In this task, you are given text for US Congressional and California state bills, your task is to generate a summary for this bill.

Example Input: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Federal Ocean Acidification Research
And Monitoring Act of 2009'' or the ''FOARAM Act''.

SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are to provide for--
(1) development and coordination of a comprehensive
interagency plan to--
(A) monitor and conduct research on the processes
and consequences of ocean acidification on marine
organisms and ecosystems; and
(B) establish an interagency research and
monitoring program on ocean acidification;
(2) establishment of an ocean acidification program within
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
(3) assessment and consideration of regional and national
ecosystem and socioeconomic impacts of increased ocean
acidification; and
(4) research adaptation strategies and techniques for
effectively conserving marine ecosystems as they cope with
increased ocean acidification.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Ocean acidification.--The term ''ocean acidification''
means the decrease in pH of the Earth's oceans and changes in
ocean chemistry caused by chemical inputs from the atmosphere,
including carbon dioxide.
(2) Secretary.--The term ''Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Commerce, acting through the Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(3) Subcommittee.--The term ''Subcommittee'' means the
Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology of the
National Science and Technology Council.

SEC. 4. INTERAGENCY SUBCOMMITTEE.

(a) Designation.--
(1) In general.--The Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science
and Technology of the National Science and Technology Council
shall coordinate Federal activities on ocean acidification and
establish an interagency working group.
(2) Membership.--The interagency working group on ocean
acidification shall be comprised of senior representatives from
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the
National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, the United States Geological Survey, the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service, and such other Federal
agencies as appropriate.
(3) Chairman.--The interagency working group shall be
chaired by the representative from the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration.
(b) Duties.--The Subcommittee shall--
(1) develop the strategic research and monitoring plan to
guide Federal research on ocean acidification required under
section 5 of this Act and oversee the implementation of the
plan;
(2) oversee the development of--
(A) an assessment of the potential impacts of ocean
acidification on marine organisms and marine
ecosystems; and
(B) adaptation and mitigation strategies to
conserve marine organisms and ecosystems exposed to
ocean acidification;
(3) facilitate communication and outreach opportunities
with nongovernmental organizations and members of the
stakeholder community with interests in marine resources;
(4) coordinate the United States Federal research and
monitoring program with research and monitoring programs and
scientists from other nations; and
(5) establish or designate an Ocean Acidification
Information Exchange to make information on ocean acidification
developed through or utilized by the interagency ocean
acidification program accessible through electronic means,
including information which would be useful to policymakers,
researchers, and other stakeholders in mitigating or adapting
to the impacts of ocean acidification.
(c) Reports to Congress.--
(1) Initial report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Subcommittee shall transmit a
report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science and
Technology and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House
of Representatives that--
(A) includes a summary of federally funded ocean
acidification research and monitoring activities,
including the budget for each of these activities; and
(B) describes the progress in developing the plan
required under section 5 of this Act.
(2) Biennial report.--Not later than 2 years after the
delivery of the initial report under paragraph (1) and every 2
years thereafter, the Subcommittee shall transmit a report to
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate and the Committee on Science and Technology and the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives
that includes--
(A) a summary of federally funded ocean
acidification research and monitoring activities,
including the budget for each of these activities; and
(B) an analysis of the progress made toward
achieving the goals and priorities for the interagency
research plan developed by the Subcommittee under
section 5.
(3) Strategic research plan.--Not later than 2 years after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Subcommittee shall
transmit the strategic research plan developed under section 5
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate and the Committee on Science and Technology and the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.
A revised plan shall be submitted at least once every 5 years
thereafter.

SEC. 5. STRATEGIC RESEARCH PLAN.

