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(c) Applicability.--The program referred to in subsection (a) is the program for which funds appropriated in title I of Public Law 106- 69 under the heading ``FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION'' are available for obligation upon the enactment of legislation authorizing the program. (a) Recommendations of Inland Waterways Users Board.--Section 302(b) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2213(d)(2)(A)) (as amended by section 215(a)(2) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 (113 Stat. (b) Manchester, New Hampshire.--Section 219(e)(3) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 (106 Stat. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Transportation for the program authorized in subsection (a) in amounts as follows: (1) Fiscal year 2000.--For fiscal year 2000, $10,000,000. Section 371 of the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 (113 Stat.

Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 to: (1) authorize appropriations for FY 1999 through 2009 for implementation of a long-term resource monitoring program with respect to the Upper Mississippi River Environmental Management Program (currently, such funding is designated for a program for the planning, construction, and evaluation of measures for fish and wildlife habitat rehabilitation and enhancement); (2) authorize the Secretary of the Army to carry out modifications to the navigation project for the Delaware River, Pennsylvania and Delaware, if such project as modified is technically sound, environmentally (currently, economically) acceptable, and economically justified; (3) subject certain previously deauthorized water resources development projects to the seven-year limitation governing project deauthorizations under the Act, with the exception of such a project for Indian River County, Florida; (4) except from a certain schedule of the non-Federal cost of the periodic nourishment of shore protection projects constructed after December 31, 1999, those projects for which a District Engineer's Report has been completed by such date; (5) require that the project cooperation agreement for the Comite River Diversion Project for flood control include a provision that specifies that any reduction in the non-Federal share that results from certain modifications be credited toward the share of project costs to be paid by the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District; (6) allow the Secretary to provide additional compensation to Chesapeake City, Maryland (currently, to the City of Chesapeake, Maryland) for damage to its water supply resulting from the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Project; (7) provide for the submission of certain reports on water resources development projects by the Secretary, notwithstanding Federal reporting termination provisions; and (8) authorize and provide for an authorization of appropriations for the existing program for the safety and operations expenses of the Federal Railroad Administration, and make available for obligation funds currently appropriated for such program.

(a) Findings.--Congress finds and declares that-- (1) it is in the national interest that the public lands are producing and continue to produce water and soil conservation benefits, livestock forage, wildlife forage and recreation and other multiple use opportunities; (2) rangelands will continue to be stabilized and improved long term by providing for cooperative agreements, private, public partnerships and flexibility in management programs and agreements; (3) to assure sound management and stewardship of the renewable resources it is imperative to charge a fee that is reasonable and equitable and represents the fair value of the forage provided; (4) the intermingled private-public land ownership patterns prevailing in much of the west create a strong interdependence between public and private lands for forage, water, and habitat for both wildlife and livestock; (5) the social and economic infrastructure of many rural communities and stability of job opportunities in many areas of rural America are highly independent on the protection of the value of privately held production units on Federal lands. That this Act may be cited as the ``Federal Forage Fee Act of 1993''. (5) ``Report'' means the report titled ``Grazing Fee Review and Evaluation Update of the 1986 Final Report'' dated April 30, 1992 and prepared by the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture. 1803); (3) ``Authorized Federal AUMs'' means all ``allotted AUMs'' reported by BLM and ``permitted to graze AUMs'' reported by USFS.

Federal Forage Fee Act of 1993 - Subjects grazing operations on Federal land to applicable Federal, State, and local environmental and land use requirements. Sets forth a forage fee formula for lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior.

The Congress finds the following: (1) 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the Allied victory in World War II and the restoration of peacetime across the European and Pacific theaters. (2) The United States Merchant Marine was integral in providing the link between domestic production and the fighting forces overseas, providing combat equipment, fuel, food, commodities, and raw materials to troops stationed overseas. This Act may be cited as the ``Merchant Marine of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act''. (13) The Congressional Gold Medal will be an appropriate way to shed further light on the service of the Merchant Marine in World War II and the instrumental role they played in winning World War II.

. Merchant Marine of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act (Sec. 3) This bill requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award, on behalf of Congress, of a single gold medal to the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II, in recognition of their dedicated and vital service during World War II. Following its award the medal shall be given to the American Merchant Marine Museum where it will be available for display and research.

(b) Partnership Income Attributable to Capital.--Section 1402 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(l) Partnership Income Attributable to Capital.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a)(13), the following amounts shall be treated as income attributable to capital-- ``(A) the amount, if any, in excess of what would constitute reasonable compensation for services rendered by such partner to the partnership, and ``(B) an amount equal to a reasonable rate of return on unreturned capital of the partner determined as of the beginning of the taxable year. (a) In General.--Paragraph (13) of section 1402(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows: ``(13) there shall be excluded the distributive share of net income of a partner attributable to capital;''. (a) Termination of S Corporation Status.-- (1) No new s corporation elections.--Subsection (a) of section 1362 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) Termination of authority to make election.--No election may be made under paragraph (1) for any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2004.''.

Small Business Modernization Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) terminate subchapter S corporation elections after 2004 and subchapter S status after 2014 and to allow privately-held domestic corporations, in lieu of electing subchapter S treatment, to elect to be treated as partnerships for tax purposes; (2) set forth rules for the tax treatment of former subchapter S corporations electing partnership status; and (3) exclude from net earnings from self-employment partnership income attributable to capital.

(a) Expansion of the Safe Harbor.--Not later than the end of the 45-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission shall propose, and not later than the end of the 180-day period beginning on such date, the Commission shall adopt, upon such terms, conditions, or requirements as the Commission may determine necessary or appropriate in the public interest, for the protection of investors, and for the promotion of capital formation, revisions to section 230.139 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, to provide that a covered investment fund research report that is published or distributed by a broker or dealer-- (1) shall be deemed, for purposes of sections 2(a)(10) and 5(c) of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. SAFE HARBOR FOR INVESTMENT FUND RESEARCH. 77b(a)(10), 77e(c)), not to constitute an offer for sale or an offer to sell a security that is the subject of an offering pursuant to a registration statement that is effective, even if the broker or dealer is participating or will participate in the registered offering of the covered investment fund's securities; and (2) shall be deemed to satisfy the conditions of paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of section 230.139 of title 17, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor provisions, for purposes of the Commission's rules and regulations under the Federal securities laws and the rules of any self-regulatory organization.

Fair Access to Investment Research Act of 2016 This bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to revise a specified regulation to create a safe harbor for certain publications or distributions of research reports by brokers or dealers distributing securities. The revised regulation shall declare that a published or distributed investment fund research report shall not be deemed to constitute an offer for sale or an offer to sell a security that is the subject of the offering pursuant to an effective registration statement, even if the broker or dealer is participating or will participate in the registered offering of the covered investment fund's securities. The covered investment fund research report shall indeed be deemed to satisfy the regulation's requirements as well as those of any self-regulatory organization. The SEC shall not impose specified conditions and requirements when implementing the safe harbor. Until the SEC has adopted such safe harbor revisions, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has revised a related rule, a covered investment fund shall be deemed to be a security listed on a national securities exchange that is not subject to a certain filing requirement of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

812(c)), and every 3 months thereafter as long as the treatment continues; (2) the PDMP of the covered State to provide proactive notification to a practitioner when patterns indicative of controlled substance misuse, including opioid misuse, are detected; (3) each dispenser within the covered State to report each prescription for a controlled substance dispensed by the dispenser to the PDMP not later than 24 hours after the controlled substance is dispensed to the patient; and (4) that the PDMP make available a quarterly de-identified data set and an annual report for public and private use, which shall, at a minimum, meet requirements established by the Attorney General, in coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (4) PDMP.--The term ``PDMP'' means a prescription drug monitoring program. This Act may be cited as the ``Prescription Drug Monitoring Act of 2016''. (3) Dispenser.--The term ``dispenser''-- (A) means person licensed or otherwise authorized by a State to deliver a prescription drug product to a patient or an agent of the patient; and (B) does not include a person involved in oversight or payment for prescription drugs.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Act of 2016 This bill requires a state that receives grant funds under the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) or the controlled substance monitoring program to comply with specified requirements. The Department of Justice (DOJ) or Department of Health and Human Services may withhold grant funds from a state that fails to comply. Additionally, the bill requires a state to share its PDMP data with other states through a data-sharing hub established by DOJ.

``(e) Security.--In establishing the Reserve under this section, the Secretary shall obtain the concurrence of the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to physical design security and operational security. ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Secretary shall establish, maintain, and operate a Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve. This Act may be cited as the ``Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve Act of 2005''.

Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve Act of 2005 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to establish, maintain, and operate a Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve of gasoline and jet fuel. Instructs the Secretary to determine between three and five regionally strategic Reserve sites throughout the United States. Permits the Secretary to release gasoline or fuel from the Reserve only if: (1) the President finds that there is a severe fuel supply disruption; or (2) the Governor of a state requests a release from the Reserve, accompanied by specified findings. Establishes in the Treasury a revolving Strategic Gasoline and Fuel Reserve Fund.

``(5) The term `public safety officer' includes-- ``(A) any public safety officer described in paragraph (9) of section 1204; and ``(B) any other individual who is employed by any Federal, State, county, or local agency and, as a result of such employment, is-- ``(i) empowered by law to conduct an investigation of or to make an arrest for a felony offense; or ``(ii) authorized by law to prosecute or participate in the prosecution of a felony offense.''. Section 1212(a)(1) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. Section 1217 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. Section 1213 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. Section 1216(a) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.

Special Agent Scott K. Carey Public Safety Officer Benefits Enhancement Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend: (1) educational benefits to public safety officers who become permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty and to their spouses and children; (2) allow payment of retroactive benefits to dependents of such disabled officers; and (3) establish a program of pension payments for certain survivors of deceased public safety officers. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to: (1) award a Public Safety Officer scholarship to disabled public safety officers, their spouses, and their children; and (2) enter into agreements with educational institutions to carry out such scholarship program. Amends federal personnel law to allow widows or widowers of federal employees killed on the job to continue to receive monthly compensation even if they remarry before reaching age 55.

TAX CREDIT FOR PROVIDING PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS THAT PROMOTE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL LITERACY. ``(C) Priority.--In making determinations under this paragraph, the Secretary shall give priority to taxpayers that have qualified programs which serve either urban or rural underserved areas (determined on the basis of the most recent United States census data available). (a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business-related credits) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC.

Promoting Financial Literacy and Economic Opportunity Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow up to 20 for-profit organizations in any taxable year a business-related tax credit for 50% of the amount paid or incurred to carry out activities to improve the quality of student understanding of personal finance and economics. The Department of the Treasury shall determine which for-profit organizations are eligible for the credit, ensuring that a majority of credit recipients are: (1) either a socially and economically disadvantaged small business concern, a small business concern owned and controlled by women, or a small business concern that is at least 51% owned by veterans, or (2) do not have more than $60 billion in assets. In determining the eligibility of a for-profit organization, Treasury shall give priority to organizations that have programs serving either urban or rural underserved areas.

1335a)''; (iii) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``or section 3 of the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 (15 U.S.C. 1335a)''; (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or section 3 of the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 (15 U.S.C. (2) Section 802 of such Act is further amended-- (A) in subsection (a)-- (i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or section 4 of the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 (15 U.S.C. 1333)''; and (iii) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``or section 3(d) of the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act of 1986 (15 U.S.C.

Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to define "delivery sale" of a tobacco product as any sale of cigarettes or a smokeless tobacco product to a consumer if: (1) the consumer submits the purchase order by means of a telephone or other method of voice transmission, the mail, or the Internet or other online service, or the seller is otherwise not in the buyer's physical presence when the purchase request or order is made; or (2) the cigarettes or smokeless tobacco product is delivered by use of a common carrier, private delivery service, or the mail, or the seller is not in the buyer's physical presence when the buyer obtains personal possession of the delivered cigarettes or smokeless tobacco product. Makes the personal use exemption from tobacco import requirements inapplicable to cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products sold in connection with a delivery sale. Allows states access to copies of Customs Service certifications required for cigarette imports. Permits any tobacco product, cigarette papers, or tube found in violation of the Act to be forfeited for destruction to any state in which it is found. Authorizes persons who hold permits under the Internal Revenue Code concerning tobacco products, cigarette papers, and tubes to bring an action in the U.S. district courts against any person, other than a state, local, or tribal government, to prevent and restrain violations of the Act. Authorizes state and local governments to bring civil actions for prevention or restraint against persons who violate the Act. Subjects smokeless tobacco products to the same entry requirements and enforcement mechanisms as apply to certain cigarettes under the Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose civil penalties against persons for relanding, except for personal use, tobacco products sold in a delivery sale.

1333(a)(2)(A)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(i)'' after ``(A)''; (2) in the first sentence-- (A) by striking ``President shall'' and inserting ``Secretary shall by regulation''; and (B) by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Outer Continental Shelf Revenue Sharing Act of 2005''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(ii)(I) For purposes of this Act (including determining boundaries to authorize leasing and preleasing activities and any attributing revenues under this Act and calculating payments to producing States and coastal political subdivisions under section 31), the Secretary shall delineate the lateral boundaries between coastal States in areas of the Outer Continental shelf under exclusive Federal jurisdiction, to the extent of the exclusive economic zone of the United States, in accordance with article 15 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of December 10, 1982. This Act may be cited as the ``Outer Continental Shelf Revenue Sharing Act of 2005''. ``(II) This clause shall not affect any right or title to Federal submerged land on the outer Continental Shelf.''. ``(3) Resource assessments.-- ``(A) In general.--Beginning on the date on which the Secretary delineates seaward lateral boundaries under section 4(a)(2)(A)(ii), a Governor of a State in which an affected area is located, with the consent of the legislature of the State, may submit to the Secretary a petition requesting a resource assessment of any area within the seaward lateral boundary of the State.

Outer Continental Shelf Revenue Sharing Act of 2005 - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) regarding the coastal impact assistance program to: (1) repeal references to leasing moratoria; (2) redefine a "producing state" as one that begins production on a leased tract on or after the date of enactment of this Act, regardless of whether the leased tract was on any date subject to a leasing moratorium; (3) repeal the exclusion of certain revenues from "qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues;" and (4) repeal the exclusion of certain leased tracts from the statutory formula for payments to coastal political subdivisions. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to delineate the lateral boundaries between coastal states in areas of the Outer Continental Shelf under exclusive federal jurisdiction. Prescribes guidelines for petitions to lease within the seaward lateral boundaries of coastal states. Includes guidelines under which a state shall share in qualified Outer Continental Shelf revenues as of the date production begins under this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to issue implementing regulations, including procedures for entering into gas-only leases.

``(a) Findings.--The Congress finds that-- ``(1) in 1993 there are more than 3,000,000 individuals with developmental disabilities in the United States; ``(2) disability is a natural part of the human experience that does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental disabilities to enjoy the opportunity to live independently, enjoy self-determination, make choices, contribute to society, and experience full integration and inclusion in the economic, political, social, cultural, and educational mainstream of American society; ``(3) individuals with developmental disabilities continually encounter various forms of discrimination in critical areas; ``(4) there is a lack of public awareness of the capabilities and competencies of individuals with developmental disabilities; ``(5) individuals whose disabilities occur during their developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are likely to continue indefinitely; ``(6) individuals with developmental disabilities often require lifelong specialized services and assistance, provided in a coordinated and culturally competent manner by many agencies, professionals, advocates, community representatives, and others to eliminate barriers and to meet the needs of such individuals and their families; ``(7) a substantial portion of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families do not have access to appropriate support and services from generic and specialized service systems and remain unserved or underserved; ``(8) family members, friends, and members of the community can play an important role in enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, especially when the family and community are provided with the necessary services and supports; and ``(9) the goals of the Nation properly include the goal of providing individuals with developmental disabilities with the opportunities and support to-- ``(A) make informed choices and decisions; ``(B) live in homes and communities in which such individuals can exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens; ``(C) pursue meaningful and productive lives; ``(D) contribute to their family, community, State, and Nation; ``(E) have interdependent friendships and relationships with others; and ``(F) achieve full integration and inclusion in society; in an individualized manner, consistent with unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities and capabilities of each individual. (a) Title.--The heading of title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. (b) Part.--The heading of part A of title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42 U.S.C. is amended to read as follows: ``TITLE I--PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES''.

Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act to revise the Act's statements of findings and purpose and to declare related policy. Requires: (1) advance public notice of any Federal programmatic and administrative review; (2) solicitation of public comment on State systems to protect and advocate the rights of persons with developmental disabilities; (3) inclusion of the comment findings in the onsite visit report; and (4) distribution of the review results. Removes from the definition of "State," as it applies to university affiliated programs under the Act, references to the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Authorizes appropriations under the Act for priority area activities, protection and advocacy of the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities, university affiliated programs, and projects of national significance.

1099b(a)) is amended to read as follows: ``(6) such agency or association shall apply procedures throughout the accrediting process, including evaluation, interim sanction, and withdrawal or termination of accreditation proceedings, that comply with due process, including the right to-- ``(A) adequate specification of the agency's accrediting requirements; ``(B) written notice of deficiencies at the institution of higher education or program being examined and a reasonable time period, expressly set forth in the notice, to correct the deficiencies; ``(C) advance notice of and an opportunity for a hearing by any such institution before the agency's decision making body prior to the agency's final consideration of imposition of an adverse action; ``(D) appeal any adverse action by the agency against any such institution to an independent and impartial arbitration panel appointed jointly by the agency and the institution and conducted at the location of the institution; ``(E) appeal, at a minimum, the adequacy of the evidence supporting the adverse action decision, the adequacy of the agency's compliance with its own policies and procedures, and the extent to which the decision of the agency was tainted by bias or prejudice of any agent or official of the agency; ``(F) representation by counsel for any such institution; ``(G) an arbitration panel decision that may affirm or reverse, but not modify, the decision appealed by the institution; and ``(H) an allocation of the costs of the appeal that requires the agency and institution to each bear its own attorney, witness, and other costs of presentation of its case at the arbitration hearing and shifts the cost of the arbitration panel and any court reporter to the losing party; except that the Secretary may issue regulations to further define due process requirements as needed to protect accredited institutions, but may not by regulation reduce due process requirements available to accredited institutions, whether the due process is required under this paragraph or another provision of law or regulation;''. (a) Due Process.--Paragraph (6) of section 496(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. (c) Recognition of State Accrediting Agencies.--Section 496(a)(3)(B) (20 U.S.C.

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise due process standards governing the accreditation process of educational institutions. Requires accrediting agencies and associations to provide educational institutions with: (1) written notice of deficiencies and a reasonable time period to correct such deficiencies; (2) advance notice of any adverse action and an opportunity for a hearing; and (3) a right to appeal an adverse action to an independent and impartial arbitration panel. Requires accrediting agencies and associations to: (1) ensure consistent application of accreditation standards to an educational institution's governing board in receivership; and (2) allow public access to meetings involving accreditation recommendations. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to issue regulations to further define due process requirements for the accreditation process.

``(a) Establishment of Program.--The Secretary shall conduct a hydrogen research and development program relating to production, storage, transportation, and use of hydrogen, with the goal of enabling the private sector to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using hydrogen for industrial, commercial, residential, transportation, and utility applications. Section 102(b) of the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 is amended to read as follows: ``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are-- ``(1) to direct the Secretary to conduct research, development, and demonstration activities leading to the production, storage, transportation, and use of hydrogen for industrial, commercial, residential, transportation, and utility applications; ``(2) to direct the Secretary to develop a program of technology assessment, information dissemination, and education in which Federal, State, and local agencies, members of the energy, transportation, and other industries, and other entities may participate; and ``(3) to develop methods of hydrogen production that minimize adverse environmental impacts, including efficient and cost-effective production from renewable and nonrenewable energy resources.''.

