114 HR 7605 IH: Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-07-13
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7605IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 13, 2020Mr. Vela (for himself and Mr. Mitchell) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo amend the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 to apply to members of the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act.2.Restoration of amounts improperly withheld for tax purposes from severance payments to veterans of the Coast Guard with combat-related injuries(a)Application to members of the Coast Guard when the Coast Guard is not operating as a service in the Department of the NavyThe Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–292; 10 U.S.C. 1212 note) is amended—(1)in section 3(a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting (or the Secretary of Homeland Security, with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy) after the Secretary of Defense; and(2)in section 4—(A)in the heading, by inserting and Secretary of Homeland Security after Secretary of Defense;(B)by inserting or the Secretary of Homeland Security after The Secretary of Defense; and(C)by striking made by the Secretary and inserting made by that Secretary.(b)DeadlinesThe Secretary of Homeland Security shall carry out the amendments made by subsection (a)—(1)in paragraph (1), not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act; and(2)in paragraph (2), on and after the date of the enactment of this Act.


		II

		109th CONGRESS

		1st Session

		S. 1851

		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			October 6, 2005

			Mr. Salazar introduced

			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the

			 Committee on Commerce, Science, and

			 Transportation

		A BILL

		To amend section 30123 of title 49, United States Code,

		  to require replacement tires for passenger vehicles to meet the standards

		  required for tires on new vehicles.

		1.Fuel economy

			 standards

			(a)In

			 generalSection 30123 of title 49, United States Code, is amended

			 by adding at the end the following:

					(d)Fuel

				economy(1)Replacement tires for

				passenger motor vehicles (as defined in section 32101 of this title) shall meet

				the standards required for tires on new vehicles under part 571 of title 49,

				Code of Federal Regulations, including standards affecting fuel economy.

						(2)Nothing in this section shall apply

				to—

							(A)a tire, or a group of tires with the

				same SKU number, plant, and year, for which the volume of tires produced or

				imported annually is fewer than 15,000;

							(B)a deep tread, winter-type, snow tire,

				space saver tire, or temporary use spare tire;

							(C)a tire with a normal rim measuring not

				more than 12 inches in diameter;

							(D)a motorcycle tire; or

							(E)a tire manufactured specifically for

				use in an off-road motorized recreational

				vehicle.

							.

			(b)RulemakingNot

			 later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of

			 Transportation shall issue a final rule regarding policies and procedures for

			 testing and labeling tires for fuel economy that—

				(1)secures the

			 maximum technically feasible and cost-effective fuel savings;

				(2)does not

			 adversely affect tire safety;

				(3)does not

			 adversely affect average tire life; and

				(4)establishes

			 minimum fuel economy standards for tires.

				(c)Effective

			 dateThe amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on

			 the expiration of the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this

			 Act.


110 HR 3421 IH: To amend the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit universal

U.S. House of Representatives
2007-08-03
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 3421
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			August 3, 2007
			Mrs. Lowey introduced
			 the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Financial
			 Services

		A BILL
		To amend the Truth in Lending Act to prohibit universal
		  defaults on credit card accounts and to require minimum payment disclosures for
		  accounts under an open end consumer credit plan, and for other
		  purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Credit
			 Protection Act of 2007 .
		2.Prohibit
			 universal defaults on credit card accountsSection 127 of the Truth in Lending Act (15
			 U.S.C. 1637) is amended by adding at the end the following new
			 subsection:

				(i)Universal
				defaults prohibitedNo creditor may use any adverse information
				concerning any consumer, including any information in any consumer report (as
				defined in section 603) or any change in the credit score of the consumer, as
				the basis for increasing any annual percentage rate of interest or introductory
				annual percentage rate of interest applicable to a credit card account of the
				consumer under an open end consumer credit plan for reasons other than actions
				or omissions of the consumer that are directly related to such
				account.
				.
		3.Minimum payment
			 disclosures
			(a)In
			 generalSection 127(b) of the
			 Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1637(b)) is amended by adding at the end the
			 following new paragraph:

					(13)Minimum payment
				disclosuresAny other repayment information the Board determines
				to be appropriate, including the following:
						(A)The required minimum monthly payment on the
				outstanding balance in the account at the end of the period, represented as
				both a dollar amount and as a percentage of the outstanding balance.
						(B)The number of months that it would take to
				pay the entire amount of the current outstanding balance at the current
				applicable annual percentage rate if only the required minimum monthly payment
				is paid and no further charges are made.
						(C)The total cost to
				the consumer to pay the remaining balance at the current applicable annual
				percentage rate if only the required minimum monthly payment is paid and no
				further charges are
				made.
						.
			(b)Format for
			 disclosuresSection 122 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C.
			 1632) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(d)Tabular format
				required for certain disclosures under section
				127(b)(13)The information
				required to be included in a periodic statement under section 127(b)(13)
				shall—
						(1)be disclosed in a
				tabular format in the form and manner which the Board shall prescribe by
				regulations;
						(2)appear in at least
				10-point type; and
						(3)be placed in a
				conspicuous and prominent location on the first page of the
				statement.
						.


109 HR 3157 IH: Currency Manipulation Prevention Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2005-06-30
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. 3157
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 30, 2005
Mr. Dingell introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

A BILL
To require certain actions to be taken against countries that manipulate their currencies, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Currency Manipulation Prevention Act.
2.FindingsThe Congress finds as follows:
(1)Products produced in a foreign country can be produced or assembled with lower input costs through the intervention by the government of that country in international currency markets, in order to maintain its own currency at artificially low valuations.
(2)This practice, in effect, subsidizes the exports of such a country while erecting a cost barrier to goods imported into that country.
(3)The United States has the authority under current law to redress practices by other countries that decrease market opportunities for United States exports or otherwise distort trade, including currency manipulation.
(4)Misalignments in currency caused by government policies intended to maintain an unfair trade advantage nullify and impair trade concessions.
(5)A country is considered to be manipulating its currency to obtain an unfair trade advantage if—
(A)its currency manipulation has a subsidy-like effect;
(B)its currency manipulation constitutes a nullification and impairment of the benefits of the GATT 1994; or
(C)its currency manipulation results in a contravention of the intention of the GATT 1994.
(6)The International Monetary Fund also prohibits the use of currency manipulation as a method of gaining unfair trade advantage. The International Monetary Fund defines such manipulation as large-scale and protracted intervention in one direction to gain an unfair trade advantage.
(7)Article XV of the GATT 1994 and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures both suggest that currency manipulation in order to gain an unfair trading advantage would violate the intent of those agreements.
(8)Sections 301 through 309 of the Trade Act of 1974 provide the authority under United States law to take retaliatory action, including import restrictions, to enforce the rights of the United States against any unjustifiable, unreasonable, or discriminatory practice or policy of a country that burdens or restricts United States commerce.
(9)Section 3004 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (22 U.S.C. 5304) requires the Secretary of the Treasury to undertake multilateral or bilateral negotiations if it is found that a country is manipulating its currency, and Article IV of the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund prohibits currency manipulation.
3.Trade negotiating objectiveSection 2102(b) of the Trade Act of 2002 (19 U.S.C. 3802(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(18)Exchange rate policyThe principal negotiating objective of the United States with respect to currency exchange rates is to ensure that governmental intervention in currency markets to stabilize short-term disruptive market conditions is of limited duration and is carried out in consultation with countries with major trading partners..
4.Report on currency manipulationThe Secretary of Commerce shall, not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not later than the end of each 6-month period thereafter, submit to the Congress, the President, the United States Trade Representative, and the Secretary of the Treasury, a report—
(1)describing actions by foreign governments to manipulate the currencies of their countries in order to increase exports from those countries to the United States or to limit imports of United States products into those countries, and describing the extent of such currency manipulation;
(2)analyzing whether, and to what extent—
(A)currency manipulation described under paragraph (1) affects the manufacturing sector in the United States; and
(B)reduction of the manipulation and of the accumulation of United States dollars by foreign governments might affect United States monetary policy; and
(3)setting forth all remedies against such currency manipulation that are available under applicable trade agreements and international institutions such as the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund.
5.Proceedings
(a)Action by the PresidentIn any case in which the Secretary of Commerce, in a report under section 3, identities a government of a foreign country that is manipulating the currency of that country, the President, within 45 days after the report is issued, shall initiate negotiations with that country for the purpose of ending the currency manipulation. If the President, within 90 days after the report under section 3 is issued, is unable to reach an agreement with that country to end the currency manipulation, the President shall take the necessary steps to initiate proceedings under the applicable trade agreements or under the auspices of the World Trade Organization or other applicable international institutions, and under applicable United States law, including section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, against that country on account of that currency manipulation.
(b)Compensation
(1)In generalIn the course of, or in addition to, action taken under subsection (a) with respect to a country, the President shall seek compensation from that country equivalent to the damages incurred by United States manufacturers and other adversely affected parties in the United States on account of the currency manipulation of that country. The President is not required to seek such compensation if he determines that to do so would not be in the national interests of the United States.
(2)Report if compensation not soughtIn any case in which the President does not seek compensation under paragraph (1), the President shall transmit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, a detailed explanation of the President’s determination of national interest.
6.DefinitionsIn this Act——
(1)Currency manipulationThe term currency manipulation means—
(A)manipulation of exchange rates by a country in order to gain an unfair competitive advantage as stated in Article IV of the Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund;
(B)sustained currency intervention by a country in one direction, through mandatory foreign exchange sales at a country’s central bank at a fixed exchange rate;
(C)protracted, large scale intervention in global currency markets in one direction, by buying or selling United States dollars, to weaken or strengthen a currency; or
(D)other mechanisms used by a country to maintain its currency at at fixed exchange rate relative to the currency of another country.
(2)GATT 1994The term GATT 1994 has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3501).
(3)Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing MeasuresThe term Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures means the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures referred to in section 101(d)(12) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3511(12)).


