zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Gulf Coast Economic and Tourism Restoration Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Gulf Coast Economic Restoration Fund. Requires transfer into such Fund of not less than 40% of all amounts collected as federal penalties, settlements, or fines in relation to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill caused by the Deepwater Horizon drilling unit that began on April 20, 2010. Establishes the Gulf Coast Economic Restoration Task Force. Directs the Task Force to use the Fund for activities related to Gulf coast economic development and tourism promotion, by way of grants to the Gulf states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Prohibits any state from receiving less than 5% or more than 30% of available amounts. Requires a report from the governors of each Gulf state to Congress describing their use of such funds.

Date: 2011-04-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Economics and public finance
Gulf States Small Business Interest Relief Act of 2011 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a Southeast Hurricanes Small Business Disaster Relief Program (Program) under which the Administrator may waive, for up to three years and $15,000 total, the interest payments of small businesses that resume operations in a declared disaster area during the period beginning on: (1) September 1, 2005, and ending on October 1, 2006, for loans relating to Hurricanes Katrina or Rita of 2005; or (2) September 1, 2008, and ending on January 1, 2009, for loans relating to Hurricanes Gustav or Ike of 2008. Includes under the Program any small business that demonstrates substantial economic injury as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of April 20, 2010.

Date: 2011-04-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Commerce
Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2011 - National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to revise and reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program through FY2015. Repeals provisions establishing the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction and an associated advisory committee. Revises responsibilities of Program agencies, including by making: (1) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) responsible for research and development to improve building standards and practices; (2) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), consistent with its all hazards approach, responsible for facilitating the adoption of model building codes; (3) the United States Geological Survey (USGS) responsible for providing real-time earthquake information; and (4) the National Science Foundation (NSF) responsible for funding basic research. Makes NIST (currently, USGS) responsible for organizing investigations under the post-earthquake investigations program. National Windstorm Impact Reduction Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 to revise and reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program through FY2015. Repeals provisions requiring the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish an Interagency Working Group responsible for the planning, management, and coordination of the Program. Designates NIST as the lead agency and sets forth revised responsibilities of NIST and the other Program agencies: FEMA, NSF, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Establishes an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Natural Hazards Risk Reduction, chaired by the Director of NIST, to oversee the planning and coordination of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, and other federal research for natural hazard mitigation that the Committee considers appropriate. Requires: (1) the Committee to develop strategic plans and coordinated budgets for such Programs; and (2) the Director to establish an Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction, an Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction, and other advisory committees to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, as necessary. Amends: (1) the National Construction Safety Team Act to authorize safety teams to be established for deployment after events causing the failure of infrastructure, as well as buildings, leading to a substantial loss of life; and (2) the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to include among the types of fires subject to the Fire Research Center's research program fires at the wildland-urban interface.

Date: 2011-04-05
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Flood Insurance Choice Act - Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to require regulated lending institutions, federal agency lenders, and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to accept, as satisfaction of certain mortgage requirements for flood insurance, flood insurance coverage provided by a private entity that otherwise meets the Act's coverage requirements.

Date: 2011-04-07
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Housing and community development
Flood Insurance Fairness Act of 2011 - Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to delay, for certain areas not previously designated as having special flood hazards, the effective date for the mandatory purchase of flood insurance until the expiration of the five-year period beginning upon the date that revisions to certain flood insurance maps become available. Prohibits this Act from being construed to authorize or require any payment or refund for flood insurance coverage purchases that covered any period during which such coverage is not required for the insured property. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to prescribe a five-year phase-in schedule for flood insurance rates for areas newly mapped as having special flood hazards. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reimburse property owners for costs incurred in requests to remove property from base flood elevations. Instructs the FEMA Administrator to submit to Congress a community outreach plan updating floodplain areas and flood-risk zones. Instructs the FEMA Administrator to notify the appropriate Members of Congress of actions taken regarding any modernization of a floodplain area or flood-risk zone in their respective states or districts.

Date: 2011-04-08
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Gulf Coast Restoration Act - Establishes in the Treasury the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund. Requires transfer into such Fund of not less than 80% of all amounts collected as federal penalties, settlements, or fines in relation to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill caused by the Deepwater Horizon drilling unit that began on April 20, 2010. Establishes the Gulf Coast Restoration Task Force. Directs the Task Force to use the Fund for activities related to Gulf coast economic development, tourism promotion, and ecosystem restoration, by way of grants to the Gulf states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Prohibits any state from receiving less than 5% or more than 30% of available amounts.