(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Subcommittee shall develop a strategic plan for
Federal research and monitoring on ocean acidification that will
provide for an assessment of the impacts of ocean acidification on
marine organisms and marine ecosystems and the development of
adaptation and mitigation strategies to conserve marine organisms and
marine ecosystems. In developing the plan, the Subcommittee shall
consider and use information, reports, and studies of ocean
acidification that have identified research and monitoring needed to
better understand ocean acidification and its potential impacts, and
recommendations made by the National Academy of Sciences in the review
of the plan required under subsection (d).
(b) Contents of the Plan.--The plan shall--
(1) provide for interdisciplinary research among the ocean
sciences, and coordinated research and activities to improve
the understanding of ocean chemistry that will affect marine
ecosystems;
(2) establish, for the 10-year period beginning in the year
the plan is submitted, the goals and priorities for Federal
research and monitoring which will--
(A) advance understanding of ocean acidification
and its physical, chemical, and biological impacts on
marine organisms and marine ecosystems;
(B) improve the ability to assess the socioeconomic
impacts of ocean acidification; and
(C) provide information for the development of
adaptation and mitigation strategies to conserve marine
organisms and marine ecosystems;
(3) describe specific activities, including--
(A) efforts to determine user needs;
(B) research activities;
(C) monitoring activities;
(D) technology and methods development;
(E) data collection;
(F) database development;
(G) modeling activities;
(H) assessment of ocean acidification impacts; and
(I) participation in international research
efforts;
(4) identify relevant programs and activities of the
Federal agencies that contribute to the interagency program
directly and indirectly and set forth the role of each Federal
agency in implementing the plan;
(5) consider and utilize, as appropriate, reports and
studies conducted by Federal agencies, the National Research
Council, or other entities;
(6) make recommendations for the coordination of the ocean
acidification research and monitoring activities of the United
States with such activities of other nations and international
organizations;
(7) outline budget requirements for Federal ocean
acidification research and monitoring and assessment activities
to be conducted by each agency under the plan;
(8) identify the monitoring systems and sampling programs
currently employed in collecting data relevant to ocean
acidification and prioritize additional monitoring systems that
may be needed to ensure adequate data collection and monitoring
of ocean acidification and its impacts; and
(9) describe specific activities designed to facilitate
outreach and data and information exchange with stakeholder
communities.
(c) Program Elements.--The plan shall include at a minimum the
following program elements:
(1) Monitoring of ocean chemistry and biological impacts
associated with ocean acidification at selected coastal and
open-ocean monitoring stations, including satellite-based
monitoring to characterize--
(A) marine ecosystems;
(B) changes in marine productivity; and
(C) changes in surface ocean chemistry.
(2) Research to understand the species specific
physiological responses of marine organisms to ocean
acidification, impacts on marine food webs of ocean
acidification, and to develop environmental and ecological
indices that track marine ecosystem responses to ocean
acidification.
(3) Modeling to predict changes in the ocean carbon cycle
as a function of carbon dioxide and atmosphere-induced changes
in temperature, ocean circulation, biogeochemistry, ecosystem
and terrestrial input, and modeling to determine impacts on
marine ecosystems and individual marine organisms.
(4) Technology development and standardization of carbonate
chemistry measurements on moorings and autonomous floats.
(5) Assessment of socioeconomic impacts of ocean
acidification and development of adaptation and mitigation
strategies to conserve marine organisms and marine ecosystems.
(d) National Academy of Sciences Evaluation.--The Secretary shall
enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to review
the plan.
(e) Public Participation.--In developing the plan, the Subcommittee
shall consult with representatives of academic, State, industry and
environmental groups. Not later than 90 days before the plan, or any
revision thereof, is submitted to the Congress, the plan shall be
published in the Federal Register for a public comment period of not
less than 60 days.

SEC. 6. NOAA OCEAN ACIDIFICATION ACTIVITIES.

(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish and maintain an
ocean acidification program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to conduct research, monitoring, and other activities
consistent with the strategic research and implementation plan
developed by the Subcommittee under section 5 that--
(1) includes--
(A) interdisciplinary research among the ocean and
atmospheric sciences, and coordinated research and
activities to improve understanding of ocean
acidification;
(B) the establishment of a long-term monitoring
program of ocean acidification utilizing existing
global and national ocean observing assets, and adding
instrumentation and sampling stations as appropriate to
the aims of the research program;
(C) research to identify and develop adaptation
strategies and techniques for effectively conserving
marine ecosystems as they cope with increased ocean
acidification;
(D) as an integral part of the research programs
described in this Act, educational opportunities that
encourage an interdisciplinary and international
approach to exploring the impacts of ocean
acidification;
(E) as an integral part of the research programs
described in this Act, national public outreach
activities to improve the understanding of current
scientific knowledge of ocean acidification and its
impacts on marine resources; and
(F) coordination of ocean acidification monitoring
and impacts research with other appropriate
international ocean science bodies such as the
International Oceanographic Commission, the
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea,
the North Pacific Marine Science Organization, and
others;
(2) provides grants for critical research projects that
explore the effects of ocean acidification on ecosystems and
the socioeconomic impacts of increased ocean acidification that
are relevant to the goals and priorities of the strategic
research plan; and
(3) incorporates a competitive merit-based process for
awarding grants that may be conducted jointly with other
participating agencies or under the National Oceanographic
Partnership Program under section 7901 of title 10, United
States Code.
(b) Additional Authority.--In conducting the Program, the Secretary
may enter into and perform such contracts, leases, grants, or
cooperative agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of
this Act on such terms as the Secretary considers appropriate.