115 HR 6329 IH: Family Business Legacy Act of 2018
U.S. House of Representatives
2018-07-10
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6329IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJuly 10, 2018Mrs. Noem (for herself and Mr. Smith of Missouri) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and MeansA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from the value of taxable estates bequests to
			 certain exempt organizations.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Family Business Legacy Act of 2018. 2.Exclusion of bequests to certain exempt organizations from value of taxable estate (a)In generalPart IV of subchapter A of chapter 11 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

					2059.Bequests to certain exempt organizations
 (a)In generalFor purposes of the tax imposed by section 2001, the value of the taxable estate shall be determined by deducting from the value of the gross estate the amount of all bequests, devises, or transfers to or for the use of any organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) and described in paragraph (4), (5), or (6) of section 501(c).
 (b)Powers of appointmentProperty includible in the decedent's gross estate under section 2041 (relating to powers of appointment) received by a donee described in this section shall, for purposes of this section, be considered a bequest of such decedent.
 (c)Death taxes payable out of bequestsIf the tax imposed by section 2001, or any estate, succession, legacy, or inheritance taxes, are, either by the terms of the will, by the law of the jurisdiction under which the estate is administered, or by the law of the jurisdiction imposing the particular tax, payable in whole or in part out of the bequests, legacies, or devises otherwise deductible under this section, then the amount deductible under this section shall be the amount of such bequests, legacies, or devises reduced by the amount of such taxes.
 (d)Limitation on deductionThe amount of the deduction under this section for any transfer shall not exceed the value of the transferred property required to be included in the gross estate.
 (e)Disallowance of deductions in certain casesWhere an interest in property (other than an interest described in section 170(f)(3)(B)) passes or has passed from the decedent to a person, or for a use, described in subsection (a), and an interest (other than an interest which is extinguished upon the decedent's death) in the same property passes or has passed (for less than an adequate and full consideration in money or money's worth) from the decedent to a person, or for a use, not described in subsection (a), no deduction shall be allowed under this section for the interest which passes or has passed to the person, or for the use, described in subsection (a) unless such interest, whether in the form of a remainder interest, lead interest, or any other interest, is in the form of qualified interest (within the meaning of section 2702(b)) and valued under the rules of section 7520..
 (b)Conforming amendmentThe table of sections for part IV of subchapter A of chapter 11 is amended by inserting at the end the following new item:

						Sec. 2059. Bequests to certain exempt organizations..
 (c)Effective dateThe amendments made by the section shall apply to estates of decedents dying or bequests, devises, or transfers made after December 31, 2018.


109 HRES 767 : Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.
U.S. House of Representatives
2006-04-05
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.

IV
House Calendar No. 161
109th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 767
[Report No. 109–406]
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 5, 2006
Mr. Putnam, from the Committee on Rules, reported the following resolution; which was referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed

RESOLUTION
Waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.

That the requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII for a two-thirds vote to consider a report from the Committee on Rules on the same day it is presented to the House is waived with respect to any resolution reported on the legislative day of April 6, 2006, providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 376) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2007 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2008 through 2011.

