95 HR 3293 IH: Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-05-18
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 3293IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 18, 2021Ms. Blunt Rochester (for herself, Mr. Katko, Mrs. Dingell, and Ms. Tlaib) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo amend the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish programs to assist low-income households in maintaining access to drinking water and wastewater services, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Low-Income Water Customer Assistance Programs Act of 2021.2.Low-income drinking water assistance programPart E of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:1459E.Low-income drinking water assistance program(a)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means—(A)a community water system that is owned or operated by a municipality, other than a small community-serving water system; or(B)a State, with respect to a small community-serving water system located in the State.(2)HouseholdThe term household means any individual or group of individuals who are living together as 1 economic unit.(3)Local drinking water access programThe term local drinking water access program means a program developed or implemented by an eligible entity using a grant awarded under this section.(4)Low-income householdThe term low-income household means a household—(A)in which 1 or more individuals are receiving—(i)assistance under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);(ii)supplemental security income payments under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.);(iii)supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); or(iv)payments under—(I)section 1315, 1521, 1541, or 1542 of title 38, United States Code; or(II)section 306 of the Veterans’ and Survivors’ Pension Improvement Act of 1978 (38 U.S.C. 1521 note; Public Law 95–588); or(B)that has an income that—(i)as determined by the State in which the household is located, does not exceed the greater of—(I)an amount equal to 150 percent of the poverty level; and(II)an amount equal to 60 percent of the State median income for that State; or(ii)does not exceed an amount, determined by an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section, that—(I)is lower that the amount described in clause (i); and(II)is greater than or equal to 110 percent of the poverty level.(5)Poverty levelThe term poverty level means, with respect to a household in a State, the income described in the poverty guidelines issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to section 673 of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902), as applicable to the household.(6)Small community-serving water systemThe term small community-serving water system means a community water system that provides drinking water services to a municipality with a population of fewer than 10,000 residents, at least 20 percent of whom are at or below the poverty level.(7)State median incomeThe term State median income has the meaning given that term in section 2603 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8622). (b)Establishment(1)In generalThe Administrator shall establish a Federal low-income drinking water assistance program to award grants to eligible entities to develop and implement local drinking water access programs to assist low-income households in maintaining access to affordable drinking water.(2)Requirements for small community-serving water systemsIn order for a State to be eligible to receive a grant under this section for a small community-serving water system, the State and the small community-serving water system shall enter into a memorandum of understanding, under which the State shall—(A)submit to the Administrator an application under paragraph (6) for the small community-serving water system; and(B)on receipt of a grant under this section, develop and implement a local drinking water access program for the small community-serving water system.(3)LimitationsA grant awarded under this subsection—(A)shall not be used to replace funds for any existing similar local program to assist low-income households in maintaining access to affordable drinking water; but(B)may be used to supplement or enhance such a local program.(4)TermThe term of a grant awarded under this subsection shall be one year.(5)Minimum local program requirements(A)In generalNot later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall develop, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, the minimum requirements for a local drinking water access program.(B)InclusionsThe local drinking water access program requirements developed under subparagraph (A) may include—(i)direct financial assistance;(ii)a lifeline rate;(iii)bill discounting;(iv)special hardship provisions;(v)a percentage-of-income payment plan;(vi)water efficiency assistance, including subsidizing the cost of the installation of water efficient fixtures or leak repair work that is carried out or contracted by a homeowner; or(vii)any other form of assistance identified by the Administrator.(6)ApplicationTo receive a grant under this subsection—(A)an eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator an application that demonstrates that—(i)the proposed local drinking water access program meets the requirements developed under paragraph (5); and(ii)the proposed local drinking water access program will treat households that live in owner-occupied homes and households that live in rental housing equitably; and(B)in the case of an eligible entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A), the eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator an application that demonstrates that—(i)the eligible entity has—(I)a long-term financial plan based on an analysis of the rates the applicable community water system charges for drinking water services;(II)an asset management plan;(III)a capital improvement plan with a period of not less than 20 years;(IV)a fiscal management plan; or(V)another plan similar to the plans described in clauses (i) through (iv);(ii)a grant awarded under this subsection would support the efforts of the eligible entity to generate the necessary funds to achieve or maintain compliance with this Act while mitigating the cost to low-income households; and(iii)the eligible entity has the capacity to create and implement an effective community outreach plan to inform low-income households of the local drinking water access program and assist with enrollment.(7)PriorityIn awarding grants under this subsection, the Administrator shall give priority to applications for local drinking water access programs with respect to which—(A)the owner or operator of the applicable community water system—(i)owns or operates a—(I)treatment works (as defined in section 212 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1292)) for municipal waste; or(II)a municipal separate storm sewer system (as such term is used in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act); and(ii)is subject to a consent decree relating to compliance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) with respect to a treatment works or system described in clause (i);(B)the residential customers of the applicable community water system have experienced rate or fee increases for drinking water services or wastewater services (including stormwater services) of 30 percent or more during the 3-year period ending on the date of enactment of this section; or(C)the eligible entity will provide matching funds in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of the grant.(8)Reporting requirements(A)In generalAs a condition of receiving a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator, in a manner determined by the Administrator, information regarding the applicable local drinking water access program, including—(i)key features, including rate structures, rebates, discounts, and related initiatives that assist low-income households, including—(I)billing methods that average rates over the course of a year, known as budget billing;(II)bill timing; and(III)pretermination protections;(ii)sources of funding;(iii)eligibility criteria;(iv)participation rates by households;(v)the average amount of assistance provided to participating households;(vi)program costs;(vii)the demonstrable impacts of the program on arrearage and service disconnection for households, based on data from before and after the implementation of the program, to the maximum extent practicable; and(viii)other relevant information required by the Administrator.