SEC. 7. NSF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION ACTIVITIES.

(a) Research Activities.--The Director of the National Science
Foundation shall continue to carry out research activities on ocean
acidification which shall support competitive, merit-based, peer-
reviewed proposals for research and monitoring of ocean acidification
and its impacts, including--
(1) impacts on marine organisms and marine ecosystems;
(2) impacts on ocean, coastal, and estuarine
biogeochemistry; and
(3) the development of methodologies and technologies to
evaluate ocean acidification and its impacts.
(b) Consistency.--The research activities shall be consistent with
the strategic research plan developed by the Subcommittee under section
5.
(c) Coordination.--The Director shall encourage coordination of the
Foundation's ocean acidification activities with such activities of
other nations and international organizations.

SEC. 8. NASA OCEAN ACIDIFICATION ACTIVITIES.

(a) Ocean Acidification Activities.--The Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in coordination with
other relevant agencies, shall ensure that space-based monitoring
assets are used in as productive a manner as possible for monitoring of
ocean acidification and its impacts.
(b) Program Consistency.--The Administrator shall ensure that the
Agency's research and monitoring activities on ocean acidification are
carried out in a manner consistent with the strategic research plan
developed by the Subcommittee under section 5.
(c) Coordination.--The Administrator shall encourage coordination
of the Agency's ocean acidification activities with such activities of
other nations and international organizations.

SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

(a) NOAA.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the purposes of
this Act--
(1) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(2) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(3) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
(4) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
(b) NSF.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the National
Science Foundation to carry out the purposes of this Act--
(1) $6,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(2) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(3) $12,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
(4) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
Example Output: Federal Ocean Acidification Research And Monitoring Act of 2009 or FOARAM Act - Defines "ocean acidification," for this Act, as the decrease in pH of the Earth's oceans and changes in ocean chemistry caused by chemical inputs from the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide.

Requires that the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology of the National Science and Technology Council coordinate federal activities on ocean acidification and establish an interagency working group.

Requires the Subcommittee to develop a strategic plan for federal ocean acidification research and monitoring that provides, among other things, for the development of adaptation and mitigation strategies. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to review the plan.

Directs the Secretary to establish and maintain an ocean acidification program in NOAA to conduct research, monitoring, and other activities, including: (1) providing grants for critical research projects exploring the ecosystem and socioeconomic impacts of ocean acidification; and (2) incorporating a competitive merit-based process for awarding grants that may be conducted jointly with other participating agencies or under the National Oceanographic Partnership Program.

Requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) director to continue to carry out ocean acidification research supporting competitive, merit-based, peer-reviewed proposals for research and monitoring of ocean acidification and its impacts.

Requires the administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to ensure that space-based monitoring assets are used in as productive a manner as possible for the monitoring of ocean acidification and its impacts.

Example Input: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Northwest Straits Marine
Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2009''.

SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE CONSERVATION
INITIATIVE ACT.

The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act (title IV
of Public Law 105-384; 112 Stat. 3458) is amended--
(1) in section 402, by striking ''(in this title referred
to as the 'Commission')'';
(2) by striking sections 403 and 404;
(3) by redesignating section 405 as section 410; and
(4) by inserting after section 402 the following new
sections:

''SEC. 403. FINDINGS.