April 5, 2006
Referred to the House Calendar and ordered to be printed


117 HR 4027 IH: Efficient Grid Interconnection Act of 2021
U.S. House of Representatives
2021-06-22
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I117th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 4027IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 22, 2021Ms. Castor of Florida (for herself, Mr. Peters, Mr. Casten, Mr. Huffman, Ms. Brownley, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Escobar, and Ms. Bonamici) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and CommerceA BILLTo facilitate the generation and delivery of power from affordable and reliable renewable generation projects and energy storage projects.1.Short title; definitions(a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Efficient Grid Interconnection Act of 2021.(b)DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)CommissionThe term Commission means the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.(2)Energy storage projectThe term energy storage project means equipment which receives, stores, and delivers energy using batteries, compressed air, pumped hydropower, hydrogen storage (including hydrolysis), thermal energy storage, regenerative fuel cells, flywheels, capacitors, superconducting magnets, or other technologies identified by the Secretary of Energy, and which has a capacity of not less than 5 kilowatt hours. (3)Generation projectThe term generation project means any facility—(A)that generates electricity; and(B)the interconnection request of which is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.(4)Generator tie lineThe term generator tie line means a dedicated transmission line that is used to transmit power from a generation project or an energy storage project to a transmission facility or a transmission system.(5)Grid enhancing technologyThe term grid enhancing technology means any technology or equipment that increases the capacity, efficiency, or reliability of a transmission facility or transmission system, including—(A)power flow control and transmission switching equipment;(B)energy storage technology;(C)topology optimization technology;(D)dynamic line rating technology; and(E)other advanced transmission technologies, such as composite reinforced aluminum conductors or high temperature superconductors.(6)Interconnection customerThe term interconnection customer means a person or entity that has submitted a request to interconnect a generation project or an energy storage project that is subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission to the owner or operator of a transmission facility or a transmission system.(7)Network upgradeThe term network upgrade means—(A)any modification of, addition to, or expansion of any transmission facility or transmission system;(B)the construction of a new facility that will become part of a transmission system;(C)the addition of an energy storage project to a transmission facility or a transmission system; and(D)any construction, deployment, or addition of grid enhancing technology to a transmission facility or a transmission system that eliminates or reduces the need to carry out any of the activities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C).(8)Participant fundingThe term participant funding means any cost allocation method under which an interconnection customer is required to pay, without reimbursement, all or a disproportionate amount of the costs of a network upgrade that is determined to be necessary to ensure the reliable interconnection of the interconnection customer’s generation project or energy storage project.(9)Public utilityThe term public utility has the meaning given such term in section 201(e) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824(e)).(10)Renewable generation projectThe term renewable generation project means a generation project that generates electricity from a renewable energy resource, including wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower.(11)Regional Transmission Organization; Independent System OperatorThe terms Regional Transmission Organization and Independent System Operator have the meanings given such terms in section 3 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 796).(12)Transmission systemThe term transmission system means a network of transmission facilities used for the transmission of electric energy in interstate commerce. 2.Sense of CongressIt is the sense of Congress that—(1)in much of the United States renewable generation projects and energy storage projects face unfair and inefficient barriers to Commission-jurisdictional interconnection with the electric grid;(2)legislation is needed to accelerate the timely and efficient interconnection of renewable generation projects and energy storage projects, and to ensure that individual interconnection customers are not forced to bear disproportionate amounts of shared network upgrade costs;(3)network upgrades required to be constructed to interconnect renewable generation projects and energy storage projects benefit all transmission system customers as well as parties that receive power delivered over such transmission systems;(4)the practice of exclusive or disproportionate participant funding, whereby the costs of network upgrades are assigned solely or disproportionately to individual interconnection customers, is unduly discriminatory, harmful to consumers, and not in the public interest;(5)in certain cases, the deployment of grid enhancing technologies can substitute for, and thereby reduce the need for, time required, or cost to construct, a traditional transmission upgrade or addition, such as modifying or adding a conductor or substation element, that otherwise would be required to interconnect a new generation project or energy storage project;(6)by reducing the need for, and the time necessary to construct, a traditional transmission upgrade or addition, such as modifying or adding a conductor or substation element, the deployment of grid enhancing technologies would facilitate timely, efficient, and cost-effective interconnections, and the renewable generation projects and energy storage projects dependent on those interconnections, and the delivery of clean and reliable electricity produced by those projects; and(7)collectively, the development and construction of renewable generation projects, energy storage projects, and grid enhancing technologies should create tens of thousands of family-sustaining jobs, facilitate rural economic development, enhance Federal and State tax revenues, and further the timely and cost-effective delivery of clean, affordable, and reliable electricity.3.Equitable cost allocation(a)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall issue a new regulation, or revise existing regulations, to prohibit the use of exclusive or disproportionate participant funding.(b)Allocation of costs(1)In generalIn prohibiting the use of exclusive or disproportionate participant funding under subsection (a), the Commission shall, except as provided in paragraph (4), require that each public utility—(A)may not allocate the costs of a network upgrade solely to the requesting interconnection customer; and(B)shall reasonably allocate such costs to parties that—(i)use the transmission facility or the transmission system;(ii)take electricity from the transmission facility or the transmission system; or(iii)otherwise benefit from a network upgrade of the transmission facility or the transmission system.(2)Interconnection to multiple transmission systemsWith respect to a network upgrade that is associated with a generation project or an energy storage project that has a significant impact on two or more transmission systems, the costs for such a network upgrade shall be allocated pursuant to a methodology designed jointly by the impacted transmission systems to ensure that all such costs are equitably shared by the parties that benefit from such network upgrade.(3)Determination of benefitting partiesIn determining which parties benefit for purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(iii) and paragraph (2), the Commission shall consider all material benefits of the network upgrade, including—(A)those that cannot be directly quantified, including resilience benefits; and(B)environmental benefits, including reduced and avoided emissions of greenhouse gases and conventional air pollutants.(4)Generator tie linesA public utility may require an interconnection customer to pay for the costs of construction of any generator tie lines that will be used to transmit power from the interconnection customer’s generation project or energy storage project, as applicable, to the transmission facility or the transmission system.(5)Voluntary payment(A)In generalAn interconnection customer may pay upfront some or all of the costs of a network upgrade at the transmission facility or transmission system to which they plan to interconnect their generation project or energy storage project in accordance with subparagraph (B).(B)RepaymentAny interconnection customer that pays costs under subparagraph (A) shall be refunded such costs allocable to other parties pursuant to the Commission’s regulations issued or revised under this section, over a period that is not longer than 10 years beginning on the date on which the interconnection customer’s interconnection is complete.(6)Updating proceduresNot later than the date that is 3 months after the date on which the Commission issues or revises regulations as required under subsection (a), each public utility shall make a filing pursuant to section 205 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824d) to amend their interconnection procedures to comply with such regulations.4.Deployment of grid enhancing technologiesNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall issue a new regulation, or revise existing regulations, to require the following:(1)Consultation(A)In generalWith respect to processing a request to interconnect a generation project or an energy storage project, the Regional Transmission Organization, Independent System Operator, or transmission planning coordinator, as applicable, shall—(i)consult with the relevant owner of the transmission facility or transmission system, and the interconnection customer, regarding deploying grid enhancing technology in addition to, or as a substitute to, carrying out a traditional transmission upgrade or addition, such as modifying or adding a conductor or substation element; and(ii)study the efficacy of deploying grid enhancing technology for the purposes described in clause (i).(B) Unconnected transmission facilitiesWith respect to a request to interconnect a generation project or an energy storage project to a transmission facility that is not connected to a transmission system, the owner or operator of such a facility shall—(i)consult with the interconnection customer regarding deploying grid enhancing technology in addition to, or as a substitute to, carrying out a traditional transmission upgrade or addition, such as modifying or adding a conductor or substation element; and(ii)study the efficacy of deploying grid enhancing technology for the purposes described in clause (i).(2)Deployment(A)In generalAn interconnection customer that is consulted with under paragraph (1) may request that grid enhancing technology that was the subject of such consultation be deployed.(B)DeterminationThe owner of the transmission facility or transmission system to which such technology would be deployed shall determine whether to deploy such technology, subject to an appeal under subparagraph (C).(C)Appeal(i)In generalAn interconnection customer that requests deployment of grid enhancing technology under subparagraph (A) may submit to the Commission a request for a hearing to appeal the decision under subparagraph (B) to not deploy grid enhancing technology.(ii)Effect of appealAfter a hearing under clause (i), the Commission may order the owner of the transmission facility or transmission system to deploy the grid enhancing technology requested under subparagraph (A). (3)Updating proceduresNot later than the date that is 3 months after the date on which the Commission issues or revises regulations as required under this section, each public utility shall make a filing pursuant to section 205 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824d) to amend their interconnection procedures to comply with such regulations.


 S943 ENR: Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act
U.S. Senate

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.

