114 S1176 IS: Empowering Mass Participation to Offset the Wealthy’s Electoral Role Act of 2015
U.S. Senate
2015-04-30
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.

II114th CONGRESS1st SessionS. 1176IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESApril 30, 2015Mr. Udall introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and AdministrationA BILLTo amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reform the system of public financing for
			 Presidential elections, and for other purposes.

		1.Short title; table of contents
 (a)Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Empowering Mass Participation to Offset the Wealthy’s Electoral Role Act of 2015 or the EMPOWER Act of 2015. (b)Table of ContentsThe table of contents of this Act is as follows:Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.Title I—Primary ElectionsSec. 101. Increase in and modifications to matching payments.Sec. 102. Eligibility requirements for matching payments.Sec. 103. Inflation adjustments.Sec. 104. Repeal of expenditure limitations.Sec. 105. Period of availability of matching payments.Sec. 106. Examination and audits of matchable contributions.Sec. 107. Modification to limitation on contributions for Presidential primary candidates.Title II—General ElectionsSec. 201. Modification of eligibility requirements for public financing.Sec. 202. Repeal of expenditure limitations and use of qualified campaign contributions.Sec. 203. Matching payments and other modifications to payment amounts.Sec. 204. Inflation adjustments.Sec. 205. Increase in limit on coordinated party expenditures.Sec. 206. Establishment of uniform date for release of payments.Sec. 207. Amounts in Presidential Election Campaign Fund.Sec. 208. Use of general election payments for general election legal and accounting compliance.Title III—Severability; Effective DateSec. 301. Severability.Sec. 302. Effective date.
			IPrimary Elections
			101.Increase in and modifications to matching payments
				(a)Increase and modification
 (1)In generalThe first sentence of section 9034(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— (A)by striking an amount equal to the amount of each contribution and inserting an amount equal to 600 percent of the amount of each matchable contribution (disregarding any amount of contributions from any person to the extent that the total of the amounts contributed by such person for the election exceeds $250); and
 (B)by striking authorized committees and all that follows through $250 and inserting authorized committees. (2)Matchable contributionsSection 9034 of such Code is amended—
 (A)by striking the last sentence of subsection (a); and (B)by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:

 (c)Matchable contribution definedFor purposes of this section and section 9033(b)— (1)Matchable contributionThe term matchable contribution means, with respect to the nomination for election to the office of President of the United States, a contribution by an individual to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate with respect to which the candidate has certified in writing that—
 (A)the individual making such contribution has not made aggregate contributions (including such matchable contribution) to such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate in excess of $1,000 for the election;
 (B)such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate will not accept contributions from such individual (including such matchable contribution) aggregating more than the amount described in subparagraph (A); and
 (C)such contribution was not— (i)forwarded from the contributor from any person other than an individual, or
 (ii)received by the candidate or committee from a contributor or contributors, but credited by the committee or candidate to another person who is not an individual through records, designations, or other means of recognizing (whether in writing or not in writing) that a certain amount of money has been raised by such person.
 (2)ContributionFor purposes of this subsection, the term contribution means a gift of money made by a written instrument which identifies the individual making the contribution by full name and mailing address, but does not include a subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of money, or anything of value or anything described in subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of section 9032(4)..
						(3)Conforming amendments
 (A)Section 9032(4) of such Code is amended by striking section 9034(a) and inserting section 9034. (B)Section 9033(b)(3) of such Code is amended by striking matching contributions and inserting matchable contributions.
 (b)Modification of payment limitationSection 9034(b) of such Code is amended by striking shall not exceed and all that follows and inserting shall not exceed $300,000,000. 102.Eligibility requirements for matching payments (a)Amount of aggregate contributions per State; disregarding of amounts contributed in excess of $250Section 9033(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended—
 (1)by striking $5,000 and inserting $25,000; and (2)by striking 20 States and inserting the following: 20 States (disregarding any amount of contributions from any such resident to the extent that the total of the amounts contributed by such resident for the election exceeds $250).
					(b)Contribution limit
 (1)In generalParagraph (4) of section 9033(b) of such Code is amended to read as follows:  (4)the candidate and the authorized committees of the candidate will not accept aggregate contributions from any person with respect to the nomination for election to the office of President of the United States in excess of $1,000 for the election..
					(2)Conforming amendments
 (A)Section 9033(b) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new flush sentence:  For purposes of paragraph (4), the term contribution has the meaning given such term in section 301(8) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.. (B)Section 9032(4) of such Code, as amended by section 101(a)(3)(A) is amended by inserting or 9033(b) after 9034.
 (c)Ban on acceptance of bundled contributionsSection 9033(b) of such Code, as amended by subsection (b), is amended— (1)by striking and at the end of paragraph (3);
 (2)by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and inserting , and; and (3)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (5)the candidate and the authorized committee of the candidate will not accept any bundled contribution (as defined in section 304(i)(8)) forwarded by or credited to a person described in section 304(i)(7)..
 (d)Participation in system for payments for general electionSection 9033(b) of such Code, as amended by subsection (c), is amended— (1)by striking and at the end of paragraph (4);
 (2)by striking the period at the end of paragraph (5) and inserting , and; and (3)by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (6)if the candidate is nominated by a political party for election to the office of President, the candidate will apply for and accept payments with respect to the general election for such office in accordance with chapter 95..
 103.Inflation adjustmentsSection 9033 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(d)Inflation adjustments
 (1)In generalIn the case of any applicable period beginning after 2015, each of the dollar amounts described in paragraph (4) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
 (A)such dollar amount, multiplied by (B)the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year following the year which such applicable period begins, determined by substituting calendar year 2015 for calendar year 1992 in subparagraph (B) thereof.
 (2)Applicable periodFor purposes of this subsection, the term applicable period means the 4-year period beginning with the first day following the date of the last general election for the office of President and ending on the date of the next such general election.
 (3)RoundingIf any amount as adjusted under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.
 (4)Amounts describedThe dollar amounts described in this paragraph are each of the dollar amounts in the following provisions of this chapter:
 (A)Subsection (b) of this section (relating to the requirements with respect to contributions received and accepted by eligible candidates).
 (B)Section 9034(a) and 9034(c) (relating to the determinations and definition of matchable contribution). (C)Section 9034(b) (relating to the limitation on the total amount of payments to which a candidate may be entitled).
 (D)Section 9035(a) (relating to the limitation on the amount of expenditures a candidate may make from personal funds)..
			104.Repeal of expenditure limitations
 (a)In generalSubsection (a) of section 9035 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:  (a)Personal expenditure limitationNo candidate shall knowingly make expenditures from his personal funds, or the personal funds of his immediate family, in connection with his campaign for nomination for election to the office of President in excess of, in the aggregate, $50,000..
 (b)Conforming amendmentParagraph (1) of section 9033(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:

 (1)the candidate will comply with the personal expenditure limitation under section 9035,. 105.Period of availability of matching paymentsSection 9032(6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking the beginning of the calendar year in which a general election for the office of President of the United States will be held and inserting the date that is 6 months prior to the date of the earliest State primary election.
 106.Examination and audits of matchable contributionsSection 9038(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting and matchable contributions accepted by after qualified campaign expenses of. 107.Modification to limitation on contributions for Presidential primary candidatesSection 315(a)(6) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30116(a)(6)) is amended by striking calendar year and inserting four-year election cycle.
			IIGeneral Elections
 201.Modification of eligibility requirements for public financingSubsection (a) of section 9003 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:  (a)In generalIn order to be eligible to receive any payments under section 9006, the candidates of a political party in a presidential election shall meet the following requirements:
 (1)Participation in primary payment systemThe candidate for President received payments under chapter 96 for the campaign for nomination for election to be President.
 (2)Agreements with CommissionThe candidates, in writing— (A)agree to obtain and furnish to the Commission such evidence as it may request of the qualified campaign expenses of such candidates,
 (B)agree to keep and furnish to the Commission such records, books, and other information as it may request, and
 (C)agree to an audit and examination by the Commission under section 9007 and to pay any amounts required to be paid under such section.
 (3)Ban on certain contributions and solicitationsThe candidates certify to the Commission, under penalty of perjury, the following: (A)Bundled contributionsSuch candidates and the authorized committees of such candidates will not accept any bundled contribution (as defined in section 304(i)(8)) forwarded by or credited to a person described in section 304(i)(7).
 (B)Solicitations for joint fundraising committeesSuch candidates and their authorized committees will not, after June 1 of the election year, solicit any funds for any joint fundraising committee that includes any committee of a political party.
 (C)Solicitation for political partiesSuch candidates and their authorized committees will not, after June 1 of the year in which the election is held, solicit any funds for any committee of a political party.
							Such certification shall be made within such time prior to the day of the presidential election as
			 the Commission shall prescribe by rules or regulations..
			202.Repeal of expenditure limitations and use of qualified campaign contributions
				(a)Use of qualified campaign contributions without expenditure limits; application of same
 requirements for major, minor, and new partiesSection 9003 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting the following:

						(b)Use of qualified campaign contributions To defray expenses
 (1)In generalIn order to be eligible to receive any payments under section 9006, the candidates of a party in a presidential election shall certify to the Commission, under penalty of perjury, that—
 (A)such candidates and their authorized committees have not and will not accept any contributions to defray qualified campaign expenses other than—
 (i)qualified campaign contributions, and (ii)contributions to the extent necessary to make up any deficiency payments received out of the fund on account of the application of section 9006(c), and
 (B)such candidates and their authorized committees have not and will not accept any contribution to defray expenses which would be qualified campaign expenses but for subparagraph (C) of section 9002(11).
 (2)Timing of certificationThe candidate shall make the certification required under this subsection at the same time the candidate makes the certification required under subsection (a)(3)..
 (b)Definition of qualified campaign contributionSection 9002 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:  (13)Qualified campaign contributionThe term qualified campaign contribution means, with respect to any election for the office of President of the United States, a contribution from an individual to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate which—
 (A)is made after June 1 of the year in which the election is held; (B)does not exceed $1,000 for the election; and
 (C)with respect to which the candidate has certified in writing that— (i)the individual making such contribution has not made aggregate contributions (including such qualified contribution) to such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate in excess of the amount described in subparagraph (B), and
 (ii)such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate will not accept contributions from such individual (including such qualified contribution) aggregating more than the amount described in subparagraph (B) with respect to such election..
				(c)Conforming amendments
					(1)Repeal of expenditure limits
 (A)In generalSection 315 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30116) is amended by striking subsection (b).
 (B)Conforming amendmentsSection 315(c) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30116(c)) is amended— (i)in paragraph (1)(B)(i), by striking , (b); and
 (ii)in paragraph (2)(B)(i), by striking subsections (b) and (d) and inserting subsection (d). (2)Repeal of repayment requirement (A)In generalSection 9007(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively.
 (B)Conforming amendmentParagraph (2) of section 9007(b) of such Code, as redesignated by subparagraph (A), is amended— (i)by striking a major party and inserting a party;
 (ii)by inserting qualified contributions and after contributions (other than; and (iii)by striking (other than qualified campaign expenses with respect to which payment is required under paragraph (2)).
							(3)Criminal penalties
 (A)Repeal of penalty for excess expensesSection 9012 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking subsection (a). (B)Penalty for acceptance of disallowed contributions; application of same penalty for candidates of major, minor, and new partiesSubsection (b) of section 9012 of such Code is amended to read as follows:

								(b)Contributions
 (1)Acceptance of disallowed contributionsIt shall be unlawful for an eligible candidate of a party in a presidential election or any of his authorized committees knowingly and willfully to accept any contribution to defray qualified campaign expenses, except to the extent necessary to make up any deficiency in payments received out of the fund on account of the application of section 9006(c), or to defray expenses which would be qualified campaign expenses but for subparagraph (C) of section 9002(11).
 (2)PenaltyAny person who violates paragraph (1) shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both. In the case of a violation by an authorized committee, any officer or member of such committee who knowingly and willfully consents to such violation shall be fined not more than $5,000, or imprisoned not more than one year, or both..
						203.Matching payments and other modifications to payment amounts
				(a)In general
 (1)Amount of payments; application of same amount for candidates of major, minor, and new partiesSubsection (a) of section 9004 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:  (a)In generalSubject to the provisions of this chapter, the eligible candidates of a party in a presidential election shall be entitled to equal payment under section 9006 in an amount equal to 600 percent of the amount of each matchable contribution received by such candidate or by the candidate’s authorized committees (disregarding any amount of contributions from any person to the extent that the total of the amounts contributed by such person for the election exceeds $250), except that total amount to which a candidate is entitled under this paragraph shall not exceed $300,000,000..
 (2)Repeal of separate limitations for candidates of minor and new partiesSection 9004 of such Code is amended by striking subsection (b). (3)Conforming amendmentSection 9005(a) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: The Commission shall make such additional certifications as may be necessary to receive payments under section 9004..
 (b)Matchable contributionSection 9002 of such Code, as amended by section 202, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

 (14)Matchable contributionThe term matchable contribution means, with respect to the election to the office of President of the United States, a contribution by an individual to a candidate or an authorized committee of a candidate with respect to which the candidate has certified in writing that—
 (A)the individual making such contribution has not made aggregate contributions (including such matchable contribution) to such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate in excess of $1,000 for the election;
 (B)such candidate and the authorized committees of such candidate will not accept contributions from such individual (including such matchable contribution) aggregating more than the amount described in subparagraph (A) with respect to such election; and
 (C)such contribution was not— (i)forwarded from the contributor from any person other than an individual, or
 (ii)received by the candidate or committee from a contributor or contributors, but credited by the committee or candidate to another person who is not an individual through records, designations, or other means of recognizing (whether in writing or not in writing) that a certain amount of money has been raised by such person..
 204.Inflation adjustmentsSection 9004 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(f)Inflation adjustments
 (1)In generalIn the case of any applicable period beginning after 2017, each of the dollar amounts described in paragraph (4) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
 (A)such dollar amount; multiplied by (B)the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year following the year which such applicable period begins, determined by substituting calendar year 2016 for calendar year 1992 in subparagraph (B) thereof.
 (2)Applicable periodFor purposes of this subsection, the term applicable period means the 4-year period beginning with the first day following the date of the last general election for the office of President and ending on the date of the next such general election.
 (3)RoundingIf any amount as adjusted under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.
 (4)Amounts describedThe dollar amounts described in this paragraph are each of the dollar amounts in the following provisions of this chapter:
 (A)Section 9002(13) (relating to the definition of qualified campaign contribution). (B)Section 9002(14) (relating to the definition of matchable contribution).
 (C)Subsection (a) of this section (relating to the limitation on the total amount of payments to which a candidate may be entitled)..
			205.Increase in limit on coordinated party expenditures
 (a)In GeneralSection 315(d)(2) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30116(d)(2)) is amended to read as follows:  (2)(A)The national committee of a political party may not make any expenditure in connection with the general election campaign of any candidate for President of the United States who is affiliated with such party which exceeds $100,000,000.
 (B)For purposes of this paragraph— (i)any expenditure made by or on behalf of a national committee of a political party and in connection with a presidential election shall be considered to be made in connection with the general election campaign of a candidate for President of the United States who is affiliated with such party; and
 (ii)any communication made by or on behalf of such party shall be considered to be made in connection with the general election campaign of a candidate for President of the United States who is affiliated with such party if any portion of the communication is in connection with such election.
 (C)Any expenditure under this paragraph shall be in addition to any expenditure by a national committee of a political party serving as the principal campaign committee of a candidate for the office of President of the United States..
				(b)Conforming amendments relating to timing of cost-of-Living adjustment
 (1)In generalSection 315(c)(1) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30116(c)(1)), as amended by section 202(d)(1)(B), is amended—
 (A)in subparagraph (B), by striking (d) and inserting (d)(3); and (B)by inserting at the end the following new subparagraph:

 (D)In any calendar year after 2017— (i)the dollar amount in subsection (d)(2) shall be increased by the percent difference determined under subparagraph (A);
 (ii)the amount so increased shall remain in effect for the calendar year; and (iii)if the amount after adjustment under clause (i) is not a multiple of $100, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100..
 (2)Base yearSection 315(c)(2)(B) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30116(c)(2)(B)), as amended by section 202(d)(1)(B), is amended—
 (A)in clause (i)— (i)by striking (d) and inserting (d)(3); and
 (ii)by striking and at the end; (B)in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
 (C)by adding at the end the following new clause:  (iii)for purposes of subsection (d)(2), calendar year 2016..
						206.Establishment of uniform date for release of payments
				(a)Date for payments
 (1)In generalSection 9006(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:  (b)Payments from the FundIf the Secretary of the Treasury receives a certification from the Commission under section 9005 for payment to the eligible candidates of a political party, the Secretary shall pay to such candidates out of the fund the amount certified by the Commission on the later of—
 (1)the last Friday occurring before the first Monday in September; or (2)24 hours after receiving the certifications for the eligible candidates of all major political parties.
								Amounts paid to any such candidates shall be under the control of such candidates..
 (2)Conforming AmendmentThe first sentence of section 9006(c) of such Code is amended by striking the time of a certification by the Commission under section 9005 for payment and inserting the time of making a payment under subsection (b). (b)Time for certificationSection 9005(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 10 days and inserting 24 hours.
				207.Amounts in Presidential Election Campaign Fund
 (a)Determination of amounts in fundSection 9006(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: In making a determination of whether there are insufficient moneys in the fund for purposes of the previous sentence, the Secretary shall take into account in determining the balance of the fund for a Presidential election year the Secretary’s best estimate of the amount of moneys which will be deposited into the fund during the year, except that the amount of the estimate may not exceed the average of the annual amounts deposited in the fund during the previous 3 years..
				(b)Special rule for first campaign cycle under this Act
 (1)In generalSection 9006 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

							(d)Special authority To borrow
 (1)In generalNotwithstanding subsection (c), there are authorized to be appropriated to the fund, as repayable advances, such sums as are necessary to carry out the purposes of the fund during the period ending on the first presidential election occurring after the date of the enactment of this subsection.
								(2)Repayment of advances
 (A)In generalAdvances made to the fund shall be repaid, and interest on such advances shall be paid, to the general fund of the Treasury when the Secretary determines that moneys are available for such purposes in the fund.
 (B)Rate of interestInterest on advances made to the fund shall be at a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury (as of the close of the calendar month preceding the month in which the advance is made) to be equal to the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the anticipated period during which the advance will be outstanding and shall be compounded annually..
 (2)Effective dateThe amendment made by this subsection shall take effect January 1, 2016. 208.Use of general election payments for general election legal and accounting complianceSection 9002(11) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: For purposes of subparagraph (A), an expense incurred by a candidate or authorized committee for general election legal and accounting compliance purposes shall be considered to be an expense to further the election of such candidate..
			IIISeverability; Effective Date
 301.SeverabilityIf any provision of this Act or amendment made by this Act, or the application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance, is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act and amendments made by this Act, and the application of the provisions and amendment to any person or circumstance, shall not be affected by the holding.
 302.Effective dateExcept as otherwise provided in this Act, the amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to elections occurring after January 1, 2016.


116 SRES 181 ATS: Supporting the designation of the week of April 8 through April 12, 2019, as “National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week”.
U.S. Senate
2019-05-01
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		III
		116th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		S. RES. 181
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 1, 2019
			Ms. Hassan (for herself, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Casey, Ms. Ernst, Mr. Hoeven, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Jones, Mr. Kaine, Mrs. Murray, and Ms. Smith) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

		RESOLUTION
		Supporting the designation of the week of April 8 through April 12, 2019, as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week.

 Whereas there are more than 1,000,000 specialized instructional support personnel serving the schools and students of the United States, including—
 (1)school counselors; (2)school social workers;
 (3)school psychologists; and (4)other qualified professional personnel, such as—
 (A)school nurses; (B)psychologists;
 (C)social workers; (D)occupational therapists;
 (E)physical therapists; (F)art therapists;
 (G)dance and movement therapists; (H)music therapists;
 (I)speech-language pathologists; and (J)audiologists;
 Whereas specialized instructional support personnel provide school-based prevention and early intervention services to reduce barriers to learning;
 Whereas specialized instructional support personnel work with teachers, school leaders, and parents to ensure that all students are successful in school;
 Whereas specialized instructional support personnel encourage multidisciplinary collaboration to promote student and school success;
 Whereas specialized instructional support personnel provide educational, social, emotional, and behavioral interventions and activities that support—
 (1)student learning; and (2)teaching;
 Whereas specialized instructional support personnel help to create environments that are safe, supportive, and conducive to learning;
 Whereas safe and supportive school environments are associated with improved academic performance; Whereas specialized instructional support personnel support—
 (1)student communication; (2)the development of social skills by students;
 (3)the physical wellness of students; (4)the physical development of students; and
 (5)the behavioral, emotional, and mental health of students; and Whereas specialized instructional support personnel serve all students who struggle with barriers to learning: Now, therefore, be it

 That the Senate— (1)supports the designation of April 8 through April 12, 2019, as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week;
 (2)recognizes that specialized instructional support personnel implement evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes;
 (3)commends— (A)those individuals who work as specialized instructional support personnel; and
 (B)the individuals and organizations that support the efforts made by specialized instructional support personnel to promote and improve the availability of specialized instructional support services;
 (4)encourages Federal, State, and local policymakers to work together to raise awareness of the importance of specialized instructional support personnel in school climate and education efforts;
 (5)recognizes the important role of specialized instructional support personnel in efforts to improve mental health, reduce drug use, and improve overall community safety for students; and
 (6)encourages experts to share best practices so that others can replicate the success of those experts.


116 S3816 IS: Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act
U.S. Senate
2020-05-21
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II116th CONGRESS2d SessionS. 3816IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATESMay 21, 2020Mr. Cassidy introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural ResourcesA BILLTo authorize the Secretary of Energy to carry out a program to lease underused facilities of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and for other purposes.1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act.2.Use of underused Strategic Petroleum Reserve facilities(a)In generalSection 168 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6247a) is amended to read as follows:168.Use of underused facilities(a)Leasing of facilities(1)In generalNotwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Secretary may establish a program (referred to in this section as the program) under which the Secretary may lease underused storage facilities and related facilities of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to private entities and foreign governments for any term and under such other conditions as the Secretary considers necessary or appropriate. (2)Exclusion from Strategic Petroleum ReservePetroleum products stored in a storage facility or related facility leased under the program shall not be part of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.(b)Protection of facilitiesEach lease entered into under the program shall contain provisions requiring the lessee to pay fees to fully compensate the United States for all costs relating to the storage and removal of petroleum products (including the proportionate cost of any replacement facility necessitated as a result of any withdrawal) incurred by the United States as a result of the lease.(c)Access to petroleum products by the United StatesThe Secretary shall ensure that each lease entered into under the program shall not impair the ability of the United States to withdraw, distribute, or sell petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in response to—(1)an energy emergency; or(2)the obligations of the United States under the international energy program.(d)National securityThe Secretary shall ensure that any lease entered into under the program with a foreign government shall not impair national security.(e)Deposits of amounts received(1)In generalExcept as provided in paragraph (2), amounts received from a lease entered into under the program shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury during the fiscal year in which the amounts are received.(2)Payment of costs(A)In generalExcept as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary, without further appropriation, may use amounts received from a lease entered into under the program for the costs described in subsection (b).(B)ExceptionThe Secretary may not use amounts received from a lease entered into under the program for any cost for additions or changes described in subsection (f)(1).(f)Preparation of facilities(1)In generalIn using amounts available in the Energy Security and Infrastructure Modernization Fund established by section 404 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 6239 note; Public Law 114–74) (referred to in this subsection as the Fund) for costs described in subsection (b), the Secretary shall only use amounts for costs that relate to the addition of a facility or changes to a facility or facility operations necessary to lease the facility, including costs relating to—(A)the acquisition of land;(B)the acquisition of any ancillary facility or equipment;(C)site development; and(D)other necessary costs relating to capital improvement.(2)EffectNothing in this subsection alters or limits the authority of the Secretary to use amounts in the Fund for the uses authorized by section 404(d) of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 6239 note; Public Law 114–74)..(b)Conforming amendmentThe table of contents for the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. prec. 6201) is amended by striking the item relating to section 168 and inserting the following:Sec. 168. Use of underused facilities..3.Program to lease Strategic Petroleum Reserve facilities(a)In generalPart B of title I of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6231 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:170.Program to lease storage and related facilities(a)EstablishmentNot later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act, as part of the program established under section 168, the Secretary shall establish a program (referred to in this section as the program) to make available for lease—(1)capacity for storage of not more than 200,000,000 barrels of petroleum products at storage facilities of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; and(2)related facilities.(b)ContentsIn carrying out the program, the Secretary shall—(1)identify appropriate storage facilities and related facilities of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to lease, to make maximum use of those facilities;(2)identify and implement any changes to facilities or facility operations necessary to lease the facilities identified under paragraph (1), including any changes necessary to ensure the long-term structural viability and use of the facilities for purposes of this part and part C;(3)make the facilities identified under paragraph (1) available for lease; and(4)identify environmental effects, including benefits, of leasing storage facilities and related facilities of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.(c)ReportNot later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Reform Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing the status of the program..(b)Conforming amendmentThe table of contents for the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. prec. 6201) is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to part B of title I the following:Sec. 170. Program to lease storage and related facilities..