''Congress makes the following findings:
''(1) The marine waters and ecosystem of the Northwest
Straits in Puget Sound in the State of Washington represent a
unique resource of enormous environmental and economic value to
the people of the United States.
''(2) During the 20th century, the environmental health of
the Northwest Straits declined dramatically as indicated by
impaired water quality, declines in marine wildlife, collapse
of harvestable marine species, loss of critical marine
habitats, ocean acidification, and sea level rise.
''(3) At the start of the 21st century, the Northwest
Straits have been threatened by sea level rise, ocean
acidification, and other effects of climate change.
''(4) In 1998, the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation
Initiative Act (title IV of Public Law 105-384) was enacted to
tap the unprecedented level of citizen stewardship demonstrated
in the Northwest Straits and create a mechanism to mobilize
public support and raise capacity for local efforts to protect
and restore the ecosystem of the Northwest Straits.
''(5) The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative
helps the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and
other Federal agencies with their marine missions by fostering
local interest in marine issues and involving diverse groups of
citizens.
''(6) The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative
shares many of the same goals with the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, including fostering citizen
stewardship of marine resources, general ecosystem management,
and protecting federally managed marine species.
''(7) Ocean literacy and identification and removal of
marine debris projects are examples of on-going partnerships
between the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative
and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

''SEC. 404. DEFINITIONS.

''In this title:
''(1) Commission.--The term 'Commission' means the
Northwest Straits Advisory Commission established by section
402.
''(2) Indian tribe.--The term 'Indian tribe' has the
meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
''(3) Northwest straits.--The term 'Northwest Straits'
means the marine waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and of
Puget Sound from the Canadian border to the south end of
Snohomish County.

''SEC. 405. MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION.

''(a) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of up to 14
members who shall be appointed as follows:
''(1) One member appointed by a consensus of the members of
a marine resources committee established under section 408 for
each of the following counties of the State of Washington:
''(A) San Juan County.
''(B) Island County.
''(C) Skagit County.
''(D) Whatcom County.
''(E) Snohomish County.
''(F) Clallam County.
''(G) Jefferson County.
''(2) Two members appointed by the Secretary of the
Interior in trust capacity and in consultation with the
Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission or the Indian tribes
affected by this title collectively, as the Secretary of the
Interior considers appropriate, to represent the interests of
such tribes.
''(3) One member appointed by the Governor of the State of
Washington to represent the interests of the Puget Sound
Partnership.
''(4) Four members appointed by the Governor of the State
of Washington who--
''(A) are residents of the State of Washington; and
''(B) are not employed by a Federal, State, or
local government.
''(b) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in
the manner in which the original appointment was made.
''(c) Chairperson.--The Commission shall select a Chairperson from
among its members.
''(d) Meeting.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson, but not less frequently than quarterly.
''(e) Liaison.--
''(1) In general.--The Secretary of Commerce, acting
through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and in
consultation with the Director of the Commission appointed
under section 407(a), shall appoint an employee of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--
''(A) to serve as a liaison between the Commission
and the Department of Commerce; and
''(B) to attend meetings and other events of the
Commission as a nonvoting participant.
''(2) Limitation.--Service of an employee as an appointee
under paragraph (1)--
''(A) shall be limited to service as a liaison and
attendance of meetings and other events as a nonvoting
participant; and
''(B) does not obligate the employee to perform any
duty of the Commission under section 406(b).

''SEC. 406. GOAL AND DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.