(B)PublicationThe Administrator shall publish a report that compiles and summarizes the information submitted under subparagraph (A).(9)Assistance exempt from taxationNotwithstanding any other provision of law, assistance provided to a low-income household under a local drinking water access program shall not be includible in the gross income of the recipient of such assistance for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (c)Technical assistanceThe Administrator shall provide technical assistance to each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section to ensure—(1)full implementation of the applicable local drinking water access program; and(2)maximum enrollment of low-income households in the applicable local drinking water access program, including through—(A)community outreach campaigns; or(B)coordination with local health departments to determine the eligibility of households for assistance.(d)ReportNot later than 2 years after the date on which grant funds are first disbursed to an eligible entity under this section, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the Federal program established under this section..3.Low-income wastewater assistance programTitle I of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:124.Low-income wastewater assistance program(a)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Covered facilityThe term covered facility means—(A)a treatment works for municipal waste; or(B)a municipal separate storm sewer system.(2)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means—(A)a municipality that owns or operates a covered facility, other than a small community-serving wastewater facility;(B)2 or more municipalities described in subparagraph (A) that have entered into a partnership agreement or a cooperative agreement; or(C)a State, with respect to a small community-serving wastewater facility located in the State.(3)HouseholdThe term household means any individual or group of individuals who are living together as 1 economic unit.(4)Local wastewater services access programThe term local wastewater services access program means a program developed or implemented by an eligible entity using a grant awarded under this section.(5)Low-income householdThe term low-income household means a household—(A)in which 1 or more individuals are receiving—(i)assistance under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);(ii)supplemental security income payments under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.);(iii)supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); or(iv)payments under—(I)section 1315, 1521, 1541, or 1542 of title 38, United States Code; or(II)section 306 of the Veterans’ and Survivors’ Pension Improvement Act of 1978 (38 U.S.C. 1521 note; Public Law 95–588); or(B)that has an income that—(i)as determined by the State in which the household is located, does not exceed the greater of—(I)an amount equal to 150 percent of the poverty level; and(II)an amount equal to 60 percent of the State median income for that State; or(ii)does not exceed an amount, determined by an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section, that—(I)is lower that the amount described in clause (i); and(II)is greater than or equal to 110 percent of the poverty level.(6)Poverty levelThe term poverty level means, with respect to a household in a State, the income described in the poverty guidelines issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to section 673 of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902), as applicable to the household.(7)Small community-serving wastewater facilityThe term small community-serving wastewater facility means a covered facility that provides services to municipality with a population of fewer than 10,000 residents, at least 20 percent of whom are at or below the poverty level.(8)State median incomeThe term State median income has the meaning given that term in section 2603 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8622).(b)Establishment(1)In generalThe Administrator shall establish a Federal low-income wastewater assistance program to award grants to eligible entities to develop and implement local wastewater access programs to assist low-income households in maintaining access to affordable wastewater services, including municipal stormwater services.(2)Requirements for small community-serving wastewater facilitiesIn order for a State to be eligible to receive a grant under this section for a small community-serving wastewater facility, the State and the small community-serving wastewater facility shall enter into a memorandum of understanding, under which the State shall—(A)submit to the Administrator an application under paragraph (6) for the small community-serving wastewater facility; and(B)on receipt of a grant under this section, develop and implement a local wastewater access program for the small community-serving wastewater facility.(3)LimitationsA grant awarded under this subsection—(A)shall not be used to replace funds for any existing similar local program to assist low-income households in maintaining access to affordable wastewater services, including municipal stormwater services; but(B)may be used to supplement or enhance such a local program.(4)TermThe term of a grant awarded under this subsection shall be one year.(5)Minimum local program requirements(A)In generalNot later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall develop, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, the minimum requirements for a local wastewater access program.(B)InclusionsThe local wastewater access program requirements developed under subparagraph (A) may include—(i)direct financial assistance;(ii)a lifeline rate;(iii)bill discounting;(iv)special hardship provisions;(v)a percentage-of-income payment plan;(vi)water efficiency assistance, including subsidizing the cost of the installation of water efficient fixtures or leak repair work that is carried out or contracted by a homeowner; or(vii)any other form of assistance identified by the Administrator.(6)ApplicationTo receive a grant under this subsection—(A)an eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator an application that demonstrates that—(i)the proposed local wastewater access program meets the requirements developed under paragraph (5); and(ii)the proposed local wastewater access program will treat households that live in owner-occupied homes and households that live in rental housing equitably; and(B)in the case of an eligible entity described in subsection (a)(1)(A), the eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator an application that demonstrates that—(i)the eligible entity has—(I)a long-term financial plan based on an analysis of the rates the applicable covered facility charges for services;(II)an asset management plan;(III)a capital improvement plan with a period of not less than 20 years;(IV)a fiscal management plan; or(V)another plan similar to the plans described in clauses (i) through (iv);(ii)a grant awarded under this subsection would support the efforts of the eligible entity to generate the necessary funds to achieve or maintain compliance with this Act while mitigating the cost to low-income households; and(iii)the eligible entity has the capacity to create and implement an effective community outreach plan to inform low-income households of the local wastewater access program and assist with enrollment.(7)PriorityIn awarding grants under this subsection, the Administrator shall give priority to applications for local wastewater access programs with respect to which—(A)the applicable covered facility is subject to a consent decree relating to compliance with this Act;(B)the residential customers of the applicable covered facility have experienced rate or fee increases for drinking water services or wastewater services (including stormwater services) of 30 percent or more during the 3-year period ending on the date of enactment of this section;(C)the eligible entity develops an equivalent program, as determined by the Administrator, that is administered separately by the eligible entity;(D)matching funds will be provided in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of the grant; or(E)the eligible entity is described in subsection (a)(2)(B).