Date: 2011-05-05
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the Chief Executive of an affected Indian tribal government (the person recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as the chief elected administrative officer of that government) to submit a request for a declaration by the President that, consistent with requirements of that Act, a major disaster or emergency exists. Provides that: (1) in implementing assistance authorized by the President in response to such requests, references to "state" and "governor" shall mean "Indian tribal government" (the governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994) and the Chief Executive of an affected Indian tribal government; and (2) nothing in this Act shall prohibit a tribal government from receiving such assistance through a presidential declaration at the request of a state if the President does not make a declaration under this Act for the same incident. Requires any non-federal contributions of less than $200,000 required under such Act to be paid by an Indian tribal government to be waived. Allows any required non-federal contribution more than $200,000 to be adjusted or waived in accordance with criteria established by the President.

Date: 2011-05-24
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Hurricane and Tornado Mitigation Investment Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual and business taxpayers in certain states a tax credit for 25% of their qualified hurricane and tornado mitigation property expenditures up to $5,000 for any taxable year. Defines such expenditures as expenditures in a dwelling unit to improve the strength of a roof deck attachment, create a secondary water barrier, improve the durability of a roof covering, brace gable-end walls, reinforce the connections between a roof and supporting wall, protect against windborne debris, or protect exterior doors and garages.

Date: 2011-06-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2011 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to increase the maximum total of contributions for a major disaster by an amount equal to 4% of the estimated aggregate amount of grants to be made under the Act, if at the time of a declaration of a major disaster the affected state has in effect and is actively enforcing an approved state building code. Requires a state, to be eligible for the increased federal share, to submit its state building code to the President for approval.Directs the President to approve a state building code submitted upon determining that it: (1) is consistent with the most recent version of a nationally recognized model building code, (2) has been adopted by the state within six years of the most recent version of the nationally recognized code, and (3) uses the nationally recognized code as a minimum standard.Requires the President, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to set appropriate standards for the periodic update, resubmittal, and approval of state building codes, consistent with similar mitigation planning requirements under the Stafford Act.Authorizes the use by states and local governments of technical and financial assistance to implement predisaster hazard mitigation measures to establish and operate a building department and carry out enforcement activities to implement an approved state building code.Directs the President, in determining whether to provide technical and financial assistance to a state or local government, to take into account the extent to which that government is carrying out activities to implement an approved state building code.

Date: 2011-06-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Homeowners Flood Insurance Awareness Act - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to publicize determinations of proposed flood elevations (including during the 90-day period for appeals) by notifying: (1) a prominent local television and radio station, and (2) each Member of the House of Representatives and each Senator that represents any part of such community. Requires the Administrator to extend the 90-day period for appeals for 90 additional days if an affected community certifies that it: (1) believes there are property owners or lessees in the community who are unaware of such period for appeals, and (2) will use such extension to notify affected property owners or lessees of the period for appeals and the opportunity to appeal the proposed determinations. Allows reimbursement of expenses for the services of surveyors, engineers, or similar services (but not legal services) incurred in effecting a successful petition to dispute the designation of a property as being located in an area with a special flood hazard. Directs the Administrator to: (1) revise annually each flood insurance rate map to permanently remove any property whose owner or lessee (or a community) successfully petitions to remove the designation of such property as being located in an area with a special flood hazard, and (2) ensure that each such map indicates no history of such property being designated as located in a special flood hazard area.

Date: 2011-06-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Natural Disaster Mitigation Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a nonrefundable tax credit for 25% of their qualified natural disaster mitigation property expenditures, as defined by this Act, made in connection with the taxpayer's principal residence.

Date: 2011-06-02
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Catastrophe Savings Accounts Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to create tax-exempt catastrophe savings accounts (CSAs). Allows tax-free distributions from CSAs to pay expenses resulting from a presidentially declared major disaster. Limits CSA balances to: (1) $2,000 (for individuals with homeowner insurance deductibles of not more than $1,000); and (2) the lesser of $15,000 or twice a homeowner's insurance deductible (for individuals with deductibles of more than $1,000).