111 HR 228 IH: To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a scholarship program for students seeking a degree or certificate in the areas of visual impairment and orientation and mobility.
U.S. House of Representatives
2009-01-07
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 228
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			January 7, 2009
			Ms. Jackson-Lee of
			 Texas introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
			 Committee on Veterans’
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish
		  a scholarship program for students seeking a degree or certificate in the areas
		  of visual impairment and orientation and mobility.

		1.Visual impairment and
			 orientation and mobility professionals education assistance program
			(a)Establishment of
			 programPart V of title 38,
			 United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
			 chapter:

					80Visual Impairment
				and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Education Assistance
				Program

							Sec.
							8001. Establishment of scholarship
				  program; purpose.
							8002. Application and
				  acceptance.
							8003. Amount of assistance;
				  duration.
							8004. Agreement.
							8005. Repayment for failure to satisfy
				  requirements of agreement.

						8001.Establishment
				of scholarship program; purpose
							(a)EstablishmentSubject
				to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish and carry
				out a scholarship program to provide financial assistance in accordance with
				this chapter to an individual—
								(1)who is accepted
				for enrollment or currently enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree
				or certificate in visual impairment or orientation and mobility, or a dual
				degree or certification in both such areas, at an accredited (as determined by
				the Secretary) educational institution that is in a State; and
								(2)who enters into an
				agreement with the Secretary as described in section 8004 of this
				chapter.
								(b)PurposeThe
				purpose of the scholarship program established under this chapter is to
				increase the supply of qualified blind rehabilitation specialists for the
				Department and the Nation.
							(c)OutreachThe
				Secretary shall publicize the scholarship program established under this
				chapter to educational institutions throughout the United States, with an
				emphasis on disseminating information to such institutions with high numbers of
				Hispanic students and to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
							8002.Application
				and acceptance
							(a)Application(1)To apply and participate
				in the scholarship program under this chapter, an individual shall submit to
				the Secretary an application for such participation together with an agreement
				described in section 8004 of this chapter under which the participant agrees to
				serve a period of obligated service in the Department as provided in the
				agreement in return for payment of educational assistance as provided in the
				agreement.
								(2)In distributing application forms and
				agreement forms to individuals desiring to participate in the scholarship
				program, the Secretary shall include with such forms the following:
									(A)A fair summary of the rights and
				liabilities of an individual whose application is approved (and whose agreement
				is accepted) by the Secretary.
									(B)A full description of the terms and
				conditions that apply to participation in the scholarship program and service
				in the Department.
									(b)Approval(1)Upon the Secretary’s
				approval of an individual’s participation in the scholarship program, the
				Secretary shall, in writing, promptly notify the individual of that
				acceptance.
								(2)An individual becomes a participant
				in the scholarship program upon such approval by the Secretary.
								8003.Amount of
				assistance; duration
							(a)Amount of
				assistanceThe amount of the financial assistance provided for an
				individual under this chapter shall be the amount determined by the Secretary
				as being necessary to pay the tuition and fees of the individual. In the case
				of an individual enrolled in a program of study leading to a dual degree or
				certification in both the areas of study described in section 8001(a)(1) of
				this chapter, the tuition and fees shall not exceed the amounts necessary for
				the minimum number of credit hours to achieve such dual certification or
				degree.
							(b)Relationship to
				other assistanceFinancial assistance may be provided to an
				individual under this chapter to supplement other educational assistance to the
				extent that the total amount of educational assistance received by the
				individual during an academic year does not exceed the total tuition and fees
				for such academic year.
							(c)Maximum amount
				of assistance(1)In no case may the total
				amount of assistance provided under this chapter for an academic year to an
				individual who is a full-time student exceed $15,000.
								(2)In the case of an individual who is a
				part-time student, the total amount of assistance provided under this chapter
				shall bear the same ratio to the amount that would be paid under paragraph (1)
				if the participant were a full-time student in the program of study being
				pursued by the individual as the coursework carried by the individual to
				full-time coursework in that program of study.
								(3)In no case may the total amount of
				assistance provided to an individual under this chapter exceed $45,000.
								(d)Maximum duration
				of assistanceThe Secretary may provide financial assistance to
				an individual under this chapter for not more than six years.
							8004.AgreementAn agreement between the Secretary and a
				participant in the scholarship program under this chapter shall be in writing,
				shall be signed by the participant, and shall include—
							(1)the Secretary’s
				agreement to provide the participant with financial assistance as authorized
				under this chapter;
							(2)the participant’s
				agreement—
								(A)to accept such
				financial assistance;
								(B)to maintain
				enrollment and attendance in the program of study described in section
				8001(a)(1) of this chapter;
								(C)while enrolled in
				such program, to maintain an acceptable level of academic standing (as
				determined by the educational institution offering such program under
				regulations prescribed by the Secretary); and
								(D)after completion
				of the program, to serve as a full-time employee in the Department for a period
				of three years, to be served within the first six years after the participant
				has completed such program and received a degree or certificate described in
				section 8001(a)(1) of this chapter; and
								(3)any other terms
				and conditions that the Secretary determines appropriate for carrying out this
				chapter.
							8005.Repayment for
				failure to satisfy requirements of agreement
							(a)In
				generalAn individual who receives educational assistance under
				this chapter shall repay to the Secretary an amount equal to the unearned
				portion of such assistance if the individual fails to satisfy the requirements
				of the agreement entered into under section 8004 of this chapter, except in
				circumstances authorized by the Secretary.
							(b)Amount of
				repaymentThe Secretary shall establish, by regulations,
				procedures for determining the amount of the repayment required under this
				subsection and the circumstances under which an exception to the required
				repayment may be granted.
							(c)Waiver or
				suspension of complianceThe Secretary shall prescribe
				regulations providing for the waiver or suspension of any obligation of an
				individual for service or payment under this chapter (or an agreement under
				this chapter) whenever noncompliance by the individual is due to circumstances
				beyond the control of the individual or whenever the Secretary determines that
				the waiver or suspension of compliance is in the best interest of the United
				States.
							(d)Obligation as
				debt to United StatesAn obligation to repay the Secretary under
				this section is, for all purposes, a debt owed the United States. A discharge
				in bankruptcy under title 11 does not discharge a person from such debt if the
				discharge order is entered less than five years after the date of the
				termination of the agreement or contract on which the debt is
				based.
							.
			(b)Clerical
			 amendmentsThe tables of
			 chapters at the beginning of title 38, and of part V of title 38, are each
			 amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 79 the following new
			 item:

						80.Visual
				  Impairment and Orientation and Mobility Professionals Education Assistance
				  Program8001.

					.
			2.Effective
			 dateThe Secretary of Veterans
			 Affairs shall implement chapter 80 of title 38, United States Code, as added by
			 section 1, not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this
			 Act.


113 HR 569 IH: Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013
U.S. House of Representatives
2013-02-06
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.