''(a) Goal.--The goal of the Commission is to protect and restore
the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Northwest Straits
region to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use by--
''(1) designing and initiating projects that are driven by
sound science, local priorities, community-based decisions, and
the ability to measure results;
''(2) building awareness and stewardship and making
recommendations to improve the health of the Northwest Straits
marine resources;
''(3) maintaining and expanding diverse membership and
partner organizations;
''(4) expanding partnerships with governments of Indian
tribes affected by this title and continuing to foster respect
for tribal cultures and treaties; and
''(5) recognizing the importance of economic and social
benefits that are dependent on marine environments and
sustainable marine resources.
''(b) Duties.--The duties of the Commission are the following:
''(1) To provide resources and technical support for marine
resources committees established under section 408.
''(2) To work with such marine resources committees and
appropriate entities of Federal and State governments and
Indian tribes affected by this title to develop programs to
monitor the overall health of the marine ecosystem of the
Northwest Straits.
''(3) To identify factors adversely affecting or preventing
the restoration of the health of the marine ecosystem and
coastal economies of the Northwest Straits.
''(4) To develop scientifically sound restoration and
protection recommendations, informed by local priorities, that
address such factors.
''(5) To assist in facilitating the successful
implementation of such recommendations by developing broad
support among appropriate authorities, stakeholder groups, and
local communities.
''(6) To develop regional projects based on such
recommendations to protect and restore the Northwest Straits
ecosystem.
''(7) To serve as a public forum for the discussion of
policies and actions of Federal, State, or local government, an
Indian tribe affected by this title, or the Government of
Canada with respect to the marine ecosystem of the Northwest
Straits.
''(8) To inform appropriate authorities and local
communities about the marine ecosystem of the Northwest Straits
and about issues relating to the marine ecosystem of the
Northwest Straits.
''(9) To consult with all Indian tribes affected by this
title to ensure that the work of the Commission does not
violate tribal treaty rights.
''(c) Benchmarks.--The Commission shall carry out its duties in a
manner that promotes the achieving of the benchmarks described in
subsection (f)(2).
''(d) Coordination and Collaboration.--The Commission shall carry
out the duties described in subsection (b) in coordination and
collaboration, when appropriate, with Federal, State, and local
governments and Indian tribes affected by this title.
''(e) Regulatory Authority.--The Commission shall have no power to
issue regulations.
''(f) Annual Report.--
''(1) In general.--Each year, the Commission shall prepare,
submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate, the Committee on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives, and the Under
Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, and make available to the
public an annual report describing--
''(A) the activities carried out by the Commission
during the preceding year; and
''(B) the progress of the Commission in achieving
the benchmarks described in paragraph (2).
''(2) Benchmarks.--The benchmarks described in this
paragraph are the following:
''(A) Protection and restoration of marine,
coastal, and nearshore habitats.
''(B) Prevention of loss and achievement of a net
gain of healthy habitat areas.
''(C) Protection and restoration of marine
populations to healthy, sustainable levels.
''(D) Protection of the marine water quality of the
Northwest Straits region and restoration of the health
of marine waters.
''(E) Collection of high-quality data and promotion
of the use and dissemination of such data.
''(F) Promotion of stewardship and understanding of
Northwest Straits marine resources through education
and outreach.

''SEC. 407. COMMISSION PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS.

''(a) Director.--The Manager of the Shorelands and Environmental
Assistance Program of the Department of Ecology of the State of
Washington may, upon the recommendation of the Commission and the
Director of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve,
appoint and terminate a Director of the Commission. The employment of
the Director shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission.
''(b) Staff.--The Director may hire such other personnel as may be
appropriate to enable the Commission to perform its duties. Such
personnel shall be hired through the personnel system of the Department
of Ecology of the State of Washington.
''(c) Administrative Services.--If the Governor of the State of
Washington makes available to the Commission the administrative
services of the State of Washington Department of Ecology, the
Commission shall use such services for employment, procurement, grant
and fiscal management, and support services necessary to carry out the
duties of the Commission.

''SEC. 408. MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEES.

''(a) In General.--The government of each of the counties referred
to in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of section 405(a)(1) may establish
a marine resources committee that--
''(1) complies with the requirements of this section; and
''(2) receives from such government the mission, direction,
expert assistance, and financial resources necessary--
''(A) to address issues affecting the marine
ecosystems within its county; and
''(B) to work to achieve the benchmarks described
in section 406(f)(2).
''(b) Membership.--
''(1) In general.--Each marine resources committee
established pursuant to this section shall be composed of--
''(A) members with relevant scientific expertise;
and
''(B) members that represent balanced
representation, including representation of--
''(i) local governments, including planning
staff from counties and cities with marine
shorelines;
''(ii) affected economic interests, such as
ports and commercial fishers;
''(iii) affected recreational interests,
such as sport fishers; and
''(iv) conservation and environmental
interests.
''(2) Tribal members.--With respect to a county referred to
in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of section 405(a)(1), each
Indian tribe with usual and accustomed fishing rights in the
waters of such county and each Indian tribe with reservation
lands in such county, may appoint one member to the marine
resources committee for such county. Such member may be
appointed by the respective tribal authority.
''(3) Chairperson.--
''(A) In general.--Each marine resources committee
established pursuant to this section shall select a
chairperson from among members by a majority vote of
the members of the committee.
''(B) Rotating position.--Each marine resources
committee established pursuant to this section shall
select a new chairperson at a frequency determined by
the county charter of the marine resources committee to
create a diversity of representation in the leadership
of the marine resources committee.
''(c) Duties.--The duties of a marine resources committee
established pursuant to this section are the following:
''(1) To assist in assessing marine resource problems in
concert with governmental agencies, tribes, and other entities.
''(2) To assist in identifying local implications, needs,
and strategies associated with the recovery of Puget Sound
salmon and other species in the region of the Northwest Straits
listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531
et seq.) in coordination with Federal, State, and local
governments, Indian tribes affected by this title, and other
entities.
''(3) To work with other entities to enhance the scientific
baseline and monitoring program for the marine environment of
the Northwest Straits.
''(4) To identify local priorities for marine resource
conservation and develop new projects to address those needs.
''(5) To work closely with county leadership to implement
local marine conservation and restoration initiatives.
''(6) To coordinate with the Commission on marine ecosystem
objectives.
''(7) To educate the public and key constituencies
regarding the relationship between healthy marine habitats,
harvestable resources, and human activities.