One Hundred Fifteenth Congress of the United States of America2d SessionBegun and held at the City of Washington on Wednesday, the third day of January, two thousand and
			 eighteenS. 943IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATESAN ACTTo direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct an accurate comprehensive student count
			 for the purposes of calculating formula allocations for programs under the
 Johnson-O'Malley Act, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act.2.Indian education program student count updateThe Act of April 16, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 5342 et seq.) (commonly referred to as the Johnson-O’Malley Act) is amended by adding at the end the following:7.Computation of student count(a)DefinitionsFor the purposes of this Act, the following definitions apply:(1)Contracting partyThe term contracting party means an entity that has a contract through a program authorized under this Act.(2)Eligible entityThe term eligible entity means an entity that is eligible to apply for a contract for a supplemental or operational support program under this Act, as outlined in section 1.(3)Existing contracting partyThe term existing contracting party means a contracting party that has a contract under this Act that is in effect on the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act.(4)JOM Modernization ActThe term JOM Modernization Act means the Johnson-O’Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act.(5)New contracting partyThe term new contracting party means an entity that enters into a contract under this Act after the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act.(6)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.(b)Determination of the number of eligible Indian students(1)Initial determinations(A)In generalThe Secretary shall make an initial determination of the number of eligible Indian students served or potentially served by each eligible entity in accordance with subparagraph (B).(B)Process for making the initial determination(i)Preliminary reportNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act, the Secretary shall publish a preliminary report describing the number of eligible Indian students served or potentially served by each eligible entity, using the most applicable and accurate data (as determined by the Secretary in consultation with eligible entities) from the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the initial determination is to be made from—(I)the Bureau of the Census;(II)the National Center for Education Statistics; or(III)the Office of Indian Education of the Department of Education.(ii)Data reconciliationTo improve the accuracy of the preliminary report described in clause (i) prior to publishing, the Secretary shall reconcile the data described in the preliminary report with—(I)each existing contracting party's data regarding the number of eligible Indian students served by the existing contracting party for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the initial determination is made; and(II)identifiable tribal enrollment information.(iii)Comment periodAfter publishing the preliminary report under clause (i) in accordance with clause (ii), the Secretary shall establish a 60-day comment period to gain feedback about the preliminary report from eligible entities, which the Secretary shall take into consideration in preparing the final report described in clause (iv).(iv)Final reportNot later than 120 days after concluding the consultation described in clause (iii), the Secretary shall publish a final report on the initial determination of the number of eligible Indian students served or potentially served by each eligible entity, including justification for not including any feedback gained during such consultation, if applicable.(2)Subsequent academic yearsFor each academic year following the fiscal year for which an initial determination is made under paragraph (1) to determine the number of eligible Indian students served or potentially served by a contracting party, the Secretary shall determine the number of eligible Indian students served by the contracting party based on the reported eligible Indian student count numbers identified through the reporting process described in subsection (c).(c)Contracting party student count reporting compliance(1)In generalFor each academic year following the fiscal year for which an initial determination is made under subsection (b) to determine the number of eligible Indian students served or potentially served by a contracting party, the contracting party shall submit to the Secretary a report describing the number of eligible Indian students who were served using amounts allocated to such party under this Act during the previous fiscal year. The report shall also include an accounting of the amounts and purposes for which the contract funds were expended.(2)Failure to complyA contracting party that fails to submit a report under paragraph (1) shall receive no amounts under this Act for the fiscal year following the academic year for which the report should have been submitted.(3)NoticeThe Secretary shall provide contracting parties with timely information relating to—(A)initial and final reporting deadlines; and(B)the consequences of failure to comply outlined in paragraph (2).(4)Technical assistanceThe Secretary, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, shall provide technical assistance and training on compliance with the reporting requirements of this subsection to contracting parties.(d)Annual report(1)In generalThe Secretary shall prepare an annual report, including the most recent determination of the number of eligible Indian students served by each contracting party, recommendations on appropriate funding levels for the program based on such determination, and an assessment of the contracts under this Act that the Secretary—(A)may include in the budget request of the Department of the Interior for each fiscal year;(B)shall submit to—(i)the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate;(ii)the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;(iii)the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives; and(iv)the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and(C)shall make publicly available.(2)Manner of preparationThe Secretary shall prepare the report under paragraph (1) in a manner so as to prevent or minimize new administrative burdens on contracting parties receiving funds under this Act.(e)Hold harmless(1)Initial hold harmless(A)In generalExcept as provided under subparagraph (B) and subject to subparagraphs (C) and (D), for a fiscal year, an existing contracting party shall not receive an amount under this Act that is less than the amount that such existing contracting party received under this Act for the fiscal year preceding the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act.(B)Exceptions(i)In generalAn existing contracting party shall receive an amount under this Act for a fiscal year that is less than the amount that the existing contracting party received under this Act for the fiscal year preceding the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act, if one or more of the following conditions is met:(I)Failure to reportThe existing contracting party failed to submit a complete report described in subsection (c) that was most recently due from the date of the determination.(II)Violations of contract or lawThe Secretary has found that the existing contracting party has violated the terms of a contract entered into under this Act or has otherwise violated Federal law.(III)Student count decreaseThe number of eligible Indian students reported by such existing contracting party under subsection (c) has decreased below the number of eligible Indian students served by the existing contracting party in the fiscal year preceding the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act.(ii)Amount of funding reduction for existing contracting parties reporting decreased student countsA reduction in an amount pursuant to clause (i)(III) shall not be done in such a manner that the existing contracting party receives an amount of funding per eligible Indian student that is less than the amount of funding per eligible Indian student such party received for the fiscal year preceding the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act.(C)Ratable reductions in appropriationsIf the funds available under this Act for a fiscal year are insufficient to pay the full amounts that all existing contracting parties are eligible to receive under subparagraph (A) for the fiscal year, the Secretary shall ratably reduce those amounts for the fiscal year.(D)SunsetThis paragraph shall cease to be effective 4 years after the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act.(2)Maximum decrease after 4 yearsBeginning 4 years after the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act, no contracting party shall receive for a fiscal year more than a 10 percent decrease in funding per eligible Indian student from the previous fiscal year.(f)Funding allocation and reform(1)Funding reformThe Secretary may make recommendations for legislation to increase the amount of funds available per eligible Indian student through contracts under this Act to equal to or greater than the amount of funds that were available per eligible Indian student through contracts under this Act for fiscal year 1995, and attempt to identify additional sources of funding that do not reallocate existing funds otherwise utilized by Indian students served—(A)by the Bureau of Indian Education; or(B)under title VI of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).(2)Increases in program funding(A)In generalSubject to subsection (e) and subparagraph (B), for any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated to carry out this Act exceeds the amount appropriated to carry out this Act for the preceding fiscal year, the excess amounts shall—(i)be allocated only to those contracting parties that did not receive their full per student funding allocation for the previous fiscal year; and(ii)be allocated first to new contracting parties that did not receive their full per student funding allocation for the previous fiscal year.(B)Parity in fundingSubparagraph (A) shall have no effect after the first fiscal year for which each contracting party receives their full per student funding allocation.(g)Increased geographical and tribal participation in the Johnson-O’Malley Supplementary Education
 ProgramTo the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall consult with Indian tribes and contact State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and Alaska Native organizations that have not previously entered into a contract under this Act—(1)to determine the interest of the Indian tribes, State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and Alaska Native organizations, in entering into such contracts; and(2)to share information relating to the process for entering into a contract under this Act.(h)Rulemaking(1)In generalNot later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act, the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, shall undertake and complete a rulemaking process, following the provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, to—(A)determine how the regulatory definition of eligible Indian student may be revised to clarify eligibility requirements for contracting parties under this Act;(B)determine, as necessary, how the funding formula described in section 273.31 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act) may be clarified and revised to ensure full participation of contracting parties and provide clarity on the funding process under this Act; and(C)otherwise reconcile and modernize the rules to comport with the activities of the contracting parties under this Act as of the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act.(2)ReportNot later than 30 days after the date the rulemaking under paragraph (1) is complete, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress describing the results of such rulemaking and necessary recommendations to ensure the full implementation of such rulemaking.(i)Student privacyThe Secretary shall ensure that data is collected and each report is prepared under this section in a manner that protects the rights of eligible Indian students in accordance with section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (commonly referred to as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974) (20 U.S.C. 1232g).(j)GAO reportNot later than 18 months after the final report described in subsection (b)(1)(B)(iv) is published, the Comptroller General shall—(1)conduct a review of the implementation of this section during the preceding 2-year period, including any factors impacting—(A)the accuracy of the determinations of the number of eligible Indian students under this section;(B)the communication between the Bureau of Indian Education and contracting parties; and(C)the efforts by the Bureau of Indian Education to ensure accurate and sufficient distribution of funding for Indian students;(2)submit a report describing the results of the review under paragraph (1) to—(A)the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate;(B)the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;(C)the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs of the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and(D)the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and(3)make such report publicly available.(k)EffectNothing in this section—(1)creates a new program or duplicates program activities under this Act; or(2)replaces or diminishes the effect of regulations to carry out this Act existing on the day before the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act, unless expressly provided in this section..Speaker of the House of RepresentativesVice President of the United States and President of the Senate