Date: 2011-06-02
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Policyholder Disaster Protection Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow insurance companies (other than life insurance companies) to make tax deductible contributions to a tax-exempt policyholder disaster protection fund established by this Act for the payment of policyholders' claims arising from certain catastrophic events, such as windstorms, earthquakes, fires, or floods.

Date: 2011-06-02
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of 2011 - Requires the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere of the Department of Commerce (the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]) and the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a National Hurricane Research Initiative and to cooperate with other specified federal agencies to carry it out. Requires such Initiative to set research objectives (based on a National Science Board report on the need for such Initiative) to: (1) make recommendations to the Board and to the NOAA Science Advisory Board; (2) assemble the science and engineering expertise of state or local government agencies and nongovernmental entities through a multi-agency effort focused on improving severe tropical storm forecasting capabilities, on durable and resilient infrastructure, and on mitigating impacts on coastal populations, the coastal built environment, and the natural coastal environment; and (3) make grants for hurricane research, including regarding storm internal dynamics, predicting high winds, tornadoes, and storm surge, and improving measurements of hurricanes and tropical storms through specified technologies. Directs the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, through the National Science and Technology Council, to coordinate U.S. activities related to the Initiative as a formal program with a well-defined organizational structure and execution plan. Directs the Under Secretary and the Director to: (1) issue a request for proposals to undertake the basic and applied research with a sufficient annual budget to accomplish the desired research results during a 10-year term, (2) establish a National Infrastructure Database, and (3) develop a National Hurricane Research Model. Authorizes appropriations for FY2012 to carry out the Joint Polar Satellite System program.

Date: 2011-06-21
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Science, technology, communications
FEMA Recoupment Fairness Act of 2011 - Directs the President to forgo recoupment of liabilities to the United States relating to assistance provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to individuals and households in relation to a major disaster declared by the President between August 28, 2005, and December 31, 2010, if: (1) such assistance was provided based on an error by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); and (2) there was no fault on behalf of the recipient with respect to the error, including fraud, presentation of a false claim, or misrepresentation by the recipient or any party having an interest in the claim. Directs the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit to specified congressional committees a report assessing the cost-effectiveness of the efforts of FEMA to recoup erroneous assistance provided for such a major disaster or other catastrophic incident.

Date: 2011-06-21
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Southeastern Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2011 - Extends certain disaster-related tax relief provisions to the Southeastern disaster area. Defines "Southeastern disaster area" as an area with respect to which a major disaster has been declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act due to severe storms, tornados, or flooding occurring after April 13, 2011, and before June 7, 2011, in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Rescinds $12 billion of appropriated discretionary unexpired and unobligated federal funds to implement this Act.

Date: 2011-06-23
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Humanitarian Aid for Americans Act - Prohibits any appropriation during calendar year 2011 or 2012 for disaster assistance from being: (1) counted for any budgetary purpose of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 or of any rule of either chamber, or (2) required to be accompanied by any budgetary offset.

Date: 2011-07-07
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to carry out a project for hurricane and storm damage reduction at Surf City and North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, substantially in accordance with the Surf City and North Topsail Beach, North Carolina Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Report dated December 30, 2010, for periodic beach nourishment and monitoring over the 50-year economic life of the project.

Date: 2011-07-08
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Water resources development
Wallow Fire Recovery and Monitoring Act - Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct and report on a hazard tree and commercial timber evaluation that identifies timber resources appropriate for removal within the Wallow Fire Area in Arizona and New Mexico not later than the date that is the earlier of: (1) 30 days after the completion of the burned area emergency response for the Wallow Fire Area; or (2) 45 days after the date of containment of the Wallow Fire. Requires the Secretary to: (1) exclude from areas identified for tree removal high fire-severity burned areas on steep slopes, slopes with an incline greater than 40%, riparian areas, and fragile erosive sites, unless tree removal in those areas is necessary to address public health and safety concerns; and (2) limit the removal of trees under a timber removal project under this Act to hazard trees and trees that are already down, dead, or severely root-sprung, such that mortality is highly probable. Provides that: (1) nothing in this Act authorizes new permanent road construction for timber removal, and (2) it is the intent of Congress that all timber removal projects carried out under this Act be completed within 18 months of this Act's enactment. Requires the Secretary, in the case of a timber removal project to be conducted in a Community Protection Management Area, to prepare an environmental assessment for the proposed agency action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Subjects timber removal projects carried out under this Act to the special administrative process and judicial review process under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003. Requires amounts collected from a timber removal project carried out under this Act to be available for expenditure by the Secretary for forest restoration treatments in the Wallow Fire Area.