Robert S. Walker and George E. Brown, Jr. Hydrogen Energy Act of 2001 - Amends the Spark M. Matsunaga Hydrogen Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1990 to revise its purposes to include: (1) research and demonstration activities leading to the use of hydrogen for commercial applications; and (2) the development of a hydrogen production methodology that minimizes adverse environmental impacts, including efficient and cost-effective production from renewable and nonrenewable resources. Repeals as a purpose the development of renewable energy resources as a primary source of energy for hydrogen production.Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) report annually to Congress on programs and activities authorized under the Act; (2) conduct a hydrogen technology transfer program designed to accelerate wider application in foreign countries, increase the global market for hydrogen technologies, and foster global economic development without harmful environmental effects; and (3) enter into arrangements with the National Academy of Sciences to establish an advisory board to replace the current Hydrogen Technical Advisory Panel.Amends the Hydrogen Future Act of 1996 to repeal the program relating to the integration of fuel cells with hydrogen production systems.

(3) Substantial evidence is accumulating that exposure to methyl-mercury is widespread in the general public and occurring at higher than health-based levels of concern according to the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the World Health Organization. (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are to-- (1) ensure that the public is adequately informed about the potential adverse effects of mercury exposure through the consumption of fish products; (2) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work cooperatively with other Federal and State agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, to create appropriate advisories for the distribution to the public of explanations of the potential adverse effects of mercury exposure from fish consumption; (3) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to work cooperatively with State fish and game officials to create an informative guide for distribution to the public about the dangers of the consumption of recreationally-caught fish; (4) require the Food and Drug Administration to resume its seafood methyl-mercury monitoring program to better document mercury levels in various fish species sold in commerce; (5) require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in cooperation with private and public organizations, to design and implement a National Public Education Program regarding the presence of methyl-mercury in seafood and fish consumption advisories for methyl-mercury; and (6) require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to annually prepare a report on the impacts of mercury on human health and the environment. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) Mercury is a persistent, bioaccumulative heavy metal that poses a significant risk to human health, wildlife, and the environment.

Mercury Health Advisory Act of 2003 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs jointly to develop fish consumption advisories for methyl-mercury in fish. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) prepare and distribute to health professionals (and others upon request) a consumer's mercury advisory notice regarding the health risks of fish consumption; and (2) establish a toll-free number for individuals who desire additional information. Requires the Administrator to prepare and distribute to specified State entities and applicants for fishing licenses (and others upon request) a consumer's guide to mercury, including a health advisory for the consumption of recreationally-caught fish. Requires the Secretary to work with States and other entities to: (1) develop and distribute standardized advisories, including consumption advisories and health warnings, regarding the presence of methyl-mercury in seafood; and (2) design and implement a related national public education program. Directs the Commissioner to resume the Food and Drug Administration's seafood methyl-mercury monitoring sampling program. Requires the Secretary, within one year of enactment of this Act, to finalize the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point assessment to determine whether methyl-mercury exposure through fish consumption is a public health hazard.

(a) Contract Authority.--Notwithstanding any other law, the Secretary of Energy may enter into 1 or more long-term contracts for the procurement, from a facility located within 25 miles of a current or former Department of Energy defense nuclear facility, of products and services that are determined by the Secretary to be necessary to support waste cleanup and modernization activities at such facilities, including the following services and related products: (1) Waste remediation and environmental restoration, including treatment, storage, and disposal. PRIVATIZATION OF WASTE CLEANUP AND MODERNIZATION ACTIVITIES OF DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES. (c) Preference for Local Residents.--In entering into contracts under subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy shall give preference, consistent with Federal, State, and local law, to entities that plan to hire, to the maximum extent practicable, residents of the vicinity of the Department of Energy defense nuclear facility concerned and to persons who have previously been employed by the Department of Energy or its private contractor at the facility.

Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into one or more contracts with facilities located within 25 miles of a current or former Department of Energy (DOE) defense nuclear facility for the procurement of products and services to support waste cleanup and modernization activities at such nuclear facilities. Requires the Secretary to give preference to facilities that plan to hire, to the maximum extent practicable, residents in the vicinity of the defense nuclear facility who are employed or who have previously been employed by DOE or its private contractor at the facility. Prohibits any person from bringing a claim against a contractor or subcontractor for injury, cost, damage, illness, death, damage to property, or economic loss caused by a release of a hazardous contaminant during performance of the contract, unless such release or threatened release is caused by contractor or subcontractor negligence or intentional misconduct. Sets forth a six year statute of limitations for commencement of such actions. Directs the Secretary and contractors under the Secretary's supervision, in entering into a contract or subcontract with a private entity for products to be acquired or services to be performed at a qualifying DOE site, to give preference to an entity (otherwise qualified and within the competitive range) that plans to: (1) provide products and services originating from communities within 25 miles of the site; (2) hire residents living in the site's vicinity to perform the contract (especially dislocated site workers); and (3) invest in value-added activities in the site's vicinity to mitigate adverse economic development impacts resulting from closure or restructuring of the site.

(a) In General.--HCFA may not implement any new evaluation and management guidelines (in this section referred to as ``E&M guidelines'') under the medicare program, unless HCFA-- (1) has provided for an assessment of the proposed guidelines by physicians; (2) has established a plan that contains specific goals, including a schedule, for improving participation of physicians; (3) has carried out a minimum of 4 pilot projects consistent with subsection (b) in at least 4 different HCFA regions (to be specified by the Secretary) to test such guidelines; and (4) finds that the objectives described in subsection (c) will be met in the implementation of such guidelines. (b) Pilot Projects.-- (1) Length and consultation.--Each pilot project under this subsection shall-- (A) be of sufficient length to allow for preparatory physician and carrier education, analysis, and use and assessment of potential E&M guidelines; and (B) be conducted, throughout the planning and operational stages of the project, in consultation with national and State medical societies. (b) Restoration of Toll-Free Hotline.-- (1) In general.--The Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration shall restore the toll-free telephone hotline so that physicians may call for information and questions about the medicare program. OVERPAYMENTS UNDER THE MEDICARE PROGRAM.

Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process under which a physician may request, in writing from a carrier, assistance in addressing questionable codes and procedures under the medicare program. Sets forth provisions concerning: (1) policy development regarding evaluation and management guidelines; and (2) medicare overpayments.

The purposes of this Act are-- (1) to support State, local, and tribal leadership and innovation in preparing all students to meet State-developed college and career ready academic content standards and student academic achievement standards, by establishing a process to permit State, local, and tribal educational leaders to implement alternative and innovative strategies to improve student academic achievement and otherwise meet the purposes of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. ``(C) Purpose of peer review.--The peer review process shall be designed to-- ``(i) promote effective implementation of State-developed college and career ready academic content standards and student academic achievement standards, through State and local innovation; and ``(ii) provide transparent feedback to State educational agencies, local educational agencies, or Indian tribes, designed to strengthen the applicant's plan described under paragraph (1)(C).

State Innovation Pilot Act of 2011 - Amends part D (Waivers) of title IX (General Provisions) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise the process by which states, LEAs, and Indian tribes obtain waivers of the Act's statutory and regulatory requirements. Requires waiver requests by states, LEAs, or Indian tribes to include a plan that describes how: (1) the waiver will improve instruction and student achievement in accordance with the state's college and career ready academic content and achievement standards; (2) the plan will be evaluated regularly and improved continuously; (3) they will review implementation of the college and career readiness standards; (4) they will identify, support, and intervene in underperforming schools; and (5) they will maintain and improve transparency in reporting to parents and the public on student achievement and school performance. Requires the Secretary of Education to approve requests that meet such requirements and do not involve certain specified statutory or regulatory requirements. Directs the Secretary to establish a multidisciplinary peer review team to review a waiver request if the Secretary requests their input or intends to disapprove the request. Requires peer reviewers to review waiver requests in their totality, in deference to state and local judgment, and with the goal of promoting state and local innovation. Gives the Secretary a limited amount of time to decide on a waiver request. Gives requesters opportunities to revise their requests. Prohibits the Secretary from imposing conditions on a waiver that require the state, LEA, or Indian tribe to adopt or drop specific standards or assessment systems.

It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) any individual convicted of murder should receive the death penalty or be imprisoned for life without the possibility of parole; and (2) any individual convicted of rape or a dangerous sexual offense involving a child under the age of 14 should be imprisoned for life without the possibility of parole. (a) Penalty.-- (1) In general.--In a case in which a State convicts a person of murder, rape, or a dangerous sexual offense, who has a prior conviction for one of these offenses in another State, the Attorney General shall administer the transfer of the following amounts from Federal law enforcement assistance funds of the State that convicted such person of the first offense: (A) Up to $100,000 shall be transferred to each victim (or if the victim is deceased, the victim's estate) of the subsequent offense. This Act may be cited as the ``No Second Chances for Murderers, Rapists, or Child Molesters Act of 1998''.

No Second Chances for Murderers, Rapists, or Child Molesters Act of 1998 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that any individual convicted of: (1) murder should receive the death penalty or be imprisoned for life without the possibility of parole; and (2) rape or a dangerous sexual offense involving a child under age 14 should be imprisoned for life without the possibility of parole. Requires the Attorney General to transfer the following amounts from Federal law enforcement assistance funds for a State that convicted a person of a first offense of murder, rape, or a dangerous sexual offense to a State that convicts that person for a subsequent such offense: (1) up to $100,000 for transfer to each victim of the subsequent offense; and (2) the cost of incarceration, prosecution, and apprehension of such person. Sets forth provisions regarding situations where a person has a prior conviction in more than one State. Requires the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the Federal sentencing guidelines to provide that whoever is guilty of: (1) murder shall be punished by death or by life imprisonment; and (2) rape or a dangerous sexual offense shall be punished by life imprisonment. Directs the Attorney General to collect and distribute data to the President, Members of Congress, State governments, and officials of localities and penal and other institutions participating in the Uniform Crime Reports program which includes: (1) the number of murders, rapes, and dangerous sexual offenses committed by persons previously convicted of one of these offenses; and (2) the percentage of cases in which a person convicted of murder, rape, or a dangerous sexual offense in one State commits a second offense in another State.

``(2) Historic property.--The term `historic property' means-- ``(A) any building (and its structural components)-- ``(i) which is designated as a National Historic Landmark under section 101 of the National Historic Preservation Act throughout the 10-year period ending on the date of the decedent's death, ``(ii) which was owned by the decedent or a member of the decedent's family (as defined in section 2032A(e)(2)) throughout such 10-year period, and ``(iii) which was originally used for residential purposes, and ``(B) any other real property to the extent reasonably necessary for public view and visitation of the property described in subparagraph (A). (a) In General.--Part IV of subchapter A of chapter 11 of the Internal Revenue of 1986 (relating to taxable estate) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that for purposes of determining estate tax the value of the taxable estate shall be determined by deducting from the value of the gross estate an amount equal to the value of any qualified historic property. Defines qualified historic property. Requires, among other things, that the historic property will be open to the public for a period of at least 20 years and will have reasonable admission fees.

(a) In General.--Section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(s) Prohibition on Acceptance of Contributions From Persons Connected to Foreign Governments by 501(c)(3) Organizations Established by Certain Federal Officials.-- ``(1) Termination of tax-exempt status.--A Federal official organization shall not be treated as described in subsection (c)(3) with respect to any period after the date on which such organization knowingly or willingly accepts or solicits any contribution from any person connected to a foreign government. ``(3) Federal official organization.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `Federal official organization' means any organization described in subsection (c)(3) (or which would be so described without regard to paragraph (1)) if one or more Federal officials established, control, or actively participate in the management of, such organization. ``(5) Persons connected to foreign government.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `person connected to a foreign government' means the following: ``(A) Any department, agency, or instrumentality of a foreign government. This Act may be cited as the ``Contributions Legally Interdicted from Noncitizens To Our Nonprofits Act of 2016'' or as the ``CLINTON Act of 2016''.

Contributions Legally Interdicted from Noncitizens To Our Nonprofits Act of 2016 or the CLINTON Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a federal official organization from being treated as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) for any period after the date on which the organization knowingly or willingly accepts or solicits any contribution from any person connected to a foreign government. A tax-exempt organization is a "federal official organization" if one or more current or former specified federal officials established, control, or actively participate in the management of the organization. If the organization accepts a contribution from any person and learns that that the person is connected to a foreign government after the acceptance, it will not be treated as knowingly or willingly accepting the contribution if the contribution is returned within 30 days of learning of the status of the person. The bill imposes a tax on any federal official organization that knowingly or willingly accepts any contribution from any person connected to any foreign government in an amount equal to the amount of the contribution.

The nature of threats to the national security and military interests of the United States has changed. A substantial decrease in spending on the nuclear arsenal of the United States is prudent for both the budget and national security. Over the next 10 years, the United States will spend hundreds of billions of dollars maintaining and upgrading its nuclear force, according to the Congressional Budget Office. (4) The national security interests of the United States can be well served by reducing the total number of deployed nuclear warheads and their delivery systems, as stated by the Department of Defense's June 2013 nuclear policy guidance entitled, ``Report on Nuclear Employment Strategy of the United States''.

Reduce Expenditures in Nuclear Infrastructure Now Act or the REIN-IN Act - Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2014-FY2023: (1) for the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) or procurement of a long-range penetrating bomber aircraft; (2) to procure an SSBN-X submarine (and prohibits the use of such funds for FY2024 and thereafter to procure more than eight such submarines); or (3) for the RDT&E or procurement of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Prohibits the obligation or expenditure of funds authorized to be appropriated for FY2014 or thereafter for DOD or the Department of Energy (DOE): (1) to make the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons; (2) until the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy jointly certify that the total cost of the B61 life extension program has been reduced to not more than $5 billion; (3) for the W78 life extension program; (4) for the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility project; (5) to replace the chemistry and metallurgy research building at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico; or (6) for the uranium processing facility at the Y-12 National Security Complex, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Prohibits Navy forces, beginning in FY2020, from including more than eight operational ballistic-missile submarines available for deployment. Prohibits the use of DOD funds for FY2014 or thereafter: (1) to maintain more than 250 submarine-launched ballistic missiles; (2) to maintain more than 150 intercontiental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) on a 24-hour, high alert status; or (3) for the medium extended air defense system. Requires initial and annual reports from the Secretaries of Defense and Energy outlining their respective plans to carry out the requirements of this Act. Directs the President to submit to Congress an annual report containing a comprehensive accounting by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) of the amounts obligated or expended by the federal government for each nuclear weapon and related nuclear program during the fiscal year covered by the report for the life cycle of such weapon or program.

(a) General Rule.--Section 527 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to political organizations) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new subsection: ``(i) Special Rules for Certain Campaign Committees.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of any political organization to which this subsection applies for any taxable year-- ``(A) all excess campaign contributions received by such organization during such taxable year shall be included in gross income and the exemptions provided by subsection (c)(1) for exempt function income shall not apply to such contributions, and ``(B) the provisions of subsection (h) shall not apply to such organization for such taxable year. (b) Sense of the Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that any additional costs incurred by the United Postal Service in connection with providing reduced rates of postage pursuant to the amendments made by subsection (a) should be funded out of any revenues attributable to the amendment made by section 1. ``(6) Multicandidate political committee.--The term `multicandidate political committee' has the meaning given such term by section 315(a)(4) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to political organizations to establish a campaign contribution limitation scheme applicable to the campaign committee of a candidate for election to the House of Representatives. Provides that excess campaign contributions received by such an organization shall be included in its gross income. Amends the Communications Act of 1934 and Federal postal service law to condition the lowest unit charge for campaign ads upon a candidate's certification of compliance with such contribution limitation. Expresses the sense of the Congress that additional costs incurred by the United Postal Service in providing reduced rates of postage pursuant to this Act should be funded out of revenues attributable to this Act.

1395w-2) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(c)(1)(A) Each provider or clinical laboratory approved for participation under this title to provide clinical diagnostic laboratory tests shall post in a conspicuous place a notice to employees that indicates the manner in which to report instances of noncompliance with conditions of participation under this title of the provider or laboratory (as the case may be), including deficiencies with respect to testing, quality, and inadequately trained personnel. PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEES OF PROVIDERS AND SUPPLIERS OF CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY TESTS WHO REPORT VIOLATIONS. 1395w-2), as amended by section 2(a), is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsections: ``(d)(1) Upon receipt of a report of an instance of noncompliance with conditions of participation by a provider or clinical laboratory approved for participation under this title to provide clinical diagnostic laboratory tests, the investigative organization shall-- ``(A) provide notice to the Secretary and other investigative organizations involved of receipt of the report within 3 business days of such receipt using a standard format and manner of transmission developed by the Secretary for such purpose; ``(B) promptly determine whether to investigate the report; and ``(C) if appropriate, promptly investigate the report.

Clinical Laboratory Compliance Improvement Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require each provider or clinical laboratory approved for participation under Medicare to provide clinical diagnostic laboratory tests to post in a conspicuous place a notice to employees that indicates the manner in which to report instances of noncompliance with conditions of participation. Prohibits such a provider or clinical laboratory from discriminating against or retaliating in any manner against any employee because that employee, or any other person, has presented a grievance or complaint, or has initiated or cooperated in any investigation or proceeding of any kind, relating to the clinical diagnostic laboratory tests performed or other requirements and prohibitions of Medicare. Provides for judicial action for any employee so aggrieved. Requires the investigative organization, upon receipt of a report of an instance of noncompliance, to: (1) provide notice to the Secretary and other investigative organizations involved of receipt of the report within three business days, using a standard format and manner of transmission developed by the Secretary for such purpose; (2) promptly determine whether to investigate the report; and (3) if appropriate, promptly investigate it. Requires that the Secretary, in measuring the performance of an investigative organization under contract, to provide for appropriate adjustments to payments for failure to carry out the responsibilities of this Act. Subjects each provider or clinical laboratory to a standard survey, including verification of compliance with requirements, conducted without prior notice. Makes liable for civil monetary penalties any individual who notifies (or causes to be notified) a provider or laboratory of the time or date on which such a survey is scheduled to be conducted.

``(C) Permissible competitive actions.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `permissible competitive actions' means any action taken by the issuer on or after the date of the enactment of the Comprehensive Electricity Competition Act regarding-- ``(i) transmission property owned by the issuer if the issuer is subject to an order of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requiring nondiscriminatory, open access to transmission facilities in a manner consistent with rules promulgated by the Commission under sections 205 and 206 of the Federal Power Act (as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Comprehensive Electricity Competition Act), or ``(ii) generation property or distribution property owned by the issuer if the issuer-- ``(I) implements retail competition under section 609 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (as amended by, and as in effect on the date of the enactment of, the Comprehensive Electricity Competition Act), or ``(II) enters into a contract for the sale of electricity or use of its distribution property which will not become effective prior to the date that the issuer implements retail competition under section 609 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (as amended by, and as in effect on the date of the enactment of, the Comprehensive Electricity Competition Act). TREATMENT OF BONDS ISSUED TO FINANCE ELECTRIC OUTPUT FACILITIES. ``(D) Comprehensive electricity competition act.-- For purposes of this paragraph, references to the Comprehensive Electricity Competition Act shall be treated as references to any law which is substantially identical to S. 2287 of the 105th Congress, as introduced.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code concerning: (1) the treatment of bonds issued to finance electric output facilities; and (2) the special rules for nuclear decommissioning costs.

(b) Mandatory Elements.--The status of forces agreement specified in subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable-- (1) prohibit the permanent basing or military presence of United States Armed Forces in Afghanistan; (2) provide a date, no later than 1 year after the date on which the agreement is entered into with the Government of Afghanistan, for the complete, safe, and orderly redeployment from Afghanistan of all members of the United States Armed Forces, Department of Defense civilian employees, and contractors working for the Department of Defense; and (3) establish that the temporary presence of United States Armed Forces in Afghanistan is at the request and invitation of the sovereign Government of Afghanistan. Congress finds the following: (1) Al Qaeda, a terrorist organization using Afghanistan as a base of operations, attacked the United States on September 11, 2001, killing nearly 3,000 people in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. This Act may be cited as the ``United States-Afghanistan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Act of 2011''. (9) A status of forces agreement may be a multilateral or bilateral agreement addressing the status of United States Armed Forces while present in a foreign country.