116 HR 7389 IH: Freedom to Move Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2020-06-26
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I116th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7389IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJune 26, 2020Ms. Pressley introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureA BILLTo direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out a grant program to support efforts to provide fare-free transit service, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Freedom to Move Act .2.PurposeThe purposes of this Act are—(1)to invest in State, county, and local municipalities efforts to provide fare-free public transportation; and(2)to support State, county, and local municipalities in improving and expanding access to safe, accessible, and reliable mass transit systems in order to improve the livability of communities.3.Findings Congress finds the following:(1)Increasing access to safe, reliable, and affordable public transit systems, including buses, light rail, and subways can help increase community livability and mobility to critical services such as education, jobs, and healthcare.(2)The cost of transit fares can act as a challenging economic barrier for low-income individuals and families who are most likely to rely on public transportation to access critical services and must spend larger parts of their household budget on transportation services. Removing economic barriers to safe, reliable, and affordable public transit, can help to increase social and economic mobility by increasing access to education, training, and employment.(3)Individuals with disabilities are twice as likely as those without disabilities to have inadequate access to safe, affordable, and reliable transportation. Reports have found that of the nearly 2 million people with disabilities who are unable to leave their homes, nearly 30 percent is due to lack of adequate transportation.(4)As the senior population continues to grow, an increasing number of elderly adults depend on public transit to access medical care and other vital services. Additionally, the percentage of 13 to 34-year-olds without a driver’s license continues to grow. Taken together, these trends show the unprecedented urgency of investing in and improving our public transit systems.(5)According to the Department of Transportation, transportation accounts for 29 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Public transportation, however, produces significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions per passenger mile than by private vehicles. Increasing public transit ridership and moving more people to and from critical services with fewer vehicles on the road can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.(6)Eliminating transit fares and significantly reducing economic barriers to public transit will help to reduce the need for fare evasion policies that disproportionately criminalize low-income individuals and people of color.4.Grants to support fare-free transit(a)In generalNot later than 360 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall award grants (which shall be known as Freedom to Move Grants) to eligible entities, on a competitive basis, to cover the lost fare revenue for fare-free public transportation and improve public transportation.(b)ApplicationTo be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including, at a minimum, the following:(1)A description of how the eligible entity plans to implement fare free transit access.(2)A description of how the entity will work to expand and improve bus service, which may include—(A)a bus network redesign; (B)how such redesign will prioritize consistent and reliable service for low-income and historically underserved communities;(C)how such redesign will prioritize connectivity to critical services and improve community livability; and(D)how the eligible entity will meaningfully consult with community, community leaders, local stakeholders and advocates, including transit advocates and disability advocates, local education agencies and institutions of higher education, community developers, labor unions, public housing agencies and workforce development boards, while facilitating such redesign.(3)A description of how the eligible entity will meaningfully partner and collaborate with community, community leaders, local stakeholders and advocates, including transit advocates and disability advocates, local education agencies and institutions of higher education, community developers, labor unions, public housing agencies and workforce development boards to support outreach efforts to increase awareness of fare-free bus and transit programs.(4)A description of the eligible entity’s equity evaluation examining any transit and mobility gaps within the current transit system and how the eligible entity plans to significantly improve these gaps, including—(A)the average commute times for driver commuters and non-driver commuters;(B)public transit ridership rates disaggregated by mode of transportation and demographic group (youth (including youth involved in the foster care system), seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income status); and(C)average length of bus routes and average delay times. (5)A description of the eligible entity’s current fare evasion enforcement policies, including—(A)the cost of the fine and whether the infraction is considered a civil offense or a criminal offense punishable by imprisonment;(B)the number of individuals charged with violating a fare evasion policy, disaggregated by age, race, gender, and disability status; and(C)how the eligible entity plans to eliminate fare evasion policies and end the criminalization of individuals evading fares.(6)An estimate of additional costs as a result of increased ridership, including—(A)fuel;(B)personnel;(C)maintenance; and(D)other operational costs.(7)Information and statistics on assaults on transit employees and a description of trainings and policies to protect employees, which may include de-escalation training.(c)DurationGrants awarded under this section shall be for a 5-year period.(d)Selection of eligible entitiesIn carrying out the program under this section, the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities located in both rural and urbanized areas. (e)Uses of fundsAn eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use such grant to support—(1)implementing a fare-free transit program; and(2)efforts to improve public transportation, particularly in underserved communities, including costs associated with efforts to provide more safe, frequent, and reliable bus service, including—(A)bus stop safety and accessibility improvements;(B)pedestrian and bike shelters;(C)signage;(D)painted bus lanes;(E)signal priority systems; (F)street redesign; (G)operational costs to meet demands of increased ridership, including hiring and training of personnel; and(H)conducting a bus network redesign. (f)DefinitionsIn this section:(1)Eligible entitiesIn this section, the term eligible entity means—(A)a State, county, local municipality;(B)a transit agency;(C)a private nonprofit organization engaged in public transportation in rural areas; or(D)a partnership between entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (D).(2)Underserved communityThe term underserved community means—(A)a community not served by existing bus routes or infrequent service; and (B)a community located in an area within a census tract that is identified as—(i)a low-income community; and(ii)a community of color.(3)Low-income individualsThe term low-income individuals means an individual whose family income is at or below 150 percent of the poverty line (as that term is defined in section 673(2) of the Community Service Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2)), including any revision required by that section) for a family of the size involved.(4)Foster care youthThe term foster care youth—(A)means children and youth whose care and placement are the responsibility of the State or Tribal agency that administers a State or Tribal plan under part B or E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq. and 670 et seq.), without regard to whether foster care maintenance payments are made under section 472 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 672) on behalf of such children and youth; and(B)includes individuals who were age 13 or older when their care and placement were the responsibility of a State or Tribal agency that administered a State or Tribal plan under part B or E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq. and 670 et seq.) and who are no longer under the care and responsibility of such a State or Tribal agency, without regard to any such individual’s subsequent adoption, guardianship arrangement, or other form of permanency outcome.(5)Public transportationThe term public transportation—(A)means regular, continuing shared-ride surface transportation services that are open to the general public or open to a segment of the general public defined by age, disability, or low income; and(B)does not include—(i)intercity passenger rail transportation provided by the entity described in chapter 243 of title 49, United States Code, (or a successor to such entity);(ii)intercity bus service;(iii)charter bus service;(iv)school bus service; (v)sightseeing service;(vi)courtesy shuttle service for patrons of one or more specific establishments; or(vii)intra-terminal or intra-facility shuttle services. (g)Report(1)In generalNot later than 3 years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out this section, the Secretary shall collect data from eligible entities receiving a grant under this section on the progress of meeting the targets described in the application of such entity.(2)RequirementsThe report required under paragraph (1) shall—(A)collect data on demographics of communities served under this Act, disaggregated and cross-tabulated by—(i)race(ii)ethnicity;(iii)sex; and(iv)household median income; and(B)progress towards significantly closing transit equity gaps as described in subsection (b)(4).(h)Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.


116 SRES 337 IS: Expressing concern about the fires in the Amazon rainforest.
U.S. Senate
2019-09-25
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		III
		116th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 337
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			September 25, 2019
			Mr. Schatz (for himself, Mr. Shelby, Mr. Kennedy, and Mr. Murphy) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing concern about the fires in the Amazon rainforest.

 Whereas the Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world; Whereas almost 60 percent of the Amazon rainforest exists within the borders of Brazil;
 Whereas the Amazon rainforest accounts for 25 percent of the carbon that global forests absorb each year and has as much as 140,000,000,000 tons of carbon sequestered in the ground;
 Whereas the ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest is home to over 2,000 species of animals, meaning that 1 in 10 known species of animals is endemic to the region;
 Whereas 70 percent of the gross domestic product of South America is generated in areas that receive rainfall or water from the Amazon rainforest, and the trees of the Amazon rainforest influence rainfall patterns as far away as the United States;
 Whereas the National Institute for Space Research of Brazil (referred to in this preamble as the INPE) reported that, between January and September of 2019, there were 87,257 fires in Brazil, including 62,034 fires in the Legal Amazonia, more than double the number of fires that occurred during the entire 2018 calendar year;
 Whereas the INPE reported that the Amazon rainforest shrank 1,330 square miles in the first 6 months of 2019, a 40-percent increase in deforestation from 2018;
 Whereas public records indicate that, from January 2019 to June 2019, the number of enforcement actions taken by the Government of Brazil aimed at curbing illegal deforestation declined by 20 percent;
 Whereas fires and illegal deforestation in the Amazon rainforest impact the benefits that the Amazon rainforest has on regional and global climate stability;
 Whereas fires and illegal deforestation in the Amazon rainforest pose a danger to indigenous communities;
 Whereas a recent poll conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Public Opinion and Statistics found that 96 percent of the people of Brazil partially or completely agreed with the statement that President [Jair] Bolsonaro and the Federal government should increase inspection measures to prevent illegal deforestation in the Amazon;
 Whereas the United States was the first country to recognize the independence of Brazil in 1822 and has long respected and championed the sovereignty of Brazil;
 Whereas the people of the United States have historic, cultural, and familial ties to the people of Brazil; and
 Whereas the United States and Brazil share a common interest in the sustainable management of the natural resources of the Amazon rainforest: Now, therefore, be it

 That the Senate— (1)expresses bipartisan concern about the fires and increased illegal deforestation in the Amazon rainforest;
 (2)recognizes that the fires and illegal deforestation in the Amazon rainforest affect the whole world;
 (3)supports the proactive delivery of financial and technical assistance from the United States to the Government of Brazil and to Brazilian nongovernmental organizations to mitigate the fires and curb illegal deforestation;
 (4)supports the reinstatement of protections for indigenous communities stewarding the Amazon rainforest; and
 (5)supports the efforts of the Government of Brazil to increase sustainable development of the Amazon rainforest by strengthening environmental enforcement and ending illegal deforestation.


115 HR 2029 IH: Safe Innovative Guide signs for the Nation Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-04-06
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2029IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 6, 2017Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas (for himself and Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and InfrastructureA BILLTo require the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration to issue a final rule that
			 approves the use of Clearview font for positive contrast legends on guide
			 signs, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Safe Innovative Guide signs for the Nation Act or the SIGN Act. 2.Clearview font permitted for positive contrast legends on guide signs (a)In generalNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration shall issue a final rule that approves the use of Clearview font on positive contrast legends on guide signs. Such rule shall also be reflected in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD).
 (b)Other fontsThe rule issued pursuant to subsection (a) shall not require the use of such font but allows a jurisdiction to use the Clearview font or any other font approved by the Department of Transportation.
 (c)MemorandumBeginning on the date of enactment of this Act and notwithstanding the notice on January 25, 2016, in the Federal Register terminating the Interim Approval (IA–5) of provisional use of an alternative lettering style for positive contrast legends on guide signs and the memorandum issued by the Federal Highway Administration, Office of Transportation Operations on January 28, 2016, regarding such termination, a jurisdiction may use Clearview font for such guide signs.


