109 HR 4169 IH: To suspend temporarily the application of laws which would deny certain federal benefits, entitlements, grants, and licenses to victims of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita due to convictions for certain drug crimes.
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-10-27
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4169
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 27, 2005
Mr. Scott of Virginia (for himself, Mr. Rangel, Mr. Conyers, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Frank of Massachusetts, Ms. Jackson-Lee of Texas, Mr. Paul, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, Ms. Lee, Mr. Hastings of Florida, and Mr. Al Green of Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Education and the Workforce, and Agriculture, 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 suspend temporarily the application of laws which would deny certain federal benefits, entitlements, grants, and licenses to victims of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita due to convictions for certain drug crimes.

1.TANF, food stamp, and housing benefits
(a)Temporary suspensionDuring the temporary suspension period, the provisions specified in subsection (b) shall not apply with respect to an individual or family who, at the time a Gulf hurricane disaster was declared to exist, resided in an area covered by the disaster declaration.
(b)Provisions suspendedThe provisions specified in this subsection are as follows:
(1)Section 115 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, but only to the extent that a conviction referred to in such section occurred before the disaster declaration for the Gulf hurricane disaster.
(2)Subsection (f) of section 16 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437n(f)) (relating to ineligibility of individuals convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine on the premises), but only to the extent that a conviction referred to in such subsection occurred before the disaster declaration for the Gulf hurricane disaster.
(3)Subsection (a) of section 576 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 13661(a)) (relating to ineligibility because of eviction for drug crimes), but only to the extent that the drug-related criminal activity referred to in such subsection occurred before the disaster declaration for the Gulf hurricane disaster.
(4)Subsection (c) of section 576 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 13661) (relating to authority to deny admissions to criminal offenders), but only to the extent that—
(A)such subsection applies to drug-related criminal activity; and
(B)the drug-related criminal activity referred to in such subsection occurred before the disaster declaration for the Gulf hurricane disaster.
2.Higher education benefits
(a)In GeneralDuring the temporary suspension period, section 484(r) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091(r)) shall not apply with respect to any individual who, at the time a Gulf hurricane disaster was declared to exist—
(1)resided in an area covered by the disaster declaration; or
(2)was enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an institution of higher education (as defined in section 102 of such Act) located in an area covered by the disaster declaration.
(b)LimitationSubsection (a) shall only apply to the extent that a conviction referred to in section 484(r) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1091(r)) occurred before the disaster declaration for the Gulf hurricane disaster.
3.DefinitionsIn this Act:
(1)Temporary suspension periodThe term temporary suspension period means the 3-year period beginning on the date on which the President declared a major disaster to exist in accordance with section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), that was caused by Hurricane Katrina.
(2)Gulf hurricane disasterThe term Gulf hurricane disaster means a major disaster that the President declared to exist, in accordance with section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), and that was caused by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita.


114 HR 1050 IH: To clarify that funding for the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board is not subject to the sequester.
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-02-24
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1050
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 24, 2015
			Mr. Renacci (for himself and Mr. Himes) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Budget

		A BILL
		To clarify that funding for the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board is not subject to the
			 sequester.

 1.ClarificationSection 251A of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901a) does not apply with respect to the funding of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.


114 HR 1378 IH: Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr., Social Work Reinvestment Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-03-16
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 1378
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			March 16, 2015
			Ms. Lee (for herself, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Rangel, Ms. Norton, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Meeks, Mr. Rush, Mr. Gutiérrez, Mr. Hastings, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Mr. Conyers, Ms. Brown of Florida, Mr. Ellison, Ms. Tsongas, Mr. Clay, Mr. Carson of Indiana, Ms. Jackson Lee, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Bordallo, and Mr. McGovern) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce

		A BILL
		To 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, the first since 2006, to 14.5 percent in 2013, 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 2020, with a 19-percent growth rate overall and a 27-percent projected growth rate for health care social workers. This increase is faster than the 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 2012 was $44,200.
 (5)The report titled 2013 Statistics on Social Work Education in the United States by the Council on Social Work Education stated that 80.5 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 $41,754.
 (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. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that 48 percent of assaults occur in the health care and social services industry.
 (7)The Alzheimer’s Association of America states that 5 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 402,378 children were in the United States foster care system in 2013. 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 43.8 million individuals (nearly 1 in 5) in the United States age 18 or older experienced a diagnosable mental illness in 2013. Additionally, at least 2.6 million (1 in 10) youth between the ages of 12 and 17 experienced major depressive episodes. 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 11,000 social workers who serve an estimated 21,999,000 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 1,658,370 new cases of cancer and 589,430 deaths, or 1,614 deaths a day, in 2015 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 47,500 new cases diagnosed each year. In 2013, 1,500,000 to 1,600,000 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 2012 the national dropout rate for high school students was 7 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 688,000 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. 1059(d)(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. 1101a(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 1 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;
 (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;
 (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 2016 through 2020.
				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 2016 through 2019.


110 HR 4787 IH: To suspend temporarily the duty on Flonicamid.
U.S. House of Representatives
2007-12-18
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.

I
110th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 4787
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

December 18, 2007
Mr. Reynolds introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To suspend temporarily the duty on Flonicamid.

1.Flonicamid
(a)In generalSubchapter II of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended by striking heading 9902.24.57 (relating to Flonicamid) and inserting in numerical sequence the following new heading:

9902._._N-(Cyanomethyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide (Flonicamid) (CAS No. 158062–67–0) (provided for in subheading 2933.39.27) and any formulations containing such compound (provided for in subheadings 3809.91.25 and 3808.99.08)FreeNo changeNo changeOn or before 12/31/2011    .
(b)Effective dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) applies to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.