United States-Afghanistan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Act of 2011 - Directs the President to seek to enter into a bilateral status of forces agreement with the government of Afghanistan which shall: (1) prohibit the permanent basing or military presence of U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan; (2) provide, no later than one year after the date on which such agreement is entered into, for the complete redeployment from Afghanistan of the U.S. Armed Forces and Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees and contractors; and (3) establish that the temporary presence of U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan is at the request of the government of Afghanistan. Authorizes such agreement to provide for specific activities or missions of the U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan. Expresses the sense of Congress that the President should submit such agreement to the Senate for its advice and consent to ratification as a treaty or alternatively the President should request statutory authorization for such agreement by Congress.

(a) System for Access to Services.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall implement a system by which persons with limited English proficiency can meaningfully access the services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs consistent with, and without unduly burdening, the fundamental mission of that Department. (b) Plan.--The Secretary shall implement a plan to improve access to programs and activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs by eligible persons with limited English proficiency. (b) Capacity to Provide Services to LEP Servicemembers.--The Secretary shall include in the report an analysis of the capacity of the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide services to members of the Armed Forces with limited English proficiency.

Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in providing counseling and other mental health services to a veteran who has limited proficiency in English, to ensure that such services are available in both English and a language in which that veteran is proficient, if requested by the veteran. Requires such availability also for the family members of such a veteran. Requires the Secretary to implement a system by which persons with limited English proficiency can access services provided by the Department of Veterans consistent with, and without unduly burdening, the Department's fundamental mission. Requires a report from the Secretary to the congressional veterans' committees on the implementation by the Department's Veterans Health Administration of a specified directive to implement prohibitions on discrimination on the basis of national origin for persons with limited English proficiency in federally-conducted programs and activities and in federal financial-assisted programs.

Congress makes the following findings: (1) The United States faces real threats of man-made and natural disasters which could result in catastrophic consequences to the Nation, its resources, and its people. to Catastrophic Incidents in the United States. Because of the scale of the potential consequences of these threats, they may constitute threats to national security and will require the full range of Federal resources to save lives, minimize human suffering, protect property, and mitigate damage.

Ensuring Defense Support to Catastrophic Incident Response Act of 2008 - Directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to undertake civil support operations in response to catastrophic incidents in the United States. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Defense to develop comprehensive plans for such operations, including strategies for the use of the Armed Forces (including the National Guard and Reserve) and civilian personnel and contractors of DOD; (2) the annual DOD budget to include a separate funding request for carrying out such operations; and (3) the first national security strategy and national defense strategy prepared after the enactment of this Act to include, among other things, DOD roles and responsibilities in responding to catastrophic incidents.

(c) National Oil Independence Goal.-- (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), it is the goal of the United States to reduce oil consumption by the quantity that is equal to or greater than the quantity of oil imported by the United States from outside of North America by calendar year 2030 (as compared to the rate of oil consumption projected for calendar year 2030 as of the date of enactment of this Act). (b) Mission.--The mission of the national energy security program shall be to coordinate the activities and policies of the Federal Government to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the United States meets-- (1) goals for reducing oil dependence, oil imports, and oil consumption; and (2) other energy policy goals, including goals for-- (A) enhancing the competitiveness of the United States in clean energy technology; (B) strengthening clean energy technology manufacturing in the United States; (C) reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and (D) reducing hazardous pollutants. NATIONAL ENERGY SECURITY PROGRAM.

Energy Security Act of 2011 - Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the national energy security program to coordinate federal government activities and policies to ensure that the United States meets goals for reducing oil dependence, oil imports, and oil consumption as well as other energy policy goals. Declares it is the goal of the United States to reduce oil consumption by 2030 by an amount equal to or greater than the quantity of oil imported from outside of North America. Directs the President, in coordination with the National Energy Security Council (established by this Act) and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to develop a national oil independence plan, which shall be updated biennially. Directs the President to review existing federal programs and authorities (including tax policies) to determine: (1) which of them could be used to accelerate reductions in oil dependence, and (2) the means to maximize such reductions. Establishes in the Executive Office of the President the National Energy Security Council.

1101(a)(27)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (L), by inserting a semicolon after ``Improvement Act of 1998''; (2) in subparagraph (M), by striking the period and inserting ``; or''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(N) an immigrant who-- ``(i) has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence; ``(ii) demonstrates an ability and willingness to make a material contribution to the post-conflict reconstruction in the alien's country of citizenship; and ``(iii) as determined by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security-- ``(I) is a citizen of a country in which Armed Forces of the United States are engaged, or have engaged in the 10 years preceding such determination, in combat or peacekeeping operations; or ``(II) is a citizen of a country where authorization for United Nations peacekeeping operations was initiated by the United Nations Security Council during the 10 years preceding such determination.''. ``(b) Eligible Alien.--An alien is eligible to participate in the Return of Talent Program established under subsection (a) if the alien meets the special immigrant description under section 101(a)(27)(N). ``(f) Oversight and Enforcement.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall oversee and enforce the requirements of this section.''.

Return of Talent Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish the Return of Talent Program to permit an eligible permanent resident alien and family members to temporarily return (two years with extension) to the alien's country of citizenship in order to make a material contribution to that country if the country is engaged in post-conflict reconstruction activities. States that such time abroad shall be considered as U.S. physical and continuous residency for naturalization purposes.

EXPANSION AND ENHANCEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR SURVIVORS AND DEPENDENTS OF VETERANS. ``(2) The payment of educational assistance referred to in paragraph (1) is the payment of such assistance to an individual for pursuit of a course or courses under this chapter if the Secretary finds that the individual-- ``(A) had to discontinue such course pursuit as a result of being ordered to serve on active duty under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12302, or 12304 of title 10; and ``(B) failed to receive credit or training time toward completion of the individual's approved educational, professional, or vocational objective as a result of having to discontinue, as described in subparagraph (A), the course pursuit.''. Treatment of certain interruptions in pursuit of programs of education. ``(b) A course of special restorative training under subsection (a) may, at the discretion of the Secretary, contain elements that would contribute toward an ultimate objective of a program of education.''.

Revises basic educational assistance for veterans' survivors and dependents to: (1) eliminate the present 45 month cap on benefit payments and set an aggregate limit of $80,000; (2) extend from a dependent's 26th to 30th birthday the delimiting age for the use of such assistance; (3) increase the amount of such assistance for survivors and dependents pursuing certain types of education; and (4) authorize the provision of tutorial assistance to such individuals without charge to their educational assistance entitlement.

(c) Competitive Bidding Process for Relocation of Headquarters.-- (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of General Services shall establish a process, in accordance with the requirements described in paragraph (2), through which-- (A) the head of an Executive agency may submit a request for the Administrator to issue a solicitation for the relocation of the headquarters of such agency; or (B) if determined necessary, the Administrator may issue a solicitation for the relocation of the headquarters of an Executive agency. (2) Requirements.--With respect to any solicitation issued for the relocation of the headquarters of an Executive agency pursuant to paragraph (1), the Administrator of General Services shall-- (A) allow any State and any political subdivision of a State to submit a bid for the relocation of such headquarters; (B) provide the public with notice and an opportunity to comment on such solicitation; and (C) in consultation with the head of such agency, select a State, or a political subdivision of a State, for the relocation of such headquarters using competitive bidding procedures that consider the following: (i) The extent to which the relocation of such headquarters would impact the economy and workforce development of a State or political subdivision of a State. (iii) The extent to which the relocation of such headquarters to a State, or a political subdivision of a State, would implicate national security interests.

Strategic Withdrawal of Agencies for Meaningful Placement Act of 2018 or the SWAMP Act This bill: (1) repeals the requirement that all offices attached to the seat of government be exercised in the District of Columbia, and not elsewhere; and (2) prohibits new construction or major renovation of certain executive agency headquarters in the Washington Metropolitan area. The General Services Administration (GSA) must: (1) establish a process to allow an executive agency to request GSA to issue a solicitation for the relocation of its headquarters; (2) allow any state to bid for the relocation of the agency's headquarters; and (3) in consultation with the executive agency, select a state for the relocation of the agency's headquarters using a competitive bidding procedure based on certain considerations.

(3) Consistent failure to tender adequate performance with regard to contracts under the Program. (2) Willful failure to comply with applicable labor standards and obligations. The Director may terminate a qualified minority business from the Program for any violation of a requirement of sections 3 through 5 of this Act by that qualified minority business, including the following: (1) Conduct by a principal of the qualified minority business that indicates a lack of business integrity. (5) Failure to pay outstanding obligations owed to the Federal Government. (The equity of a disadvantaged owner in a primary personal residence shall be considered in this calculation.)

Minority Business Development Improvements Act of 2010 - Requires the Director of the Minority Business Development Agency to establish the Minority Business Development Program to provide qualified minority businesses with technical assistance and contract procurement assistance. Outlines minority business qualification requirements for the Program, including that: (1) not less than 51% of the entity be directly and unconditionally owned or controlled by historically disadvantaged individuals; and (2) each officer or other individual exercising control over regular operations is a historically disadvantaged individual. Outlines specific types of technical assistance authorized under the Program. Authorizes the Director to enter into agreements for the fulfillment of federal procurement contracts by, and contracting opportunities for, qualified minority businesses. Provides contract limits. Allows the Director to terminate a qualified minority business from the Program under specified circumstances.

RESEARCH ON THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON DRINKING WATER UTILITIES. Congress finds that-- (1) the consensus among climate scientists is overwhelming that climate change is occurring more rapidly than can be attributed to natural causes, and that significant impacts to the water supply are already occurring; (2) among the first and most critical of those impacts will be change to patterns of precipitation around the world, which will affect water availability for the most basic drinking water and domestic water needs of populations in many areas of the United States; (3) drinking water utilities throughout the United States, as well as those in Europe, Australia, and Asia, are concerned that extended changes in precipitation will lead to extended droughts; (4) supplying water is highly energy-intensive and will become more so as climate change forces more utilities to turn to alternative supplies; (5) energy production consumes a significant percentage of the fresh water resources of the United States; (6) since 2003, the drinking water industry of the United States has sponsored, through a nonprofit water research foundation, various studies to assess the impacts of climate change on drinking water supplies; (7) those studies demonstrate the need for a comprehensive program of research into the full range of impacts on drinking water utilities, including impacts on water supplies, facilities, and customers; (8) that nonprofit water research foundation is also coordinating internationally with other drinking water utilities on shared research projects and has hosted international workshops with counterpart European and Asian water research organizations to develop a unified research agenda for applied research on adaptive strategies to address climate change impacts; (9) research data in existence as of the date of enactment of this Act-- (A) summarize the best available scientific evidence on climate change; (B) identify the implications of climate change for the water cycle and the availability and quality of water resources; and (C) provide general guidance on planning and adaptation strategies for water utilities; and (10) given uncertainties about specific climate changes in particular areas, drinking water utilities need to prepare for a wider range of likely possibilities in managing and delivery of water.

Climate Change Drinking Water Adaptation Research Act - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and provide funding for a program of directed and applied research, to be conducted through a nonprofit water research foundation and sponsored by drinking water utilities, to assist suppliers of drinking water in adapting to the effects of climate change. Requires research areas to include: (1) water quality and quantity impacts and solutions; (2) impacts on groundwater supplies from carbon sequestration; (3) infrastructure impacts and solutions; (4) desalination, water reuse, and alternative supply technologies; (5) energy efficiency and greenhouse gas minimization; (6) regional and hydrological basin cooperative water management solutions; (7) utilities management, decision support systems, and water management models; (8) greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy demand management; (9) water conservation and demand management; and (10) communications, education, and public acceptance.

(a) In General.--Section 163 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to deduction for interest) is amended by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l) and by inserting after subsection (j) the following new subsection: ``(k) Limitation on Corporate Interest Payments.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), in the case of a corporation, the amount otherwise allowed as a deduction under this chapter for interest paid or accrued during the taxable year by such corporation shall be reduced by 20 percent. ``(d) Exception for Certain Treaty Countries.--The tax imposed by subsection (a) shall not apply to any dividend paid to a resident or corporation of a foreign country during any period-- ``(1) in which an income tax treaty between such country and the United States is in effect, and ``(2) during which there is in effect a certification by the Secretary that-- ``(A) such income tax treaty has adequate provisions to prevent treaty shopping, and ``(B) if such foreign country imposes an income tax comparable to the tax imposed by this subtitle and grants relief from such tax to its residents, such country grants relief equivalent to that provided in section 231 with respect to dividends paid to United States persons. ``(2) Regulations.--The Secretary may prescribe regulations applying rules consistent with this subpart to mutual life insurance companies.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the deduction for corporate interest payments by 20 percent. Excepts small corporations and farming businesses from such reduction. Allows corporations a deduction of 50 percent of the dividends paid during a taxable year. Limits such deduction to the amount in the qualified dividend account established by the corporation for the payment of such dividends. Prohibits the following corporations from using such deduction: (1) regulated investment companies; (2) real estate investment trusts; (3) an S corporation (certain small business corporations); (4) cooperative organizations; and (5) foreign sales corporations and domestic international sales corporations. Provides for an increase in the withholding tax on dividends paid to nonresident aliens or foreign corporations to reflect the dividend paid deduction. Requires, in the case of the acquisition of assets of a corporation by another corporation, that the acquiring corporation carryover the qualified dividend account.

(B) Best practices guide for families.--Not later than one year after the publication of the best practices guide for businesses under subparagraph (A), the Center shall publish a best practices guide for families, containing information about-- (i) the policies of various employers relating to workplace equity, retaining women in the workplace, and promoting a family- friendly workplace; (ii) strategies for addressing inequity in the workplace; and (iii) recent findings on inequity in the workplace. CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF WOMEN AND WORKPLACE POLICY. Congress finds the following: (1) According to a 2003 Government Accountability Office report, even after accounting for factors such as occupation, industry, race, marital status, job tenure, and differing work patterns, all of which affect earnings, women are paid, on average, 80 cents compared to every dollar that men are paid. (2) According to the same report, the earnings gap between men and women has persisted without statistically significant changes for the past two decades.

Directs the Secretary of Labor to make a grant, to a public university with specified characteristics, to establish the Center for the Study of Women and Workplace Policy. Requires the Center to: (1) compile and analyze available data and data sets on the difference between the earnings of men and women, including the Panel Study of Income Dynamic housed at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and to identify factors which affect differences in earnings; and (2) disseminate findings, maintain a website as a clearinghouse, and publish an annual best practices guide.

696(7)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(C) Refinancing not involving expansions.-- ``(i) In general.--A project that does not involve the expansion of a small business concern may include the refinancing of existing indebtedness if-- ``(I) the amount of the financing is not more than 80 percent of the value of the collateral for the financing; ``(II) the small business concern has been in operation for all of the 2- year period ending on the date of the financing; ``(III) the existing indebtedness was not incurred during the 2-year period ending on the date of the financing; ``(IV) the existing indebtedness is not subject to a guarantee by any Federal agency; and ``(V) for a loan for which the Administrator determines there will be an additional cost for making a loan that includes the refinancing of the existing indebtedness, the borrower agrees to pay a fee in an amount equal to the anticipated additional cost. ``(ii) No job creation goals.--A financing may be approved under this subparagraph regardless of whether the project meets the job creation goals under subsection (d) or (e) of section 501.''. ``(2) Limitation.--Except to the extent approved by the Administrator, a covered New Markets Venture Capital company may not acquire or issue commitments for securities under this title for any single enterprise in an aggregate amount equal to more than 10 percent of the sum of-- ``(A) the regulatory capital of the covered New Markets Venture Capital company; and ``(B) the total amount of leverage projected in the participation agreement of the covered New Markets Venture Capital.''.

Small Business Access to Capital Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Act to increase maximum loan amounts under the following Small Business Administration (SBA) programs: (1) the section 7(a) (general small business loans) loan program; (2) the Microloan (small-scale loans to start-up, newly-established, and growing small businesses) program; and (3) the section 504 (state and local development company) program. Amends provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 relating to the local development business loan program to allow a small business borrower under such program to refinance a previous business debt, under specified conditions. Applies single-business investment limits to SBA-recognized new markets venture capital companies. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to earmark certain Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funds for specified programs of the National Institutes of Health. Repeals as of October 1, 2010: (1) the increase in section 7(a) loan amounts; and (2) the business debt refinancing authority under the local development business loan program.

Congress finds that-- (1) there is an increasing trend toward the use of part- time workers; (2) part-time jobs often have no or limited health or pension benefits and few labor protections; (3) there is a trend toward the creation of more part-time jobs than full-time jobs; (4) questions have been raised regarding the impact of part-time employment on wage levels, benefits, earning potential, and productivity; and (5) a Federal commission should be established to conduct a thorough study of all matters relating to the impact of part- time employment on wage levels, benefits, earning potential, and productivity and to study the practice of providing different wage and benefit levels to part-time and full-time workers. (2) Matters to be studied.--The matters to be studied by the Commission under paragraph (1) shall include-- (A) a review of the trend toward creation of more part-time than full-time jobs; (B) an assessment of the relationship between part- time work and wage levels, benefits, earning potential, and productivity; and (C) a review of the practice of providing different wage and benefit levels to part-time and full-time workers. (a) Study.-- (1) In general.--The Commission shall conduct a comprehensive study of the impact of part-time employment in the United States.

National Commission on Fairness in the Workplace Act - Establishes the National Commission on Fairness in the Workplace, which shall conduct a comprehensive study of the impact of part-time employment in the United States, including: (1) a review of the trend toward creation of more part-time than full-time jobs; (2) an assessment of the relationship between part-time work and wage levels, benefits, earning potential, and productivity; and (3) a review of the practice of providing different wage and benefit levels to part-time and full-time workers. Authorizes appropriations.

The Congress finds that-- (1) propane gas, or liquefied petroleum gas, is an essential energy commodity providing heat, hot water, cooking fuel, and motor fuel among its many uses to millions of Americans; (2) the use of propane is especially important to rural citizens and farmers, offering an efficient and economical source of gas energy; (3) propane has been recognized as a clean fuel and can contribute in many ways to reducing the pollution in our cities and towns; and (4) propane is primarily domestically produced and its use provides energy security and jobs for Americans. (a) Creation of Program.--The Secretary shall conduct a referendum as soon as possible among producers and retail marketers to authorize the creation of the Propane Education and Research Council and the levying of an assessment on odorized propane. (f) Functions.--The Council shall develop programs and projects and enter into contracts or agreements for implementing this Act, including programs to enhance consumer safety, to provide for research and development of clean and efficient propane utilization equipment, to inform and educate the public, to develop and preserve markets for propane, and to provide for the payment of the costs thereof with funds collected pursuant to this Act.

Propane Education and Research Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to conduct a referendum among producers and retail marketers to authorize the creation of the Propane Education and Research Council and the levying of an assessment on odorized propane. Makes it the Council's mission to develop programs and enter into contracts for: (1) propane research and development; (2) consumer education; (3) propane market development; and (4) payment for program costs with funds collected under this Act. Prescribes guidelines under which the Council shall set annual assessments to cover program costs. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to coordinate Council operations with any State propane education and research council. Proscribes the use of Council funds for lobbying activities. Directs the Secretary to issue implementation regulations.

``(3) Rating system electricity output.--For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), the rated system electricity output or equivalent for-- ``(A) solar water heating property shall be the output determined by the Secretary on the basis of evidence acceptable to the Secretary which is submitted by manufacturers of such property and which includes information relating to one year of reliable operation of such property, ``(B) photovoltaic property shall be the output certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as meeting the requirements of the Underwriters Laboratory Standard 1703, ``(C) wind energy property shall be the output-- ``(i) certified as meeting the requirements of a small wind turbine-specific safety or performance standard adopted by a national or international standards setting body, including International Electric Code 61400-2, or ``(ii) determined by the Secretary on the basis of evidence acceptable to the Secretary which is submitted by manufacturers of such property and which includes information relating to one year of reliable operation of such property at a site with average annual wind speeds of at least 12 miles per hour, and ``(D) fuel cell property shall be the output certified as meeting the requirements specified by the American Gas Association in document entitled `AGA Requirements for Fuel Cell Power Plants', No. ``(B) Condominium management association.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `condominium management association' means an organization which meets the requirements of paragraph (1) of section 528(c) (other than subparagraph (E) thereof) with respect to a condominium project substantially all of the units of which are used as residences. ``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Renewable energy property.--The term `renewable energy property' means property which is-- ``(A) qualified solar water heating property, ``(B) qualified photovoltaic property, ``(C) qualified wind energy property, or ``(D) qualified fuel cell property. ``(5) Qualified wind energy property.--The term `qualified wind energy property' means property which uses wind energy to generate electricity for use in a structure.