(8)Reporting requirements(A)In generalAs a condition of receiving a grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator, in a manner determined by the Administrator, information regarding the applicable local wastewater access program, including—(i)key features, including rate structures, rebates, discounts, and related initiatives that assist low-income households, including—(I)billing methods that average rates over the course of a year, known as budget billing;(II)bill timing; and(III)pretermination protections;(ii)sources of funding;(iii)eligibility criteria;(iv)participation rates by households;(v)the average amount of assistance provided to households;(vi)program costs;(vii)the demonstrable impacts of the program on arrearage and service disconnection for households, based on data from before and after the implementation of the program, to the maximum extent practicable; and(viii)other relevant information required by the Administrator.(B)PublicationThe Administrator shall publish a report that compiles and summarizes the information submitted under subparagraph (A).(9)Assistance exempt from taxationNotwithstanding any other provision of law, assistance provided to a low-income household under a local wastewater access program shall not be includible in the gross income of the recipient of such assistance for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (c)Technical assistanceThe Administrator shall provide technical assistance to each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section to ensure—(1)full implementation of the applicable local wastewater access program; and(2)maximum enrollment of low-income households in the applicable local wastewater access program, including through—(A)community outreach campaigns; or(B)coordination with local health departments to determine the eligibility of households for assistance.(d)ReportNot later than 2 years after the date on which grant funds are first disbursed to an eligible entity under this section, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the Federal program established under this section..4.Needs assessment for nationwide rural and urban low-income community water assistance program(a)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)AdministratorThe term Administrator means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.(2)HouseholdThe term household means any individual or group of individuals who are living together as 1 economic unit.(3)Low-income householdThe term low-income household means a household—(A)in which 1 or more individuals are receiving—(i)assistance under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.);(ii)supplemental security income payments under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.);(iii)supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); or(iv)payments under—(I)section 1315, 1521, 1541, or 1542 of title 38, United States Code; or(II)section 306 of the Veterans’ and Survivors’ Pension Improvement Act of 1978 (38 U.S.C. 1521 note; Public Law 95–588); or(B)that has an income that, as determined by the State in which the household is located, does not exceed the greater of—(i)an amount equal to 150 percent of the poverty level; and(ii)an amount equal to 60 percent of the State median income for that State.(4)Poverty levelThe term poverty level means, with respect to a household in a State, the income described in the poverty guidelines issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to section 673 of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902), as applicable to the household.(5)State median incomeThe term State median income has the meaning given that term in section 2603 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8622).(b)Study; report(1)In generalNot later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall conduct, and submit to Congress a report describing the results of, a study regarding the prevalence throughout the United States of low-income households that do not have access to—(A)affordable and functional centralized or onsite wastewater services that protect the health of individuals in the households;(B)affordable municipal stormwater services; or(C)affordable public drinking water services to meet household needs.(2)InclusionsThe report under paragraph (1) shall include—(A)recommendations of the Administrator regarding the best methods to increase access to the services described in paragraph (1);(B)a description of the cost of each method described in subparagraph (A);(C)a description of all consultation with relevant stakeholders carried out in developing the report; and(D)a description of the results of the study with respect to low-income households that live in rental housing and do not receive bills for such services, but pay for the services indirectly through rent payments.(3)AgreementsThe Administrator may enter into an agreement with another Federal agency to carry out the study under paragraph (1).


113 S914 IS: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit direct payment to pharmacies for certain compounded drugs that are prepared by the pharmacies for a specific beneficiary for use through an implanted infusion pump.
U.S. Senate
2013-05-09
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		II
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 914
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 9, 2013
			Mr. Cochran (for himself
			 and Mr. Wicker) introduced the following
			 bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit
		  direct payment to pharmacies for certain compounded drugs that are prepared by
		  the pharmacies for a specific beneficiary for use through an implanted infusion
		  pump.

		1.Medicare direct payment to
			 pharmacies for certain compounded drugs that are prepared by the pharmacies for
			 a specific beneficiary for use through an implanted infusion pump
			(a)In
			 generalThe first sentence of
			 section 1842(b)(6) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395u(b)(6)) is
			 amended—
				(1)by striking
			 and before (H); and
				(2)by inserting
			 before the period at the end the following: , and (I) in the case of
			 covered compounded drugs that are prepared by a pharmacy for a specific
			 individual, are dispensed, directly or indirectly, to the individual, are
			 necessary for the effective use of, or therapeutic benefit from, an implanted
			 infusion pump (regardless who refills the pump), and are billed directly by the
			 pharmacy, payment shall be made to the pharmacy.
				(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to drugs
			 dispensed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.


116 HR 5167 IH: Creating Opportunities in Research for Environmental Justice Act of 2019
U.S. House of Representatives
2019-11-19
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 5167IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESNovember 19, 2019Mr. Lewis (for himself, Mr. Evans, Mr. Gomez, Mr. Suozzi, Ms. Sewell of Alabama, Ms. Sánchez, Mr. Danny K. Davis of Illinois, Ms. Moore, Mr. Panetta, Mr. Brendan F. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Blumenauer, Ms. DelBene, and Ms. Judy Chu of California) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit for qualified environmental justice
			 programs.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Creating Opportunities in Research for Environmental Justice Act of 2019 or the CORE Justice Act of 2019. 2.Qualified environmental justice program credit (a)In generalSubpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

					36C.Qualified environmental justice programs
 (a)Allowance of creditIn the case of an eligible educational institution, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for any taxable year an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the amounts paid or incurred by such taxpayer during such taxable year which are necessary for a qualified environmental justice program.