109 HR 3277 IH: Federal Agency Performance Review and Sunset Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-07-14
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3277
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 14, 2005
Mr. Brady of Texas (for himself, Mr. Tom Davis of Virginia, and Mr. Porter) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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 provide for the establishment of the Sunset Commission to review and maximize the performance of all Federal agencies and programs.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Federal Agency Performance Review and Sunset Act.
2.Sunset Commission to review and maximize the performance of all Federal agencies and programs
(a)Schedule for review of agencies and programsThe President may submit to Congress a schedule for reviewing the performance of, and need for, executive branch agencies and programs at least once every 10 years. In considering the schedule, Congress shall follow the expedited review procedures set forth in section 3.
(b)Sunset of executive branch agencies and programsEach executive branch agency and program shall—
(1)be reviewed by the Sunset Commission according to the schedule enacted in a joint resolution described in section 3(a); and
(2)except as provided in subsection (h), be abolished two years after the date that the President submits to Congress the report required pursuant to subsection (i) covering the agency or program, unless the agency or program is reauthorized by law after such submission or the two-year period is extended for an additional two years by law.
(c)Establishment of commissionThere is hereby established a commission to be known as the Sunset Commission.
(d)Membership, powers, and other matters
(1)Membership
(A)In generalThe Sunset Commission shall be comprised of seven members, who shall be appointed within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(B)AppointmentsThe President shall appoint the seven members of the Sunset Commission, as follows:
(i)One in consultation with the majority leader of the Senate.
(ii)One in consultation with the minority leader of the Senate.
(ii)One in consultation with the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(iv)One in consultation with the minority leader of the House of Representatives.
(v)Three other members.
(C)Chair and vice chairThe President shall designate one member of the Sunset Commission to serve as Chair and one member as Vice Chair.
(D)Length of serviceThe members of the Sunset Commission shall serve at the pleasure of the President. Each member shall serve for a term not to exceed three years, unless reappointed by the President.
(E)VacanciesAny vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
(2)Powers relating to Obtaining information from federal agencies
(A)In generalThe Sunset Commission is authorized to secure directly from any executive department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality of the United States Government, information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics for purposes of carrying out its duties. Each department, bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent establishment, or instrumentality shall, to the extent authorized by law, furnish such information, suggestions, estimates, and statistics directly to the Commission, upon request made by the chair or any other member designated by a majority of the Commission.
(B)Receipt, handling, storage, and disseminationInformation shall be received, handled, stored, and disseminated only by members of the Commission and its staff consistent with all applicable statutes, regulations, and Executive orders.
(3)Public hearings and meetings
(A)Public hearingsThe Sunset Commission shall hold public hearings and meetings to the extent appropriate. Any such public sessions shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the protection of information provided to or developed for or by the Commission as required by any applicable statute, regulation, or Executive Order.
(B)Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee ActThe Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Sunset Commission.
(4)Internal procedures
(A)MeetingsThe Sunset Commission shall meet periodically at the call of the Chair. Such meetings may include public sessions as described in paragraph (3)(A).
(B)QuorumFour members of the Sunset Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings.
(5)Personnel matters
(A)Travel expensesThe members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I 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)DirectorThe Chair of the Commission may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and terminate a Director for the Commission. The Director shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the Level II of the Executive Schedule.
(C)StaffThe Director may appoint and fix the compensation of additional personnel without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the Director and other personnel may not exceed Level II of the Executive Schedule.
(D)Applicability of certain civil service lawsThe Director and any staff of the Commission shall be employees under section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, for purposes of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 89, and 90 of that title.
(E)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.
(F)Procurement of temporary and intermittent servicesThe chair of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals which do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for Level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
(6)Other administrative matters
(A)Postal and printing servicesThe Sunset Commission may use the United States mails and obtain printing and binding services in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States.
(B)Administrative support servicesUpon the request of the Sunset Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Sunset Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Sunset Commission to carry out its duties.
(C)Authorization of appropriationsSuch sums as may be necessary are authorized to be appropriated for the purposes of carrying out the duties the Commission. Such funds shall remain available until expended.
(7)Sunset of commissionThe Sunset Commission shall terminate on December 31, 2026, unless reauthorized by law.
(e)Review of efficiency and need for executive branch agencies and programs
(1)In generalThe Sunset Commission shall review agencies and programs in accordance with the criteria described in subsection (f). The Sunset Commission shall consider recommendations made by the President to the Commission for improving the performance of the agencies or programs being considered.
(2)Use of evaluations and assessmentsIn its deliberations, the Sunset Commission may consider any publicly available agency or program evaluations and assessments, including those that the Office of Management and Budget has undertaken in consultation with the affected agencies of the Federal Government. Such Office of Management and Budget assessments shall evaluate the purpose, design, strategic plan, management, and results of the program, and such other matters as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget considers appropriate, as well as make recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the assessed programs.
(3)Report to the PresidentThe Sunset Commission shall submit to the President not later than August 1 of each year a report containing
(A)its assessment of each agency and program reviewed during the preceding 12 months pursuant to the schedule for review (if any) approved by a joint resolution described in section 3(a); and
(B)its recommendations on how to improve the results that each agency and program achieves and whether to abolish any agency or program.
(4)LegislationThe Sunset Commission shall submit to the President with its report any legislation needed to carry out its recommendations.
(5)Proposals to abolish agencies or programsPrior to recommending the abolition of any agency or program, the Sunset Commission should, as it considers appropriate:
(A)conduct public hearings on the merits of retaining the agency or program;
(B)provide an opportunity for public comment on the option of abolishing the agency or program;
(C)offer the affected agency an opportunity to comment and to provide information supporting its views;
(D)review the assessments described in paragraph (2) of this Act; and
(E)consult with the Government Accountability Office, the relevant Inspectors General, and the relevant committees of Congress.
(f)Criteria for reviewThe Sunset Commission shall use the following criteria to evaluate each agency or program:
(1)Whether the agency or program as carried out by the agency is cost-effective and achieves its stated purpose or goals.
(2)The extent to which any trends, developments, or emerging conditions affect the need to change the mission of the agency or program or the way that the mission is being carried out by the agency.
(3)The extent to which the agency or program duplicates or conflicts with other Federal agencies, State and local government, or the private sector.
(4)The extent to which the agency coordinates effectively with State and local governments in performing the functions of the program.
(5)The extent to which changes in the authorizing statutes of the agency or program would improve the performance of the agency or program.
(6)The extent to which changes in the management structure of the agency or program or its placement in the Executive Branch are needed to improve the overall efficiency, effectiveness, or accountability of executive branch operations.
(g)Agency and program inventory–
(1)PreparationWithin 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Congressional Research Service, with the assistance of the Comptroller General, shall prepare an inventory of all executive branch agencies and programs. Six months prior to the time that the Sunset Commission is scheduled to begin its review of an agency or program, the Director of the Congressional Research Service, with the assistance of the Comptroller General, shall update the section of the inventory pertaining to that agency or program.
(2)PurposeThe purpose of the agency and program inventory is to advise and assist the Sunset Commission, the President, and Congress in carrying out the requirements of this Act.
(3)Inventory contentThe agency and program inventory shall include for each agency and program a list of citations of all authorizing statutes of the agency or program.
(h)Exemption
(1)RegulationsNo regulations to protect the environment, health, safety, or civil rights shall be abolished under this Act.
(2)EnforcementNo program related to enforcing regulations referred to in paragraph (1) shall be abolished under this Act unless provision is made for the continued enforcement of those regulations.
(i)Submission of commission report to Congress by PresidentNot later than September 1 of each year, the President shall submit to Congress the report submitted to the President by the Commission pursuant to subsection (e)(3) and any legislation needed to accomplish the recommendations of the Sunset Commission.
3.Expedited congressional review procedures
(a)Definitions
(1)Resolution of approvalFor the purposes of this section, the term resolution means only a joint resolution—
(A)which does not have a preamble;
(B)the title of which is as follows: Joint resolution approving the schedule for reviewing the performance of, and need for, executive branch agencies and programs under the Federal Agency Performance Review and Sunset Act;
(C)the matter after the resolving clause of which is as follows: That Congress approves the schedule for reviewing the performance of, and need for, executive branch agencies and programs on _____ under the Federal Agency Performance Review and Sunset Act:, the blank space being filled in with the appropriate date; and
(D)the remaining text of which consists of the complete schedule for the reviews submitted under section 2(a).
(2)Legislative dayFor the purposes of this section, the term legislative day refers to any day on which either House of Congress is in session.
(b)Introduction and reference of resolution
(1)Not later than the first day of session following the day on which a resolution is submitted to Congress under section (2)(a)(1), the resolution shall be introduced (by request)—
(A)in the House of Representatives by the chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, or by a member or members of the House designated by such chairman; and
(B)in the Senate by the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, or by a member of members of the Senate designated by such chairman.
(2)The resolution shall be referred to the Committee on Government Reform of the House of Representatives and the Committee on on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate (and all resolutions with respect to the same schedule for reviews shall be referred to the same committee) by the Speaker of the House or the President of the Senate, as the case may be. The committee shall makes its recommendations to the House of Representatives or the Senate, respectively, within 75 calendar days of continuous session of Congress following the date of such resolutions’s introduction.
(c)Expedited procedures relating to discharge of committee considering resolution, procedure after report or discharge of committee, debate, and vote on final passageSections 911 and 912 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to a resolution introduced pursuant to subsection (b)(1). In applying such sections—
(1)the term resolution means a resolution as defined in subsection (a)(1) of this section; and
(2)the term reorganization plan means a legislative proposal containing a schedule for review submitted under section 2(a).
(d)Effective date, publication, effect on other laws, pending legal proceedings, and unexpended appropriationsSections 906 and 907 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to a resolution introduced pursuant to subsection (b)(1). In applying such sections—
(1)the term resolution means a resolution as defined in subsection (a)(1) of this section; and
(2)the term reorganization plan means a legislative proposal containing a schedule for review submitted under section 2(a).