''SEC. 409. NORTHWEST STRAITS MARINE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION.

''(a) Establishment.--The Director of the Commission and the
Director of the State of Washington Department of Ecology, or his or
her designee, may enter into an agreement with an organization
described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to
establish a nonprofit foundation to support the Commission and the
marine resources committees established under section 408 in carrying
out their duties under this Act.
''(b) Designation.--The foundation authorized by subsection (a)
shall be known as the 'Northwest Straits Marine Conservation
Foundation'.
''(c) Receipt of Grants.--The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation
Foundation may, if eligible, apply for, accept, and use grants awarded
by Federal agencies, States, local governments, regional agencies,
interstate agencies, corporations, foundations, or other persons to
assist the Commission and the marine resources committees in carrying
out their duties under this Act.
''(d) Transfer of Funds.--The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation
Foundation may transfer funds to the Commission or the marine resources
committees to assist them in carrying out their duties under this
Act.''.

Passed the House of Representatives December 7, 2009.

Attest:

LORRAINE C. MILLER,

Clerk.
Example Output: Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act to define "Northwest Straits" as the marine waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and of Puget Sound from the Canadian border to the south end of Snohomish County, Washington.

Sets forth the membership of the Northwest Straits Advisory Commission. Directs the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, to appoint an employee of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to serve as a liaison between the Commission and the Department of Commerce and to attend the Commission's meetings and events as a nonvoting participant. States the goal of the Commission as the protection and restoration of the marine waters, habitats, and species of the Northwest Straits region in Washington to achieve ecosystem health and sustainable resource use. Enumerates the duties of the Commission and establishes benchmarks for its work. Requires the Commission to submit annual reports to Congress and the Under Secretary on its activities and its progress in achieving specified benchmarks.

Authorizes the Manager of the Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program of Washington's Department of Ecology, upon the recommendation of the Commission and the Director of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, to appoint and terminate a Director of the Commission. Requires the Director to be confirmed by the Commission.

Provides for the establishment of marine resources committees in specified counties of Washington.

Authorizes the Director of the Commission and the Director of the State of Washington Department of Ecology to establish the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation as a nonprofit foundation to support the Commission and the marine resources committees established by this Act.

Example Input: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ''Community Lending Enhancement and
Regulatory Relief Act of 2017'' or the ''CLEAR Relief Act of 2017''.

SEC. 2. COMMUNITY BANK EXEMPTION FROM ANNUAL MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT OF
INTERNAL CONTROLS REQUIREMENT OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
OF 2002.

Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 7262) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
''(d) Community Bank Exemption.--
''(1) Definitions.--In this subsection--
''(A) the term 'bank holding company' has the
meaning given the term in section 2 of the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C. 1841);
''(B) the term 'insured depository institution' has
the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813); and
''(C) the term 'savings and loan holding company'
has the meaning given the term in section 10(a) of the
Home Owners' Loan Act (12 U.S.C. 1467a(a)).
''(2) In general.--This section and the rules prescribed
under this section shall not apply in any fiscal year to any
bank holding company, savings and loan holding company, or
insured depository institution that, as of the end of the
preceding fiscal year, had total consolidated assets of
$1,000,000,000 or less.
''(3) Adjustment of amount.--The Commission shall annually
adjust the dollar amount in paragraph (1) by an amount equal to
the percentage increase, for the most recent year, in total
assets held by all bank holding companies, savings and loan
holding companies, and insured depository institutions, as
reported by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.''.