Date: 2011-07-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Homeowners' Defense Act of 2011 - Establishes the National Catastrophe Risk Consortium as a nonprofit, nonfederal entity to: (1) maintain an inventory of catastrophe risk obligations held by state reinsurance funds, state residual insurance market entities, and state-sponsored providers of natural catastrophe insurance; (2) issue, on a conduit basis, securities and other financial instruments linked to catastrophe risks insured or reinsured through Consortium members; (3) coordinate reinsurance contracts; (4) act as a centralized repository of state risk information accessible by certain private-market participants; and (5) establish a database to perform research and analysis that encourages standardization of the risk-linked securities market. Shields the federal government and the Consortium from liability for Consortium actions. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee holders of debt against loss of principal or interest, or both, on debt issued by certain eligible state programs Provides separate limits on the total principal amount of such obligations for programs that cover earthquake peril and those that cover all other perils. Subjects the catastrophic debt guarantee to specified requirements. Directs the Secretary to make contracts for reinsurance coverage available for purchases only by eligible state programs. Sets pricing guidelines and limits aggregate potential federal liability. Establishes a Federal Natural Catastrophe Reinsurance Fund. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a grants program for eligible entities to develop, enhance, or maintain programs to prevent and mitigate losses from natural catastrophes. Directs the Comptroller General to study: (1) risk-based insurance rate pricing; and (2) rates for state insurance, reinsurance, or residual market programs that fail to cover the expected value of all future associated costs.

Date: 2011-07-19
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Disaster Tax Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to disaster tax relief provisions, to: (1) provide for an increase in the tax deduction for losses attributable to a federally declared disaster, (2) make permanent expensing provisions for qualified disaster expenses and qualified disaster assistance property and for net operating losses attributable to federally declared disasters, (3) waive specified requirements for the issuance of mortgage revenue bonds in disaster areas, (4) increase the limit for charitable contributions for disaster relief for individuals and corporations, and (5) increase the new markets tax credit for low-income community investments within a disaster area.

Date: 2011-08-01
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Gulf Coast Disadvantaged Business Relief Act of 2011 - Permits any small business located in a Louisiana parish or Mississippi or Alabama county that was designated by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a disaster area by reason of Hurricane Katrina or Rita while it was participating in a SBA small business and capital ownership development program to continue participation and eligibility in such program for an additional 24 months.

Date: 2011-08-05
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Commerce
Rebuilding Communities Act of 2011 - Amends the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 to extend through December 31, 2014, the increased rehabiliation tax credit allowed to residents of the Midwestern disaster area (the major disaster area including the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin).

Date: 2011-09-13
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2011 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the President, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to modernize and implement the integrated U.S. public alert and warning system to ensure that the President can alert governmental authorities and the civilian population in areas endangered by disasters. Directs the Administrator, consistent with the final recommendations of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Advisory Committee (established by this Act), to: (1) establish common alerting and warning protocols, standards, terminology, and operating procedures for such system; (2) include in such system the capability to adapt the distribution and content of communications on the basis of geographic location, risks, or personal user preferences and to alert individuals with disabilities or limited English proficiency; and (3) ensure that training, tests, and exercises are conducted for such system. Requires the system to: (1) incorporate multiple communications technologies; (2) be designed to incorporate future technologies for communicating directly with the public, to provide alerts to the largest portion of the affected population feasible, including nonresident visitors and tourists, and to improve the ability of remote areas to receive alerts; (3) promote local and regional partnerships to enhance community preparedness and response; and (4) provide redundant alert mechanisms.

Date: 2011-09-13
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Community Shelter Protection Act of 2011 - Prohibits the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from requiring an educational institution (elementary or secondary school that is an eligible applicant for FEMA assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act) to reimburse FEMA for the market value of a covered temporary tornado shelter facility (a structure designed to protect children from a tornado that is constructed or acquired with federal financial assistance) when the facility is no longer needed for that purpose.