Renewable Energy Act for Credit on Taxes - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable limited credit through tax year 2006 for expenditures for qualifying renewable energy property (solar water heating, photovoltaic, wind energy, or fuel cell properties) installed on or in connection with a U.S.-sited residential or nonresidential structure.

(a) Rulemaking Power.--The succeeding provisions of this section are enacted by Congress-- (1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, and as such shall be deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, and shall supersede other rules only to the extent that they are inconsistent with such other rules; and (2) with the full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedures of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as any other rule of that House. (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the deadline for the submission described in subsection (c), the Government Accountability Office shall review and report to Congress on the questions proposed to be included in the 2010 census of population and the American Community Survey (next scheduled to be carried out after the end of the 6-month period beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act). (a) In General.--Participation in the Planning Partnership Program for the 2010 census of population shall not be allowed in the case of-- (1) an organization which has been indicted for a violation under Federal or State law relating to an election for Federal or State office; or (2) an organization which employs applicable individuals.

Census Improvement Act - Prohibits any organization that has been indicted for a violation of law relating to an election for federal or state office or that employs or otherwise uses the services of an individual who has been indicted for such a violation from participating in the Planning Partnership Program for the 2010 census of population. Provides that no bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report containing a provision which would have the effect of limiting the application of provisions regarding the confidentiality of census information shall be considered as passed or agreed to by either chamber of Congress except by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members voting. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to submit to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) a copy of each question proposed to be included in the 2010 census and the American Community Survey; (2) GAO  to review and report to Congress on such questions; and (3) the Secretary to include his or her views on, and GAO to specifically address, the reasons for each question, the purposes for which the information obtained is likely to be used, alternative means by which the same information could be obtained, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of obtaining the information through a census or survey. Prohibits any person conducting the Survey or 2010 census from seeking answers to any questions relating to a household or any member of such household from any person who is not a member of that household.

431) is amended by striking paragraph (19) and inserting the following new paragraph: ``(19) The term `election cycle' means-- ``(A) in the case of a candidate or the authorized committees of a candidate, the term beginning on the day after the date of the most recent general election for the specific office or seat which such candidate seeks and ending on the date of the next general election for such office or seat; or ``(B) for all other persons, the term beginning on the first day following the date of the last general election and ending on the date of the next general election.''. (a) Electronic Filing Through the Internet.--Section 304(a)(11) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434(a)(11)) is amended to read as follows: ``(11)(A) Through a competitive bidding process, the Commission shall establish a public Internet site not later than January 1, 1999, with the following features: ``(i) Any person filing a report required by this Act may post the report directly on the site. ``(B)(i) The Commission shall permit each person required to file a report under this Act to file the report by posting it directly on the Internet site established under subparagraph (A), or by filing it by such electronic method as the Commission may designate to enable the Commission to post the report on such site immediately upon receipt.

Electronic Campaign Disclosure Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to require the Federal Election Commission to: (1) establish a specified public Internet site not later than January 1, 1999; (2) permit persons required to file reports under FECA to file such reports by directly posting them on the Internet site or by filing them electronically to enable the Commission to post reports on such site immediately upon receipt; (3) provide for one or more methods (other than requiring a signature on the reports being filed) for verification of reports filed in accordance with the methods described in the preceding; (4) require a person to file a report in accordance with the methods described during an election cycle if the aggregate amount of contributions and expenditures reported previously by the person during the cycle exceeds $25,000; and (5) obtain and provide for computer software required to carry out this Act through competitive bidding. Requires that if a political committee is required to file reports electronically during an election cycle, the committee shall file a report listing each contribution of $100 or more received by the committee not later than ten days after receipt and include the contributor's identification, the date of receipt and the contribution amount, and (in the case of a candidate's authorized committee) the candidate's name and the office sought by the candidate. Expands the types of contributions required to be reported by principal campaign committees subject to the mandatory electronic reporting requirements under this Act and changes the deadline for reporting such contributions by any authorized committee of a candidate.

(4) Considering the vital life and death nature of pharmaceutical products, it is appropriate that the United States Government, in harmony with other nations belonging to the World Trade Organization, should engage in the reasonable regulation of the prices of pharmaceutical products. The Congress finds the following: (1) Modern life enhancing and life sustaining drugs are the products of decades of scientific research and practice. (2) The refining and production of products by American pharmaceutical enterprises must be appropriately compensated.

Pharmaceutical Products Price Equity Act - Directs the President to issue orders and regulations, and establish procedures and reporting requirements, to ensure that no pharmaceutical product is sold to any consumer in the United States at a price that is more than six percent above the average retail price at which such pharmaceutical product is sold in the five most industrialized, free-market countries, other than the United States. Sets forth enforcement and civil liability provisions.

``(c) Alternative to Periodic Statement.-- ``(1) Periodic statement not required.--In the case of an electronic fund transfer from a spending card account, a financial institution shall not be subject to the requirement under section 906(c) to provide a periodic statement to a consumer, if-- ``(A) the financial institution provides to the consumer-- ``(i) access to the account balance of the consumer-- ``(I) through a readily available telephone line; ``(II) through the Internet; and ``(III) at an electronic terminal or other device that allows the consumer to make a balance inquiry, by providing balance information or, routinely or upon request, on a receipt provided at the electronic terminal at the time of an electronic fund transfer; ``(ii) notice of the means by which the consumer may access the account balance of the consumer, including any telephone number; ``(iii) in response to an oral or written request of the consumer, a written record of the account transactions of the consumer during the 2-year period ending on the date of the request that includes the information required to be provided to the consumer under section 906(c); ``(iv) an electronic record, such as a record available on the Internet, of the account transactions of the consumer during the 60-day period ending on the date on which the consumer accesses the electronic record that includes the information required to be provided to the consumer under section 906(c); ``(v) with at least the same frequency as a written periodic statement that would otherwise be required under section 906, notification by email of the availability of an electronic history or an electronic periodic statement, unless the consumer has declined to provide an email address; ``(vi) the option to receive a written periodic statement and notice of such option; ``(vii) annual notice of the error resolution procedure for the spending card account, as prescribed in regulations of the Bureau; and ``(viii) any other transaction information that the financial institution elects to make available and that the consumer elects to receive, such as messages or alerts concerning balance levels or account activity; or ``(B) the consumer does not provide a valid address to the card issuer. ``(b) FDIC Insurance.-- ``(1) Insurance required.--A financial institution may only offer electronic fund transfer services in connection with a spending card account if the account is insured under, and complies with the requirements for pass-through deposit insurance under, section 11 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C.

Prepaid Card Consumer Protection Act of 2010 - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to extend its coverage to spending card accounts (prepaid cards) established by a consumer (or on a consumer's behalf): (1) to which recurring electronic fund transfers may be made, at the consumer's direction, and (2) from which payments may be made, at the consumer's direction, through the use of a card, code, or device. Treats as a spending card account any similar asset account operated or managed by a financial institution, or any other person, whose funds: (1) are pooled with the funds of a person other than the one who established the account, or (2) are held in a name other than that of the person who established the account. Excludes from the meaning of spending card account: (1) any nonreloadable general-use prepaid card in an amount under $250; and (2) any general-use prepaid card solely associated with a certain kind of health plan, a qualified transportation fringe, a health savings account or any other healthcare benefit account, a gift certificate, a store gift card, an electronic promise, plastic card, or payment code, or device, a nonreloadable card labeled as a gift card and marketed solely as such, or a nonreloadable loyalty, rebate, or promotional card. Requires a financial institution to offer electronic fund transfer services in connection with a spending card account only if the account is insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and complies with its pass-through deposit insurance requirements. Requires any person that accepts funds in connection with an electronic fund transfer to a spending card account to: (1) transfer them, within 24 hours after accepting them, to an account at an insured depository institution; or (2) credit the spending card account an amount equal to the amount of such funds. Waives the requirement for providing a consumer with a periodic statement if a financial institution, among other things, provides the consumer with access to the account balance through a readily available telephone line and the Internet and at an electronic terminal or other device (ATM machine) that allows the consumer to make a balance inquiry. Prohibits the charging of fees for services required to meet these requirements, other than $1 for an optional periodic statement. Specifies other fees which may and may not be charged in connection with a spending account card.

``(a) In General.--The Commission may provide technical assistance, make grants, enter into contracts, or otherwise provide funds to persons or entities in the region for projects-- ``(1) to increase affordable access to advanced telecommunications, entrepreneurship, and management technologies or applications in the region; ``(2) to provide education and training in the use of telecommunications and technology; ``(3) to develop programs to increase the readiness of industry groups and businesses in the region to engage in electronic commerce; or ``(4) to support entrepreneurial opportunities for businesses in the information technology sector. ); and (2) to ensure that the people and businesses of the Appalachian region have the knowledge, skills, and access to telecommunication and technology services necessary to compete in the knowledge-based economy of the United States. (b) Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965.--Section 2 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 (40 U.S.C.

Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2002 - Amends the Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965 to include as functions of the Appalachian Regional Commission that it: (1) support local development districts; (2) encourage the use of eco-industrial development technologies and approaches; and (3) seek to coordinate economic development activities of, and the use of economic development resources by, Federal agencies in the Appalachian region.(Sec. 4) Directs the President to establish the Interagency Coordinating Council on Appalachia.(Sec. 5) Authorizes the Commission to provide technical assistance and make grants, enter into contracts, and otherwise provide funds to persons or entities in the region for projects to: (1) increase affordable access to advanced telecommunications, entrepreneurship, and management technologies or applications; (2) provide education and training in the use of telecommunications and technology; (3) develop programs to increase the readiness of industry groups and businesses in the region to engage in electronic commerce; or (4) support entrepreneurial opportunities for businesses in the information technology sector.(Sec. 6) Authorizes the Commission to provide technical assistance, make grants, enter into contracts, or otherwise provide funds to persons or entities in the region for projects to: (1) support the advancement of, and provide, entrepreneurial training and education for youths, students, and businesspersons; (2) improve access to debt and equity capital, by such means as the establishment of development venture capital funds; (3) aid communities in identifying, developing, and implementing development strategies for various sectors of the economy; and (4) develop a working network of business incubators and to support entities that provide business incubator services. Defines "business incubator service" as a professional or technical service necessary for the initiation and initial sustainment of the operations of a newly established business.(Sec. 7) Authorizes the Commission to provide technical assistance, make grants, enter into contracts, or otherwise provide funds to eligible entities in the region for projects to improve the job skills of workers in a specified industry. Limits all grants under this Act to 50 percent of project costs or 80 percent for projects carried out in distress-designated counties.(Sec. 8) Eliminates from criteria for programs and projects to be given assistance under the Act that an area have significant growth potential. Requires that, for FY 2003 and each fiscal year thereafter, not less than 50 percent of the amount of grant expenditures approved by the Commission support activities or projects that benefit severely and persistently distressed counties and areas.(Sec. 9) Allows, at the Commission's discretion, for coverage of up to 75 percent of the administrative expenses of local development districts that have a charter or authority that includes the economic development of a county for which a distressed county designation is in effect.(Sec. 10) Extends through FY 2006 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) carrying out the Act; and (2) the telecommunications and technology initiative.(Sec. 11) Adds Edmonson and Hart ( Kentucky), and Montgomery and Panola (Mississippi) to the counties included in the Appalachian region.(Sec. 12) Extends the deadline for the termination of certain provisions of the Act to October 1, 2006.

AIR FORCE ROLE IN MANAGEMENT OF CIVIL AIR PATROL AS CIVILIAN AUXILIARY OF THE AIR FORCE. Air Force role in management ``(a) Administrative Responsibility.--In its capacity as a federally chartered corporation under chapter 403 of title 36 and a volunteer civilian auxiliary of the Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol shall be administered by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, under the direction of the Secretary of the Air Force. (a) In General.--Chapter 909 of title 10, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating section 9442 as section 9443; and (2) by inserting after section 9441 the following new section: ``Sec. ``(g) Relation to Federal Charter.--The powers granted to the Civil Air Patrol in section 40304 of title 36, including the power to adopt a constitution, bylaws, and regulations, are subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Air Force under the authority granted to the Secretary by this section and are subject to any policies, regulations, or instructions issued by the Secretary under that authority.''. ``(b) Board of Directors.--(1) The Secretary of the Air Force shall appoint a National Board of Directors for the Civil Air Patrol.

Provides for the use of Patrol members and employees (not to be considered Federal employees).

Expedited removal of terrorist criminal aliens.''. EXPEDITED REMOVAL OF TERRORIST CRIMINAL ALIENS. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, in such Secretary's discretion, may in the case of an alien described in subsection (b), determine whether such alien is deportable and issue a final order of removal pursuant to the procedures set forth in this section.

Removal of Terrorist Criminal Aliens Act of 2003 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish procedures for the expedited removal of a terrorist criminal alien, and authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a final order of removal under such provisions. Limits judicial review respecting such an order, action, or decision. Makes such an alien ineligible for certain discretionary relief from removal. Revises provisions respecting countries to which an alien may be removed. Includes among the classes of deportable aliens a non-permanent resident alien who poses a danger or national security threat to the United States.

EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS FOR PREVENTION OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY. (a) Prevention Programs.-- (1) Rule of construction.--The provisions of this Act apply with respect to a prevention program without regard to which of the various programmatic approaches for the prevention of pregnancy in teenagers (as defined in paragraph (2)) is the focus of the program. (2) Develop networks of prevention programs for the purpose of sharing and disseminating information. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall (directly or through grants or contracts awarded to public or nonprofit private entities) arrange for the evaluation of a wide variety of promising programs designed in whole or part to prevent pregnancy in teenagers, including programs that do not receive grants from the Federal Government for the operation of the programs. (b) Other Definitions.--For purposes of this Act: (1) The term ``prevention program'' means a program for the prevention of pregnancy in teenagers.

Teenage Pregnancy Reduction Act of 1996 - Mandates evaluation (directly or through grants or contracts) of a wide variety of promising programs to prevent teenage pregnancy, including programs that do not receive Federal grants. Mandates scientific peer review of evaluation proposals. Authorizes appropriations. Mandates establishment (directly or through grants or contracts) of the National Clearinghouse on Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Programs. Authorizes appropriations. Authorizes an operating grant to a program found (by the evaluation under this Act) to be effective. Authorizes appropriations.

The Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may, in accordance with section 4, make grants to States, State political subdivisions, and nonprofit organizations for programs that require or encourage individuals under the age of 16 to wear approved bicycle helmets. This Act may be cited as the ``Children's Bicycle Helmet Safety Act of 1993''.

Children's Bicycle Helmet Safety Act of 1993 - Authorizes the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to make grants to States, political subdivisions, and nonprofit organizations for programs that require or encourage individuals under age 16 to wear approved bicycle helmets. Specifies that such grants may be used to: (1) enforce a law that requires such individuals to wear approved bicycle helmets; (2) assist such individuals to acquire such helmets; and (3) develop and adminster a program to educate such individuals and their families on the importance of wearing such helmets. Sets interim standards for bicycle helmets and provides that a helmet that does not conform shall be considered in violation of a consumer product safety standard promulgated under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). Directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to begin a proceeding to review the requirements of the interim standards and establish a final standard that includes provisions to protect against the risk of helmets coming off the heads of bicycle riders and to address the risk of injury to children. Specifies that the final standard shall be considered a consumer product safety standard under the CPSA. Authorizes appropriations.

``(iii) Required participation.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may require any employer or class of employers to participate in the E-Verify Program with respect to individuals employed as of, or hired after, the date of the enactment of the Electronic Employment Verification Reauthorization Act of 2008 if the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that the employer has engaged in material violations of section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. ``(d) Use of Monthly Report.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may use information provided under subsection (c) to enforce compliance of the immigration laws of the United States. Section 403(a)(3)(A) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-208; 8 U.S.C.

Electronic Employment Verification Reauthorization Act of 2008 - Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to make the employment eligibility confirmation pilot programs permanent. Redesignates the basic pilot program as the E-verify program (program). Requires that any person or employer that enters into a federal contract participate in the program. Requires that an employer electing to verify the employment eligibility of existing employees do so not later than 10 days after notifying the Secretary of Homeland Security of such election. Authorizes the Secretary to require an employer or class of employers to participate in the program if the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe that the employer has engaged in material employment violations under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Requires that an employer participating in the program use the confirmation system to reverify an individual's work authorization not later than three days after the date on which such individual's employment authorization is scheduled to expire. Requires that the Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services establish in a rural setting or in an area with fewer than 10,000 residents a demonstration program to assist small businesses verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees.

This Act may be cited as the ``Stopping Abuse and Fraud in Electronic Lending Act of 2018'' or the ``SAFE Lending Act of 2018''. ``(2) Clarification.--For the purposes of this section, it shall not be considered facilitating the distribution of sensitive personal financial information in connection with a small-dollar consumer credit transaction to be engaged solely in one of the following activities: ``(A) The provision of a telecommunications service, an Internet access service, or an Internet information location tool. (b) Study Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study regarding-- (1) the availability of capital on reservations of Indian tribes; and (2) the impact that small-dollar consumer credit extended through Internet and non-Internet means to members of Indian tribes has had on economic opportunity and wealth for members of Indian tribes.

Stopping Abuse and Fraud in Electronic Lending Act of 2018 or the SAFE Lending Act of 2018 This bill amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and the Truth in Lending Act. The bill revises requirements related to consumer financial protection and small-dollar lending, including matters concerning remotely created checks, electronic fund transfers, registration of small-dollar lenders, overdraft fees, and the collection of personal information.

The Congress finds the following: (1) The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is overly complex, imposes significant burdens on individuals, businesses, and the economy, is extremely difficult for the Internal Revenue Service to administer, and is in need of fundamental reform and simplification. (7) The Federal Government's present fiscal outlook for continuing and sustained budget surpluses provides a unique opportunity for the Congress to consider measures for fundamental reform and simplification of the tax laws. The purpose of this Act is to establish a commission to study and report back to Congress recommendations on simplifying, reforming, or replacing the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

National Advisory Commission on Tax Reform and Simplification Act of 2001 - Establishes within the legislative branch a National Advisory Commission on Tax Reform and Simplification which shall review and, when applicable, issue proposals on: (1) the present structure and provisions of the Internal Revenue Code; (2) whether tax systems imposed under the laws of other countries could provide more efficient, simple, and fair methods of funding the revenue requirements of the Government; (3) whether the income tax should be replaced with a tax imposed in a different manner or on a different base; and (4) whether the Internal Revenue Code can be simplified, absent wholesale restructuring or replacement.Authorizes appropriations for the Commission. Terminates the Commission after the submission of a report.

LIMITATIONS DURING FISCAL YEARS 2002, 2003, AND 2004 ON ASSISTANCE FOR COUNTRIES NOT COOPERATING WITH UNITED STATES COUNTERDRUG EFFORTS. THREE-YEAR MODIFICATION OF PROCEDURES RELATING TO ASSISTANCE FOR COUNTRIES NOT COOPERATING WITH UNITED STATES COUNTERDRUG EFFORTS. ``(2) Notice to congress.--If the President omits a country under paragraph (1) from a report under subsection (b), the President shall include in the report under that subsection-- ``(A) a full and complete description of the vital national security interests of the United States placed at risk if the country is not so omitted; and ``(B) a statement weighing the risk described in subparagraph (A) against the risk posed to the vital national security interests of the United States by reason of the failure of the country to cooperate fully with the United States in combatting narcotics or to take adequate steps to combat narcotics on its own.

Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to modify, for a three year period, certain procedures for the provision of development assistance to foreign countries not cooperating with U.S. counterdrug efforts. Requires the President, for each fiscal year during such period, to identify to the appropriate congressional committees any country the President proposes to subject (with enactment of a joint resolution by Congress) to the withholding of half of any allocated bilateral assistance, and to opposition to any multilateral assistance to such country, because it is not: (1) cooperating with the United States in achieving full compliance with the goals and objectives of the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances; (2) taking adequate steps on its own to achieve full compliance with the Convention; or (3) taking adequate steps to achieve full compliance with a bilateral agreement with the United States on illicit drug control.Requires the inclusion of the identity of major drug trafficking organizations in the President's annual international narcotics control strategy report.

and inserting ``each of the following:''; and (ii) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: ``(A) A detailed estimate of the total costs (including total construction costs, activation costs, special purpose alterations (lump-sum payment) costs, number of personnel and total costs of ancillary services, equipment and all other items) for each alternative to construction of the facility that was considered. (d) Limitation.--The projects authorized in sections 2, 3, and 4 may only be carried out using-- (1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2012 pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) of this section; (2) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year before fiscal year 2012 that remain available for obligation; (3) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2012 that remain available for obligation; (4) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for fiscal year 2012 for a category of activity not specific to a project; (5) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year before 2012 for a category of activity not specific to a project; and (6) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year after 2012 for a category of activity not specific to a project. Extension of specially adapted housing assistance for individuals residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member.

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on September 20, 2011. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act of 2011 - (Sec. 2) Authorizes, within specified amounts, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out certain FY2012 major medical facility construction projects (projects) at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers in Seattle, Washington and West Los Angeles, California. (Sec. 3) Modifies authorizations for certain previously authorized projects in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Orlando, Florida area, Palo Alto, California, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Louis, Missouri. (Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary to carry out FY2012 major medical facility leases (leases) at specified outpatient and community-based outpatient clinics in Alabama, California, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, New York, and Oregon. (Sec. 5) Authorizes appropriations for such projects and leases. Provides project and lease funding limitations. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to include in the prospectus required to be submitted to Congress with a request for funding of a major medical facility project or lease: (1) a detailed estimate of the total costs of the medical facility including the number of personnel and itemized costs for construction, activation, special purpose alteration, ancillary services, and equipment; and (2) data concerning demographics, workload, utilization, and operating costs over a 5-, 10-, and 20-year period. Requires further, in the case of a proposed new or replacement facility, a detailed: (1) report of the consideration given to acquiring an existing facility by lease or purchase and to the sharing of health-care resources with the Department of Defense (DOD), and (2) total cost estimate and a cost-benefit comparison for each considered alternative to construction of the facility and an explanation of why the preferred alternative is the most effective means to achieve the stated project goals. (Sec. 7) Prohibits the Secretary from using bid savings on a major construction project to expand the purpose of such a project until after submitting specified information to the congressional veterans committees, including the major project that is the source of the bid savings and the major project for which the Secretary intends to expand the purpose. (Sec. 8) Designates the VA telehealth clinic in Craig, Colorado, as the "Major William Edward Adams Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic." (Sec. 9) Designates the VA medical center in Big Spring, Texas, as the "George H. O'Brien, Jr., Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center." (Sec. 10) Extends through 2012 specified authority for: (1) treatment, rehabilitation, and additional services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans, (2) housing assistance for homeless veterans, and (3) the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans. Extends through FY2012 the authority of the Secretary of Labor to conduct homeless veterans reintegration programs. Extends through 2018 the authority for transfers of real property under the Secretary's jurisdiction or control. Extends to September 30, 2020, the recovery audit program for certain fee basis and other medical services contracts concerning non-VA care and services for veterans and beneficiaries. (Sec. 11) Increases authorized amounts for the VA comprehensive service programs for FY2012. Provides a reduced amount for FY2013 and thereafter. (Sec. 12) Increases and extends through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for the VA program of financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families residing in permanent housing. (Sec. 13) Extends through: (1) FY2012 a VA grant program for homeless veterans with special needs, and (2) the end of 2012 specially adapted housing assistance for disabled veterans residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member. (Sec. 15) Extends through November 18, 2011, VA authority to: (1) charge a loan fee for certain subsequent housing loans made to veterans, and (2) verify veterans' income information from the Secretary of the Treasury or the Commissioner of Social Security. (Sec. 17) Extends through November 18, 2011, VA authority to verify veterans' income information through the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) before terminating or reducing certain benefits and services. Makes a conforming amendment to part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of title IV of the Social Security Act authorizing the release of such information by the HHS Secretary.

(4) Anglers and hunters have been and continue to be among the foremost supporters of sound wildlife management and conservation practices in the United States. (b) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States that in performing duties under Federal law, all Federal agencies that have authority to manage a natural resource or the Federal public land and water on which a natural resource depends shall exercise the authority, consistent with section 3(e), in a manner so as to support, promote, and enhance hunting and fishing opportunities to the extent permitted under State law and regulation and in accordance with applicable Federal law. TAKING OF FISH AND WILDLIFE ON FEDERAL PUBLIC LANDS.

Sportsmen's Bill of Rights Act - Requires Federal public land and water to be open to access and use for fishing and hunting except as limited by: (1) the State involved; or (2) the responsible Federal agency for reasons of national security, public safety, or specific authorization. Allows such land to be closed only during the period in which the reasons for such closure exist. Amends the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to cooperate with the Secretary of the Interior of Puerto Rico (currently the Secretary of Agriculture of Puerto Rico) in wildlife-restoration projects. Prohibits funds made available to the Secretary for expenses in the administration and execution of wildlife-restoration projects under such Act and the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act from being used as a supplement to decreased funding for any other expense of the Secretary. Prohibits a Federal agency's action that may significantly diminish opportunities or access to engage in fishing or hunting on Federal public land or water until the agency prepares a detailed statement evaluating the action's effect on fishing and hunting. Provides for judicial review of such action. Provides for intervention by an interested person in a civil action relating to the use of Federal public land or water for fishing or hunting. Provides standing to seek declaratory or injunctive relief regarding the implementation of this Act for an individual licensed to engage in fishing or hunting, or an organization representing the interests of such individuals.

(b) Limitation.--In addition to any limitations under section 8104 of title 38, United States Code, or other provision of law that apply to the projects authorized in section 101 and 102, such projects may only be carried out using-- (1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2013 pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) of this section; (2) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year before fiscal year 2013 that remain available for obligation; (3) funds available for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2013 that remain available for obligation; (4) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for fiscal year 2013 for a category of activity not specific to a project; (5) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year before 2013 for a category of activity not specific to a project; and (6) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year after 2013 for a category of activity not specific to a project. Extension of authority to provide housing assistance for homeless veterans. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR HOMELESS VETERANS.

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on September 19, 2012. The summary of that version is repeated here.) VA Major Construction Authorization and Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2012 - Title I: Construction Authorizations - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out major medical facility projects (projects) in FY2013 at VA medical centers in: (1) Seattle, Washington; (2) Dallas, Texas; and (3) Miami, Florida. Authorizes appropriations for such projects. Provides project funding limitations. Title II: Extensions of Certain Expiring Authorities - Extends through FY2013 VA default procedures with respect to guaranteed loans to veterans. Extends through 2013 VA authority: (1) to operate a regional office in the Republic of the Philippines; (2) to provide treatment, rehabilitation, and related services for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans; (3) to provide expanded services and housing assistance to homeless veterans; (4) for the Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans; and (5) to use contract physicians to perform VA medical disability examinations.

(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 3729(b) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) The loan fee table referred to in paragraph (1) is as follows: ``LOAN FEE TABLE ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Type of loan Veteran Other obligor ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (A)(i) Initial loan described in 2.00 NA section 3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other initial loan described in section 3710(a) other than with 5-down or 10-down (closed before October 1, 2011)................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (A)(ii) Initial loan described in 1.25 NA section 3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other initial loan described in section 3710(a) other than with 5-down or 10-down (closed on or after October 1, 2011)............. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (B)(i) Subsequent loan described in 3.30 NA section 3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other subsequent loan described in section 3710(a) (closed before October 1, 2011).... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (B)(ii) Subsequent loan described in 2.15 NA section 3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other subsequent loan described in section 3710(a) (closed on or after October 1, 2011 and before October 1, 2013)........ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (B)(iii) Subsequent loan described 1.25 NA in section 3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with 0-down, or any other subsequent loan described in section 3710(a) (closed on or after October 1, 2013).............................. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (C)(i) Loan described in section 1.50 NA 3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with 5-down (closed before October 1, 2011)................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (C)(ii) Loan described in section 0.75 NA 3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with 5-down (closed on or after October 1, 2011)............. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (D)(i) Initial loan described in 1.25 NA section 3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with 10-down (closed before October 1, 2011).... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (D)(ii) Initial loan described in 0.50 NA section 3710(a) to purchase or construct a dwelling with 10-down (closed on or after October 1, 2011).............................. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (E) Interest rate reduction 0.50 NA refinancing loan................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (F) Direct loan under section 3711.. 1.00 NA ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (G) Manufactured home loan under 1.00 NA section 3712 (other than an interest rate reduction refinancing loan).............................. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (H) Loan to Native American veteran 1.25 NA under section 3762 (other than an interest rate reduction refinancing loan).............................. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (I) Loan assumption under section 0.50 0.50 3714............................... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (J) Loan under section 3733(a)...... 2.25 2.25''. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Paragraph (4)(A) of such section is amended to read as follows: ``(A) The term `veteran' means any veteran eligible for the benefits of this chapter.''. PERMANENT AUTHORITY FOR HOUSING LOANS FOR MEMBERS OF THE SELECTED RESERVE.

Selected Reserve Home Loan Equity Act - Makes permanent (currently expires at the end of FY 2009) the authority for individuals who complete six years of service in the Selected Reserve to receive home loans guaranteed, insured, or made through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Prescribes uniform fees for members of the Selected Reserve and veterans eligible for such home loans through qualifying active duty service. (Currently, separate fees apply to active duty veterans and reservists.)

(a) In General.--Section 5112 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(r) Redesign and Issuance of Circulating $1 Coins Honoring Native Americans and the Important Contributions Made by Indian Tribes and Individual Native Americans in United States History.-- ``(1) Redesign beginning in 2009.--Effective beginning January 1, 2009, notwithstanding subsection (d), in addition to the coins to be issued pursuant to subsection (n), and in accordance with this subsection, the Secretary shall mint and issue $1 coins that-- ``(A) have as the designs on the obverse the so- called `Sakakawea design'; and ``(B) have a design on the reverse selected in accordance with paragraph (2)(A), subject to paragraph (3)(A). (b) Marketing Program.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall carry out a cost-effective, continuing campaign to encourage commercial enterprises to accept and dispense $1 coins that have as designs on the obverse the so-called ``Sakakawea design''. (2) Report.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall submit to Congress an annual report on the success of the efforts described in paragraph (1).

Native American $1 Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 coins in commemoration of Native Americans and the important contributions made by Indian tribes and individual Native Americans to the development of the United States and the history of the United States. Requires the issuance of such coins during each year to be emblematic of one important Native American or Native American contribution.

(a) Study.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall undertake a study-- (1) of credit systems in the international credit system with government-administered consumer credit reporting systems; (2) of available information regarding the accuracy of existing government-administered consumer credit reporting systems; (3) to evaluate the feasibility of a national, government- administered consumer credit reporting system; (4) of any consumer benefits that might reasonably be expected to result from a government-administered consumer credit report; and (5) of any costs that might result from a government- administered consumer credit reporting system in the United States. STUDY OF A PUBLIC CREDIT REPORTING SYSTEM. ``(2) Gathering of information.--The Bureau shall prescribe rules for the gathering of information relating to disputes described in subsection (a)(1) received by consumer reporting agencies to be used in generating the reports under paragraph (1), including rules establishing-- ``(A) the type and format of information that shall be received by the Bureau from each consumer reporting agency; and ``(B) the frequency of receipt of the information from consumer reporting agencies.''.

Stop Errors in Credit Use and Reporting Act or the SECURE Act - Amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act, with respect to civil liability for either willful or negligent noncompliance by a consumer reporting agency with respect to consumer credit protection requirements, to authorize a court to award: (1) injunctive relief to require compliance with such Act, and (2) costs and reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party in any successful action for injunctive relief. Requires a consumer reporting agency to include, in its mandatory notification to a furnisher of disputed information in a consumer's file, all documentation provided by the consumer. Requires the furnisher of disputed information, upon notification of a dispute, to review and consider all documentation provided by the consumer. Directs the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to: (1) prepare, and deliver to appropriate parties, reports concerning disputed information received by consumer reporting agencies; and (2) prescribe rules for the gathering of information relating to such disputes. Directs the CFPB to establish mandatory procedures for a consumer reporting agency to follow to assure maximum possible accuracy of all consumer reports. Requires a consumer reporting agency to give a consumer a credit score free of charge if one is requested in connection with a free annual consumer report. Requires a consumer reporting agency to provide free disclosures, even without consumer request, to any consumer who has received either a notice of adverse action or an offer of credit on materially less favorable terms. (Present law requires such disclosure only if the consumer so requests). Directs the CFPB to establish three publicly available registries of consumer reporting agencies, including registries of: (1) nationwide consumer reporting agencies; and (2) nationwide specialty consumer reporting agencies. Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to study: (1) credit systems in the international credit system with government-administered consumer credit reporting systems; and (2) the feasibility of a national, U.S. government-administered consumer credit reporting system.

(7) To address the scarcity of rural rental housing, the Federal Government must work in partnership with State and local governments, private financial institutions, private philanthropic institutions, and the private sector, including nonprofit organizations. Congress makes the following findings: (1) There is a pressing and increasing need for rental housing for rural families and senior citizens, as evidenced by the fact that-- (A) two-thirds of extremely low-income and very low-income rural households do not have access to affordable rental housing units; (B) more than 900,000 rural rental households (10.4 percent) live in either severely or moderately inadequate housing; and (C) substandard housing is a problem for 547,000 rural renters, and approximately 165,000 rural rental units are overcrowded.

Rural Rental Housing Act of 2003 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide rural rental assistance, with applicant priority given to very low-income families, low-income communities, rural areas, and communities with severe lack of affordable rental housing.

(b) Findings.--The Congress finds the following: (1) It is in the public interest for business enterprises owned by minorities and women to participate in procurement contracts of all providers of telecommunications services. (2) The opportunity for full participation in our free enterprise system by business enterprises that are owned by minorities and women is essential if this Nation is to attain social and economic equality for those businesses and improve the functioning of the national economy. (3) It is in this Nation's interest to expeditiously improve the economically disadvantaged position of business enterprises that are owned by minorities and women.

Telecommunications Economic Opportunity Act of 1995 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to require each provider of telecommunications services (provider) to submit annually a detailed and verifiable plan for increasing its procurement from businesses that are owned by minorities and women in all categories of procurement in which minorities are underrepresented. Requires each provider to report annually to the FCC regarding implementation of programs established under this Act. Directs the FCC to report annually to the Congress on the progress of activities undertaken by each provider. Directs the FCC to establish regulations for: (1) implementing programs under this Act; and (2) verifying and determining the eligibility of businesses owned by minorities and women. Requires each provider and its affiliates to develop and implement an outreach program to inform and recruit eligible businesses to apply for procurement contracts under this Act. Allows for the waiver of such requirements when their application to a provider results in undue hardship or unreasonable expense. Provides sanctions and remedies in the case of: (1) a business that falsely represents itself as a business owned by minorities or women; or (2) a provider which makes false representations in its annual report to the FCC or in its implementation of programs under this Act. Prohibits discrimination against eligible businesses attempting to procure contracts from telephone utilities. Authorizes civil actions by eligible businesses to enforce the provisions of this Act.

(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal awarded pursuant to this Act available for display elsewhere, particularly at appropriate locations associated with the U.S. nationals described under subsection (a), and that preference should be given to locations affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. They represent the exceptional courage that has been displayed in the defense of Freedom throughout our Nation's history. (c) Smithsonian Institution.-- (1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal under subsection (a), the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution, where it will be available for display as appropriate and available for research. Congress finds the following: (1) Europe was at war before the end of 1939. (a) Presentation Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of the Congress, of a single gold medal of appropriate design in commemoration of all U.S. nationals who joined the Royal Canadian Air Force or the Royal Air Force during World War II, both before and after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, in recognition of their contributions to the Nation.

RCAF/RAF-Americans Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of all U.S. nationals who joined the Royal Canadian Air Force or the Royal Air Force during World War II.

``(2) Mission.--The mission of the Commission shall be to focus primarily on poverty reduction and economic development in areas in the Appalachian region with the most persistent poverty.''. (b) Performance.--Congress finds that-- (1) the Commission was created to help foster economic opportunity and close health and educational disparities in a geographic region of the United States beleaguered by persistent poverty and high unemployment; (2) the Commission remains the sole Federal agency focused singularly on economic revitalization in the Appalachian region; (3) in 1998, Congress charged the Commission with ``address[ing] the needs of severely and persistently distressed areas of the Appalachian region and focus[ing] special attention on the areas of greatest need''; (4) the Commission has long been criticized for its shortcomings in fulfilling this mission, including in-- (A) a 1999 study titled ``Mountain Money: Federal Tax Dollars Miss the Mark in Core Appalachia'' by Mark Ferenchik and Jill Ripenhoff for the Columbus Dispatch; and (B) a 2008 book titled ``Uneven Ground: Appalachia Since 1945'' by Ronald D. Eller; (5) in 2004, the Office of Management and Budget noted the importance of the Commission ``[f]ocusing efforts on .

Appalachian Regional Commission Reform Act This bill declares that the mission of the Appalachian Regional Commission shall be to focus primarily on poverty reduction and economic development in areas in the Appalachian region with the most persistent poverty. The headquarters of the commission shall be located in that region. The bill increases from 50% to 60% the minimum amount of the grant expenditures approved by the commission that shall support activities or projects that benefit severely and persistently distressed counties and areas. The commission shall: (1) allocate at least 60% of the funds made available each fiscal year for its Area Development Program for projects in counties designated as distressed, and (2) submit an annual report on the allocation of program funds to such counties.

This Act may be cited as the ``New Aid for Trustworthy, Affordable Drugs Act (NAFTA Drugs Act)''. HARMONIZATION OF DRUG LAWS REGARDING IMPORTATION INTO NAFTA COUNTRIES FROM OTHER NAFTA COUNTRIES. ``(B) That the proposed agreement provides for-- ``(i) the display of a seal on the labeling of the drugs involved, whose purpose is to indicate that the drugs meet the standards of the harmonization agreement and may be imported as provided in paragraph (1); ``(ii) uniform standards applicable to the display of such a seal in any NAFTA country; and ``(iii) approval of such a seal by the appropriate health authority in any NAFTA country before the display of the seal in that country, for the purpose of ensuring that the seal complies with the uniform standards described in clause (ii).

New Aid for Trustworthy, Affordable Drugs Act (NAFTA Drugs Act) - Directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to enter into agreements with other North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) countries (Canada and Mexico) to harmonize regulatory requirements such that drugs approved for commercial distribution in any NAFTA country may be imported or exported between NAFTA countries. Permits the USTR to enter into such an agreement only if the agreement provides for: (1) regulatory standards for drugs that are consistent with the requirements of this Act; (2) a seal, to be placed only by a registered pharmacy, certifying that a given drug meets the standards of the harmonization agreement and may be imported; (3) a unique system of tracking numbers identifying certain entities, including the drug manufacturer and the NAFTA county of origin; (4) the reimbursement by drug manufacturers of the Secretary of Health and Human Services for benefits derived from National Institutes of Health research. Sets a sunset of one year after the passage of this Act for the authority of the USTR to enter into harmonization agreements under this Act.

(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Management Area is to conserve, protect, and enhance-- (1) the plant and wildlife values of the Management Area; and (2) the outstanding and nationally significant ecological, geological, scenic, recreational, archaeological, cultural, historic, and other resources of the Management Area. (a) In General.--On termination of all mining claims to the land described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall transfer the land described in that paragraph to the State. (b) Description of Land.--The land referred to in paragraph (1) is certain Bureau of Land Management land in San Diego County, California, comprising approximately 934 acres, as generally depicted on the map entitled ``Table Mountain Wilderness Study Area Proposed Transfer to the State'' and dated March 17, 2015.