109 HR 626 IH: Volume Enhancing Hardware Incentives for Consumer Lowered Expenses Technology Act of 2005
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-02-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I
109th CONGRESS 1st Session
H. R. 626
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 8, 2005
Mr. Camp introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives for the production of alternative fuel vehicles.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Volume Enhancing Hardware Incentives for Consumer Lowered Expenses Technology Act of 2005 or the VEHICLE Technology Act of 2005.
2.Repeal of phaseouts for qualified electric vehicle credit and deduction for clean fuel-vehicles
(a)Credit for qualified electric vehiclesSubsection (b) of section 30 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to limitations) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).
(b)Deduction for clean-fuel vehicles and certain refueling propertyParagraph (1) of section 179A(b) of such Code (relating to qualified clean-fuel vehicle property) is amended to read as follows:

(1)Qualified clean-fuel vehicle propertyThe cost which may be taken into account under subsection (a)(1)(A) with respect to any motor vehicle shall not exceed—
(A)in the case of a motor vehicle not described in subparagraph (B) or (C), $2,000,
(B)in the case of any truck or van with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds but not greater than 26,000 pounds, $5,000, or
(C)$50,000 in the case of—
(i)a truck or van with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 26,000 pounds, or
(ii)any bus which has a seating capacity of at least 20 adults (not including the driver)..
(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of this Act.
3.Alternative motor vehicle credit
(a)In generalSubpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to foreign tax credit, etc.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

30B.Alternative motor vehicle credit
(a)Allowance of creditThere shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to the sum of—
(1)the new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit determined under subsection (b),
(2)the new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit determined under subsection (c),
(3)the new qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit determined under subsection (d), and
(4)the new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit determined under subsection (e).
(b)New qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit
(1)In generalFor purposes of subsection (a), the new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle credit determined under this subsection with respect to a new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle placed in service by the taxpayer during the taxable year shall be determined in accordance with the following table:

In the case of a The new qualified
vehicle which has a grossfuel cell motor
 vehicle weight rating of—vehicle credit is—

Not more than 8,500 lbs$4,000
More than 8,500 lbs but not more than 14,000 lbs$10,000
More than 14,000 lbs but not more than 26,000 lbs$20,000
More than 26,000 lbs$40,000.
(2)Increase for fuel efficiency
(A)In generalThe amount determined under paragraph (1) with respect to a new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle which is a passenger automobile or light truck shall be increased by the additional credit amount.
(B)Additional credit amountFor purposes of subparagraph (A), the additional credit amount shall be determined in accordance with the following table:

In the case of a vehicle
which achieves a fuel
 economy (expressed as a
 percentage of the 2002 modelThe additional
 year city fuel economy) of—credit amount is—