Date: 2011-09-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Natural Disaster Emergency Mortgage Relief Act of 2011 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to allow temporary deferral of mortgage loan payments, without penalty and without adverse treatment of the consumer, during a 30-, 60-, or 90-day period in which a consumer's principal residence has been severely impacted by a natural disaster in an area for which the President has declared a major disaster.

Date: 2011-09-20
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Housing and community development
Helping Devastated Farmers Act of 2011 - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for FY2011 for expenses resulting from any event occurring in 2011 that is designated as a major disaster pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Emergency Conservation Program, and (2) the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Emergency Watershed Protection Program. Designates each amount made available by this Act as emergency spending.

Date: 2011-09-21
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2011 - Requires that, when the President declares a major disaster, the interest rates for any loan programs or guarantees under the Small Business Act or Small Business Investment Act of 1958, including home disaster loans, business physical disaster loans, and economic injury disaster loans, shall be 1% for eligible applicants in the declared disaster area, with or without other available credit. Makes such rates applicable for the duration of all loans and guarantees made while the declaration is in effect.

Date: 2011-09-23
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Commerce
FEMA Flexibility Act of 2011 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to permit a class deviation to the Federal Acquisition Regulation with respect to the micropurchase threshold in order to support domestic emergency operations. Prohibits such threshold from exceeding $15,000 in any such deviation. Defines "domestic emergency operation" to mean assistance activities carried out in support of: (1) an emergency or major disaster as defined in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; (2) any occasion for which the Secretary determines federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the United States; or (3) any natural catastrophe or fire, flood, or explosion in the United States that causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance to supplement the efforts and resources of states, local governments, and disaster relief organizations.

Date: 2011-09-23
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Earthquake Insurance Affordability Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee holders of debt against loss of principal or interest, or both, on debt issued by eligible state programs designed to: (1) promote the availability of private capital to provide liquidity and capacity to state earthquake (specifically, residential property) insurance programs, and (2) expedite the payment of claims under such programs and better assist financial recovery from significant earthquakes. Prescribes operational requirements for eligible state programs which include an established earthquake insurance program that: (1) offers residential property insurance coverage for insured losses to property, contents, and additional living expenses; and (2) does not require insurers to pool resources to provide property insurance coverage for earthquakes. Includes among such operational requirements that the state: (1) has in effect and enforces, or the appropriate local governments within the state have in effect and enforce, nationally recognized building, seismic-design, and safety codes and consensus-based standards; and (2) has taken actions to establish an insurance rate structure that takes into account measures to mitigate insured losses. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for certification of an eligible state program. Limits to $5 billion, including interest, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt obligations guaranteed by the Secretary. Makes appropriations to satisfy debt guarantee commitments. Requires the Secretary, upon request of an eligible state program, to provide such debt guarantees. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States to the payment of all guarantees issued under this Act.

Date: 2011-10-06
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
District of Columbia National Disaster Insurance Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the creation and tax treatment of a tax-exempt natural disaster protection fund held by an insurance company that: (1) is incorporated and domiciled in the District of Columbia; (2) is subject to supervision by the District of Columbia Commissioner of Insurance, Securities, and Banking; (3) maintains an office in the District of Columbia that employs no fewer than 10 full-time employees, at least 5 of whom are District of Columbia residents; (4) is subject to any premium taxes and other taxes and fees imposed by the District of Columbia on all domestic insurance companies; and (5) is subject to an additional tax imposed by the District of Columbia on premiums charged for natural catastrophic risk coverage at a rate that does not exceed the rate of federal excise tax on a premium paid on a contract of reinsurance issued by any foreign insurer or reinsurer. Allows distributions from such a fund to cover losses attributable to wind (including hurricanes and tornadoes), earthquakes, floods, tsunami or tidal wave, volcanic eruption, fire, hail, snow, ice freezing, or other winter catastrophes, or a pandemic or other public health catastrophe. Sets forth tax rules for contributions to and distributions from such a fund.

Date: 2011-10-06
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Prohibits federal assistance provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for the construction of a covered levee from being conditioned on its dismantlement, except as provided for in a status certificate. Requires the Chief of Engineers to provide a status certificate for each levee constructed with federal assistance provided under that Act. Defines "covered levee" to mean a levee or similar structure constructed: (1) in response to a major disaster or emergency; and (2) in an area in which at least one other such structure was constructed in response to such a disaster or emergency, and subsequently dismantled, during the 10-year period preceding the date on which the President declares the major disaster or emergency. Defines "status certificate" to mean a written determination by the Chief of Engineers that a levee or similar structure: (1) is constructed in a manner that satisfies standards applicable to a permanent levee or similar structure, is not constructed in a manner that satisfies such standards but there is an adequate plan for improvements to ensure that such standards will be satisfied, or is not constructed in a manner that satisfies such standards and there is no adequate plan for improvements; and (2) may safely remain in place subject to specified conditions and for a specified period.

