Secretary shall give special consideration to applications from
			 such hospitals that can demonstrate that they are able to commence an energy
			 conservation project more promptly.
			(e)ReportNot
			 later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
			 shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation of the pilot program.
			 Such report shall include information that would allow for Congress to evaluate
			 the effectiveness of the pilot program and to advance best practices.
			(f)DefinitionsIn
			 this section:
				(1)The terms
			 hospital has the meaning given such term in section 391 of the
			 Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6371), and also includes academic
			 facilities that specialize in scientific research, provide patient care, and
			 serve as health and medical education centers.
				(2)The term energy conservation
			 project has the meaning given such term in section 391 of the Energy
			 Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6371).
				(g)Recission;
			 source of fundingOf the
			 unobligated balances of the discretionary appropriations made available by
			 division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law
			 111–5), there are rescinded and made available $90,000,000 to carry out the
			 pilot program, which shall be committed during fiscal years 2011 and
			 2012.