At least 150 percent but less than 175 percent$1,000
At least 175 percent but less than 200 percent$1,500
At least 200 percent but less than 225 percent$2,000
At least 225 percent but less than 250 percent$2,500
At least 250 percent but less than 275 percent$3,000
At least 275 percent but less than 300 percent$3,500
At least 300 percent$4,000.
(3)New qualified fuel cell motor vehicleFor purposes of this subsection, the term new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle means a motor vehicle—
(A)which is propelled by power derived from one or more cells which convert chemical energy directly into electricity by combining oxygen with hydrogen fuel which is stored on board the vehicle in any form and may or may not require reformation prior to use,
(B)which, in the case of a passenger automobile or light truck, has received—
(i)a certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act and meets or exceeds the equivalent qualifying California low emission vehicle standard under section 243(e)(2) of the Clean Air Act for that make and model year, and
(ii)a certificate that such vehicle meets or exceeds the Bin 5 Tier II emission standard established in regulations prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 202(i) of the Clean Air Act for that make and model year vehicle,
(C)the original use of which commences with the taxpayer,
(D)which is acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer and not for resale, and
(E)which is made by a manufacturer.
(c)New advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit
(1)In generalFor purposes of subsection (a), the new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle credit determined under this subsection with respect to a new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle placed in service by the taxpayer during the taxable year is the credit amount determined under paragraph (2).
(2)Credit amount
(A)Fuel economyThe credit amount determined under this paragraph shall be determined in accordance with the following table:

In the case of a vehicle
which achieves a fuel
 economy (expressed as a
 percentage of the 2002 modelThe credit
 year city fuel economy) of— amount is—

At least 125 percent but less than 150 percent$400
At least 150 percent but less than 175 percent$800
At least 175 percent but less than 200 percent$1,200
At least 200 percent but less than 225 percent$1,600
At least 225 percent but less than 250 percent$2,000
At least 250 percent$2,400.
(B)Conservation creditThe amount determined under subparagraph (A) with respect to a new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle shall be increased by the conservation credit amount determined in accordance with the following table:

In the case of a vehicle
which achieves a lifetime
  fuel savings (expressed inThe conservation
  gallons of gasoline) of—credit amount is—