 (b)Qualified environmental justice programFor purposes of this section— (1)In generalThe term qualified environmental justice program means a program conducted by one or more eligible educational institutions that is designed to address, or improve data about, qualified environmental stressors for the primary purpose of improving, or facilitating the improvement of, health and economic outcomes of individuals residing in low-income areas or areas populated disproportionately by racial or ethnic minorities.
 (2)Qualified environmental stressorThe term qualified environmental stressor means, with respect to an area, a contamination of the air, water, soil, or food with respect to such area or a change relative to historical norms of the weather conditions of such area.
 (c)Eligible educational institutionFor purposes of this section, the term eligible educational institution means an institution of higher education (as such term is defined in section 101 or 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965) that is eligible to participate in a program under title IV of such Act.
 (d)Applicable percentageFor purposes of this section, the term applicable percentage means— (1)in the case of a program involving material participation of faculty and students of an institution described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, 30 percent , and
 (2)in all other cases, 20 percent. (e)Credit allocation (1)Allocation (A)In generalThe Secretary shall allocate credit dollar amounts under this section to eligible educational institutions, for qualified environmental justice programs, that—
 (i)submit applications at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may provide, and (ii)are selected by the Secretary under subparagraph (B).
 (B)Selection criteriaThe Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall select applications on the basis of the following criteria:
 (i)The extent of participation of faculty and students of an institution described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
 (ii)The extent of the expected effect on the health or economic outcomes of individuals residing in areas within the United States that are low-income areas or areas populated disproportionately by racial or ethnic minorities.
 (iii)The creation or significant expansion of qualified environmental justice programs. (2)Limitations (A)In generalThe amount of the credit determined under this section for any taxable year to any eligible educational institution for any qualified environmental justice program shall not exceed the excess of—
 (i)the credit dollar amount allocated to such institution for such program under this subsection, over (ii)the credits previously claimed by such institution for such program under this section.
 (B)Five-year limitationNo amounts paid or incurred after the 5-year period beginning on the date a credit dollar amount is allocated to an eligible educational institution for a qualified environmental justice program shall be taken into account under subsection (a) with respect to such institution for such program.
 (C)Allocation limitationThe total amount of credits that may be allocated under the program shall not exceed— (i)$1,000,000,000 for each of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and
 (ii)$0 for each subsequent year. (f)Requirements (1)In generalAn eligible educational institution that has been allocated credit dollar amounts under this section for a qualified environmental justice project for a taxable year shall—
 (A)make publicly available the application submitted to the Secretary under subsection (e) with respect to such project, and
 (B)submit an annual report to the Secretary that describes the amounts paid or incurred for, and expected impact of, such project.
 (2)Failure to complyIn the case of an eligible educations institution that has failed to comply with the requirements of this subsection, the credit dollar amount allocated to such institution under this section is deemed to be $0.
 (g)Public disclosureThe Secretary, upon making an allocation of credit dollar amounts under this section, shall publicly disclose—
 (1)the identity of the eligible educational institution receiving the allocation, and (2)the amount of such allocation..
			(b)Conforming amendments
 (1)Section 6211(b)(4)(A) of such Code is amended by inserting 36C, after 36B,. (2)Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting 36C, after 36B,.
 (c)Clerical amendmentThe table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 36B the following new item:

						Sec. 36C. Qualified environmental justice programs..
 (d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this subsection shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.


115 HR 1289 IH: Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr., Social Work Reinvestment Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-03-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 1289IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 1, 2017Ms. Lee (for herself, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Ms. Clarke of New York, Ms. Tsongas, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, Ms. Bordallo, Miss Rice of New York, Ms. Norton, Mrs. Dingell, and Mr. Soto) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the WorkforceA BILLTo establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission to provide independent counsel to Congress and
			 the Secretary of Health and Human Services on policy issues related to
			 recruitment, retention, research, and reinvestment in the profession of
			 social work, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title; table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr., Social Work Reinvestment Act. (b)Table of contents  Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Findings. Sec. 3. Definitions. Title I—Social Work Reinvestment Commission Sec. 101. Establishment. Sec. 102. Members. Sec. 103. Duties. Sec. 104. Powers. Sec. 105. Compensation. Sec. 106. Termination. Title II—Reinvestment Grant Programs to Support Social Work Profession Sec. 201. Workplace improvement grants. Sec. 202. Research grants. Sec. 203. Education and training grants. Sec. 204. Community-based programs of excellence grants. Sec. 205. National coordinating center. Sec. 206. Multimedia outreach campaign.  2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
 (1)Although the United States poverty rate has had a slight decline to 13.5 percent in 2015, poverty remains a social issue for our Nation, especially for communities of color and women and children who continue to experience higher than average poverty rates. Homeowners and those seeking to become homeowners continue to face challenges with high mortgage delinquency, mortgage loan interest rates, and threats of foreclosure. Joblessness and economic insecurity contribute to the incidence of mental illness, family violence, suicide, substance abuse, crime, and diminished capacity for health, family, and community functioning.
 (2)Social workers form society’s social safety net. Social workers provide assistance, guidance, and resources to individuals, families, and communities in poverty. Additionally, they understand the devastating costs and consequences of poverty and unemployment on our society and provide direct services in order to prevent and abate economic inequality.