		II
		110th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. 1480
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 24, 2007
			Mrs. Clinton introduced
			 the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Veterans'
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the
		  payment of a monthly stipend to the surviving parents (known as Gold
		  Star parents) of members of the Armed Forces who die during a period of
		  war.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Gold Star Parents Annuity Act of
			 2007.
		2.Special pension
			 for Gold Star parents
			(a)Special
			 Pension
				(1)In
			 generalChapter 15 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by
			 adding at the end the following new subchapter:

						VSpecial pension
				for Gold Star parents
							1571.Gold Star
				parents
								(a)The Secretary
				shall pay monthly to each person who has received a gold star lapel button
				under section 1126 of title 10 as a parent of a person who died in a manner
				described in subsection (a) of that section a special pension in an amount
				determined under subsection (b).
								(b)The amount of
				special pension payable under this section with respect to the death of any
				person shall be $125 per month. In any case in which there is more than one
				parent eligible for special pension under this section with respect to the
				death of a person, the Secretary shall divide the payment equally among those
				eligible parents.
								(c)The receipt of
				special pension under this section shall not deprive any person of any other
				pension or other benefit, right, or privilege to which such person is or may
				hereafter be entitled under any existing or subsequent law. Special pension
				under this section shall be paid in addition to all other payments under laws
				of the United States.
								(d)Special pension
				under this section shall not be subject to any attachment, execution, levy, tax
				lien, or detention under any process whatsoever.
								(e)For purposes of
				this section, the term parent has the meaning provided in section
				1126(d)(2) of title
				10.
								.
				(2)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 15 of
			 such title is amended by adding at the end the following:

							SUBCHAPTER V—SPECIAL PENSION FOR GOLD
				STAR PARENTS
							1571. Gold Star
				parents.

						.
				(b)Effective
			 DateSection 1571 of title 38, United States Code, as added by
			 subsection (a), shall take effect on October 1, 2007.


115 HR 2240 IH: U.S.-Israel Joint Missile Defense Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2017-04-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I115th CONGRESS1st SessionH. R. 2240IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 28, 2017Mr. Gottheimer (for himself and Mr. Mast) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such
			 provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo authorize the Secretary of Defense to carry out a test of the Arrow 3 missile defense system
			 with the Government of Israel, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the U.S.-Israel Joint Missile Defense Act. 2.FindingsCongress finds the following:
 (1)Israel faces grave threats from Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, each of which are increasing their capabilities and strength.
 (2)On March 9, 2016, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps successfully launched two Qadr H ballistic missiles at a target in southeastern Iran approximately 870 miles away, in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231.
 (3)According to Iran’s official news agency, the missiles were inscribed with the slogan, Israel should be wiped off the earth.. (4)Iranian Brigadier General Ami Ali Hajizadeh stated, The reason we designed our missiles with a range of 2,000 kilometers is to be able to hit our enemy the Zionist regime from a safe distance..
 (5)Tel Aviv is approximately 987 miles from Tehran and likely within the operational capabilities of Iran’s current missile technology.
 (6)Iran conducted another test in January 2017. (7)Hezbollah, designated by the Department of State as a terrorist organization, has an arsenal of approximately 120,000 to 150,000 rockets aimed at Israel.
 (8)Israel, with the August support of the United States, developed the Arrow 3 missile defense system to intercept and destroy long-range exo-atmospheric intercontinental ballistic missiles.
 (9)On January 18, 2017, Israel placed into service the first Arrow 3 interceptor after nearly a decade of development.
 (10)Further testing will be required to improve the system, ensure accuracy, and validate the system’s capabilities.
 (11)Israel and the United States plan to conduct a test during 2018 in the United States that will cost approximately $105,000,000.
			3.Test of Arrow 3 missile system
 (a)AuthorityThe Secretary of Defense may conduct a test of the Arrow 3 missile defense system, in conjunction with the Government of Israel, to validate the capabilities of the system and improve the performance of the system.
 (b)Authorization of appropriationsIn addition to any funds authorized to be appropriated by section 1690 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328) or otherwise made available to the Secretary of Defense for the Arrow 3 missile defense system, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary an additional $105,000,000 for fiscal year 2018 to provide assistance to the Government of Israel to carry out the test specified in subsection (a) in the United States.


116 S503 IS: Responsible Additions and Increases to Sustain Employee Health Benefits Act of 2019
U.S. Senate
2019-02-14
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.

II116th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 503IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESFebruary 14, 2019Mr. Blunt (for himself and Ms. Sinema) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on FinanceA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide the opportunity for responsible health
			 savings to all American families.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Responsible Additions and Increases to Sustain Employee Health Benefits Act of 2019. 2.Expandable health flexible spending arrangements (a)Expansion of annual maximum (1)In generalParagraph (1) of section 125(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
 (A)by striking $2,500 and inserting $5,000, with an additional $500 per each additional employee dependent above two dependents; and (B)by inserting at the end the following: An additional employee dependent may not be taken into account under the preceding sentence for any taxable year if such additional employee dependent has been taken into account by another person under such sentence for such taxable year..
 (2)Adjustment for inflationParagraph (2) of section 125(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— (A)by striking December 31, 2013 and inserting December 31, 2019;
 (B)by striking the dollar amount and inserting each of the dollar amounts; and (C)in subparagraph (B), by striking calendar year 2012 and inserting calendar year 2018.
 (b)Carryforward of unused benefitsSection 125(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

					(3)Carryforward of unused benefits
 (A)In generalA plan or arrangement may permit a participant in a health flexible spending arrangement to elect to carry forward any aggregate unused balances in the participant’s accounts under such arrangement as of the close of any year to the succeeding year. Such carryforward shall be treated as having occurred within 30 days of the close of the year.
 (B)LimitationThe amount which a participant may elect to carry forward under subparagraph (A) from any year shall be any aggregate unused balances in the participant’s account at the close of any year.
 (C)Exclusion from gross incomeNo amount shall be included in gross income under this chapter by reason of any carry forward under this paragraph.
 (D)Coordination limitsThe maximum amount which may be contributed to a health flexible spending arrangement for any year to which an unused amount is carried under this paragraph shall not be reduced by such unused amount..
 (c)Conforming amendmentSection 125(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking Limitation on flexible spending arrangements in the heading and inserting Special rules for health flexible spending arrangements. (d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.


114 S281 IS: Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2015
U.S. Senate
2015-01-28
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 281IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESJanuary 28, 2015Mr. Blunt (for himself and Mr. Rubio) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental AffairsA BILLTo require a Federal agency to include language in certain educational and advertising materials
			 indicating that such materials are produced and disseminated at taxpayer
 expense.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2015.2.Requirements for Printed Materials and Advertisements by Federal Agencies(a)Identification of funding sourcesEach communication funded by a Federal agency for advertising or educational purposes shall clearly state—(1)in the case of a printed communication, including mass mailings, signs, and billboards, that the communication is printed and published at taxpayer expense; and(2)in the case of a communication transmitted through radio, television, the Internet, or any means other than the means referred to in paragraph (1), that the communication is produced and disseminated at taxpayer expense.(b)Additional requirements(1)Printed communicationAny printed communication described under subsection (a)(1) shall—(A)be of sufficient type size to be clearly readable by the recipient of the communication;(B)be contained in a printed box set apart from the other contents of the communication; and(C)be printed with a reasonable degree of color contrast between the background and the printed statement.(2)Radio, television, and Internet communication(A)Audio communicationAny audio communication described under subsection (a)(2) shall include an audio statement in a clearly spoken manner indicating that the communication is produced and disseminated at taxpayer expense.(B)Video communicationAny video communication described under subsection (a)(2) shall include a statement indicating that the communication is produced and disseminated at taxpayer expense, which shall—(i)be conveyed in a clearly spoken manner;(ii)be conveyed by a voice-over or screen view of the person making the statement; and(iii)appear in writing at the end of the communication in a clearly readable manner with a reasonable degree of color contrast between the background and the printed statement, for a period of not less than 4 seconds.(C)E-mail communicationAny e-mail communication described under subsection (a)(2) shall—(i)be of sufficient type size to be clearly readable by the recipient of the communication;(ii)be set apart from the other contents of the communication; and(iii)be displayed with a reasonable degree of color contrast between the background and the printed statement.(c)ExceptionsSubsections (a) and (b) do not apply to—(1)information in or relating to a solicitation for—(A)offers for a Federal contract; or(B)applications or submissions of a bid or proposal for a Federal grant or other means of funding under a Federal program; and(2)advertisements for employment opportunities, not including advertising materials developed for use for recruitment and retention of personnel for the Armed Forces.(d)DefinitionsIn this Act:(1)Federal agencyThe term Federal agency has the meaning given the term Executive agency in section 133 of title 41, United States Code.(2)Mass mailingThe term mass mailing—(A)means any mailing or distribution of 499 or more newsletters, pamphlets, or other printed matter with substantially identical content, whether such matter is deposited singly or in bulk, or at the same time or different times; and(B)does not include any mailing—(i)in direct response to a communication from a person to whom the matter is mailed; or(ii)of a news release to the communications media.(e)Source of FundsThe funds used by a Federal agency to carry out this Act shall be derived from amounts made available to the agency for advertising or other communications regarding the programs and activities of the agency.