		I
		113th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 569
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 6, 2013
			Mr. Runyan (for
			 himself and Ms. Titus) introduced the
			 following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans’
			 Affairs

		A BILL
		To increase, effective as of December 1, 2013, the rates
		  of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates
		  of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled
		  veterans, and for other purposes.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living
			 Adjustment Act of 2013.
		2.Increase in rates
			 of disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation
			(a)Rate
			 adjustmentEffective on December 1, 2013, the Secretary of
			 Veterans Affairs shall increase, in accordance with subsection (c), the dollar
			 amounts in effect on November 30, 2013, for the payment of disability
			 compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation under the provisions
			 specified in subsection (b).
			(b)Amounts To be
			 increasedThe dollar amounts to be increased pursuant to
			 subsection (a) are the following:
				(1)Wartime
			 disability compensationEach of the dollar amounts under section
			 1114 of title 38, United States Code.
				(2)Additional
			 compensation for dependentsEach of the dollar amounts under
			 section 1115(1) of such title.
				(3)Clothing
			 allowanceThe dollar amount under section 1162 of such
			 title.
				(4)Dependency and
			 indemnity compensation to surviving spouseEach of the dollar
			 amounts under subsections (a) through (d) of section 1311 of such title.
				(5)Dependency and
			 indemnity compensation to childrenEach of the dollar amounts
			 under sections 1313(a) and 1314 of such title.
				(c)Determination of
			 Increase
				(1)PercentageExcept
			 as provided in paragraph (2), each dollar amount described in subsection (b)
			 shall be increased by the same percentage as the percentage by which benefit
			 amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et
			 seq.) are increased effective December 1, 2012, as a result of a determination
			 under section 215(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(i)).
				(2)RoundingEach
			 dollar amount increased under paragraph (1), if not a whole dollar amount,
			 shall be rounded to the next lower whole dollar amount.
				(d)Special
			 ruleThe Secretary of Veterans Affairs may adjust
			 administratively, consistent with the increases made under subsection (a), the
			 rates of disability compensation payable to persons under section 10 of Public
			 Law 85–857 (72 Stat. 1263) who have not received compensation under chapter 11
			 of title 38, United States Code.
			3.Publication of
			 adjusted ratesThe Secretary
			 of Veterans Affairs shall publish in the Federal Register the amounts specified
			 in section 2(b), as increased under that section, not later than the date on
			 which the matters specified in section 215(i)(2)(D) of the Social Security Act
			 (42 U.S.C. 415(i)(2)(D)) are required to be published by reason of a
			 determination made under section 215(i) of such Act during fiscal year
			 2014.


		II
		Calendar No. 64
		111th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. R. 35
		[Report No. 111–21]
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED
		  STATES

			January 8, 2009
			Received; read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on Homeland Security and
			 Governmental Affairs

			May 19, 2009
			Reported by Mr.
			 Lieberman, with an amendment
			Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert
			 the part printed in italic

		AN ACT
		To amend chapter 22 of title 44, United
		  States Code, popularly known as the Presidential Records Act, to establish
		  procedures for the consideration of claims of constitutionally based privilege
		  against disclosure of Presidential records.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Presidential Records Act Amendments of
			 2009.
		2.Procedures for
			 consideration of claims of constitutionally based privilege against
			 disclosure
			(a)In
			 generalChapter 22 of title 44, United States Code, is amended by
			 adding at the end the following:

					2208.Claims of
				constitutionally based privilege against disclosure
						(a)(1)When the Archivist
				determines under this chapter to make available to the public any Presidential
				record that has not previously been made available to the public, the Archivist
				shall—
								(A)promptly provide
				notice of such determination to—
									(i)the former
				President during whose term of office the record was created; and
									(ii)the incumbent
				President; and
									(B)make the notice
				available to the public.
								(2)The notice under
				paragraph (1)—
								(A)shall be in
				writing; and
								(B)shall include such
				information as may be prescribed in regulations issued by the Archivist.
								(3)(A)Upon the expiration of
				the 20-day period (excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays)
				beginning on the date the Archivist provides notice under paragraph (1)(A), the
				Archivist shall make available to the public the record covered by the notice,
				except any record (or reasonably segregable part of a record) with respect to
				which the Archivist receives from a former President or the incumbent President
				notification of a claim of constitutionally based privilege against disclosure
				under subsection (b).
								(B)A former President
				or the incumbent President may extend the period under subparagraph (A) once
				for not more than 20 additional days (excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and legal
				public holidays) by filing with the Archivist a statement that such an
				extension is necessary to allow an adequate review of the record.
								(C)Notwithstanding
				subparagraphs (A) and (B), if the period under subparagraph (A), or any
				extension of that period under subparagraph (B), would otherwise expire after
				January 19 and before July 20 of the year in which the incumbent President
				first takes office, then such period or extension, respectively, shall expire
				on July 20 of that year.
								(b)(1)For purposes of this
				section, any claim of constitutionally based privilege against disclosure must
				be asserted personally by a former President or the incumbent President, as
				applicable.
							(2)A former President
				or the incumbent President shall notify the Archivist, the Committee on
				Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives, and the
				Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate of a
				privilege claim under paragraph (1) on the same day that the claim is asserted
				under paragraph (1).
							(c)(1)The Archivist shall not
				make publicly available a Presidential record that is subject to a privilege
				claim asserted by a former President until the expiration of the 20-day period
				(excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) beginning on the date
				the Archivist is notified of the claim.
							(2)Upon the
				expiration of such period the Archivist shall make the record publicly
				available unless otherwise directed by a court order in an action initiated by
				the former President under section 2204(e).
							(d)(1)The Archivist shall not
				make publicly available a Presidential record that is subject to a privilege
				claim asserted by the incumbent President unless—
								(A)the incumbent
				President withdraws the privilege claim; or
								(B)the Archivist is
				otherwise directed by a final court order that is not subject to appeal.
								(2)This subsection
				shall not apply with respect to any Presidential record required to be made
				available under section 2205(2)(A) or (C).
							(e)The Archivist
				shall adjust any otherwise applicable time period under this section as
				necessary to comply with the return date of any congressional subpoena,
				judicial subpoena, or judicial
				process.
						.
			(b)RestrictionsSection
			 2204 of title 44, United States Code (relating to restrictions on access to
			 presidential records) is amended by adding at the end the following new
			 subsection:

					(f)The Archivist
				shall not make available any original presidential records to any individual
				claiming access to any presidential record as a designated representative under
				section 2205(3) if that individual has been convicted of a crime relating to
				the review, retention, removal, or destruction of records of the
				Archives.
					.
			(c)Conforming
			 amendments(1)Section 2204(d) of title
			 44, United States Code, is amended by inserting , except section
			 2208, after chapter.
				(2)Section 2207 of
			 title 44, United States Code, is amended in the second sentence by inserting
			 , except section 2208, after chapter.
				(d)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 22 of
			 title 44, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
			 following:

						2208. Claims of constitutionally based
				privilege against
				disclosure.

					.
			3.Executive order
			 of November 1, 2001Executive
			 Order No. 13233, dated November 1, 2001 (66 Fed. Reg. 56025), shall have no
			 force or effect.

		1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the
			 Presidential Records Act Amendments of
			 2009.
		2.Procedures for
			 consideration of claims of constitutionally based privilege against
			 disclosure
			(a)In
			 generalChapter 22 of title 44, United States Code, is amended by
			 adding at the end the following:

					2208.Claims of
				constitutionally based privilege against disclosure
						(a)(1)When the Archivist
				determines under this chapter to make available to the public any Presidential
				record that has not previously been made available to the public, the Archivist
				shall—
								(A)promptly provide notice
				of such determination to—
									(i)the former President
				during whose term of office the record was created; and
									(ii)the incumbent President;
				and
									(B)make the notice available
				to the public.
								(2)The notice under
				paragraph (1)—
								(A)shall be in writing;
				and
								(B)shall include such
				information as may be prescribed in regulations issued by the Archivist.
								(3)(A)Upon the expiration of
				the 60-day period (excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays)
				beginning on the date the Archivist provides notice under paragraph (1)(A), the
				Archivist shall make available to the public the Presidential record covered by
				the notice, except any record (or reasonably segregable part of a record) with
				respect to which the Archivist receives from a former President or the
				incumbent President notification of a claim of constitutionally based privilege
				against disclosure under subsection (b).
								(B)A former President or the
				incumbent President may extend the period under subparagraph (A) once for not
				more than 30 additional days (excepting Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public
				holidays) by filing with the Archivist a statement that such an extension is
				necessary to allow an adequate review of the record.
								(C)Notwithstanding
				subparagraphs (A) and (B), if the period under subparagraph (A), or any
				extension of that period under subparagraph (B), would otherwise expire after
				January 19 and before July 20 of the year in which the incumbent President
				first takes office, then such period or extension, respectively, shall expire
				on July 20 of that year.
								(b)(1)For purposes of this section, any claim of
				constitutionally based privilege against disclosure of a Presidential record
				(or reasonably segregable part of a record) must be asserted personally by a
				former President or the incumbent President, as applicable.
							(2)A former President or the
				incumbent President shall notify the Archivist, the Committee on Oversight and
				Government Reform of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on
				Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate of a privilege claim
				under paragraph (1) on the same day that the claim is asserted under such
				paragraph.
							(c)(1)If a claim of constitutionally based
				privilege against disclosure of a Presidential record (or reasonably segregable
				part of a record) is asserted under subsection (b) by a former President, the
				Archivist shall consult with the incumbent President, as soon as practicable
				during the period specified in paragraph (2)(A), to determine whether the
				incumbent President will uphold the claim asserted by the former
				President.
							(2)(A)Not later than the end of the 30-day period
				beginning on the date of which the Archivist receives notification from a
				former President of the assertion of a claim of constitutionally based
				privilege against disclosure, the Archivist shall provide notice to the former
				President and the public of the decision of the incumbent President under
				paragraph (1) regarding the claim.
								(B)If the incumbent President upholds the
				claim of privilege asserted by the former President, the Archivist shall not
				make the Presidential record (or reasonably segregable part of a record)
				subject to the claim publicly available unless—
									(i)the incumbent President withdraws the
				decision upholding the claim of privilege asserted by the former President;
				or
									(ii)the Archivist is
				otherwise directed by a final court order that is not subject to appeal.
									(C)If the incumbent President determines not
				to uphold the claim of privilege asserted by the former President, or fails to
				make the determination under paragraph (1) before the end of the period
				specified in subparagraph (A), the Archivist shall release the Presidential
				record subject to the claim at the end of the 90-day period beginning on the
				date of which the Archivist received notification of the claim, unless
				otherwise directed by a court order in an action initiated by the former
				President under section 2204(e) of this title.
								(d)(1)The Archivist shall not make publicly
				available a Presidential record (or reasonably segregable part of a record)
				that is subject to a privilege claim asserted by the incumbent President
				unless—
								(A)the incumbent President
				withdraws the privilege claim; or
								(B)the Archivist is
				otherwise directed by a final court order that is not subject to appeal.
								(2)This subsection shall not
				apply with respect to any Presidential record required to be made available
				under section 2205(2)(A) or (C) of this title.
							(e)The Archivist shall
				adjust any otherwise applicable time period under this section as necessary to
				comply with the return date of any congressional subpoena, judicial subpoena,
				or judicial
				process.
						.
			(b)RestrictionsSection
			 2204 of title 44, United States Code (relating to restrictions on access to
			 presidential records) is amended by adding at the end the following new
			 subsection:

					(f)The Archivist shall not
				make available any original presidential records to any individual claiming
				access to any presidential record as a designated representative under section
				2205(3) if that individual has been convicted of a crime relating to the
				review, retention, removal, or destruction of records of the
				Archives.
					.
			(c)Conforming
			 amendments(1)Section 2204(d) of title
			 44, United States Code, is amended by inserting , except section
			 2208, after chapter.
				(2)Section 2207 of title 44,
			 United States Code, is amended in the second sentence by inserting ,
			 except section 2208, after chapter.
				(d)Clerical
			 amendmentThe table of sections at the beginning of chapter 22 of
			 title 44, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
			 following:

						2208. Claims of constitutionally based
				privilege against
				disclosure.

					.
			3.Treatment of Executive
			 Orders 13233 and 12667Executive Order No. 13233, dated November 1,
			 2001 (66 Fed. Reg. 56025), and Executive Order No. 12667, dated January 1, 1989
			 (54 Fed. Reg. 3403), shall have no force or effect.

		May 19, 2009
		Reported with an amendment


114 HRES 431 IH: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in disapproval of the Senate’s modern filibuster rule.
U.S. House of Representatives
2015-09-18
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.

		IV
		114th CONGRESS
		1st Session
		H. RES. 431
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			September 18, 2015
			Mr. Griffith (for himself, Mr. Wittman, Mr. Flores, Mr. Goodlatte, Mr. Culberson, Mr. Westerman, Mr. Abraham, and Mr. Burgess) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules

		RESOLUTION
		Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in disapproval of the Senate’s modern
			 filibuster rule.

 Whereas the Founding Fathers never intended for a significant portion of the Senate’s business to be able to be blocked by a minority;
 Whereas the modern filibuster/cloture rule undermines the noble principles upon which this Nation was founded;
 Whereas the historic filibuster rule required 60 votes to stop debate if a Senator was standing in the well of the Senate debating a bill;
 Whereas in the 1970s the rule was changed to allow Senators to place an anonymous hold by making a request to the Senate Majority Leader to simply announce their intention to filibuster;
 Whereas today a Senator no longer has to be present to filibuster a bill on the Senate floor, meaning it requires a supermajority to begin debate rather than to end debate;
 Whereas the Senate’s rule XXII, known as the cloture rule, requires 16 Senators to initiate the process to end debate by introducing a motion;
 Whereas once the cloture motion is made, it requires the votes of at least three-fifths of all Senators (normally 60 votes), or a supermajority, to invoke cloture;
 Whereas the Republic of these United States based on democratic principles cannot long survive if the vast majority of issue legislation requires a supermajority in order to advance;
 Whereas both Democrats and Republicans have used the modern filibuster/cloture rule to stall legislative policy that a majority might otherwise support;
 Whereas the current Senate modern filibuster/cloture rule has been a major reason for the gridlock in recent years;
 Whereas nearly all Senate business as a result of the modern Senate filibuster/cloture rule requires 60 votes to process, a high hurdle that runs counter to the intent of our Nation’s Founding Fathers;
 Whereas the House of Representatives passes legislation that the Senate may not agree with completely, but as a result of the modern Senate filibuster/cloture rule, the Senate is essentially limited from making a legislative counteroffer to the House;
 Whereas eliminating the modern filibuster/cloture rule will allow more legislation passed by the House to be voted on in the Senate and, thus, more compromises can be reached;
 Whereas the historical filibuster rule is a better way for a Democratic-Republican form of government to function; and
 Whereas the historical filibuster rule is how the process is intended to work, and it is essential to building the consensus and compromise expected of its leaders by the American people: Now, therefore, be it

 That the House of Representatives— (1)expresses its firm disapproval of the Senate’s modern filibuster rule;
 (2)urges the Senate to abandon the modern filibuster rule and return to the historical filibuster rule, thereby ending the process of anonymous holds; and
 (3)reaffirms its commitment to work with the Senate to end gridlock and pass legislation through regular order, including resolving legislative differences via conference committee, to complete the work that the American people expect from its Congress.


117 S1026 IS: American Apprenticeship Act
U.S. Senate
2021-03-25
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.

II
117th CONGRESS1st Session
S. 1026
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 25, 2021
Ms. Klobuchar (for herself and Ms. Collins) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

A BILL
To assist States in, and pay for the Federal share of the cost of, defraying the cost of pre-apprenticeships or related instruction associated with qualified apprenticeship programs, and for other purposes.