 (3)The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the social work profession will grow at an above-average rate through the year 2024, with a 12 percent growth rate overall and a 19 percent projected growth rate for health care social workers. This increase is faster than the 7 percent average for all occupations, demonstrating a substantial need for social workers in our Nation.
 (4)Social work salaries, on average, are among the lowest for all occupations in the United States and for those with master’s level education in particular. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for social workers in 2015 was $45,900.
 (5)The report titled 2014 Statistics on Social Work Education in the United States by the Council on Social Work Education stated that 78.7 percent of students graduating from Master of Social Work programs incurred debt to earn their graduate degree. The average debt for a Master of Social Work degree was approximately $40,616.
 (6)Social workers often deal with the most vulnerable clients in emotional or traumatic situations, and face possible danger as a result. The National Association of Social Workers Center for Workforce Studies found that 44 percent of survey respondents faced personal safety issues on the job. In 2015, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported that 75 percent of workplace assaults that occurred between 2011 and 2013 took place in the health care and social services industries.
 (7)The Alzheimer’s Association of America states that 5.4 million Americans, or 1 in every 9 individuals over the age of 65, have Alzheimer’s disease. Social workers in gerontology settings work with older adults, including those with dementia, to support their physiological, psychological, and social needs through mental health therapy, caregiver and family counseling, health education, program coordination, and case management.
 (8)The Children’s Defense Fund states that every 47 seconds a child is confirmed as abused or neglected and every 51/2 hours a child is killed from abuse or neglect. The Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services states that 415,000 children were in the United States foster care system in 2014. Most children placed in foster care are placed due to parental abuse or neglect. Research shows that professional social workers employed in child welfare agencies are more likely to find permanent homes for children who have been in foster care for 2 or more years. Unfortunately, less than 40 percent of child welfare workers are professional social workers.
 (9)The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 43.6 million individuals (nearly 1 in 5 or 18.1 percent) in the United States age 18 or older experienced a diagnosable mental illness in 2014. Additionally, at least 3 million (1 in 10 or 12.5 percent) youth between the ages of 12 and 17 experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year. Social workers provide the majority of mental health counseling services in the United States, and are often the only providers of such services in rural areas.
 (10)Social workers working with veterans and their families provide services that include case management, crisis interventions, mental health interventions, housing and financial counseling, high-risk screening, and advocacy. The Department of Veterans Affairs, which is the largest employer of social workers in the Nation, employs over 12,000 social workers who serve an estimated 21.8 million veterans in the United States. A once-declining veteran population is now surging and is in dire need of mental health treatment to address issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, drug and alcohol addiction, and suicidal tendencies.
 (11)The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 1,668,780 new cases of cancer and 600,920 cancer deaths, or 1,646 deaths a day, in 2017 alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there are over 1,200,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, with approximately 39,513 new cases diagnosed in 2015. In 2013, 1,600,000 to 1,700,000 people received care from the Nation’s hospice providers. Health care and medical social workers practice in areas related to all of these circumstances and provide outreach for prevention and health promotion, help individuals and their families adapt to their health conditions, connect patients and family caregivers with community services and supports, provide grief counseling, and act as a liaison between individuals and their medical team, helping patients make informed decisions about their care.
 (12)The Children’s Defense Fund notes that every 2 seconds a public school student is suspended and that every 9 seconds a high school student drops out. The National Center for Education Statistics states that in 2014 the national dropout rate for high school students was 6.5 percent. Some vulnerable communities have dropout rates of 50 percent or higher. Social workers in school settings help students avoid dropping out through early identification, prevention, intervention, counseling, and support services.
 (13)According to the Department of Justice, every year more than 650,000 ex-offenders are released from Federal and State prisons. Social workers employed in the correctional system address disproportionate minority incarceration rates, provide treatment for mental health problems and drug and alcohol addiction, and work within, as well as outside of, prisons to reduce recidivism and increase positive community reentry.
 3.DefinitionsIn this Act: (1)Clinical social workerThe term clinical social worker has the meaning given the term in section 1861(hh)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(hh)(1)).
 (2)Community-based programThe term community-based program means an agency, organization, or other entity carrying out a program that provides direct social work services or community development services at a neighborhood, local, or regional level, to address human service, health care, or psychosocial needs.
 (3)High need and high demand populationThe term high need and high demand population means a group of individuals that lacks sufficient resources and, as a result, has a greater probability of being harmed by specific social, environmental, or health problems than the population as a whole. Such term includes a group of individuals residing in an area designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration as a health professional shortage area due to a shortage of primary medical care, dental, or mental health providers.
 (4)Historically black college or universityThe term historically black college or university has the meaning given the term part B institution in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061(2)). (5)Minority-serving institutionThe term minority-serving institution means an institution of higher education that serves a large percentage of minority students, as determined by the Secretary of Education, including the following:
 (A)Alaska Native-serving institutions, as defined in section 317(b)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)(2)).
 (B)Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, as defined in section 317(b)(4) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059d(b)(4)).
 (C)Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, as defined in section 320(b)(2) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059g(b)(2)).
 (D)Hispanic-serving institutions, as defined in section 502(a)(5) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1101(a)(5)). (E)Tribal Colleges and Universities, as defined in section 316(b)(3) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)(3)).
 (F)Native American-serving, nontribal institutions, as defined in section 319(b)(2) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059f(b)(2)).
 (G)Predominantly Black Institutions, as defined in section 318(b)(6) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1059e(b)(6)).
 (H)Historically black colleges or universities. (6)Program of excellenceThe term program of excellence means a program of distinction in a field related to human service, hosted by a public or private agency, that has received State or national recognition or another clearly defined indicator appropriate to the mission of the program, has clearly defined and measurable goals and objectives, regularly assesses outcomes, and can provide evidence of a strong assessment plan that utilizes assessment data to improve the program.