Imperial Valley Desert Conservation and Recreation Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to convey to the state of California approximately 934 acres of specified public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in San Diego County, upon termination of all mining claims to such lands, to be managed in accordance with the provisions of the California Wilderness Act. On the submission of an application by Imperial County, California, the Department of Transportation shall seek a conveyance from Interior of approximately 3,500 acres of BLM-administered land adjacent to the Imperial County Holtville Airport in Imperial County, California, for purposes of airport expansion. The bill establishes the Vinagre Wash Special Management Area in California to conserve, protect, and enhance its plant and wildlife values and nationally significant resources. The area shall consist of approximately 81,880 acres of certain public lands in Imperial County. Interior shall manage specified lands in the management area to preserve their character for eventual inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.

(a) In General.--Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to employee stock purchase plans) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d) Special Incentives With Respect to Employee Stock Purchase Plans Which Meet Certain Additional Requirements.-- ``(1) In general.--If-- ``(A) section 421(a) would (but for this subsection) apply with respect to the transfer of stock to an individual by reason of this section, and ``(B) the requirements of paragraph (2) are met with respect to such transfer, the rules of paragraph (3) shall apply in lieu of the rules of section 421(a) and section 56(b)(3) shall not apply. Returns relating to transfers of ownership of stock acquired pursuant to certain stock options.''. INCENTIVES TO GRANT EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS.

Workplace Employee Stock Option Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the exclusion from gross income of certain stock purchased with payroll deductions through an employee stock purchase plan.Sets forth special rules with respect to the inclusion of nonresident aliens under the provisions of this Act. Allows certain employees to be excluded from purchasing stock options under this Act.Requires certain employers to submit information returns relating to the transfer of ownership of stock acquired by employees pursuant to certain stock options, and assesses penalties for failure to comply.

(a) Repeal of Election To Expense Certain Refineries.-- (1) Subparagraph (B) of section 179C(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``January 1, 2012'' and inserting ``the date of the enactment of the Climate Change Investment Act of 2006''. (2) Repeal of credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source.--The amendment made by subsection (e) shall apply with respect to fuels sold or produced after the date of the enactment of this Act. ``(3) Recapture event.--For purposes of paragraph (1), there is a recapture event with respect to a greenhouse gas intensity reduction project if-- ``(A) the taxpayer violates a term or condition of the approval of the project by the Secretary of Energy at any time, ``(B) the taxpayer adopts a practice which the Secretary of Energy has specified in its approval of the project as a practice which would tend to defeat the purposes of the program, or ``(C) the taxpayer disposes of any ownership interest arising out of its investment that the Secretary of Energy has determined is attributable to the project, unless the Secretary of Energy determines that such disposition will not have any adverse effect on the greenhouse gas intensity reduction project.

Climate Change Investment Act of 2006 - Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code allowing: (1) an election to expense the cost of certain liquid fuel processing refineries; (2) accelerated amortization of geological and geophysical expenditures; (3) a tax credit for enhanced oil recovery costs; (4) a tax credit for the production of low sulfur diesel fuel; (5) a tax credit for producing fuel from a nonconventional source; (6) a tax deduction for capital costs incurred in complying with certain sulfur regulations; (7) a tax deduction for intangible drilling and development costs for oil and gas wells and geothermal wells; and (8) tax deductions for certain oil and gas well expenditures. Allows a business-related tax credit for investment in a greenhouse gas intensity reduction project approved by the Secretary of Energy.

2229), in order to ensure adequate funding to increase the number of firefighting personnel throughout the Nation; ``(2) to substantially increase the hiring of firefighters so that communities can-- ``(A) meet industry minimum standards for providing adequate protection from acts of terrorism and hazards; and ``(B) enhance the ability of firefighter units to save lives, save property, and effectively respond to all types of emergencies; and ``(3) to promote that substantial increase in hiring by establishing a program of grants, authorized for 7 years, to provide direct funding to States, units of local government, and Indian tribal organizations for firefighter salaries and benefits. ``The purposes of this subtitle are-- ``(1) to expand on the firefighter assistance grant program under section 33 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE.

Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Act of 2001 - SAFER Act of 2001 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Labor to make matching grants for up to 75 percent of the costs of projects to hire firefighters to eligible States, local governments, tribal organizations, or other public entities, or multi-jurisdictional or regional consortia of such entities.

(a) Allowance of Credit.--Section 46 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to amount of investment credit) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (3) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) the manufacturing and other productive equipment credit.'' (b) Amount of Credit.--Section 48 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(c) Manufacturing and Other Productive Equipment Credit.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of section 46, the manufacturing and other productive equipment credit for any taxable year is an amount equal to the sum of-- ``(A) the domestic equipment credit, and ``(B) the nondomestic equipment credit. ``(2) Amount of domestic and nondomestic equipment credits.--For purposes of this subsection-- ``(A) Domestic equipment credit.-- ``(i) In general.--The domestic equipment credit for any taxable year is 10 percent of the amount equal to the product of-- ``(I) the domestic equipment ratio, and ``(II) the qualified increase amount. TEMPORARY INVESTMENT CREDIT FOR NEW MANUFACTURING AND OTHER PRODUCTIVE EQUIPMENT.

Competitiveness Tax Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit for manufacturing and other productive equipment based upon a determination of the domestic origin of such property. Makes such credit applicable for the two-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

(b) Assistance and Guidance in Implementing Programs.-- (1) Assistance and guidance.-- (A) In general.--In order to assist States in establishing, qualifying, and implementing short-time compensation programs, as defined in section 3306(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by subsection (a)), the Secretary of Labor (in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall-- (i) develop model legislative language which may be used by States in developing and enacting short-time compensation programs and shall periodically review and revise such model legislative language; (ii) provide technical assistance and guidance in developing, enacting, and implementing such programs; (iii) establish biannual reporting requirements for States, including number of averted layoffs, number of participating companies and workers, and retention of employees following participation; and (iv) award start-up grants to State agencies under subparagraph (B). The purpose of this Act is to keep Americans working by strengthening and expanding short-time compensation programs that provide employers with an alternative to layoffs.

Keep Americans Working Act - Declares that the purpose of this Act is to keep Americans working by strengthening and expanding short-time compensation programs that provide employers with an alternative to layoffs. Requires the Secretary of Labor to: (1) provide guidance to states in enacting short-term compensation programs; and (2) award start-up grants to state agencies in states that have enacted programs and meet certain requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to define "short-time compensation program" as one in which: (1) participation of an employer is voluntary; (2) an employer reduces the number of hours worked by employees through certifying that such reductions are in lieu of temporary layoffs; (3) an employee whose workweek that has been reduced by at least 10% is eligible for unemployment compensation; (4) an eligible employee may participate in an employer-sponsored job skills training program; and (5) an employer is required to certify that continuation of employee health and retirement benefits will not be affected by participation in the program. Directs the Secretary to make payments to a state's unemployment compensation trust fund for the payment of unemployment compensation if the Secretary approves a state's application for certification to operate a short-time compensation program that requires the maintenance of health and retirement employee benefits.

(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following: (1) Manufacturers of prescription drugs engage in price discrimination practices that compel many older Americans to pay substantially more for prescription drugs than the drug manufacturers' most favored customers, such as health insurers, health maintenance organizations, and the Federal Government. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to protect Medicare beneficiaries from discriminatory pricing by drug manufacturers and to make prescription drugs available to Medicare beneficiaries at substantially reduced prices, by allowing pharmacies to purchase drugs for Medicare beneficiaries at the substantially reduced price available under the Federal Supply Schedule. This Act may be cited as the ``Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act of 1998''.

Prescription Drug Fairness for Seniors Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to furnish each Medicare beneficiary under title XVIII of the Social Security Act with a drug benefit card enabling the beneficiary to purchase covered outpatient prescription drugs listed on the Federal Supply Schedule from participating pharmacies at reduced prices.

Early termination of new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles. EARLY TERMINATION OF NEW QUALIFIED PLUG-IN ELECTRIC DRIVE MOTOR VEHICLES. (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe a rate of tax in lieu of the rates under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 11(b), section 1201(a), and paragraphs (1), (2), and (6) of section 1445(e) to such a flat rate as the Secretary estimates would result in-- (1) a decrease in revenue to the Treasury for taxable years beginning during the 10-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, equal to (2) the increase in revenue for such taxable years by reason of the amendments made by title I of this Act. Repeal of alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit. Early termination of credit for qualified fuel cell motor vehicles.

Energy Freedom and Economic Prosperity Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal: (1) the excise tax credits for alcohol fuel, biodiesel, and alternative fuel mixtures; (2) the tax credits for the purchase of alternative motor vehicles and new qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicles; (3) the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property tax credit; (4) the income tax credits for alcohol, biodiesel, and renewable diesel used as fuel; (5) the enhanced oil recovery tax credit and the tax credit for producing oil and gas from marginal wells; (6) the tax credits for producing electricity from renewable resources and from advanced nuclear power facilities; (7) the tax credit for carbon dioxide sequestration; (8) the energy tax credit; and (9) the tax credits for investment in qualifying advanced coal projects and qualifying gasification projects. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe a flat income tax rate for corporations, in lieu of the existing marginal tax rates, based upon the overall revenue savings from the repeal of energy tax expenditures by this Act.

``(b) Notice Under Group Health Plan.--The imposition of the requirements of this section shall be treated as a material modification in the terms of the plan described in section 102(a)(1), for purposes of assuring notice of such requirements under the plan; except that the summary description required to be provided under the last sentence of section 104(b)(1) with respect to such modification shall be provided by not later than 60 days after the first day of the first plan year in which such requirements apply.''. (a) Group Health Plans.-- (1) Public health service act amendments.--(A) Subpart 2 of part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, as amended by section 703(a) of Public Law 104-204, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. ``(b) Notice.--A group health plan under this part shall comply with the notice requirement under section 713(b) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to the requirements of this section as if such section applied to such plan.''.

Treatment of Children's Deformities Act of 1998 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to set standards requiring that group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans provide coverage for treatment of a minor child's congenital or developmental deformity or disorder due to trauma, infection, tumor, or disease.

(a) Timetable.-- ``(1) In general.--The timetable with respect to the congressional budget process for any fiscal year is as follows: ``On or before: Action to be completed: First Monday in February................ President submits his or her budget. August 1................................ Congress completes action on biennial appropriation bills to be considered that year, as provided in subsection (b), and the defense appropriation bill. June 30................................. House completes action on biennial appropriation bills to be considered that year, as provided in subsection (b), and the defense appropriation bill. July 20................................. House completes action on biennial appropriation bills to be considered that year, as provided in subsection (b), and the defense appropriation bill. (b) Budget Contents and Submission to the Congress.-- (1) Expenditures.--Section 1105(a)(5) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking ``the fiscal year for which the budget is submitted and the 4 fiscal years after that year'' and inserting ``each fiscal year in the biennium for which the budget is submitted and in the succeeding 4 fiscal years''.

Biennial Appropriations Act This bill amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to change the annual appropriations process to a biennial process for nondefense spending. Congress must consider the defense appropriations bill annually and the remaining appropriations bills in either odd-numbered or even-numbered years. In each year that the appropriations bill for an agency is not considered, Congress must conduct oversight hearings. The bill requires the congressional budget resolution to be accompanied by committee allocations for biennial appropriations and the President's budget to include details that reflect the biennial process. It also creates a point of order against considering: (1) legislation authorizing appropriations for less than two years unless the program requires no further appropriations and will be completed after appropriations are expended, and (2) authorization or revenue legislation until Congress completes action on the budget resolution, appropriations bills, and reconciliation bills. The Office of Management and Budget must report to Congress on the impact and feasibility of a biennial budget process.

It is the sense of the Congress that-- (1) the psoriasis research community has made significant strides in proving the seriousness of psoriasis as an autoimmune disease and in advancing the identification of commonalities between psoriasis and other diseases; (2) the nonprofit and private sector psoriasis research communities are to be commended for planning a multidisciplinary scientific meeting in 2012 to discuss future directions of psoriasis and comorbid research, identify initiatives necessary to fill any gaps, leverage public and private investments in psoriasis research, and facilitate progress in interdisciplinary research related to psoriasis and its comorbid conditions; (3) the National Institutes of Health is encouraged to continue to work with the organizations and private sector stakeholders who convene the multidisciplinary scientific meeting to discuss future directions of psoriasis and comorbid research; (4) the nonprofit and private sector meeting conveners should disseminate to the public, Congress, and other relevant public and private policymaking and research entities a report that includes findings from the scientific meeting and suggestions regarding next steps, including recommendations from the National Institutes of Health and other relevant Federal agencies; and (5) utilizing the information produced by the scientific meeting regarding future directions of psoriasis and comorbid research, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, and in conjunction with the National Institute for Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases and other institutes and centers of the National Institutes of Health, is encouraged to explore the development of a virtual Center of Excellence for Collaborative Discovery in Psoriasis and Comorbid Research or some other mechanism through which public and private sector findings regarding psoriasis and its comorbid conditions can be regularly shared and leveraged. (12) Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis constitute a significant national health issue that deserves a comprehensive and coordinated response by States and the Federal Government with involvement of the health care provider, patient, and public health communities. (10) Treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis presents a challenge for patients and their health care providers. Congress finds the following: (1) Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune, chronic, inflammatory, painful, and disabling diseases that require lifelong timely and appropriate medical intervention and care and have no cure. (4) Psoriasis is connected with an elevated risk for other serious, chronic, and life-threatening comorbid conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. SENSE OF CONGRESS FOR COLLABORATIVE INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH ON PSORIASIS AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS AND COMORBID CONDITIONS.

Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to undertake psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis data collection efforts to collect information regarding: (1) the prevalence of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in the United States; (2) the age of onset; (3) health-related quality of life; (4) health care utilization; (5) the burden of such disease; (6) direct and indirect costs; (7) health disparities, including with respect to age, gender, race, and ethnicity; and (8) comorbidities and the natural history of such disease. Allows such data collection efforts to include: (1) incorporating questions into public health surveys, questionnaires, and other databases in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act; and (2) the consideration and development of a patient registry. Encourages the Director of the National Institutes of Health to explore the development of a virtual Center of Excellence for Collaborative Discovery in Psoriasis and Comorbid Research or some other mechanism through which public and private sector findings regarding psoriasis and its comorbid conditions can be regularly shared and leveraged.

(4) The United States, the world leader in the research, development, and production of technologies, medicines, and methodologies utilized to prevent and cure disease, has the human and natural resources to dedicate itself to the new national goal of the global eradication of disease. (3) The end of global conflict and the end of the Cold War, now guaranteed by the power and leadership of the United States, allow the Nation to establish new goals for the 21st century. The Congress makes the following findings: (1) During the 20th century the United States led the world in defeating totalitarianism and communism.

National Commission for the New National Goal: The Advancement of Global Health Act - Establishes the National Commission for the New National Goal: The Advancement of Global Health to report to the President and the Congress concerning a national strategy for coordinating governmental, academic, and public and private health care entities for the purpose of the global eradication of disease. Terminates the Commission 30 days after the submission of its final report.

(a) Comprehensive Policy.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop a comprehensive policy regarding quality standards for providers who provide modification services to veterans under the automobile adaptive equipment program. COMPREHENSIVE POLICY FOR THE AUTOMOBILES ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT PROGRAM. (B) A description of the performance measures used to determine the effectiveness of such policy in ensuring the safety of veterans enrolled in the automobile adaptive equipment program. (b) Scope.--The policy developed under subsection (a) shall cover each of the following: (1) The Department of Veterans Affairs-wide management of the automobile adaptive equipment program. (h) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Automobile adaptive equipment program.--The term ``automobile adaptive equipment program'' means the program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pursuant to chapter 39 of title 38, United States Code.

(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on November 17, 2016. Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2016 (Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that an eligible disabled veteran provided an automobile or other conveyance is given the opportunity to make personal selections relating to such conveyance. (Sec. 3) The VA shall develop a comprehensive policy regarding quality standards for providers of modification services to veterans under the automobile adaptive equipment program. Such policy shall cover: (1) management of the automobile adaptive equipment program, (2) development and application of safety and quality standards for equipment and installation, (3) provider certification by a third party organization or manufacturer, (4) manufacturer certification of a provider, (5) education and training of VA personnel, (6) provider compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and (7) allowance for veterans to receive modifications at their residence or location of choice. The VA shall approve a manufacturer as a certifying manufacturer if such manufacturer demonstrates that its certification standards meet or exceed the quality standards provided for by this bill. The VA may approve two or more private, nonprofit organizations as third party, nonprofit certifying organizations. The VA shall: (1) within one year and at least every six years thereafter, update VHA Handbook 1173.4 in accordance with such policy; and (2) within one year of such update and biennially thereafter through 2022, report on policy implementation and facility compliance. The VA shall: (1) develop and revise such policy in consultation with veteran service organizations, the National Highway Transportation Administration, industry representatives, manufacturers of automobile adaptive equipment, and other entities with relevant expertise; and (2) ensure against the use of a certifying entity that has a financial conflict of interest regarding the certification of an eligible provider. (Sec. 4) The VA may appoint licensed hearing aid specialists to the Veterans Health Administration. The VA shall ensure that: (1) a hearing aid specialist may only perform hearing services consistent with the specialist's state license related to the practice of fitting and dispensing hearing aids, without excluding other qualified professionals from rendering services in overlapping practice areas; (2) services provided to veterans by hearing aid specialists shall be provided as part of the non-medical treatment plan developed by an audiologist; and (3) VA medical facilities provide veterans with access to the full range of audiologist services. The VA shall, within one year and annually thereafter for the next five years, report on: (1) veterans access to such hearing health services; and (2) VA contracting policies for providing hearing health services to veterans in non-VA facilities, including the number of veterans referred to audiologists and hearing aid specialists.

(a) In General.--A shared housing referral service, as determined for the purpose of this section by the Attorney General, may request the Attorney General to conduct a search and exchange of records under subsection (b) regarding any applicant for participation in a shared housing arrangement as a service provider resident by-- (1) submitting, to the Attorney General-- (A) fingerprints regarding such applicant; and (B) a written statement authorizing the shared housing referral service to request the search and exchange of records regarding the applicant, which is signed by the applicant; and (2) making the submission of the information under paragraph (1) not more than 7 days (not including Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays under section 6103 of title 5, United States Code) after completing acquiring the information. (c) Use of Information.--Information regarding any applicant for participation in a shared housing arrangement obtained pursuant to subsection (b) may be used only by the shared housing referral service requesting the information and only for determining the suitability of the applicant for participation in a shared housing arrangement as a service provider resident.

Older and Disabled Americans Criminal Protection Act of 1998 - Defines a "shared housing arrangement" as a residential arrangement under which one person provides care or other services for the owner or lessee of a dwelling unit in exchange for free occupancy or a reduced cost for occupancy of that unit or other remuneration. Authorizes: (1) a shared housing referral agency to request the Attorney General to conduct and share criminal background checks respecting shared housing caretaker applicants; and (2) the Attorney General to charge a fee for such service. Provides a criminal penalty for the knowing use of such information for other than housing determinations. States that an agency that reasonably relies upon such information shall not be liable for damages based on such information's inaccuracy.

(a) Definitions.--Section 8331 of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking out ``and'' at the end of paragraph (25); (2) by striking out the period at the end of paragraph (26) and inserting in lieu thereof a semicolon and ``and''; and (3) by adding at the end thereof the following new paragraph: ``(27) `fish and wildlife officer' means a law enforcement officer of the Refuge Division of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior.''. (b) Deductions, Contributions, and Deposits.--Section 8334 of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking out ``a law enforcement officer,'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``a law enforcement officer, a fish and wildlife officer''; and (2) in the table in subsection (c), by striking out ``and firefighter for firefighter service.''

Amends Federal law to extend certain retirement-related provisions of the Civil Service and Federal Employees' Retirement Systems for Federal law enforcement officers to law enforcement officers of the Refuge Division of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior.