Date: 2011-10-24
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Strengthening Community Safety Act of 2011 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make a grant to an eligible first responder agency for the additional costs incurred as a direct result of one or more of its employees who are reservists being placed on active duty. Defines "eligible first responder agency" as one for which the cost of personnel has increased by not less than 5% as a direct result of such employees being placed on active duty and which is not a for-profit organization. Prohibits the Administrator from making a grant for costs relating to an employee being placed on active duty if federal funds are used for that employee's pay or benefits. Limits the total amount of grants made to an eligible first responder agency in any fiscal year to $100,000. Terminates the Administrator's authority to make grants three years after this Act's enactment. Authorizes the use of grant funds for: (1) pay or benefits for an individual hired to replace such an employee that are in addition to any pay and benefits that would have been provided to the deployed employee, (2) overtime expenses for an individual who performs tasks that would have been performed by such an employee, and (3) the costs associated with filling a vacancy created by an employee being placed on active duty. Allows a recipient to use grant funds to cover expenses incurred beginning 90 days before deployment until the date the employee returns to fully paid employment status. Amends the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to reduce funding for FY2011 for grants to private operators providing transportation by an over-the-road bus for security improvements.

Date: 2011-10-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
National Windstorm Impact Reduction Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 to revise provisions governing the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program. Designates the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as the entity with primary responsibility for Program planning and coordination. Replaces provisions establishing an Interagency Working Group with provisions establishing the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction. Directs the Committee to submit a Strategic Plan for the Program that includes: (1) prioritized goals that will mitigate against the loss of life and property from future windstorms; (2) research objectives to achieve those goals; (3) a description of the role of each Program agency in achieving such goals; (4) the methods by which progress will be assessed; and (5) an explanation of how the Program will foster the transfer of research results into outcomes, such as improved model building codes. Requires the Committee to submit a progress report and to develop a coordinated budget for the Program, to be submitted at the time of the President's annual budget submission. Revises provisions providing for the establishment of an Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction (currently, the National Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction) to offer assessments of the Program, including assessments of the priorities of the Strategic Plan. Terminates the Committee on September 30, 2014. Authorizes appropriations to the agencies carrying out the Program for FY2012-FY2014.

Date: 2011-10-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Passport Recovery Assistance Act of 2011 - Amends the Passport Act of 1920 to waive the passport fee for an individual whose unexpired passport was lost, damaged, or destroyed as a result of a major disaster or emergency.

Date: 2011-11-29
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Immigration
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the National Flood Insurance Program from September 30, 2011, through May 31, 2012. Continues through May 31, 2012, the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with the President's approval, to issue up to $20.725 billion in notes and obligations to finance the Program. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 to repeal the termination of such authority as of November 18, 2011.

Date: 2011-12-08
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2012 - Title I: Disaster Relief - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2012 to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Disaster Relief Fund. Makes appropriations for disaster relief to the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers--Civil, for: (1) the Mississippi River and Tributaries for necessary expenses for the repair of damages to federal projects resulting from a major disaster; (2) Operation and Maintenance for necessary expenses to dredge navigation channels in response to, and repair damage to Corps projects resulting from, a major disaster; and (3) Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies for necessary expenses to prepare for flood, hurricane, and other natural disasters and support emergency operations, repair, and other activities authorized by law in response to a major disaster. Title II: Combating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse - Makes appropriations for FY2012 to the Social Security Adminstration for continuing disability reviews under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act and for the cost associated with conducting redeterminations of eligibility under title XVI. Title III: General Provision - Provides that each amount appropriated or made available in this Act is in addition to amounts otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year involved.

Date: 2011-12-14
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Irene and Lee Tax Relief Storm Recovery Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an increase in 2012, 2013, and 2014 of the amount of the low-income housing tax credit that may be allocated in states containing counties covered by the natural disaster declaration of the Secretary of Agriculture in 2011 due to damage from Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee.