 (7)Related professional researcherThe term related professional researcher means a doctoral level researcher or any other individual who is professionally engaged in research in a social, political, economic, health, or mental health field other than social work for an entity such as a university, government entity, research institute, or community agency.
 (8)School of social workThe term school of social work means a school that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (the sole accrediting agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for social work education in the United States) within an institution of higher education, that offers baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degrees in social work.
 (9)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (10)Social workThe term social work means—
 (A)the professional activity of helping individuals, groups, or communities enhance or restore capacity for social and psychosocial functioning and creating societal conditions favorable to such enhancement or restoration;
 (B)the professional application of values, principles, and techniques related to the activity described in subparagraph (A), including—
 (i)diagnosing mental and emotional disorders and treating individuals, families, or groups for such disorders;
 (ii)helping communities or groups provide or improve social and health services and participating in relevant legislative processes to achieve such goals; and
 (iii)helping individuals, families, or groups obtain tangible services, including personal, protective, informational, advisory, community, or maintenance services in order to improve the overall well-being of individuals; and
 (C)a professional activity that requires knowledge of human development, the behavior of social, economic, and cultural institutions, and the interaction between such development and behavior.
 (11)Social work researcherThe term social work researcher means a faculty member of an institution of higher education, doctoral level researcher, or any other individual who is professionally engaged in the study of social work for an entity such as a university, government entity, research institute, or community agency at an individual, family, group, community, organizational, or policy level, focusing across the human life span on prevention, treatment, and aftercare of, intervention in, and rehabilitation from, acute and chronic social and psychosocial conditions, including the study of the effect of policies on social work practice.
 (12)Social workerThe term social worker means an individual with a baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degree in social work from an institution of higher education who uses knowledge and skills to provide social work services for individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, or society in general.
			ISocial Work Reinvestment Commission
 101.EstablishmentNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish the Social Work Reinvestment Commission (referred to in this title as the Commission) to provide independent counsel to Congress and the Secretary on policy issues related to recruitment, retention, research, and reinvestment in the profession of social work.
			102.Members
 (a)Appointment by SecretaryNot later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall appoint members to the Commission. The members shall include—
 (1)2 deans of schools of social work; (2)1 social work researcher;
 (3)1 related professional researcher; (4)1 Governor of a State;
 (5)2 leaders of national social work organizations; (6)1 senior State government employee who is not an elected official who has a baccalaureate, master’s, or doctoral degree in social work;
 (7)1 related senior State government employee who is not an elected official; (8)2 directors of community-based organizations or nonprofit organizations that provide human services;
 (9)1 labor economist; (10)1 social work consumer; and
 (11)1 licensed clinical social worker. (b)Appointment by other officersFour additional members shall be appointed to the Commission, with 1 member appointed by each of the following officers:
 (1)The Speaker of the House of Representatives. (2)The minority leader of the House of Representatives.
 (3)The majority leader of the Senate. (4)The minority leader of the Senate.
 (c)Organizational representationTo the extent practicable, members of the Commission shall be appointed— (1)in a manner that ensures participation of individuals of different racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, religious, linguistic, and class backgrounds and of different genders and sexual orientations; and
 (2)from among individuals who demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concerns of the groups described in paragraph (1).
 (d)Selection of Chairperson and Vice ChairpersonThe Secretary shall appoint a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for the Commission from among the members of the Commission.
 (e)Period of Appointment; vacanciesMembers shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the powers of the Commission and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment not later than 60 days after the date of vacancy.
 (f)Schedule of meetingsThe Commission shall hold its first meeting not later than 6 weeks after the date on which the final member of the Commission is appointed, and subsequent meetings shall be held at the call of the Chairperson.
				103.Duties
 (a)StudyThe Commission shall conduct a comprehensive study to examine and assess— (1)the professional capacity of the social work workforce to successfully serve and respond to the increasing biopsychosocial needs of individuals, groups, and communities in areas related to—
 (A)aging; (B)child welfare;
 (C)military and veterans affairs; (D)mental and behavioral health and disability;
 (E)criminal justice and correctional systems; (F)health and other issues affecting women and families; and
 (G)other topics identified by the Commission; (2)workforce challenges facing the profession of social work, including high educational debt, lack of fair market compensation, the need to translate social work research to practice, the need to improve social worker safety, the need to develop State-level social work licensure policies and reciprocity agreements for social workers providing services across State lines, the lack of diversity in the social work profession, and any other issue determined by the Secretary to be appropriate;
 (3)the effect of such challenges on the recruitment and retention of social workers; (4)the effect of such challenges and of social worker shortages on the needs of clients served by social workers; and
 (5)the advisability of establishing in the Treasury a social work enhancement account to provide direct grant assistance to local governments to encourage the engagement of social workers in social service programs.
 (b)ReportNot later than 18 months after the date of its first meeting, the Commission shall submit a report to the Secretary and to Congress containing specific findings and conclusions regarding the need to recruit and retain social workers, to conduct research on the social work profession, and to reinvest in the profession. The report shall include recommendations and strategies for corrective actions to ensure a robust social work workforce capable of keeping up with the demand for services. The Commission may provide to the Secretary and to Congress any additional findings or recommendations considered by the Commission to be important.