IV
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 492
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

June 8, 2009

RESOLUTION
Supporting the goals and ideals of High-Performance Building Week.

Whereas the High-Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus Coalition has declared the week of June 15 through June 19, 2009, as High-Performance Building Week;
Whereas the House of Representatives has recognized the importance of high-performance buildings through the inclusion of a definition of high-performance buildings in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007;
Whereas our homes, offices, schools, and other buildings consume 40 percent of the primary energy and 70 percent of the electricity in the United States annually;
Whereas buildings consume about 12 percent of the potable water in this country;
Whereas the construction of buildings and their related infrastructure consume approximately 60 percent of all raw materials used in the United States economy;
Whereas buildings account for 39 percent of United States carbon dioxide emissions a year approximately equaling the combined carbon emissions of Japan, France, and the United Kingdom;
Whereas Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors;
Whereas poor indoor environmental quality is detrimental to the health of all Americans, especially our children and elderly;
Whereas high-performance buildings promote higher student achievement by providing better lighting, a more comfortable indoor environment, and improved ventilation and indoor air quality;
Whereas high-performance residential and commercial building design and construction should effectively guard against natural and human caused events and disasters, including fire, water, wind, noise, crime, and terrorism;
Whereas high-performance buildings, which address human, environmental, economic, and total societal impact, result from the application of the highest level of design, construction, operation, and maintenance principles—a paradigm change for the built environment; and
Whereas the United States should continue to improve the features of new buildings, and adapt and maintain existing buildings, to changing balances in our needs and responsibilities for health, safety, energy efficiency, and usability by all segments of society: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives—
(1)supports the goals and ideals of High-Performance Building Week;
(2)recognizes and reaffirms our Nation’s commitment to High-Performance Buildings by promoting awareness about their benefits and by promoting new education programs, supporting research, and expanding access to information;
(3)recognizes the unique role that the Department of Energy plays through the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Building Technologies Program, which works closely with the building industry and manufacturers to conduct research and development on technologies and practices for building energy efficiency;
(4)recognizes the important role that the National Institute of Standards and Technology plays in developing the measurement science needed to develop, test, integrate, and demonstrate the new building technologies; and
(5)encourages further research and development of high-performance building standards, research, and development.

Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.


113 HR 5525 IH: Political Intelligence Transparency Act of 2014
U.S. House of Representatives
2014-09-18
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
		113th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 5525
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 18, 2014
			Ms. Slaughter (for herself, Mr. Duncan of Tennessee, and Mr. Walz) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

		A BILL
		To amend the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require the disclosure of political intelligence
			 activities, to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for
			 restrictions on former officers, employees, and elected officials of the
			 executive and legislative branches regarding political intelligence
			 contacts, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Political Intelligence Transparency Act of 2014.
		2.Disclosure of political intelligence activities under lobbying disclosure act
			(a)DefinitionsSection 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602) is amended—
				(1)in paragraph (2)—
					(A)by inserting after lobbying activities each place that term appears the following: or political intelligence activities; and
					(B)by inserting after lobbyists the following: or political intelligence consultants; and
					(2)by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

						(17)Political intelligence activitiesThe term political intelligence activities means political intelligence contacts and efforts in support of such contacts, including
			 preparation and planning activities, research, and other background work
			 that is intended, at the time it is performed, for use in contacts, and
			 coordination with such contacts and efforts of others.
						(18)Political intelligence contact
							(A)DefinitionThe term political intelligence contact means any oral or written communication (including an electronic communication) to a covered
			 executive branch official or a covered legislative branch official, the
			 information derived from which is for use in analyzing the markets for
			 securities, commodities for future delivery, swaps, or security-based
			 swaps, or in informing investment decisions in any such market, and which
			 is made on behalf of a client with regard to—
								(i)the formulation, modification, or adoption of Federal legislation (including legislative
			 proposals);
								(ii)the formulation, modification, or adoption of a Federal rule, regulation, Executive order, or any
			 other program, policy, or position of the United States Government;
								(iii)the administration or execution of a Federal program or policy (including the negotiation, award,
			 or administration of a Federal contract, grant, loan, permit, or license);
			 or
								(iv)the nomination or confirmation of a person for a position subject to confirmation by the Senate.(B)ExceptionThe term political intelligence contact does not include a communication that is—
								(i)made by a representative of a media organization (as such term is defined in this subsection) if
			 the purpose of the communication is gathering and disseminating news and
			 information to the public;
								(ii)made in a speech, article, publication or other material that is distributed and made available to
			 the public, or through radio, television, cable television, or other
			 medium of mass communication;
								(iii)made on behalf of a government of a foreign country or a foreign political party and disclosed
			 under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938 (22 U.S.C. 611 et seq.);
								(iv)a request for a meeting, a request for the status of an action, or any other similar administrative
			 request, if the request does not include an attempt to influence a covered
			 executive branch official or a covered legislative branch official;
								(v)made in the course of participation in an advisory committee subject to the Federal Advisory
			 Committee Act;
								(vi)testimony given before a committee, subcommittee, or task force of the Congress, or submitted for
			 inclusion in the public record of a hearing conducted by such committee,
			 subcommittee, or task force;
								(vii)information provided in writing in response to an oral or written request by a covered executive
			 branch official or a covered legislative branch official for specific
			 information;
								(viii)required by subpoena, civil investigative demand, or otherwise compelled by statute, regulation, or
			 other action of the Congress or an agency, including any communication
			 compelled by a Federal contract, grant, loan, permit, or license;
								(ix)made in response to a notice in the Federal Register, Commerce Business Daily, or other similar
			 publication soliciting communications from the public and directed to the
			 agency official specifically designated in the notice to receive such
			 communications;
								(x)not possible to report without disclosing information, the unauthorized disclosure of which is
			 prohibited by law;
								(xi)made to an official in an agency with regard to—
									(I)a judicial proceeding or a criminal or civil law enforcement inquiry, investigation, or proceeding;
			 or
									(II)a filing or proceeding that the Government is specifically required by statute or regulation to
			 maintain or conduct on a confidential basis, if that agency is charged
			 with responsibility for such proceeding, inquiry, investigation, or
			 filing;
									(xii)made in compliance with written agency procedures regarding an adjudication conducted by the agency
			 under section 554 of title 5, United States Code, or substantially similar
			 provisions;
								(xiii)a written comment filed in the course of a public proceeding or any other communication that is
			 made on the record in a public proceeding;
								(xiv)a petition for agency action made in writing and required to be a matter of public record pursuant
			 to established agency procedures;
								(xv)made on behalf of an individual with regard to that individual's benefits, employment, or other
			 personal matters involving only that individual, except that this clause
			 does not apply to any communication with—
									(I)a covered executive branch official, or
									(II)a covered legislative branch official (other than the individual's elected Members of Congress or
			 employees who work under such Members' direct supervision), with respect
			 to the formulation, modification, or adoption of private legislation for
			 the relief of that individual;
									(xvi)a disclosure by an individual that is protected under the amendments made by the Whistleblower
			 Protection Act of 1989, under the Inspector General Act of 1978, or under
			 another provision of law;
								(xvii)made by—
									(I)a church, its integrated auxiliary, or a convention or association of churches that is exempt from
			 filing a Federal income tax return under paragraph (2)(A)(i) of section
			 6033(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or
									(II)a religious order that is exempt from filing a Federal income tax return under paragraph
			 (2)(A)(iii) of such section 6033(a); and
									(xviii)between—
									(I)officials of a self-regulatory organization (as defined in section 3(a)(26) of the Securities
			 Exchange Act) that is registered with or established by the Securities and
			 Exchange Commission as required by that Act or a similar organization that
			 is designated by or registered with the Commodities Future Trading
			 Commission as provided under the Commodity Exchange Act; and
									(II)the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Commodities Future Trading Commission, respectively;relating to the regulatory responsibilities of such organization under that Act.(19)Political intelligence firmThe term political intelligence firm means a person or entity that has 1 or more employees who are political intelligence consultants
			 to a client other than that person or entity.
						(20)Political intelligence consultantThe term political intelligence consultant means any individual who is employed or retained by a client for financial or other compensation
			 for services that include one or more political intelligence contacts,
			 including an individual who provides brokerage and research services under
			 section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
						(21)SecurityThe term security has the meaning given such term in section 3(a)(10) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15
			 U.S.C. 78c(a)(10)).
						(22)Security-based swapThe term security-based swap has the meaning given such term in section 3(a)(68) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15
			 U.S.C. 78c(a)(68)).
						(23)CommodityThe term commodity has the meaning given such term in section 1a(9) of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1a(9)).
						(24)SwapThe term swap has the meaning given such term in section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1a(47))..
				(b)Registration requirementSection 4 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1603) is amended—
				(1)in subsection (a)—
					(A)by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:

							(1)General ruleA lobbyist or a political intelligence consultant (or, as provided under paragraph (2), the
			 organization employing such lobbyist or consultant), shall register with
			 the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives—
								(A)no later than 45 days after—
									(i)the lobbyist first makes a lobbying contact or is employed or retained to make a lobbying contact,
			 whichever is earlier; or
									(ii)the political intelligence consultant first makes a political intelligence contact or is employed
			 or retained to make a political intelligence contact, whichever is
			 earlier; or
									(B)on the first business day after such 45th day if the 45th day is not a business day.
								;
					(B)in paragraph (2), by inserting after lobbyists each place that term appears the following: or political intelligence consultants; and
					(C)in paragraph (3)(A)—
						(i)in clause (i)—
							(I)by inserting after lobbying activities the following: and political intelligence activities; and
							(II)by inserting after lobbying firm the following: or political intelligence firm; and
							(ii)in clause (ii)—
							(I)by inserting after lobbying activities the following: and political intelligence activities; and
							(II)by inserting after lobbying activities the following: or political intelligence activities;
							(2)in subsection (b)—
					(A)in paragraph (3), by inserting after lobbying activities each place that term appears the following: or political intelligence activities;
					(B)in paragraph (4)—
						(i)in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting after lobbying activities the following: or political intelligence activities; and
						(ii)in subparagraph (C), by inserting after lobbying activity the following: or political intelligence activity;
						(C)in paragraph (5), by inserting after lobbying activities each place that term appears the following: or political intelligence activities; and
					(D)in the matter following paragraph (6), by inserting or political intelligence activities after such lobbying activities;
					(3)in subsection (c)—
					(A)in paragraph (1), by inserting after lobbying contacts the following: or political intelligence contacts;
					(B)in paragraph (2)—
						(i)by inserting after lobbying contact the following: or political intelligence contact; and
						(ii)by inserting after lobbying contacts the following: and political intelligence contacts; and
						(C)by inserting after paragraph (2), the following new paragraph:

							(3)Rule of constructionAny threshold dollar amount or percentage described in subsection (b) relates to the sum of the
			 income, contributions, or percent equitable ownership related to lobbying
			 activities plus the income, contributions, or percent equitable ownership
			 related to political intelligence activities.; and
					(4)in subsection (d), by inserting after lobbying activities each place that term appears the following: or political intelligence activities.
				(c)Reports by registered political intelligence consultantsSection 5 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1604) is amended—
				(1)in subsection (a), by inserting after lobbying activities the following: and political intelligence activities;
				(2)in subsection (b)—
					(A)in paragraph (2)—
						(i)in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting after lobbying activities the following: or political intelligence activities;
						(ii)in subparagraph (A)—
							(I)by inserting after lobbyist the following: or political intelligence consultant; and
							(II)by inserting after lobbying activities the following: or political intelligence activities;
							(iii)in subparagraph (B), by inserting after lobbyists the following: and political intelligence consultants; and
						(iv)in subparagraph (C), by inserting after lobbyists the following: or political intelligence consultants;
						(B)in paragraph (3)—
						(i)by inserting after lobbying firm the following: or political intelligence firm; and
						(ii)by inserting after lobbying activities each place that term appears the following: or political intelligence activities; and
						(C)in paragraph (4), by inserting after lobbying activities each place that term appears the following: or political intelligence activities; and
					(3)in subsection (d)(1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting or a political intelligence consultant after a lobbyist.
				(d)Disclosure and enforcementSection 6(a) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1605) is amended—
				(1)in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting after lobbying firms the following: , political intelligence consultants, political intelligence firms,;
				(2)in paragraph (7), by striking or lobbying firm and inserting lobbying firm, political intelligence consultant, or political intelligence firm; and
				(3)in paragraph (8), by striking or lobbying firm and inserting lobbying firm, political intelligence consultant, or political intelligence firm.
				(e)Rules of constructionSection 8(b) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1607(b)) is amended by striking or lobbying contacts and inserting lobbying contacts, political intelligence activities, or political intelligence contacts.
			(f)Identification of clients and covered officialsSection 14 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1609) is amended—
				(1)in subsection (a)—
					(A)in the heading, by inserting or Political Intelligence after Lobbying;
					(B)by inserting or political intelligence contact after lobbying contact each place that term appears; and
					(C)in paragraph (2), by inserting or political intelligence activity, as the case may be after lobbying activity;
					(2)in subsection (b)—
					(A)in the heading, by inserting or Political Intelligence after Lobbying;
					(B)by inserting or political intelligence contact after lobbying contact each place that term appears; and
					(C)in paragraph (2), by inserting or political intelligence activity, as the case may be after lobbying activity; and
					(3)in subsection (c), by inserting or political intelligence contact after lobbying contact.
				(g)Annual audits and reports by comptroller generalSection 26 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1614) is amended—
				(1)in subsection (a)—
					(A)by inserting political intelligence firms, political intelligence consultants, after lobbying firms; and
					(B)by striking lobbying registrations and inserting registrations;
					(2)in subsection (b)(1)(A), by inserting political intelligence firms, political intelligence consultants, after lobbying firms; and
				(3)in subsection (c), by inserting or political intelligence consultant after a lobbyist.
				3.Restrictions on former officers, employees, and elected officials of the executive and legislative
			 branches regarding political intelligence contactsSection 207 of title 18, United States Code, is amended—
			(1)in subsection (a)—
				(A)in paragraph (1), by inserting after with the intent to influence, the following: or with the intent to gain information for use in analyzing securities or commodities markets, or
			 in informing investment decisions in securities or commodities markets,; and
				(B)in paragraph (2), by inserting after with the intent to influence, the following: or with the intent to gain information for use in analyzing securities or commodities markets, or
			 in informing investment decisions in securities or commodities markets,;
				(2)in subsection (c)(1), by inserting after with the intent to influence, the following: or with the intent to gain information for use in analyzing securities or commodities markets, or
			 in informing investment decisions in securities or commodities markets,;
			(3)in subsection (d)(1), by inserting after with the intent to influence, the following: or with the intent to gain information for use in analyzing securities or commodities markets, or
			 in informing investment decisions in securities or commodities markets,;
			(4)in subsection (e), by inserting after with the intent to influence, each place it appears the following: or with the intent to gain information for use in analyzing securities or commodities markets, or
			 in informing investment decisions in securities or commodities markets,;
			(5)in subsection (i)(1), by inserting after with the intent to influence, each place it appears the following: or with the intent to gain information for use in analyzing securities or commodities markets, or
			 in informing investment decisions in securities or commodities markets,; and
			(6)in subsection (j), by adding at the end the following:

					(8)Representative of a media organizationThe restrictions contained in this section relating to a communication made with the intent to gain
			 information for use in analyzing securities or commodities markets, or in
			 informing investment decisions in securities or commodities markets shall
			 not apply to a communication made by a representative of a media
			 organization (as such term is defined in section 3 of the Lobbying
			 Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602)), if the purpose of the
			 communication is gathering and disseminating news and information to the
			 public..
			4.Effective dateThe amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to any political intelligence contact (as
			 defined in section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C.
			 1602), as added by section 2 of this Act) that is made on or after the
			 90th day after the date of the enactment of this Act.