1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the American Apprenticeship Act. 2.Pre-apprenticeship and qualified apprenticeship programs (a)DefinitionsIn this Act:
(1)Qualified apprenticeshipThe term qualified apprenticeship, used with respect to a program, means an apprenticeship program that is— (A)registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.); and
(B)concentrated in an industry sector or occupation that represents less than 10 percent of apprenticeable occupations or of the programs under the national apprenticeship system.  (2)Postsecondary educational institutionThe term postsecondary educational institution means an institution of higher education, as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
(3)Pre-apprenticeshipThe term pre-apprenticeship, used with respect to a program, means an initiative or set of strategies that— (A)is designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a qualified apprenticeship program;
(B)is carried out by a sponsor described in paragraph (6)(B) that has a documented partnership with one or more sponsors of qualified apprenticeship programs; and (C)includes each of the following:
(i)Training (including a curriculum for the training), aligned with industry standards related to apprenticeships in a qualified apprenticeship program, and reviewed and approved annually by sponsors of such apprenticeships within the documented partnership, that will prepare individuals by teaching the skills and competencies needed to enter one or more qualified apprenticeship programs. (ii)Provision of hands-on training and theoretical education to individuals that—
(I)is carried out in a manner that includes proper observation of supervision and safety protocols; and (II)is carried out in a manner that does not displace a paid employee.
(iii)A formal agreement with a sponsor of a qualified apprenticeship program that would enable participants who successfully complete the pre-apprenticeship program to enter directly into the qualified apprenticeship program (if a place in the program is available and if the participant meets the qualifications of the qualified apprenticeship program), and includes agreements concerning earning credit recognized by a postsecondary educational institution for skills and competencies acquired during the pre-apprenticeship program. (4)Related instructionThe term related instruction means an organized and systematic form of classroom or web-based instruction designed to provide an apprentice with the knowledge of the theoretical and technical subjects related to the occupation of the apprentice or the instruction needed to prepare an individual to enter and succeed in an qualified apprenticeship program.
(5)SecretaryThe term Secretary means the Secretary of Labor. (6)SponsorThe term sponsor means—
(A)with respect to a qualified apprenticeship program, an employer, joint labor-management partnership, trade association, professional association, labor organization, or other entity, that administers the qualified apprenticeship program; and (B)with respect to a pre-apprenticeship program, a local educational agency, a secondary school, an area career and technical education school, a State board, a local board, a joint labor-management committee, a labor organization, or a community-based organization, with responsibility for the pre-apprenticeship program.
(7)Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act definitionsThe terms area career and technical education school, community-based organization, individual with a barrier to employment, local board, local educational agency, secondary school, and State board have the meanings given the terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102). (b)Grants for tuition assistance (1)In generalThe Secretary may make grants to States on a competitive basis to assist the States in, and pay for the Federal share of the cost of, defraying the cost of a pre-apprenticeship, or the cost of related instruction, associated with a qualified apprenticeship program.
(2)ApplicationTo be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, a State shall submit an application to the Secretary for such a project at such time, in such manner, and containing a strategic plan that contains such information as the Secretary may require, including— (A)information identifying the State agency (referred to in this Act as the State entity) that will administer the grant as determined by the Governor of the State;
(B)a description of strategies that the State entity will use to collaborate with key industry representatives, State agencies, postsecondary educational institutions, labor-management entities, and other relevant partners to launch or expand pre-apprenticeships for and apprenticeships in qualified apprenticeship programs; (C)a description of how the State entity will—
(i)coordinate activities carried out under this subsection with activities carried out under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) to support pre-apprenticeships for and apprenticeships in qualified apprenticeship programs; (ii)leverage funds provided under the Acts specified in clause (i) to support pre-apprenticeships for and apprenticeships in qualified apprenticeship programs; and
(iii)utilize, and encourage individual participants in programs supported under this subsection to utilize, available Federal and State financial assistance, including assistance available under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.), education assistance benefits available to veterans, and Federal Pell Grants available under section 401 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a), prior to using assistance made available under this Act; (D)a description of strategies to elevate apprenticeships in qualified apprenticeship programs as a workforce solution in nontraditional industries, such as information technology, health care, advanced manufacturing, transportation, and other industries determined to be high-demand by the State board for the State;
(E)a description of activities that the State entity will carry out to build awareness about the economic potential of apprenticeships in qualified apprenticeship programs; (F)a description that outlines how the State entity will increase opportunities for pre-apprenticeships for and apprenticeships in qualified apprenticeship programs, among members of minority groups, youth, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with barriers to employment;
(G)a description of— (i)how the State entity will ensure that the qualified apprenticeship program meets certain performance measures and quality standards, including that the qualified apprenticeship program has been in existence for not fewer than 6 months prior to the application date;
(ii)the targeted outreach strategies that the State entity will use for populations previously underserved through apprenticeships; and (iii)any State performance measures that the State will use, at the election of the State, to measure the effectiveness of the project; and
(H)in the case of a State that has already received a grant under this subsection for a project, information indicating that the State met the performance measures with respect to the project. (3)Application review processA joint team of employees from the Department of Labor and the Department of Education shall—
(A)review such an application; and (B)make recommendations to the Secretary regarding approval of the application.
(4)Use of fundsA State that receives a grant under this subsection shall use the funds made available through the grant to defray any of the following costs of related instruction: (A)Tuition and fees.
(B)Cost of textbooks, equipment, curriculum development, and other required educational materials. (C)Costs of any other item or service determined by the State to be necessary.
(5)Administrative costsThe State may use not more than 10 percent of the grant funds for administrative costs relating to carrying out the project described in paragraph (1). (6)Performance and evaluationThe Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall—
(A)establish performance measures based on indicators set by the Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship of the Department of Labor; and (B)establish an evaluation system aligned with the performance measures, and reporting requirements for the program carried out under this subsection.
(c)Federal share
(1)In generalThe Federal share of the cost described in subsection (b)(1) shall be not less than 20 percent and not more than 50 percent. (2)Non-Federal shareThe State may make the non-Federal share available—
(A)in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or services; and (B)directly or through donations from public or private entities.
(d)ReportThe Secretary shall prepare and submit to Congress, not later than September 30, 2026, a report— (1)detailing the results of the evaluation described in subsection (b)(6)(B); and
(2)analyzing the extent to which States have used grant funds effectively under this section. (e)Policy of the United StatesIt is the policy of the United States that funds made available under this section should be used to supplement and not supplant other funds available under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) and other Federal and State funds available to the State to support workforce development programs.
3.Identifying in-demand occupationsThe Secretary shall— (1)identify in-demand occupations nationally and regionally that lack the use of apprenticeships in qualified apprenticeship programs;
(2)analyze the use of the qualified apprenticeship program model in those identified in-demand occupations; and (3)prepare and submit to States and Congress a report that contains the analysis described in paragraph (2).
4.Authorization of appropriationsThere is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2027.


		II
		112th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. 2821
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			May 7, 2012
			Mr. Kerry introduced the
			 following bill; which was read twice and referred to the
			 Committee on
			 Finance

		A BILL
		To extend the suspension of duty on
		  acetoacetyl-2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroanilide.

		1.Acetoacetyl-2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroanilide
			(a)In
			 generalHeading 9902.23.64 of
			 the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (relating to
			 acetoacetyl-2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroanilide) is amended by striking the date in
			 the effective period column and inserting 12/31/2015.
			(b)Effective
			 dateThe amendment made by this section applies to goods entered,
			 or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day after the
			 date of the enactment of this Act.


114 HR 4491 IH: Making Your Retirement Accessible Act
U.S. House of Representatives
2016-02-08
text/xml
EN
Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

		I
		114th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		H. R. 4491
		IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

			February 8, 2016
			Mr. Crowley (for himself and Mr. Ellison) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

		A BILL
		To provide for MyRA accounts, and for other purposes.

 1.Short titleThis Act may be cited as the Making Your Retirement Accessible Act or the MyRA Act. 2.MyRA Accounts (a)In generalSection 408A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following:

					(g)MyRA accounts
 (1)Special rule for contributions from tax refundsA taxpayer may elect to contribute any portion of an overpayment of income tax for a taxable year to a MyRA account. The amount elected under the preceding sentence—
 (A)shall not exceed the amount allowed as a credit under section 25B for the taxable year, and (B)shall not be treated as qualified retirement contributions for purposes of section 219.
 (2)Direct depositThe Secretary shall provide for direct deposit of refunds from overpayments of income tax by a taxpayer to the MyRA account of a participant.
 (3)MyRA account definedFor purposes of this subsection, the term MyRA account means a Roth IRA which meets the requirements of section 3106(d) of title 31, United States Code. . (b)MyRA programSection 3106 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