				104.Powers
 (a)PowersIn carrying out the duties of the Commission, the Commission shall have the power to— (1)hold hearings, take testimony, receive evidence, administer oaths, and sit and act at such times and places as the Commission considers advisable;
 (2)enter into contracts; and (3)consult, to the extent that the Commission determines that such consultation is necessary or useful, with Federal agencies that include—
 (A)agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Administration for Children and Families, the Administration on Aging, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Health Resources and Service Administration, the Indian Health Service, the National Institutes of Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration;
 (B)the Social Security Administration; and (C)the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Education, Homeland Security, Labor, Justice, State, and Veterans Affairs.
 (b)Cooperation with the commissionThe agencies described in subsection (a)(3) shall cooperate with, and provide counsel to, the Commission to the greatest extent practicable.
				105.Compensation
 (a)Travel expensesThe members of the Commission shall not receive compensation for the performance of services for the Commission, but shall be provided travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of Federal agencies under subchapter 1 of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission.
 (b)Voluntary and uncompensated servicesNotwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary may accept the voluntary and uncompensated services of members of the Commission.
 (c)Detail of government employeesAny Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.
 106.TerminationThe Commission shall terminate 30 days after the date on which the Commission submits the report under section 103(b).
			IIReinvestment Grant Programs to Support Social Work Profession
			201.Workplace improvement grants
 (a)Grants authorizedThe Secretary shall award grants to 4 eligible entities described in subsection (d) to assist the entities in carrying out a workplace improvement program to address concerns for the social work profession, including caseloads, compensation, social worker safety, supervision, and working conditions.
 (b)Equal amountsThe Secretary shall award to each of the 4 grant recipients under this section $1,000,000 per fiscal year for 4 consecutive fiscal years beginning with the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (c)Grants to State or local governmentsAt least 2 of the grant recipients under this section shall be agencies of State or local governments.
 (d)Eligibility requirementsAn entity eligible for a grant under this section shall— (1)work in a social work capacity;
 (2)demonstrate that the entity needs to improve in one or more of the workplace concern areas described in subsection (a);
 (3)provide services to individuals of different racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, religious, linguistic, and class backgrounds, and different genders and sexual orientations;
 (4)demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concerns of the groups described in paragraph (3); and
 (5)employ individuals who represent themselves as competent to provide social work services only within the boundaries of their education, training, licenses, certification, professional case consultation, supervised experience, or other relevant professional experience.
 (e)PriorityIn selecting grant recipients under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities—
 (1)that have proven to be fiscally responsible, administratively capable, and otherwise equipped to oversee and monitor a workplace improvement program under this section, including through a labor-management partnership;
 (2)that are knowledgeable about relevant social work workforce trends; and (3)that have not less than 2 years of experience relevant to the workplace improvement program.
 (f)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated $16,000,000 to the Secretary to award grants under this section.
				202.Research grants
 (a)Grants authorizedThe Secretary shall award grants to 25 social workers who hold a doctoral degree in social work for postdoctoral research in social work—
 (1)to further the knowledge base about effective social work interventions; and (2)to promote usable strategies to translate research into practice across diverse community settings and service systems.
 (b)Equal amountsThe Secretary shall award to each of the 25 grant recipients under this section $50,000 per fiscal year for 4 consecutive fiscal years beginning with the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (c)Eligibility requirementsTo be eligible for a grant under this section, a social worker shall— (1)demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concerns of individuals from different racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, religious, linguistic, and class backgrounds, and different genders and sexual orientations; and
 (2)represent themselves as competent to provide social work services only within the boundaries of their education, training, licenses, certification, professional case consultation, supervised experience, or other relevant professional experience.
 (d)Minority representationNot less than 10 of the grant recipients under this section shall be employed by a historically black college or university or minority-serving institution.
 (e)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 to the Secretary to award grants under this section.
				203.Education and training grants
 (a)Grants authorizedThe Secretary shall award grants to 20 eligible institutions of higher education to support the recruitment and education of social work students in baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs and the professional development of social work faculty.
 (b)Equal amountsThe Secretary shall award to each of the 20 grant recipients under this section $200,000 per fiscal year for 4 consecutive fiscal years beginning with the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (c)Eligibility requirementsTo be eligible for a grant under this section, an institution shall demonstrate that— (1)the institution enrolls social work students from different racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, religious, linguistic, and class backgrounds, and different genders and sexual orientations; and
 (2)the institution has knowledge and understanding of the concerns of the groups described in paragraph (1).
 (d)Institutional requirementNot less than 4 of the grant recipients under this section shall be historically black colleges or universities or other minority-serving institutions.
 (e)PriorityIn selecting grant recipients under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to institutions of higher education—
 (1)that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; (2)that have a graduation rate of not less than 80 percent for social work students; and
 (3)that exhibit an ability to recruit social workers from, and place social workers in, areas with a high need and high demand population.
 (f)Authorization of AppropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated $16,000,000 to the Secretary to award grants under this section.
				204.Community-based programs of excellence grants
 (a)Grants authorizedThe Secretary shall award grants to 6 eligible covered entities to test and replicate effective social work interventions.
 (b)Covered entityFor purposes of this section, the term covered entity means— (1)a State or local government or a department, agency, special-purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or local government, that is carrying out a community-based program of excellence; or
 (2)a nonprofit organization that is carrying out a program of excellence. (c)Equal amountsThe Secretary shall award to each of the 6 grant recipients under this section $500,000 per fiscal year for 3 consecutive fiscal years beginning with the first fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act.