(a) In General.--The Attorney General of the United States shall-- (1) investigate and study the effect of this Act and the amendments made by this Act on violent and drug-related crime; and (2) evaluate the recreational and other noncriminal uses of assault weapons (as defined in section 921(a)(29) of title 18, United States Code). Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(s)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful for any person-- ``(A) to transfer an assault weapon; or ``(B) to possess an assault weapon after the 90-day period that begins with the effective date of this subsection.

Assault Weapons Prohibition Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the transfer or possession of an assault weapon, with exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to recommend to the Congress that the definition of an assault weapon (as specified under this Act) be modified. Provides enhanced penalties for the use of an assault weapon during and in relation to any crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) investigate and study the effect of this Act on violent and drug-related crime; and (2) evaluate the recreational and other noncriminal uses of assault weapons.

644(g)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``, small business concerns owned and controlled by women,'' after ``small business concerns'' the first place it appears in the first sentence and the first place it appears in the fourth sentence; (2) in the first sentence of paragraph (2) by inserting ``by small business concerns owned and controlled by women,'' after ``small business concerns,''; (3) in the second sentence of paragraph (2) by inserting ``, small business concerns owned and controlled by women,'' after ``small business concerns'' the first place it appears; and (4) in the fourth sentence of paragraph (2) by inserting ``small business concerns owned and controlled by women and'' after ``including participation by''. ''; (6) by designating the last sentence as paragraph (2); and (7) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3)(A) The Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization in a Federal agency shall ensure that the women-in-business specialist designated pursuant to paragraph (1)(J) has sufficient knowledge of small business concerns owned and controlled by women and the Federal procurement process, other appropriate qualifications, and appropriate training from the Office of Women's Business Ownership to effectively carry out the specialist's responsibilities under this Act. The Director may, as appropriate, develop comprehensive interagency plans and specific program goals for small business concerns owned and controlled by women with the cooperation of the departments and agencies. ``(c) Functions.--The Director shall perform the following functions: ``(1) Promote, coordinate, and monitor the plans, programs, and operations of Federal departments and agencies which may contribute to the establishment, preservation, and strengthening of small business concerns owned and controlled by women. ``(4) Make an annual assessment of the progress made in the Federal Government toward assisting small business concerns owned and controlled by women to enter the mainstream of business ownership and provide recommendations for future actions to the Administrator.

Women's Business Procurement Assistance Act of 1993 - Amends the Small Business Act to require the President and the head of each Federal agency to include small business concerns owned and controlled by women within the Federal procurement contract process. Declares that it is the policy of the United States that such business concerns should have the maximum opportunity to participate in the Federal procurement contract process. Requires the Director of the Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization section in each Federal agency to designate a "women-in-business" specialist responsible for the execution of programs designed to assist small business concerns owned and controlled by women. Requires that each such specialist: (1) possess the appropriate knowledge, qualifications, and training for such position; and (2) work full-time in such position. Establishes in the Small Business Administration the Office of Women's Business Ownership. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the number of small businesses owned and controlled by women procuring Federal contracts. Expresses the sense of the Congress that if the number of such businesses procuring such contracts does not rise significantly, then further legislative steps should be taken.

(a) Rules for Election of House Members.--A candidate for election for the office of Member of the House of Representatives shall be elected to such office pursuant to the following elections held by the State in which the candidate seeks election: (1) A single open primary election for such office held in accordance with subsection (b). Nothing in this Act shall restrict a party's right to contribute to, endorse, or otherwise support a candidate for the office of Member of the House of Representatives. (a) Option of Candidates To Declare Political Party Preference.--At the time a candidate for the office of Member of the House of Representatives files to run for such office, the candidate shall have the option of declaring a political party preference, and the preference chosen (if any) shall accompany the candidate's name on the ballot for the election for such office. (c) General Election.--Each State shall hold a general election for each office of Member of the House of Representatives in the State under which the 2 candidates receiving the greatest number of votes in the single open primary election for such office (as described in subsection (b)), without regard to the political party preference of such candidates, shall be the only candidates appearing on the ballot.

Open Our Democracy Act of 2014 - Requires all candidates for election to the House of Representatives to run in a single open primary, regardless of political party preference. Limits the ensuing general election to the two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes in the single open primary. Gives candidates the option, at the time of filing to run for office, to declare a political party preference, which does not constitute or imply endorsement of the candidate by the party designated. Treats the general election day in the same manner as a legal public holiday for purposes of federal employment. Expresses the sense of Congress that private employers should give their employees a day off on the general election day in November 2016 and each even-numbered year thereafter to enable them to cast votes in elections held on that day. Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to study the feasibility and desirability of enacting national standards and criteria for congressional redistricting.

SHIPMENT OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR INTO STATE IN VIOLATION OF STATE LAW. ``(b) Enforcement of Twenty-First Amendment.--It is the purpose of this Act to assist the States in the enforcement of section 2 of the twenty-first article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and not to impose an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce in violation of article I, section 8, of the Constitution of the United States. The Act entitled ``An Act divesting intoxicating liquors of their interstate character in certain cases'', approved March 1, 1913 (commonly known as the ``Webb-Kenyon Act'') (27 U.S.C.

Twenty-First Amendment Enforcement Act - Amends the Webb-Kenyon Act to authorize a State attorney general (State AG) who has reasonable cause to believe that a person is engaging in any act that would constitute a violation of State law regulating the importation or transportation of any intoxicating liquor, to bring a civil action for injunctive relief to: (1) restrain the person from engaging in the violation; and (2) enforce compliance with State law. Grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction over any action brought by a State AG against any person, except one licensed or otherwise authorized to produce, sell, or store intoxicating liquor in such State. Permits such an action to be brought only in accordance with Federal judicial code provisions regarding venue, or in the district in which the recipient of such liquor resides or is found. Authorizes the court, in such action and upon a proper showing by the State AG, to issue a preliminary or permanent injunction or other order to restrain a violation. Specifies that a proper showing shall require clear and convincing evidence that a violation of State law regulating the importation or transportation of intoxicating liquor has taken place, and that no temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction may be granted except upon evidence: (1) demonstrating the probability of irreparable injury if injunctive relief is not granted; and (2) supporting the probability of success on the merits. Prohibits such issuance without notice to the adverse party and an opportunity for a hearing. Sets forth provisions regarding the form and scope of the order. Specifies that nothing in this Act may be construed to modify or supersede the operation of the Internet Tax Freedom Act. Prohibits any State from enforcing under this Act a law regulating the importation or transportation of intoxicating liquor that unconstitutionally discriminates against interstate commerce by out-of-State sellers by favoring local industries, erecting barriers to competition, and constituting mere economic protectionism. Provides that nothing in this Act may be construed to: (1) permit State regulation or taxation of Internet services or any other related interstate telecommunications services; or (2) authorize any injunction against an interactive computer service or against an electronic communication service used by another person to engage in any activity that is subject to this Act. (Sec. 3) Provides that the amendment made by this Act shall apply only with respect to the importation or transportation of intoxicating liquor occurring after: (1) October 31, 1999, or the expiration of the 90-day period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment, whichever is earlier, if this Act is enacted before November 1, 1999; or (2) the date of this Act's enactment if this Act is enacted after October 31, 1999. (Sec. 4) Directs the Attorney General to conduct and report to Congress on the impact of this Act.

``(c) Plan.--Within 45 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall transmit to the Congress a plan describing-- ``(1) the acquisition of storage and related facilities or storage services for the Natural Gas Reserve, including the potential use of storage facilities not currently in use; ``(2) the acquisition of natural gas for storage in the Natural Gas Reserve; ``(3) the anticipated methods of disposition of natural gas from the Natural Gas Reserve; ``(4) the estimated costs of establishment, maintenance, and operation of the Natural Gas Reserve; ``(5) efforts the Department will take to minimize any potential need for future drawdowns and ensure that distributors and importers are not discouraged from maintaining and increasing supplies; and ``(6) actions to ensure quality of the natural gas in the Natural Gas Reserve. ``(b) Release of Natural Gas.--After consultation with the natural gas industry, the Secretary shall determine procedures governing the release of natural gas from the Natural Gas Reserve. (a) Finding.--The Secretary may sell products from the Natural Gas Reserve upon a finding that there is a natural gas supply shortage.

Natural Gas Reserve Act of 2001 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to establish and operate a Natural Gas Reserve (NGR), which shall not be deemed to be a component of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.Sets forth implementation authority for natural gas release and sales predicated upon a finding that a natural gas supply shortage exists. Restricts such sales to entities customarily engaged in natural gas sale and distribution.Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Natural Gas Reserve Account to serve as depository for receipts from disposition of NGR natural gas.Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to obligate amounts in such Account without the need for further appropriation. Retains the availability of such funds for obligation without fiscal year limitation.

It is the purpose of this Act to establish a program to develop and expand the use of high quality curriculum-based learning resources using state-of-the-art technologies and techniques which are or can be designed to increase the achievement levels of students in subject areas including mathematics, science, geography, history and language arts. (10) Plans for pricing technology-based materials that are affordable for public schools and agencies. (2) Eligible consortium.--For the purpose of this section the term ``eligible consortium'' means a consortium consisting of-- (A) State or local educational agencies in partnership with businesses; and (B) institutions of higher education or other public or private nonprofit organizations.

Technology for the Classroom Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to eligible consortia to develop instructional programs and technology-based systems for complete courses or units of study for a specific subject and grade level, if these are commercially unavailable locally. Requires that an eligible consortium consist of: (1) State or local educational agencies in partnership with businesses; and (2) institutions of higher education or other public or private nonprofit organizations. Requires priority to be given to applications describing programs that are developed: (1) so that the program may be adapted and applied nationally; and (2) to raise the achievement levels of students, particularly disadvantaged students who are not realizing their potential. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to: (1) identify schools or school districts which have a large number of educationally disadvantaged students and limited access to technology-based learning resources; and (2) develop jointly, with local educational agencies or individual schools, strategies to improve accessibility and use of technology-based learning resources, including specific plans for teacher and school personnel training, hardware or software acquisition (if this is a major barrier to accessibility), and partnership arrangements with businesses, institutions of higher education, and other public or private nonprofit organizations. Sets forth State plan requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) coordinate and share information regarding these curriculum-based educational technology programs with other Federal agencies; and (2) collect and disseminate information about such developed products and their evaluation. Requires that any royalties paid to any State or local educational agency as a result of assistance provided under this Act be used for further development of curriculum-based learning resources authorized by this Act. Authorizes appropriations.

``(3) The term `medicare patient load' means, with respect to a Federally-qualified health center for a year, the fraction of the center's services during the year which are attributable to individuals entitled to benefits under this title (based on such measure of services as the Secretary determines to be appropriate for purposes of this section).''. MEDICARE PAYMENT FOR DIRECT MEDICAL EDUCATION COSTS OF FEDERALLY-QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS. ``(c) Allocation of Payments Among Trust Funds.--In providing for payments under this section, the Secretary shall provide for an allocation of such payments between part A and part B (and the trust funds established under the respective parts) as reasonably reflects the proportion of direct graduate medical costs of Federally-qualified health centers associated with the provision of services under each respective part. INCLUDING SERVICES OF INTERNS AND RESIDENTS AT ANY FEDERALLY- QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER UNDER ANY PROGRAM PAID FOR BY A HOSPITAL IN DETERMINING MEDICARE PAYMENTS FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION.

Frontline Medical Education Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) services of interns and residents at federally-qualified health centers and Medicare payments for graduate medical education; (2) Medicare payment for direct graduate medical education costs of such centers; and (3) waiver of the application of productivity screens for such centers receiving medical education payments.

(a) Consideration in Acquisition Planning Process.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require the consideration of Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles in the acquisition planning process, by including a listing of Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles in the ``Priorities for use of Government supply sources'' for Supplies and Services. (7) Federal strategic sourcing vehicles (fssvs).--The term ``Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles'' means a kind of governmentwide interagency acquisition contract or agreement designated by the Office of Management and Budget to leverage the Federal Government's buying power and save taxpayers money. (a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require heads of executive agencies to mandate that affordability be included as a requirement for major systems, research and development, construction and architect- engineering acquisitions prior to the approval of any acquisition plan exceeding $100,000,000.

Acquisition Savings Reform Act of 2011 - Directs the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to revise certain federal acquisition practices and procedures, including by: (1) requiring executive agency heads to use online reverse auction, or an equivalent method, in the procurement of commercial items above the simplified acquisition threshold; (2) requiring the consideration of Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles (defined as a kind of government-wide interagency acquisition contract or agreement to leverage the federal government's buying power) in the acquisition planning process; (3) authorizing contracting officers to waive contract closeout audits above the simplified acquisition purchase threshold based on risk assessments and to write off unreconciled balances on low risk contracts; (4) requiring executive agency heads to mandate that affordability be included as a requirement for major systems, research and development, and construction and architect-engineering acquisitions, prior to the approval of any acquisition plan exceeding $100 million; (5) requiring service contracts valued at more than $100 million to include provisions to achieve productivity improvements and cost efficiencies; and (6) assisting small businesses by paying their invoices as quickly as possible and before normal payment due dates established by contract. Requires the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy to develop a plan for reducing the use of time and materials and labor hour contracts. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) identify on the OMB website a list of all Federal Strategic Source Vehicle contracts and agreements and awardees, and (2) develop a plan to achieve not less than $1 billion in measurable savings through Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles for FY2013-FY2016.

13238) is amended-- (1) in the section heading, by striking ``and engines'' and inserting ``, engines, and marine vessels''; (2) by striking ``vehicles and engines'' each place it appears in subsections (a) and (b) and inserting ``vehicles, engines, and marine vessels''; (3) in subsection (a)-- (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Nonroad Vehicles and Engines'' and inserting ``In General''; (B) in paragraph (1)-- (i) in the first sentence, by striking ``a study'' and inserting ``studies''; and (ii) in the second sentence-- (I) by striking ``study'' and inserting ``studies''; and (II) by striking ``2 years'' and inserting ``2, 6, and 10 years''; (C) in paragraph (2)-- (i) by striking ``study'' each place it appears and inserting ``studies''; and (ii) in the second sentence, by inserting ``or marine vessels'' after ``such vehicles''; and (D) in paragraph (3)-- (i) by striking ``report'' and inserting ``reports''; and (ii) by striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall''; and (4) in subsection (b)-- (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``and Engines'' and inserting ``, Engines, and Marine Vessels''; and (B) by striking ``rail transportation, vehicles used at airports, vehicles or engines used for marine purposes, and other vehicles or engines'' and inserting ``rail and waterway transportation, vehicles used at airports and seaports, vehicles or engines used for marine purposes, marine vessels, and other vehicles, engines, or marine vessels''. Alternative fuel use in nonroad vehicles, engines, and marine vessels. 13235(c)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting after ``alternative fueled vehicles in use'' the following: ``and volume of alternative fuel consumed''. Mandate for alternative fuel providers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Alternative Fuels - General Title II: Alternative Fuels - Non-Federal Programs Title III: Availability and Use of Replacement Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Alternative Fueled Vehicles Biodiesel Energy Development Act of 1997 - Title I: Alternative Fuels - General - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to modify definitions relating to alternative fuels, dual-fueled vehicles, heavy duty motor vehicles, and marine vessels. Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act with respect to alternative fuel use by light duty Federal vehicles to provide that if such vehicles are not acquired from original equipment manufacturers, existing fleet vehicles may be converted to use alternative fuels at the time of a major vehicle overhaul or rebuild. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 1992 to require the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), if appropriate, to permit a Federal fleet to: (1) acquire one heavy duty alternative fueled vehicle in place of two light duty alternative fueled vehicles; and (2) take an additional credit for the purchase and documented use of alternative fuel used in a dual-fueled vehicle, comparable conventionally-fueled motor vehicle, or marine vessel. Title II: Alternative Fuels - Non-Federal Programs - Requires State and local alternative fuel incentives programs to include the goal of introducing substantial numbers of light and heavy duty alternative fuels vehicles and increasing the use of alternative fuels. Conditions State eligibility for Federal assistance upon inclusion in each State plan of an examination of the introduction of converted or acquired light and heavy duty alternative fueled vehicles in State-owned or operated motor vehicle fleets. (Sec. 201) Authorizes the Secretary to provide, upon State request, Federal financial assistance grants for the incremental purchase cost of alternative fuels. Directs the Secretary to report annually to the President and the Congress on the volume of alternative fuel consumed. (Sec. 202) Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial assistance to States and political subdivisions for the incremental cost of alternative fuels used in flexible fueled school buses and school bus conversions to alternative fueled vehicles. (Sec. 203) Requires the Secretary to study and report to Congress on alternative fuel use in marine vessels. Title III: Availability and Use of Replacement Fuels, Alternative Fuels, and Alternative Fueled Vehicles - Modifies the mandate for alternative fuel providers to include regulation of heavy duty trucks. (Sec. 301) Cites circumstances under which the Secretary may allow the conversion of an existing fleet vehicle into a dual-fueled alternative fueled vehicle at the time of a major vehicle overhaul or rebuild. (Sec. 302) Directs the Secretary to: (1) include heavy duty motor vehicles in the program to promote the development and use in light duty motor vehicles of domestic replacement fuels; and (2) review every five years a development plan and production goals for replacement fuel supply and demand. (Sec. 304) Modifies the fleet program purchase goals to require that specified percentages of new light duty motor vehicles acquired in each model year be acquired as, or converted into, alternative fueled vehicles. Modifies the fleet requirement program to direct the Secretary to permit fleets to substitute the acquisition or conversion of one heavy duty alternative fueled vehicle for two light duty vehicle acquisitions to meet program requirements. Permits a fleet owner to convert an existing fleet vehicle into an alternative fueled vehicle, and purchase the fuel for such vehicle for compliance purposes, if the original equipment manufacturer's warranty continues to apply to the vehicle. Allows a fleet owner a credit for such conversion. (Sec. 305) Instructs the Secretary to allocate a credit to a fleet or covered person that acquires a volume of alternative fuel equal to the estimated need for one year for any dual-fueled vehicle acquired or converted under this Act. Sets forth a credit allocation scheme for dual-fueled vehicles and alternative fuel. (Sec. 306) Requires the Secretary to submit to the Congress recommended requirements for exempting replacement fuels from taxes levied on non-replacement fuels if the Secretary notifies the Congress that a fleet requirement program is not necessary.

Section 41712 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Specific Practices.--For purposes of subsection (a), the term `unfair or deceptive practice' includes each of the following: ``(1) Flight delays.--The failure of an air carrier or foreign air carrier to provide a passenger of the carrier with an accurate explanation of the reasons for a flight delay, cancellation, or diversion from a ticketed itinerary. FAIR TREATMENT OF AIRLINE PASSENGERS. ``(2) Termination of ticket agents.--In the case of a termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or substantial change in the competitive circumstances of the appointment of a ticket agent by an air carrier or foreign air carrier, the failure of the air carrier or foreign air carrier-- ``(A) to provide the ticket agent with written notice, and a full statement of reasons for the action, on or before the 90th day preceding the action; and ``(B) to provide the ticket agent with at least 60 days to correct any deficiency claimed in the written notice, except in cases of insolvency, an assignment for the benefit of creditors, bankruptcy, or nonpayment of sums due under the appointment.''.