At least 1,200 but less than 1,800$250
At least 1,800 but less than 2,400$500
At least 2,400 but less than 3,000$750
At least 3,000$1,000.
(3)New advanced lean burn technology motor vehicleFor purposes of this subsection, the term new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle means a passenger automobile or a light truck—
(A)with an internal combustion engine which—
(i)is designed to operate primarily using more air than is necessary for complete combustion of the fuel,
(ii)incorporates direct injection,
(iii)achieves at least 125 percent of the 2002 model year city fuel economy,
(iv)for 2005 and later model vehicles, has received a certificate that such vehicle meets or exceeds—
(I)in the case of a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 pounds or less, the Bin 5 Tier II emission standard established in regulations prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 202(i) of the Clean Air Act for that make and model year vehicle, and
(II)in the case of a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 6,000 pounds but not more than 8,500 pounds, the Bin 8 Tier II emission standard which is so established.
(B)the original use of which commences with the taxpayer,
(C)which is acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer and not for resale, and
(D)which is made by a manufacturer.
(4)Lifetime fuel savingsFor purposes of this subsection, the term lifetime fuel savings means, in the case of any new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle, an amount equal to the excess (if any) of—
(A)120,000 divided by the 2002 model year city fuel economy for the vehicle inertia weight class, over
(B)120,000 divided by the city fuel economy for such vehicle.
(d)New qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit
(1)In generalFor purposes of subsection (a), the new qualified hybrid motor vehicle credit determined under this subsection with respect to a new qualified hybrid motor vehicle placed in service by the taxpayer during the taxable year is the credit amount determined under paragraph (2).
(2)Credit amount
(A)Credit amount for passenger automobiles and light trucksIn the case of a new qualified hybrid motor vehicle which is a passenger automobile or light truck and which has a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds, the amount determined under this paragraph is the sum of the amounts determined under clauses (i) and (ii).
(i)Fuel economyThe amount determined under this clause is the amount which would be determined under subsection (c)(2)(A) if such vehicle were a vehicle referred to in such subsection.
(ii)Conservation creditThe amount determined under this clause is the amount which would be determined under subsection (c)(2)(B) if such vehicle were a vehicle referred to in such subsection.
(B)Credit amount for other motor vehicles
(i)In generalIn the case of any new qualified hybrid motor vehicle to which subparagraph (A) does not apply, the amount determined under this paragraph is the amount equal to the applicable percentage of the qualified incremental hybrid cost of the vehicle as certified under clause (v).
(ii)Applicable percentageFor purposes of clause (i), the applicable percentage is—
(I)20 percent if the vehicle achieves an increase in city fuel economy relative to a comparable vehicle of at least 30 percent but less than 40 percent,
(II)30 percent if the vehicle achieves such an increase of at least 40 percent but less than 50 percent, and
(III)40 percent if the vehicle achieves such an increase of at least 50 percent.
(iii)Qualified incremental hybrid costFor purposes of this subparagraph, the qualified incremental hybrid cost of any vehicle is equal to the amount of the excess of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for such vehicle over such price for a comparable vehicle, to the extent such amount does not exceed—
(I)$7,500, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 14,000 pounds,
(II)$15,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds but not more than 26,000 pounds, and
(III)$30,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds.
(iv)Comparable vehicleFor purposes of this subparagraph, the term comparable vehicle means, with respect to any new qualified hybrid motor vehicle, any vehicle which is powered solely by a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine and which is comparable in weight, size, and use to such vehicle.
(v)CertificationA certification described in clause (i) shall be made by the manufacturer and shall be determined in accordance with guidance prescribed by the Secretary. Such guidance shall specify procedures and methods for calculating fuel economy savings and incremental hybrid costs.
(3)New qualified hybrid motor vehicleFor purposes of this subsection—
(A)In generalThe term new qualified hybrid motor vehicle means a motor vehicle—
(i)which draws propulsion energy from onboard sources of stored energy which are both—
(I)an internal combustion or heat engine using consumable fuel, and
(II)a rechargeable energy storage system,
(ii)which, in the case of a vehicle to which paragraph (2)(A) applies, has received a certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act and meets or exceeds the equivalent qualifying California low emission vehicle standard under section 243(e)(2) of the Clean Air Act for that make and model year, and
(I)in the case of a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of 6,000 pounds or less, the Bin 5 Tier II emission standard established in regulations prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 202(i) of the Clean Air Act for that make and model year vehicle, and
(II)in the case of a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 6,000 pounds but not more than 8,500 pounds, the Bin 8 Tier II emission standard which is so established,
(iii)which has a maximum available power of at least—
(I)4 percent in the case of a vehicle to which paragraph (2)(A) applies,
(II)10 percent in the case of a vehicle which has a gross vehicle weight rating or more than 8,500 pounds and not than 14,000 pounds, and
(III)15 percent in the case of a vehicle in excess of 14,000 pounds,
(iv)which, in the case of a vehicle to which paragraph (2)(B) applies, has an internal combustion or heat engine which has received a certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act as meeting the emission standards set in the regulations prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for 2005 through 2008 model year diesel heavy duty engines or ottocycle heavy duty engines, as applicable,
(v)the original use of which commences with the taxpayer,
(vi)which is acquired for use or lease by the taxpayer and not for resale, and
(vii)which is made by a manufacturer.Such term shall not include any vehicle which is not a passenger automobile or light truck if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 8,500 pounds.
(B)Consumable fuelFor purposes of subparagraph (A)(i)(I), the term consumable fuel means any solid, liquid, or gaseous matter which releases energy when consumed by an auxiliary power unit.
(C)Maximum available power
(i)Certain passenger automobiles and light trucksIn the case of a vehicle to which paragraph (2)(A) applies, the term maximum available power means the maximum power available from the rechargeable energy storage system, during a standard 10 second pulse power or equivalent test, divided by such maximum power and the SAE net power of the heat engine.
(ii)Other motor vehiclesIn the case of a vehicle to which paragraph (2)(B) applies, the term maximum available power means the maximum power available from the rechargeable energy storage system, during a standard 10 second pulse power or equivalent test, divided by the vehicle’s total traction power. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term total traction power means the sum of the peak power from the rechargeable energy storage system and the heat engine peak power of the vehicle, except that if such storage system is the sole means by which the vehicle can be driven, the total traction power is the peak power of such storage system.
(e)New qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit
(1)Allowance of creditExcept as provided in paragraph (5), the new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle credit determined under this subsection is an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the incremental cost of any new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle placed in service by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
(2)Applicable percentageFor purposes of paragraph (1), the applicable percentage with respect to any new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle is—
(A)40 percent, plus
(B)30 percent, if such vehicle—
(i)has received a certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act and meets or exceeds the most stringent standard available for certification under the Clean Air Act for that make and model year vehicle (other than a zero emission standard), or
(ii)has received an order certifying the vehicle as meeting the same requirements as vehicles which may be sold or leased in California and meets or exceeds the most stringent standard available for certification under the State laws of California (enacted in accordance with a waiver granted under section 209(b) of the Clean Air Act) for that make and model year vehicle (other than a zero emission standard).For purposes of the preceding sentence, in the case of any new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle which has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds, the most stringent standard available shall be such standard available for certification on the date of the enactment of the Volume Enhancing Hardware Incentives for Consumer Lowered Expenses Technology Act of 2005.
(3)Incremental costFor purposes of this subsection, the incremental cost of any new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle is equal to the amount of the excess of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for such vehicle over such price for a gasoline or diesel fuel motor vehicle of the same model, to the extent such amount does not exceed—
(A)$5,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 8,500 pounds,
(B)$10,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 8,500 pounds but not more than 14,000 pounds,
(C)$25,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds but not more than 26,000 pounds, and
(D)$40,000, if such vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 26,000 pounds.
(4)New qualified alternative fuel motor vehicleFor purposes of this subsection—
(A)In generalThe term new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle means any motor vehicle—
(i)which is only capable of operating on an alternative fuel,
(ii)the original use of which commences with the taxpayer,
(iii)which is acquired by the taxpayer for use or lease, but not for resale, and
(iv)which is made by a manufacturer.
(B)Alternative fuelThe term alternative fuel means compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, hydrogen, and any liquid at least 85 percent of the volume of which consists of methanol.
(5)Credit for mixed-fuel vehicles
(A)In generalIn the case of a mixed-fuel vehicle placed in service by the taxpayer during the taxable year, the credit determined under this subsection is an amount equal to—
(i)in the case of a 75/25 mixed-fuel vehicle, 70 percent of the credit which would have been allowed under this subsection if such vehicle was a qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle, and
(ii)in the case of a 90/10 mixed-fuel vehicle, 90 percent of the credit which would have been allowed under this subsection if such vehicle was a qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle.
(B)Mixed-fuel vehicleFor purposes of this subsection, the term mixed-fuel vehicle means any motor vehicle described in subparagraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (3), which—
(i)is certified by the manufacturer as being able to perform efficiently in normal operation on a combination of an alternative fuel and a petroleum-based fuel,
(ii)either—
(I)has received a certificate of conformity under the Clean Air Act, or
(II)has received an order certifying the vehicle as meeting the same requirements as vehicles which may be sold or leased in California and meets or exceeds the low emission vehicle standard under section 88.105–94 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, for that make and model year vehicle,
(iii)the original use of which commences with the taxpayer,
(iv)which is acquired by the taxpayer for use or lease, but not for resale, and
(v)which is made by a manufacturer.
(C)75/25 mixed-fuel vehicleFor purposes of this subsection, the term 75/25 mixed-fuel vehicle means a mixed-fuel vehicle which operates using at least 75 percent alternative fuel and not more than 25 percent petroleum-based fuel.
(D)90/10 mixed-fuel vehicleFor purposes of this subsection, the term 90/10 mixed-fuel vehicle means a mixed-fuel vehicle which operates using at least 90 percent alternative fuel and not more than 10 percent petroleum-based fuel.
(f)Limitation on number of new qualified hybrid and advanced lean-burn technology vehicles eligible for credit
(1)In generalIn the case of a qualified vehicle sold during the phaseout period, only the applicable percentage of the credit otherwise allowable under subsection (c) or (d) shall be allowed.
(2)Phaseout periodFor purposes of this subsection, the phaseout period is the period beginning with the second calendar quarter following the calendar quarter which includes the first date on which the number of qualified vehicles manufactured by the manufacturer of the vehicle referred to in paragraph (1) sold for use in the United States after the date of the enactment of this section is at least 80,000.
(3)Applicable percentageFor purposes of paragraph (1), the applicable percentage is—
(A)50 percent for the first 2 calendar quarters of the phaseout period,
(B)25 percent for the 3d and 4th calendar quarters of the phaseout period, and
(C)0 percent for each calendar quarter thereafter.
(4)Controlled groups
(A)In generalFor purposes of this subsection, all persons treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 or subsection (m) or (o) of section 414 shall be treated as a single manufacturer.
(B)Inclusion of foreign corporationsFor purposes of subparagraph (A), in applying subsections (a) and (b) of section 52 to this section, section 1563 shall be applied without regard to subsection (b)(2)(C) thereof.
(5)Qualified vehicleFor purposes of this subsection, the term qualified vehicle means any new qualified hybrid motor vehicle and any new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle.
(g)Limitation based on amount of taxThe credit allowed under subsection (a) for the taxable year shall not exceed the excess of—
(1)the sum of the regular tax liability (as defined in section 26(b)) plus the tax imposed by section 55, over
(2)the sum of the credits allowable under subpart A and sections 27 and 30 for the taxable year.
(h)Other definitions and special rulesFor purposes of this section—
(1)Motor vehicleThe term motor vehicle has the meaning given such term by section 30(c)(2).
(2)Other termsThe terms automobile, passenger automobile, light truck, and manufacturer have the meanings given such terms in regulations prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for purposes of the administration of title II of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7521 et seq.).
(3)2002 model year city fuel economy
(A)In generalThe 2002 model year city fuel economy with respect to a vehicle shall be determined in accordance with the following tables:
(i)In the case of a passenger automobile:

If vehicle inertiaThe 2002 model year
weight class is: city fuel economy is:

1,500 or 1,750 lbs45.2 mpg
2,000 lbs39.6 mpg
2,250 lbs35.2 mpg
2,500 lbs31.7 mpg
2,750 lbs28.8 mpg
3,000 lbs26.4 mpg
3,500 lbs22.6 mpg
4,000 lbs19.8 mpg
4,500 lbs17.6 mpg
5,000 lbs15.9 mpg
5,500 lbs14.4 mpg
6,000 lbs13.2 mpg
6,500 lbs12.2 mpg
7,000 to 8,500 lbs11.3 mpg.
(ii)In the case of a light truck:

If vehicle inertia  The 2002 model year
weight class is:city fuel economy is:

1,500 or 1,750 lbs39.4 mpg
2,000 lbs35.2 mpg
2,250 lbs31.8 mpg
2,500 lbs29.0 mpg
2,750 lbs26.8 mpg
3,000 lbs24.9 mpg
3,500 lbs21.8 mpg
4,000 lbs19.4 mpg
4,500 lbs17.6 mpg
5,000 lbs16.1 mpg
5,500 lbs14.8 mpg
6,000 lbs13.7 mpg
6,500 lbs12.8 mpg
7,000 to 8,500 lbs12.1 mpg.
(B)Vehicle inertia weight classFor purposes of subparagraph (A), the term vehicle inertia weight class has the same meaning as when defined in regulations prescribed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency for purposes of the administration of title II of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7521 et seq.).
(4)Fuel economyFuel economy with respect to any vehicle shall be measured under rules similar to the rules under section 4064(c).
(5)Reduction in basisFor purposes of this subtitle, if a credit is allowed under this section for any expenditure with respect to any property, the increase in the basis of such property which would (but for this paragraph) result from such expenditure shall be reduced by the amount of the credit so allowed.
(6)No double benefitThe amount of any deduction or credit allowable under this chapter (other than the credits allowable under this section and section 30) shall be reduced by the amount of credit allowed under subsection (a) for such vehicle for the taxable year.
(7)RecaptureThe Secretary shall, by regulations, provide for recapturing the benefit of any credit allowable under subsection (a) with respect to any property which ceases to be property eligible for such credit (including recapture in the case of a lease period of less than the economic life of a vehicle).
(8)Property used outside United States, etc., not qualifiedNo credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) with respect to any property referred to in section 50(b) or with respect to the portion of the cost of any property taken into account under section 179.
(9)Election not to take creditNo credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) for any vehicle if the taxpayer elects to not have this section apply to such vehicle.
(10)Business carryovers allowedIf the credit allowable under subsection (a) for a taxable year exceeds the limitation under subsection (g) for such taxable year, such excess (to the extent of the credit allowable with respect to property subject to the allowance for depreciation) shall be allowed as a credit carryback and carryforward under rules similar to the rules of section 39.
(11)Interaction with motor vehicle safety standardsUnless otherwise provided in this section, a motor vehicle shall not be considered eligible for a credit under this section unless such vehicle is in compliance with the motor vehicle safety provisions of sections 30101 through 30169 of title 49, United States Code.
(i)Regulations
(1)In generalThe Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
(2)Determination of motor vehicle eligibilityThe Secretary, after coordination with the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall prescribe such regulations as necessary to determine whether a motor vehicle meets the requirements to be eligible for a credit under this section.
(j)TerminationThis section shall not apply to any property placed in service after—
(1)in the case of a new qualified alternative fuel motor vehicle, December 31, 2007,
(2)in the case of a new advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle or a new qualified hybrid motor vehicle, December 31, 2009, and
(3)in the case of a new qualified fuel cell motor vehicle, December 31, 2013..
(b)Conforming amendments
(1)Section 30(d) of such Code (relating to special rules) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

(5)No double benefitNo credit shall be allowed under this section for any motor vehicle for which a credit is also allowed under section 30B..
(2)Section 1016(a) of such Code is amended by striking and at the end of paragraph (30), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (31) and inserting , and, and by adding at the end the following:

(32)to the extent provided in section 30B(h)(5)..
(3)Section 6501(m) of such Code is amended by inserting 30B(h)(9), after 30(d)(4),.
(4)The table of sections for subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 30A the following:

Sec. 30B. Alternative motor vehicle credit .
(c)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of this Act, in taxable years ending after such date.
(d)Sticker information required at retail sale
(1)In generalThe Secretary of the Treasury shall issue regulations under which each qualified vehicle sold at retail shall display a notice—
(A)that such vehicle is a qualified vehicle, and
(B)that the buyer may not benefit from the credit allowed under section 30B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 if such buyer has insufficient tax liability.
(2)Qualified vehicleFor purposes of paragraph (1), the term qualified vehicle means a vehicle with respect to which a credit is allowed under section 30B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
4.Modifications of deduction for certain refueling property
(a)In generalSubsection (f) of section 179A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:

(f)TerminationThis section shall not apply to any property placed in service—
(1)in the case of property relating to hydrogen, after December 31, 2012, and
(2)in the case of any other property, after December 31, 2009..
(b)Incentive for production of hydrogen at qualified clean-fuel vehicle refueling propertySection 179A(d) of such Code (defining qualified clean-fuel vehicle refueling property) is amended by adding at the end the following new flush sentence: In the case of clean-burning fuel which is hydrogen produced from another clean-burning fuel, paragraph (3)(A) shall be applied by substituting production, storage, or dispensing for storage or dispensing both places it appears..
(c)Increase in location expendituresSection 179A(b)(2)(A)(i) of such Code is amended by striking $100,000 and inserting $150,000.
(d)Nonbusiness use of qualified clean-fuel vehicle refueling propertySection 179A(d) of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (1) and by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively.
(e)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of this Act, in taxable years ending after such date.


115 SRES 456 ATS: To constitute the majority party's membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen.
U.S. Senate
2017-01-05
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		III
		115th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. RES. 456
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			April 10, 2018
			Mr. McConnell submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		To constitute the majority party's
		  membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, or
		  until their successors are chosen.

 That the following shall constitute the majority party's membership on the following committees for the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen:
			Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and
 Forestry:Mr. Roberts, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Boozman, Mr. Hoeven, Mrs. Ernst, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Thune, Mr. Daines, Mr. Perdue, Mrs. Fischer, Mrs. Hyde-Smith.
			Committee on
 Appropriations:Mr. Shelby (Chairman), Mr. McConnell, Mr. Alexander, Ms. Collins, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Graham, Mr. Blunt, Mr. Moran, Mr. Hoeven, Mr. Boozman, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Lankford, Mr. Daines, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Rubio, Mrs. Hyde-Smith.
			Committee on Rules and
 Administration:Mr. Blunt (Chairman), Mr. McConnell, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Shelby, Mr. Cruz, Mrs. Capito, Mr. Wicker, Mrs. Fischer, Mrs. Hyde-Smith.