 (d)Eligibility requirementsTo be eligible for a grant under this section, a covered entity shall— (1)carry out programs in the areas of aging, child welfare, military and veterans issues, mental and behavioral health and disability, criminal justice and correction systems, and health and other issues affecting women and families;
 (2)provide services to individuals of different racial, ethnic, cultural, geographic, religious, linguistic, and class backgrounds, and different genders and sexual orientations;
 (3)demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concerns of the groups described in paragraph (2); (4)demonstrate a record of active participation of social workers in the programs of the entity; and
 (5)employ individuals who represent themselves as competent to provide social work services only within the boundaries of their education, training, licenses, certification, professional case consultation, supervised experience, or other relevant professional experience.
 (e)PriorityIn selecting the grant recipients under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible covered entities—
 (1)that have demonstrated successful and measurable outcomes that the Secretary considers worthy of replication, including labor-management partnerships that have improved retention of social workers;
 (2)that have been in operation for at least 2 years; and (3)that work with high need and high demand populations.
 (f)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated $9,000,000 to the Secretary to award grants under this section.
				205.National coordinating center
 (a)EstablishmentThe Secretary shall enter into a contract with a national social work entity such as the National Association of Social Workers or the Council on Social Work Education. Such entity shall—
 (1)have experience in coordinating the transfer of information and ideas among entities engaged in social work research, practice, education, and policymaking; and
 (2)maintain relationships with Federal entities, social work degree-granting institutions of higher education, departments of social work within such institutions, and organizations and agencies that employ social workers.
 (b)General dutiesThe entity with which the Secretary enters into a contract under subsection (a) (referred to in this section as the coordinating center) shall organize, collect, and report to the Secretary and to Congress data and information related to the social work profession, serve as a clearinghouse, and coordinate activities with the entities, institutions, departments, organizations, and agencies described in subsection (a)(2).
 (c)CollaborationThe coordinating center shall work with institutions of higher education, research entities, and organizations with social work practice settings, including government entities, military departments, elementary and secondary schools, social services agencies, private practices, inpatient and outpatient mental health service providers, child welfare agencies, correctional facilities, and nursing homes, to identify key research areas, establish research fellowships, and organize appropriate mentorship and professional development efforts.
 (d)Specific activities of the coordinating centerThe coordinating center shall— (1)engage in activities to build on the efforts of the National Association of Social Workers National Center for Workforce Studies;
 (2)collect, coordinate, monitor, and distribute data and information on best practices and findings regarding the activities funded by grants awarded under sections 201 through 204;
 (3)prepare and submit to the Secretary a report that includes recommendations regarding the need to recruit new social workers, retain current social workers, conduct social work research, and reinvest in the profession of social work;
 (4)demonstrate cultural competency and promote the participation of diverse groups; and (5)in collaboration with the Secretary, select research topics to further the goals of this section, establish new research fellowships to conduct such research, and identify and appoint qualified individuals to such fellowship positions from among individuals who hold master’s or doctoral degrees in social work or are enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs at schools of social work.
 (e)Powers of SecretaryThe Secretary may conduct and authorize such other activities as the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out this section.
 (f)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022.
				206.Multimedia outreach campaign
 (a)Development and issuance of public service announcementsThe Secretary shall develop and issue public service announcements that advertise and promote the social work profession, highlight the advantages and rewards of social work, and encourage individuals to enter the social work profession.
 (b)MethodThe public service announcements described in subsection (a) shall be broadcast through appropriate media outlets, including television or radio, in a manner intended to reach as wide and diverse of an audience as possible.
 (c)Authorization of appropriationsThere are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022.


		One Hundred Twelfth Congress of the United States of
		  America
		2d SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the third
		day of January, two thousand and twelve
		S. 292
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES
		AN ACT
		To resolve the claims of the Bering Straits
		  Native Corporation and the State of Alaska to land adjacent to Salmon Lake in
		  the State of Alaska and to provide for the conveyance to the Bering Straits
		  Native Corporation of certain other public land in partial satisfaction of the
		  land entitlement of the Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement
		  Act.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Salmon Lake Land Selection Resolution
			 Act.
		2.PurposeThe purpose of this Act is to ratify the
			 Salmon Lake Area Land Ownership Consolidation Agreement entered into by the
			 United States, the State of Alaska, and the Bering Straits Native
			 Corporation.
		3.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)AgreementThe term Agreement means the
			 document between the United States, the State, and the Bering Straits Native
			 Corporation that—
				(A)is entitled the Salmon Lake Area
			 Land Ownership Consolidation Agreement;
				(B)had an initial effective date of July 18,
			 2007; and
				(C)is on file with Department of the Interior,
			 the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and the Committee
			 on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.
				(2)Bering straits native
			 corporationThe term
			 Bering Straits Native Corporation means an Alaskan Native
			 Regional Corporation formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43
			 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) for the Bering Straits region of the State.
			(3)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the
			 Secretary of the Interior.
			(4)StateThe term State means the
			 State of Alaska.
			4.Ratification and implementation of
			 agreement
			(a)In generalSubject to the provisions of this Act,
			 Congress ratifies the Agreement.
			(b)EasementsThe conveyance of land to the Bering
			 Straits Native Corporation, as specified in the Agreement, shall include the
			 reservation of the easements that—
				(1)are identified in Appendix E to the
			 Agreement; and
				(2)were developed by the parties to the
			 Agreement in accordance with section 17(b) of the Alaska Native Claims
			 Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1616(b)).
				(c)CorrectionsBeginning on the date of enactment of this
			 Act, the Secretary, with the consent of the other parties to the Agreement, may
			 only make typographical or clerical corrections to the Agreement and any
			 exhibits to the Agreement.
			(d)AuthorizationThe Secretary shall carry out all actions
			 required by the Agreement.

			Speaker of the House of Representatives

			Vice President of the United States and President of the
			 Senate