Date: 2012-01-10
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Taxation
Irene and Lee Emergency Assistance Act of 2012 - Directs the President, in the case of an individual eligible to receive unemployment assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act as a result of the disaster declaration made for Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee on or after August 22, 2011, to make such assistance available for 39 weeks after the date of the declaration (currently limited to 26 weeks).

Date: 2012-02-08
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Labor and employment
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD), with respect to the training of National Guard units and federal agencies performing homeland defense activities, to provide funding assistance through a special military cooperative agreement for the operation and maintenance of any state training center certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as capable of providing emergency response training. Requires merit-based or competitive selection procedures to be used in the use of funds for such purpose.

Date: 2012-05-08
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on May 24, 2012. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA) to extend the National Flood Insurance Program, including its funding, through July 31, 2012. Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from estimating subsidized flood insurance premium rates for any residential property which is not the primary residence of an individual (such as a vacation home or second home). Increases by 25% each year the chargeable risk premium rate for flood insurance for residential property which is not the primary residence of an individual until the average risk premium rate for such property is equal to the average of the risk premium rates for any properties within any single risk classification. Declares July 1, 2012, the effective date for the first such increase.

Date: 2012-05-15
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
FEMA Regional Office Oversight Act - Directs the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to audit how all regional offices within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are carrying out delegated authorities pursuant to the Post-Katrina Emergency Management and Reform Act of 2006 and a memorandum executed in July 2009 by the FEMA Administrator. Requires the audit to assess: (1) the ability of each regional office to support federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities to respond to an act of terrorism, to foster better regional emergency communications capabilities, to oversee the use of funding to promote preparedness and response capabilities, to coordinate with state, local, and tribal governments and emergency response providers on regional priorities, to identify critical gaps in regional capabilities to respond to populations with special needs, to conduct all procurements in a timely and secure manner that prevents waste and fraud, and to engage in employment practices that are transparent, efficient, and ethical; (2) the impact of the delegation of authorities on the Administrator's ability to achieve consistency throughout the regions; (3) the adequacy of oversight by the Administrator of how the regions are executing the delegated authorities and carrying out assigned responsibilities; and (4) the impact of the delegation of authorities on FEMA and specific regions to address Office of Inspector General and Comptroller General (GAO) recommendations in a timely manner.

Date: 2012-05-17
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Disaster Declaration Improvement Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to issue a revised rule governing factors to consider in evaluating a governor's request for a major disaster declaration to require: (1) the "estimated cost of assistance" to be considered equally with the other five factors described in the rule; and (2) the "evaluation of localized impacts" to include consideration of the budgetary resources available to local and state governments to respond to and recover from such disaster and the impact of the disaster on a small city or a census-designated place with a population of less than 25,000 or a medium city with a population of less than 250,000 if either is located within a large county with a population of more than 1 million and in a large state with a population of more than 5 million if the level of financial damage in such city exceeds 10% of the city's general fund or $100 per capita of the census-designated place or city.

Date: 2012-05-30
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to exempt from the statutory 30-day waiting period for a new contract for flood insurance coverage the initial purchase of flood insurance coverage for private property if: (1) the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) determines that the property is affected by flooding on federal land that is a result of, or is exacerbated by, post-wildfire conditions; and (2) such coverage was purchased within 60 days after the fire containment date relating to the wildfire that caused the post-wildfire conditions.

Date: 2012-06-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Finance and financial sector
Advancing Agricultural Floodplain Management Act of 2012 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to jointly establish a task force to analyze the challenges faced by agricultural areas and rural communities designated as having special flood hazards for purposes of the national flood insurance program. Terminates the task force 120 days after it submits its report to Congress as required by this Act.

Date: 2012-06-27
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Agriculture and food
Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess options, methods, and strategies for making voluntary community-based flood insurance policies available through the National Flood Insurance Program. Requires the report on the study to specified congressional committees to make recommendations for a strategy to implement voluntary community-based flood insurance policies that would encourage communities to undertake flood mitigation activities, including construction, reconstruction, or improvement of levees, dams, or other flood control structures. Directs the Comptroller General to review the Administrator's report and make comments or recommendations to such congressional committees.

Date: 2012-07-25
Topic: Domestic Commerce (Disaster Relief)
Subject: Emergency management