SEC. 3. ESCROW REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO CERTAIN CONSUMER CREDIT
TRANSACTIONS.

Section 129D(c) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1639d(c)) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as
subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively, and adjusting the
margins accordingly;
(2) by striking ''The Bureau'' and inserting the following:
''(1) In general.--The Bureau''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
''(2) Treatment of loans held by smaller institutions.--The
Bureau shall, by regulation, exempt from the requirements of
subsection (a) any loan secured by a first lien on the
principal dwelling of a consumer, if such loan is held by an
insured depository institution having assets of $10,000,000,000
or less.''.

SEC. 4. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOANS.

Section 129C(b)(2) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C.
1639c(b)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
''(F) Safe harbor.--
''(i) In general.--In this section--
''(I) the term 'qualified mortgage'
includes any mortgage loan that is
originated and retained in portfolio
for a period of not less than 3 years
by a depository institution together
with its affiliates has less than
$10,000,000,000 in total consolidated
assets; and
''(II) loans described in subclause
(I) shall be deemed to meet the
requirements of subsection (a).
''(ii) Exception for certain transfer.--In
the case of a depository institution that
transfers a loan originated by that institution
to another depository institution by reason of
the bankruptcy or failure of the originating
depository institution or the purchase of the
originating depository institution, the
depository institution acquiring the loan shall
be deemed to have complied with the requirement
under clause (i)(I).''.

SEC. 5. EXEMPTION FROM VOLCKER RULE.

Section 13(h)(1) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (12 U.S.C.
1851(h)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D), by redesignating clauses (i) and
(ii) as subclauses (I) and (II), respectively;
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D) as
clauses (i) through (iv), respectively;
(3) by striking ''institution that functions solely in a
trust or fiduciary capacity, if--'' and inserting the
following: ''institution--
''(A) that functions solely in a trust or fiduciary
capacity, if--''; and
(4) in clause (iv)(II), as redesignated, by striking the
period at the end and inserting the following: ''; or
''(B) with total consolidated assets of
$10,000,000,000 or less.''.

SEC. 6. NO WAIT FOR LOWER MORTGAGE RATES.

(a) In General.--Section 129(b) of the Truth in Lending Act (15
U.S.C. 1639(b)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
''(3) No wait for lower rate.--If a creditor extends to a
consumer a second offer of credit with a lower annual
percentage rate, the transaction may be consummated without
regard to the period specified in paragraph (1).''.
(b) Safe Harbor for Good Faith Compliance With TILA-RESPA
Integrated Disclosure Rule.--Section 1032(f) of the Consumer Financial
Protection Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5532(f)) is amended--
(1) by striking ''Not later than'' and inserting the
following:
''(1) In general.--Not later than''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
''(2) Safe harbor for good faith compliance.--
''(A) Safe harbor.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, during the period described in
subparagraph (B), an entity that provides the
disclosures required under the Truth in Lending Act (15
U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) and sections 4 and 5 of the Real
Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C.
2603 and 2604), as in effect on July 31, 2017, shall
not be subject to any civil, criminal, or
administrative action or penalty for failure to fully
comply with any requirement under this subsection.
''(B) Applicable period.--Subparagraph (A) shall
apply to an entity during the period beginning on the
date of enactment of this paragraph and ending on the
date that is 30 days after the date on which a
certification by the Director that the model
disclosures required under paragraph (1) are accurate
and in compliance with all State laws is published in
the Federal Register.''.
Example Output:
Community Lending Enhancement and Regulatory Relief Act of 2017 or the CLEAR Relief Act of 2017 This bill amends the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to exempt from specified reporting and attestation requirements a community bank with assets of $1 billion or less. The bill amends the Truth in Lending Act to exempt from certain escrow requirements and residential mortgage loan standards a residential mortgage loan held bya depository institution with assets of $10 billion or less. The bill further amends that Act, as well as the Consumer Protection Act of 2010, to exempt certain creditors from specified disclosure requirements. In addition, the bill amends the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 to exempt from the Volcker Rule a depository institution with assets of $10billion or less. (The Volcker Rule prohibits banking agencies from engaging in proprietary trading or entering into certain relationships with hedge funds and private-equity funds.)