Air Travelers Fair Treatment Act of 2001 - Amends Federal transportation law to make it an unfair or deceptive practice for an air carrier or foreign air carrier to fail to provide a passenger with an accurate explanation of the reasons for a flight delay, cancellation, or diversion from a ticketed itinerary.Makes it an unfair or deceptive practice for an air carrier or foreign air carrier, in the case of a termination, cancellation, nonrenewal, or substantial change in the competitive circumstances of the appointment of a ticket agent by an air carrier or foreign air carrier, to fail: (1) to provide the ticket agent with written notice, and a full statement of reasons for the action, on or before the 90th day preceding the action; and (2) to provide the ticket agent with at least 60 days to correct any deficiency claimed. Exempts from this rule cases of insolvency, an assignment for the benefit of creditors, bankruptcy, or nonpayment of sums due under the appointment.Directs the Secretary of Transportation to prescribe regulations to establish minimum standards for resuscitation, emergency medical, and first-aid equipment and supplies to be carried on board an aircraft capable of carrying at least 30 passengers.Prohibits air carriers or foreign air carriers from preventing, hindering, or failing to assist any passenger from exiting an aircraft (under the same circumstances as any flight crew member may exit) if: (1) the aircraft is parked over an hour past its scheduled departure time at an airport terminal gate with access to ramp or other boarding and deplaning facilities; and (2) the aircraft captain has not been informed by air traffic control authorities that the aircraft can be cleared for departure within 15 minutes.Directs the Secretary to require by regulations each air carrier or foreign air carrier to provide, upon request, to their passengers any information concerning the safety of the aircraft and the competency of the aircraft crew.Directs the National Transportation Safety Board to establish and administer a program for victims and survivors of aircraft accidents in which they receive immediate and unrestricted access to information with regard to such accidents. Establishes a toll-free telephone line for the public to provide specified information concerning an aircraft accident.Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act.

ENHANCED CIVIL AUTHORITIES TO COMBAT MEDICARE AND MEDICAID FRAUD. ENHANCED CRIMINAL PENALTIES TO COMBAT MEDICARE AND MEDICAID FRAUD. (b) Access to Real Time Claims and Payment Data.--Section 1128J(a)(2) of the Social Security Act is amended-- (1) by inserting ``including real time claims and payment data,'' after ``access to claims and payment data''; and (2) by adding at the end the following sentence: ``In carrying out this section, the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall implement mechanisms for the sharing of information about suspected fraud relating to the Federal health care programs under titles XVIII, XIX, and XXI with other appropriate law enforcement officials.''.

Medicare Fraud Enforcement and Prevention Act of 2013 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to increase criminal penalties for both felony and misdemeanor fraud under SSA titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid). Adds a new offense of distribution of two or more Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary identification numbers or billing privileges. Applies civil monetary penalties to: (1) conspiracy to make false statements or commit other specified offenses with respect to Medicare or Medicaid claims; and (2) knowing creation or use of false records or statements with respect to the transmission of money or property to a federal health care program. Extends the statute of limitations from six to 10 years after presentation of a claim. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare), as amended by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), to revise screening requirements. Amends SSA title XI, as amended by PPACA, to require the access to claims and payment data granted to Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Attorney General to include access to real time claims and payment data. Requires the HHS Inspector General to implement mechanisms for the sharing of information about suspected fraud relating to the federal health care programs under Medicare, Medicaid, and SSA title XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program) (CHIP) with other appropriate law enforcement officials. Directs the HHS Secretary to provide for a study that analyzes the feasibility and benefits in reducing waste, fraud, and abuse of carrying out a program that implements biometric technology to ensure that individuals entitled to benefits under Medicare part A or enrolled under Medicare part B are physically present at the time and place of receipt of certain items and services for which payment may be made.

(a) In General.--So much of section 25A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits) as precedes subsection (d) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 1087ll), as in effect on the date of the enactment of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001) as determined by the eligible educational institution for such period, or ``(II) if greater, the actual invoice amount the student residing in housing owned or operated by the eligible educational institution is charged by such institution for room and board costs for such period. (a) In General.--Paragraph (3) of section 529(e) of such Code (relating to other definitions and special rules) is amended to read as follows: ``(3) Qualified higher education expenses.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified higher education expenses' means-- ``(i) tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the enrollment or attendance of a designated beneficiary at an eligible educational institution; and ``(ii) expenses for special needs services in the case of a special needs beneficiary which are incurred in connection with such enrollment or attendance. ``(B) Room and board included for students who are at least half-time.-- ``(i) In general.--In the case of an individual who is an eligible student for any academic period, such term shall also include reasonable costs for such period (as determined under the qualified tuition program) incurred by the designated beneficiary for room and board while attending such institution. ``(iii) Eligible student.--For purposes of this subparagraph, the term `eligible student' means, with respect to any academic period, a student who-- ``(I) meets the requirements of section 484(a)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.

Education Tax Credit Simplification Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits. Combines both credits into an Education Credit that allows certain students a tax credit of 50 percent of their qualified higher education expenses and educational expenses to acquire or improve job skills, up to $3,000 per year. Eliminates the annual cost of living adjustments to the allowable credit amount.

The Secretary of the Interior shall prepare and develop a long- term, comprehensive plan to (1) cancel the outstanding debt owed to the Treasury by the Department of the Interior related to the Federal helium program; and (2) improve Federal helium program operations over a multi-year period. 167b) is amended to insert after ``lands acquired, leased, or reserved;'' the following: ``reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies, especially in operations that do not produce revenue; establish and adjust fees charged private industry for storage, transmission, and withdrawal of privately-owned helium from Government storage facilities to compensate fully for all costs incurred;''. The plan, with the Secretary's preferred options, shall be presented to the President within 4 months of enactment of this Act. TITLE II--IMPROVE MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE ROYALTY COLLECTION SEC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Improve the Federal Helium Program Title II: Improve Minerals Management Service Royalty Collection Title III: Phase Out the Mineral Institute Program Department of the Interior Reform and Savings Act of 1993 - Title I: Improve the Federal Helium Program - Amends the Helium Act Amendments of 1960 to authorize the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) to: (1) reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies; and (2) set fees charged private industry for storage, transmission, and withdrawal of privately-owned helium from Federal storage facilities to compensate fully for all costs incurred. Directs the Secretary to: (1) make helium sales in a manner that avoids undue disruption of the usual helium market and protects the United States against avoidable loss; (2) sell helium at prices comparable to those set by private industry; and (3) develop a long-term comprehensive plan to cancel the outstanding debt owed to the Treasury related to the Federal helium program, and to improve Federal helium program operations. Title II: Improve Minerals Management Service Royalty Collection - Requires the Secretary to direct the Minerals Management Service, Royalty Management Program, to develop and implement: (1) an automated business information system to provide its auditors a lease history; (2) optimum methods to identify and resolve anomalies and to verify royalty payments; (3) new royalty compliance and enforcement measures; and (4) other actions necessary to reduce royalty underpayment and increase revenues by a specified amount. Amends the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 to authorize the Secretary to assess a penalty of ten percent of the amount of underreported royalty, and 20 percent of the amount of substantially underreported royalty. Title III: Phase Out the Mineral Institute Program - Directs the Secretary to phase out the Mining and Mineral Resources Research Institute Act of 1984 by the end of FY 1998.

``(3) Demonstrate a history of placing graduates in rural and urban schools. ``(5) The ability of the United States to place highly qualified math and science teachers specializing in their field of instruction will depend on proactive policies that increase funding for teacher training, recruitment, and induction. ``(4) Demonstrate that there is a high retention rate of teachers that the institution places in teaching positions. ``(3) Teachers' knowledge and skills powerfully influence student learning.

Makes available 500 scholarship grants and stipends to outstanding students enrolled in nationally accredited teacher training graduate programs who are committed to pursuing such careers in secondary school mathematics and science teaching. Authorizes appropriations. Designates funds under this Act as National Math and Science Teacher Scholarships. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award funds for such scholarships on a competitive basis to qualifying higher education institutions with graduate programs in teacher training. Limits the amount of such funds in any academic year which may be awarded to any individual higher education institution. Makes an institution eligible for such funds only if it is ranked by the Secretary in the top 25 percent of schools in its State with the highest percentage of graduates passing the State teacher qualification assessment for new teachers. Directs the Secretary to give priority to eligible institutions that have one or more of these: (1) a year-long internship program in a professional development school; (2) mentoring programs for novice teachers in their first three years; (3) a history of placing graduates in rural and urban schools; and (4) a high retention rate of teachers that the institution places in teaching positions. Sets forth eligibility requirements for individual scholarships. Limits the scholarship amount per student to $10,000 per academic year. Requires scholarship recipients to agree to teach in an urban or rural public secondary school for at least three full academic years, or repay the pro rata amount of awards received, plus interest, for any failure to fulfill such obligation. Sets forth exceptions to such repayment requirements.

Congress finds that-- (1) the Federal reclamation program has been in existence for over 90 years, with an estimated taxpayer investment of over $70,000,000,000; (2) the program has had and continues to have an enormous effect on the water resources and aquatic environments of the western States; (3) irrigation water made available from Federal water projects in the West is a very valuable resource for which there are increasing and competing demands; (4) the justification for providing water at less than full cost was to benefit and promote the development of small family farms and exclude large corporate farms, but this purpose has been frustrated over the years due to inadequate implementation of subsidy and acreage limits; (5) below-cost water prices tend to encourage excessive use of scarce water supplies in the arid regions of the West, and reasonable price increases to the wealthiest western farmers would provide an economic incentive for greater water conservation; (6) the Federal Government has increasingly applied eligibility tests based on income for Federal entitlement and subsidy programs, measures that are consistent with the historic approach of the reclamation program's acreage limitations that seek to limit water subsidies to smaller farms; and (7) including a means test based on gross income in the reclamation program will increase the effectiveness of carrying out the family farm goals of the Federal reclamation laws. This Act may be cited as the ``Irrigation Subsidy Reduction Act of 1996''. ``(ii) Performance of certain services.-- The performance by an individual or legal entity of an agricultural chemical application, pruning, or harvesting for a farm operation on a parcel of land shall not by itself serve as a basis for concluding that the farm operation on that parcel of land is part of a single farm operation operated by the individual or entity on other parcels of land.''.

Irrigation Subsidy Reduction Act of 1996 - Amends the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 to define the terms "legal entity," "operator," and "single farm operation." Directs the Secretary of the Interior, for each parcel of land to which irrigation water is delivered or proposed to be delivered, to identify a single individual or legal entity as the owner, lessee, or operator. Allows irrigation water to be delivered at less than the normal per-acre cost to either: (1) a qualified recipient that reports gross farm income from a single farm operation in excess of $500,000 per taxable year; or (2) a limited recipient that received such water on or before October 1, 1981, and that reports gross farm income in excess of such amount. Provides an inflation adjustment for calendar years after 1997. Requires lessees (currently, only owners and operators) of an irrigation district to furnish such district a certification of compliance with the Act. Allows the Secretary to require a lessee or operator to submit for examination a copy of a tax return for any taxable year in which the single farm operation of the lessee or operator received irrigation water at less than full cost. Repeals a provision exempting district lands held in trust from Federal reclamation ownership and cost pricing limitations. Directs the Secretary to establish penalties for failure to comply with provisions of the Act. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior, the Treasury, and Agriculture to enter into a memorandum of understanding to permit the Secretary of the Interior to have access to and use available information collected or maintained by either the Department of the Treasury or Agriculture that would aid in enforcement of the ownership and pricing limitations of Federal reclamation law.

1395cc) is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(k) Data Reporting by Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgical Centers and Public Posting.-- ``(1) Quarterly reporting requirement.--Not later than 45 days after the end of each calendar quarter (beginning more than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection), a hospital shall report to the Secretary, for each procedure or drug selected under paragraph (3), and an ambulatory surgical center shall report to the Secretary, for each procedure selected under paragraph (3)(A)(ii), the following data: ``(A) The frequency with which the hospital performed the procedure, or administered the drug in an inpatient setting, or the center performed the procedure during such quarter. ``(2) Public availability of data.-- ``(A) Public posting of data.--The Secretary shall promptly post, on the official public Internet site of the Department of Health and Human Services, the data reported under paragraph (1). ``(B) Notice of availability.--A hospital and ambulatory surgical center shall prominently post at each admission site of the hospital or center a notice of the availability of the data reported under paragraph (1) on the official public Internet site under subparagraph (A). PUBLIC DISCLOSURE OF HOSPITAL AND AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTER DATA. ``(B) Updating selection.--The Secretary shall periodically update the procedures and drugs selected under subparagraph (A). ``(C) Form of report and notice.--The Secretary shall specify the electronic form and manner by which a hospital or ambulatory surgical center shall report data under paragraph (1) and the form for posting of notices under paragraph (2)(B).

Hospital Price Disclosure Act of 2005 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the public disclosure of prices for hospital and ambulatory surgical center procedures and drugs.

The Congress finds the following: (1) The Medicare home health benefit is vulnerable to agency selection of the most profitable beneficiaries and avoidance of the most complex and costly beneficiaries. (2) Such ``cherry picking'' by some home health agencies compromises access to care for the most complex, highest risk beneficiaries.

Preserving Equitable Access to Community-based Home Health (PEACH) Act of 2009 - Establishes the PEACH fund from which home health agencies meeting specified criteria shall be paid supplemental amounts in addition to their statutory payment amounts under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA). Amends SSA title XVIII to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make supplemental payments to certain community-based home health agencies that the Secretary has designated as PEACH agencies for estimated shortfalls due to providing uncompensated care.

(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish the Long Island Sound Stewardship System to preserve areas of critical importance because of the open space, public access, and ecological value of the areas. (b) Allocation of Funds.--For each fiscal year-- (1) not more than 15 percent of funds made available under subsection (a) shall be used to improve the facilities of stewardship sites; and (2) at least 85 percent of funds made available under subsection (a) shall be used to secure the values of stewardship sites. (c) General Guidelines for Stewardship Site Designation.-- (1) In general.--The Committee shall choose land to be designated as a stewardship site based on-- (A) the contribution of the land to open space on and public access to Long Island Sound; and (B) the ecological value of the land.

Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2004 - Establishes the Long Island Sound Stewardship System Region in Connecticut and New York. Establishes the Long Island Sound Stewardship Coordinating Committee to evaluate applications: (1) from owners or other controlling parties to have qualifying land within the Region designated as "stewardship sites" for purposes of awarding preservation funds; and (2) from government or nonprofit organizations qualified to hold conservation easements for funds to purchase land or development rights for stewardship sites. Requires the Committee to develop and publish a management plan that describes the current status of Long Island Sound, the Committee's role in protecting it, and details of the stewardship site designation program.

Extension of transitional health care coverage to one year for members of reserve components for mental health care. EXTENSION OF TRANSITIONAL HEALTH CARE COVERAGE TO ONE YEAR FOR MEMBERS OF RESERVE COMPONENTS FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening the Transition and Reintegration Of the National Guard and Reserves Act'' or the ``STRONGR Act''.

Strengthening the Transition and Reintegration of the National Guard and Reserves Act or STRONGR Act - Provides an additional 180-day period of military mental health care coverage for members of the reserves separated from service following active duty of more than 30 days in support of a contingency operation. Increases the amount of basic educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill for members of the Selected Reserve and reserve personnel supporting contingency operations. Entitles a federal employee who is a member of a reserve component to receive the difference in pay between military compensation and civilian compensation during periods of active duty exceeding 30 days. Directs the Secretary of the military department concerned to reimburse states or local governments for 50% of the civilian compensation paid by such governments to equalize military and civilian pay. Increases the reimbursement rate to 100% if active duty extends beyond nine months. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish an active-duty reserve component employee credit for employers who provide compensation to employees on active duty.

``(E) Application of quality assurance and risk management.--There are appropriate quality assurance and risk management techniques used in establishing and implementing such plan and budget that recognize the roles and responsibilities in obtaining services in a self-directed manner and assure the appropriateness of such plan and budget based upon the participant's resources and capabilities. 1396n) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(i)(1) A State may provide, as `medical assistance', payment for part or all of the cost of self-directed personal assistance services (other than room and board) under the plan which are provided pursuant to a written plan of care to individuals with respect to whom there has been a determination that, but for the provision of such services, the individuals would require and receive personal care services under the plan, or home and community-based services provided pursuant to a waiver under sub-section (c). ``(2) The Secretary shall not grant approval for a State self- directed personal assistance services program under this section unless the State provides assurances satisfactory to the Secretary of the following: ``(A) Necessary safeguards have been taken to protect the health and welfare of individuals provided services under the program, and to assure financial accountability for funds expended with respect to such services.

Medicaid Cash and Counseling Program Act of 2005 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to allow a state to provide, as medical assistance, payment for the cost of self-directed personal assistance services (other than room and board) provided pursuant to a written plan of care to individuals who, but for such services, would require and receive personal care services under the plan, or home and community-based services provided pursuant to a waiver. Prohibits the provision of self-directed personal assistamce services to individuals who reside in a home or property owned, operated, or controlled by a service provider not related by blood or marriage.

1362) directed the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to conduct a special resource study of the historically significant sites associated with the Manhattan Project to assess the national significance, suitability, and feasibility of designating one or more sites as a unit of the National Park System; (4) after significant public input, the National Park Service study found that ``including Manhattan Project-related sites in the national park system will expand and enhance the protection and preservation of such resources and provide for comprehensive interpretation and public understanding of this nationally significant story in the 20th century American history''; (5) the Department of the Interior, with the concurrence of the Department of Energy, recommended the establishment of a Manhattan Project National Historical Park comprised of resources at-- (A) Oak Ridge, Tennessee; (B) Los Alamos, New Mexico; and (C) Hanford, in the Tri-Cities area, Washington; and (6) designation of a Manhattan Project National Historical Park as a unit of the National Park System would improve the preservation of, interpretation of, and access to the nationally significant historic resources associated with the Manhattan Project for present and future generations to gain a better understanding of the Manhattan Project, including the significant, far-reaching, and complex legacy of the Manhattan Project. (e) Donations; Cooperative Agreements.-- (1) Federal facilities.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary may enter into one or more agreements with the head of a Federal agency to provide public access to, and management, interpretation, and historic preservation of, historically significant Manhattan Project resources under the jurisdiction or control of the Federal agency. (B) Donations; cooperative agreements.--The Secretary may accept donations from, and enter into cooperative agreements with, State governments, units of local government, tribal governments, organizations, or individuals to further the purpose of an interagency agreement entered into under subparagraph (A) or to provide visitor services and administrative facilities within reasonable proximity to the Historical Park.

Manhattan Project National Historical Park Act - (Sec. 5) Establishes the Manhattan Project National Historical Park as a unit of the National Park System, which may be composed of specified facilities, lands, or interests in land in one or more eligible areas or parts of such areas in Oak Ridge, Tennessee; Los Alamos, New Mexico; and Hanford, Washington. Requires inclusion of the B Reactor National Historic Landmark in Hanford. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary of the Interior (the Secretary) and the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to enter into an agreement to govern their respective roles in administering the facilities, lands, or interests in land under DOE's jurisdiction to be included in the Park. Requires the Secretary under any such agreement to: (1) have decisionmaking authority for the content of the historic interpretation of the Manhattan Project for purposes of administering the Historical Park, and (2) ensure that the agreement provides for an appropriate advisory role for the National Park Service (NPS) in preserving the historic resources covered by the agreement. Requires the DOE Secretary under any such agreement to: (1) ensure that the agreement appropriately protects public safety, national security, and other aspects of the ongoing mission of DOE at the Oak Ridge Reservation, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Hanford Site; (2) retain responsibility for any necessary environmental remediation; and (3) retain authority and legal obligations for historic preservation and general maintenance. (Sec. 7) Requires the Secretary to consult with interested state, county, and local officials, and members of the public before executing any such agreement and in developing the general management plan. (Sec. 8) Requires the Secretary to develop a general management plan for the Park in consultation and collaboration with the Oak Ridge, Los Alamos, and Richland DOE site offices. Authorizes the Secretary to provide interpretive tours of historically significant Manhattan Project sites and resources that are located outside the boundary of the Park. Prohibits the acquisition by condemnation of any land or interest in land for the purposes of this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into agreements with federal agencies to provide public access to, and management, interpretation, and historic preservation of, historically significant Manhattan Project resources under their control; and (2) accept donations from, and enter into cooperative agreements with, state governments, local governments, tribal governments, organizations, or individuals to further the purpose of such an interagency agreement, or to provide visitor services and administrative facilities within proximity to the Historical Park. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to such governments, organizations, or individuals for the management, interpretation, and historic preservation of historically significant Manhattan Project resources not included in the Historical Park. (Sec. 9) Prohibits anything in this Act, the establishment of the Historical Park, or the management plan for the Historical Park from being construed as creating buffer zones outside of the Park. Prohibits anything in this Act from constituting a cause of action respecting activities outside or adjacent to the established boundary of the Park.