					(d)
 (1)The Secretary shall, in accordance with this subsection, establish and carry out a program of individual savings accounts to be known as MyRA accounts under which the Secretary shall, upon receipt of contributions in cash by or on behalf of a participant, issue retirement savings bonds to the MyRA account of the participant.
 (2)In carrying out the program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A)administer a MyRA account for each participant and credit bonds issued to the participant to the MyRA account of the participant,
 (B)serve as custodian of assets in the program, (C)issue retirement savings bonds described in paragraph (4), and
 (D)issue to each participant an annual statement relating to the participant’s MyRA account. (3)For purposes of this subsection, the term MyRA account means a Roth IRA (as defined in section 408A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) established by the Secretary on behalf of a participant.
 (4)A retirement savings bond issued under this subsection shall— (A)earn interest at the same annual percentage rate as securities issued to the Government Securities Investment Fund in the Thrift Savings Plan for Federal employees, as determined under section 8438(e)(2) of title 5, United States Code,
 (B)shall be compounded daily at 1/360 of the annual percentage rate, (C)shall have a maturity date that is indeterminate and may differ for each bond issued, but that does not exceed the earlier of 30 years from the date the bond is first issued on behalf of the participant or when the total value of all such bonds held on behalf of the participant in the MyRA account reaches $15,000,
 (D)shall cease to bear interest on the date of maturity, and (E)shall be redeemed by the Secretary upon maturity.
 (5)Upon reaching maturity the Secretary shall transfer the entire amount in the MyRA account in a manner that meets the rollover requirements of section 408(d)(3) to a Roth IRA (other than a MyRA account) of the participant administered by a trustee who meets the satisfaction requirements of the Secretary under section 408(a)(2). For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary shall make transfers to eligible trustees on a rotating basis unless the participant elects otherwise.
 (6)The Secretary shall accept contributions from employers on behalf of employees by direct deposit. (7)The Secretary shall accept contributions from participants by direct deposit.
 (8)Participant information under the program under this subsection shall be exempt from disclosure to the public.
 (9)The Secretary shall issue a quarterly report to Congress— (A)listing the number of accounts created in that quarter, the total number of accounts in existence, the overall value of assets in the accounts, and the number of taxpayers per zip code (of the taxpayer) who have created accounts; and
 (B)the names of employers who paid fines for failure of the employer to notify their employees of these accounts.
 (10)The Secretary shall issue such regulations or other guidance as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out this subsection..
			(c)Employer requirements
 (1)Chapter 43 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following:  4980J.Failure of employer relating to MyRA accounts (a)Imposition of taxThere is hereby imposed a tax on the failure of any employer to meet the requirements of subsection (e) with respect to any employee.
							(b)Amount of tax
 (1)In generalThe amount of tax imposed by subsection (a) on any failure with respect to any employee shall be $100 for each day in the noncompliance period with respect to such failure.
 (2)Noncompliance periodFor purposes of this section, the term noncompliance period means, with respect to any failure, the period beginning on the date the failure first occurs and ending on the date the notice to which the failure relates is provided or the failure is otherwise corrected.
								(c)Limitations on amount of tax
 (1)Tax not to apply where failure not discovered and reasonable diligence exercisedNo tax shall be imposed by subsection (a) on any failure during any period for which it is established to the satisfaction of the Secretary that any employer subject to liability for the tax under subsection (d) did not know that the failure existed and exercised reasonable diligence to meet the requirements of subsection (e).
 (2)Tax not to apply to failures corrected within 30 daysNo tax shall be imposed by subsection (a) on any failure if— (A)any employer subject to liability for the tax under subsection (d) exercised reasonable diligence to meet the requirements of subsection (e), and
 (B)such employer provides the notice described in subsection (e) during the 30-day period beginning on the first date such employer knew, or exercising reasonable diligence would have known, that such failure existed.
									(3)Overall limitation for unintentional failures
 (A)In generalIf the employer subject to liability for tax under subsection (d) exercised reasonable diligence to meet the requirements of subsection (e), the tax imposed by subsection (a) for failures during the taxable year of the employer shall not exceed $500,000.
 (B)Taxable years in the case of certain controlled groupsFor purposes of this paragraph, if all persons who are treated as a single employer for purposes of this section do not have the same taxable year, the taxable years taken into account shall be determined under principles similar to the principles of section 1561.
 (4)Waiver by SecretaryIn the case of a failure which is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect, the Secretary may waive part or all of the tax imposed by subsection (a) to the extent that the payment of such tax would be excessive or otherwise inequitable relative to the failure involved.
 (d)Liability for taxThe employer shall be liable for the tax imposed by subsection (a). (e)Employer requirements relating to MyRA accounts (1)In generalAn employer who pays wages to any employee through direct deposit shall make contributions through direct deposit to the MyRA account of the amount of wages designated by an employee who elects to participate in the MyRA program under section 3106(d) of title 31, United States Code.
 (2)ExceptionParagraph (1) shall not apply to any employer with respect to an employee if the employer offers an employer-sponsored qualified retirement plan to the employee.
 (3)Notice requirementEach employer shall, in each paystub, provide a uniform notice to employees on how the employees can create a MyRA account..
 (2)The table of sections for chapter 43 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

							Sec. 4980J. Failure of employer relating to MyRA accounts.
						.
 (d)Effective dateThe amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.


		III
		110th CONGRESS
		2d Session
		S. RES. 480
		IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

			March 12, 2008
			Mr. Inhofe (for himself,
			 Mr. Martinez, Mr. Brownback, Mr.
			 Hagel, Mr. Allard,
			 Mr. Isakson, Mr. Warner, Mr.
			 Voinovich, Mr. Hatch,
			 Mrs. Dole, and Mr. Chambliss) submitted the following resolution;
			 which was referred to the Committee on
			 Foreign Relations

		RESOLUTION
		Recognizing the strategic importance of the African
		  continent and welcoming the establishment of AFRICOM, and for other
		  purposes.

		Whereas the United States provides nearly $9 billion in
			 assistance to Africa each year, with programs ranging from providing
			 humanitarian relief to strengthening health and education systems, breaking
			 down trade barriers and promoting economic development, combating corruption
			 and other illicit activities, and promoting critical democratic, judicial, and
			 human rights reforms;
		Whereas the United States also provides significant
			 resources to promote security on the African continent, particularly through
			 programs such as the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), the African
			 Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) program, the
			 Trans-Sahara Counter-Terrorism Partnership (TSCTP), Anti-Terrorism Assistance
			 (ATA), International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Enhanced
			 International Military and Training (E–IMET) programs, Foreign Military
			 Financing (FMF), Contributions to International Peacekeeping (CIPA),
			 International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement programs, and
			 Non-Proliferation Anti-terrorism, Demining, and related programs;
		Whereas United States military and security assistance
			 programs in Africa represent approximately 3 percent of the United States’
			 total $9 billion aid and development package for Africa;
		Whereas in 2003, the Armed Forces of the United States
			 were instrumental in helping to bring stability to war-torn Liberia;
		Whereas roughly 2,000 members of the United States Armed
			 Forces currently are stationed at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti as part of the
			 Combined Joint Task Force—Horn of Africa (CJTF–HOA) to promote regional
			 stability and prevent conflict in the region;
		Whereas the African continent faces unique development and
			 security challenges requiring unique United States policy approaches;
		Whereas development and prosperity in Africa are
			 inextricably linked to peace and stability;
		Whereas the Department of Defense historically has divided
			 Africa among three separate combatant commands: the U.S. European Command, the
			 U.S. Central Command and the U.S. Pacific Command;
		Whereas in February 2007, the President announced his
			 decision to create a unified command for Africa, the U.S. Africa Command, or
			 AFRICOM, to provide a more holistic approach toward United
			 States military relations, programs, and activities on the continent under a
			 single headquarters staff;
		Whereas the stated purpose of AFRICOM is to promote
			 U.S. National Security objectives by working with African states and regional
			 organizations to help strengthen stability and security, while
			 simultaneously streamlining United States security assistance programs and
			 eliminating bureaucratic divisions;
		Whereas pursuant to that objective, AFRICOM will seek to
			 [build] partnership capacities, [conduct] theater security cooperation,
			 [build] important counter-terrorism skills and, as appropriate, [support] U.S.
			 Government agencies in implementing other programs that promote regional
			 stability;
		Whereas unlike other commands, AFRICOM’s structure will
			 include a military commander and a civilian deputy, and is expected to include
			 civilian personnel from a variety of Federal departments and agencies,
			 including staff detailed from the Department of State and the United States
			 Agency for International Development (USAID) to contribute to the command’s
			 planning and to ensure that its activities are compatible and
			 integrated with other United States Government efforts;
		Whereas AFRICOM is expected to support, not shape, United
			 States foreign policy in Africa;
		Whereas AFRICOM serves as an important acknowledgment of
			 the strategic importance of the African continent, as well as an opportunity to
			 help African nations and regional institutions build a safe and secure
			 environment in which they can prosper;
		Whereas communicating the purposes of AFRICOM to African
			 governments and citizens is an important challenge;
		Whereas AFRICOM was formally established in Stuttgart,
			 Germany, on October 1, 2007; and
		Whereas AFRICOM is expected to reach full operating
			 capacity by October 1, 2008: Now, therefore, be it

		That the Senate—
			(1)recognizes the
			 strategic importance of the African continent and welcomes the establishment of
			 the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) in Stuttgart, Germany, on October 1, 2007,
			 toward that end;
			(2)urges the
			 Department of Defense, the Department of State, and USAID to work
			 collaboratively and consult with African partners to address any concerns
			 regarding conception or implementation of AFRICOM’s mandate, including through
			 rigorous public diplomacy; and
			(3)encourages
			 African nations to take advantage of the opportunity which AFRICOM represents
			 to collaborate in promoting peace and stability on the continent.