		I
		111th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 6276
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 29, 2010
			Ms. Shea-Porter (for
			 herself and Ms. Bordallo) introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Natural
			 Resources, and in addition to the Committee on
			 Agriculture, 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 authorize the Secretary of the Interior to identify
		  and declare wildlife disease emergencies and to coordinate rapid response to
		  these emergencies, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Wildlife Disease Emergency Act of
			 2010.
		2.PurposesThe purposes of this Act are to—
			(1)authorize the
			 Secretary of the Interior to identify and declare wildlife disease
			 emergencies;
			(2)establish a fund
			 through which the Secretary may coordinate rapid response to these emergencies;
			 and
			(3)prepare for,
			 identify, and address diseases adversely affecting wildlife populations and
			 biodiversity through strategic and coordinated actions between the Federal
			 agencies and State and local agencies, Indian tribes, and nongovernmental
			 organizations.
			3.Declaration of
			 wildlife disease emergency
			(a)In
			 generalThe Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the
			 Governor of a potentially affected State or States, may declare within such
			 State or States a wildlife disease emergency for disease that is—
				(1)occurring within
			 the United States; or
				(2)occurring outside the United States with
			 the potential to enter the United States.
				(b)ConsiderationsIn
			 making a declaration under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider—
				(1)the level of
			 threat the disease poses to affected wildlife populations, based on the—
					(A)relative threat to
			 population levels;
					(B)relative strength
			 of the contagion and spread of the disease;
					(C)observed rate of
			 morbidity or mortality of the disease; and
					(D)priority of
			 affected species or ecosystems, including—
						(i)species listed
			 under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
						(ii)species protected by the Migratory Bird
			 Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16
			 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), or other Federal statutes;
						(iii)species and
			 habitats identified as priorities through the National Fish and Wildlife
			 Climate Adaptation Plan or other Federal, State or local laws, regulations, and
			 conservation plans; and
						(iv)wildlife located
			 on Federal lands;
						(2)the sufficiency of
			 resources available in the Wildlife Disease Emergency Fund established under
			 section 4;
				(3)the ability of the
			 Department of the Interior and other Federal, State, and local agencies, tribal
			 governments, and other stakeholders to address and coordinate response to the
			 disease through other authorities; and
				(4)the request of any
			 State Governor to make such a declaration.
				(c)Response
			 coordination
				(1)In
			 generalUpon a declaration of a wildlife disease emergency by the
			 Secretary, the Secretary shall lead a coordinated response to the emergency
			 that shall include appropriate Federal agencies, State and local governments,
			 Indian tribes, nongovernmental organizations, or other stakeholders.
				(2)Grant
			 programThe Secretary shall develop and implement a grant program
			 to provide funding to State wildlife agencies and Indian tribes to address
			 wildlife disease emergencies.
				4.Wildlife Disease
			 Emergency Fund
			(a)EstablishmentThere
			 is established in the Treasury of the United States a separate account, which
			 shall be known as the Wildlife Disease Emergency Fund and shall
			 consist of—
				(1)such amounts as
			 are appropriated to the Secretary for activities to address wildlife disease
			 emergencies authorized by this Act; and
				(2)any amounts
			 received by the Secretary as donations, gifts, or contributions identified for
			 use to address wildlife disease emergencies.
				(b)Expenditures
			 from fundSubject to the availability of appropriations, amounts
			 in the fund shall be available to the Secretary for use in carrying out
			 activities authorized by this Act.
			5.Wildlife Disease
			 Committee
			(a)EstablishmentThe
			 Secretary may establish a Wildlife Disease Committee. The purpose of the
			 Committee shall be to assist the Secretary in increasing the level of
			 preparedness of the United States to address emerging wildlife diseases.
			(b)PurposeThe
			 Committee shall—
				(1)advise the
			 Secretary on risk assessment, preparation, monitoring, research, and response
			 to wildlife diseases that may significantly impact the health and
			 sustainability of wildlife populations; and
				(2)draft reports,
			 recommendations, plans, or other documents toward accomplishment of these
			 purposes as appropriate.
				(c)MembershipMembers
			 of the Committee—
				(1)shall be appointed
			 by the Secretary from among individuals who are qualified by education,
			 training, and experience; and
				(2)shall
			 include—
					(A)individuals
			 employed by Federal and State agencies and tribal entities who have expertise
			 in wildlife health, biology, ecology, wildlife conservation, and natural
			 resource management; and
					(B)representatives of
			 public and private organizations who have such expertise.
					(d)Committee
			 chairThe Committee shall be chaired by the Secretary or a
			 designee of the Secretary.
			(e)Staffing and
			 assistanceThe Secretary shall make available to the Committee
			 any staff, information, administrative services, or assistance the Secretary
			 determines is reasonably required to enable the Committee to carry out its
			 functions.
			(f)RenewalNotwithstanding
			 the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 5 et al.), the Secretary may renew
			 the Committee beyond the date it would otherwise terminate under that
			 Act.
			6.Rapid response
			 teamsThe Secretary, in
			 consultation with the Committee as appropriate, may convene rapid response
			 teams to address any particular wildlife disease emergency.
		7.Savings
			 clauseNothing in this Act
			 shall be construed to—
			(1)limit the
			 Secretary’s authority to respond to wildlife disease events that are not
			 declared wildlife disease emergencies under this Act; or
			(2)limit, repeal,
			 supersede, or modify any provision of Federal, State, local, or tribal laws and
			 regulations.
			8.DefinitionsIn this Act:
			(1)DiseaseThe
			 term disease means an infectious or noninfectious, pathological
			 condition occurring in a susceptible population of wildlife, and that is not
			 zoonotic.
			(2)FundThe
			 term fund means the Wildlife Disease Emergency Fund as
			 established by section 4.
			(3)Indian
			 tribeThe term Indian tribe has the meaning given
			 that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education
			 Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
			(4)SecretaryThe
			 term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.
			(5)StateThe
			 term State means any State, the District of Columbia, American
			 Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and
			 the United States Virgin Islands.
			(6)United
			 StatesThe term United States includes the States
			 and the territories and possessions of the United States.
			(7)WildlifeThe
			 term wildlife means any species native to the United States
			 including nondomesticated mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, mollusks,
			 and arthropods.
			(8)Wildlife disease
			 emergencyThe term wildlife disease emergency
			 means a disease that is—
				(A)infectious and
			 caused by a newly discovered pathogen or a known infectious disease that is
			 expanding its geographic range, species impacted, or other recognized
			 impacts;
				(B)posing significant
			 threats to the sustainability of a wildlife species;
				(C)spreading rapidly;
			 or
				(D)posing a
			 significant threat to the health of a functioning ecosystem in a priority
			 landscape identified as part of the National Fish and Wildlife Climate Change
			 Adaptation Plan or another Federal, State, local, or tribal law, regulation, or
			 conservation plan.


117 S1789 IS: Warren Cowles Grade Crossing Safety Act
U.S. Senate
2021-05-24
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II117th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1789IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 24, 2021Mr. Markey introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and TransportationA BILLTo authorize appropriations for highway-rail grade crossing improvement projects.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Warren Cowles Grade Crossing Safety Act.2.Authorization of appropriations for highway-rail grade crossing improvement projectsSection 22907 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—(1)in subsection (c)(5), by inserting , including such a project for commuter rail and operators in high-ridership corridors before the period at the end; and(2)by adding at the end the following:(m)Authorization of appropriations(1)In generalNotwithstanding section 22905(f), there are authorized to be appropriated for eligible projects described in subsection (c)(5) for commuter rail and operators in high-ridership corridors—(A)for fiscal year 2022, $250,000,000; and (B)for fiscal year 2023, and each fiscal year thereafter, the amount described in paragraph (2).(2)Amount describedThe amount described in this paragraph for a fiscal year is $250,000,000, adjusted to reflect the percentage (if any) of the increase in the average of the Consumer Price Index for the preceding 12-month period compared to the Consumer Price Index for fiscal year 2020.(3)Consumer price index definedIn this subsection, the term Consumer Price Index means the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor..


114 S2093 RS: To provide that the Secretary of Transportation shall have sole authority to appoint Federal Directors to the Board of Directors of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
U.S. Senate
2015-09-29
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.

IICalendar No. 304114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 2093[Report No. 114–170]IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESSeptember 29, 2015Ms. Mikulski (for herself, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Kaine, and Mr. Warner) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental AffairsNovember 30, 2015Reported by Mr. Johnson, without amendmentA BILLTo provide that the Secretary of Transportation shall have sole authority to appoint Federal
			 Directors to the Board of Directors of the Washington Metropolitan Area
			 Transit Authority.

		1.Appointment of directors of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
 (a)DefinitionsIn this section— (1)the term Compact means the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Compact (Public Law 89–774; 80 Stat. 1324);
 (2)the term Federal Director means— (A)a voting member of the Board of Directors of the Transit Authority who represents the Federal Government; and
 (B)a nonvoting member of the Board of Directors of the Transit Authority who serves as an alternate for a member described in subparagraph (A); and
 (3)the term Transit Authority means the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority established under Article III of the Compact.
				(b)Appointment by Secretary of Transportation
 (1)In generalFor any appointment made on or after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall have sole authority to appoint Federal Directors to the Board of Directors of the Transit Authority.
 (2)Amendment to CompactThe signatory parties to the Compact shall amend the Compact as necessary in accordance with paragraph (1).November 30, 2015Reported without amendment