zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
California Desert Conservation, Off-Road Recreation, and Renewable Energy Act 

This bill designates specified lands in the California Desert Conservation Area or San Bernardino National Forest in California as wilderness areas.

Specified wilderness study areas are released from further study.

 There is established the Vinagre Wash Special Management Area.

Boundaries are revised for Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and Joshua Tree National Park.

The bill designates specified off-highway vehicle recreation areas within the Conservation Area in San Bernardino County, California.

The Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA), as appropriate, shall complete a study to identify Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands within the Conservation Area suitable for addition to: (1) the national off-highway vehicle recreation areas designated by this Act, or (2) the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.

There is established the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area in Inyo County, California.

Specified federal land in California shall be taken into trust for the Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Tribe's reservation.

The bill authorizes:

 a conveyance of specified federal land to Reginald Cook, a specified transfer of certain BLM land to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and a conveyance of specified BLM land to Imperial County Holtville Airport. Interior or USDA (as appropriate) shall:

 assess the impacts of climate change on the Conservation Area, and establish policies and procedures to ensure preservation of wildlife corridors and facilitate species migration likely to occur due to climate change. Interior and USDA shall ensure that members of specified tribes have access to designated areas for traditional and cultural purposes.

The bill releases federal reversionary interests in certain land in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

The California Desert Protection Act of 1994 is amended to authorize the acquisition of land for the Joshua Tree National Park for purposes of operating a visitor center.

The bill revises certain requirements of that Act for specified California state school land.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act is revised to designate certain wild, scenic, and recreational rivers in California.

Interior shall take no action within the Conservation Area with regard to the distribution of groundwater for municipal, commercial, or industrial use from specified aquifers in quantities that exceed the estimated perennial safe yield or annual recharge rate, as determined by the U.S. Geological Survey.

The bill prescribes the disposition of revenues received from the development of wind and solar energy on BLM-managed lands, and establishes a Renewable Energy Resource Conservation Fund to address the impacts of wind and solar development on federal lands.

Date: 2016-02-23
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

American Discovery Trail Act of 2016

(Sec. 3) This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to place on federal land at points along the American Discovery Trail (from Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware, to Point Reyes National Seashore, California) acceptable signage donated to the United States for that purpose.

No federal funding may be used to acquire the signage authorized for placement by this bill.

Date: 2016-03-01
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
This bill amends the Highlands Conservation Act to reauthorize through FY2021: (1) land conservation partnership projects in the highlands regions of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania; and (2) Forest Service and Department of Agriculture programs to assist states, units of local government, and private forest and farm landowners in the conservation of land and natural resources in that region.

Date: 2016-03-08
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

(Sec. 1) This bill amends the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Act to extend the authorization for the Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission through October 12, 2021.

Date: 2016-04-21
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
This bill allows otherwise eligible employees of a land management agency serving under a time-limited appointment in the competitive service to compete for a permanent appointment in the competitive service: (1) at that agency when the agency is accepting applications from individuals within the agency's workforce under merit promotion procedures, or (2) at any agency when the agency is accepting applications from individuals outside its own workforce under its merit promotion procedures.

A former employee of a land management agency who served under a time-limited appointment and who otherwise meets applicable requirements shall be deemed a time-limited employee of the agency from which the former employee was most recently separated.

Date: 2016-05-10
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Government operations and politics
Methow Headwaters Protection Act of 2016

This bill withdraws approximately 340,079 acres of federal land and interests in land located within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the state of Washington from:

 entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and disposition under the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws. Any land or interest in land within the Proposed Withdrawal area acquired by the United States shall, upon acquisition, be immediately withdrawn in accordance with this bill.

Date: 2016-05-25
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Alaska Mental Health Trust Land Exchange Act of 2016

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA), if the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority offers to convey to it certain nonfederal land, to convey certain federal land to the Trust Authority in exchange.

Before carrying out the land exchange, USDA shall complete any necessary land surveys and required pre-exchange clearances, mitigation activities, and approvals related to:

 threatened and endangered species, cultural and historic resources, wetland and floodplains, and hazardous materials. USDA and the Trust Authority shall select an appraiser to conduct appraisals of the federal and nonfederal lands in accordance with nationally recognized standards.

The Trust Authority shall agree to pay, without compensation, all costs associated with the exchange.

Upon acquisition by USDA, the nonfederal land shall become part of Tongass National Forest, and shall be withdrawn from:

 entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and disposition under the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws.

Date: 2016-05-26
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act

This bill designates specified National Forest System lands, National Park System lands, and public lands in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming as wilderness and as components or additions to existing components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

 The bill also designates specified federal lands as biological connecting corridors and as special corridor management areas.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act is amended to designate segments of specified rivers and creeks in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

 The bill designates specified areas as wildland recovery areas. The Department of Agriculture shall develop a wildland recovery plan for each recovery area.

 A specified panel of independent scientists shall study roadless lands greater than 1,000 acres that are within the National Forest System in the Wild Rockies bioregion in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming, but not designated as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System, for their role in maintaining biological diversity in the Northern Rockies and as part of the overall forest reserve system. Any new or existing road construction or reconstruction or timber harvest is prohibited in those lands after the evaluation. Oil or gas leasing, mining, or other development that impairs the natural and roadless qualities of the land is also prohibited.

 The Department of the Interior may apply the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act in carrying out this bill.

Date: 2016-06-06
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)

Daniel J. Evans Olympic National Park Wilderness Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Washington Park Wilderness Act of 1988 to redesignate the Olympic Wilderness as the "Daniel J. Evans Wilderness."

Date: 2016-06-07
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Southeastern Oregon Mineral Withdrawal and Economic Preservation and Development Act

This bill establishes the Southeastern Oregon Withdrawal Area, comprising 2.065 million acres of specified federal land in Malheur County, Oregon, which shall be withdrawn from certain public land, mining, and mineral leasing laws.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall make grants for projects in Oregon to develop modern and efficient water systems.

USDA shall establish an Agricultural Center for Excellence in the county.

The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 is amended to make the rural firefighters and emergency medical service assistance program permanent and require grant amounts to fund the operating expenses of firefighters in rural areas.

The Departments of Homeland Security, of Defense, and of the Interior shall establish programs for transferring surplus equipment that can be used in firefighting.

Interior shall establish a program of strategic fuel breaks from which firefighters can operate safely to preserve critical sage grouse habitat and support the nearby ranching community.

USDA shall make grants for infrastructure projects for drinking water and wastewater systems and for improvement of broadband or cellular service.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) shall study rural air services and infrastructure for Ontario (Oregon) Municipal Airport.

DOT shall:

 make a grant for the construction of an intermodal transfer facility in the county; furnish financial assistance for projects that would improve the downtown area of Ontario, surrounding communities, and local transportation; and make grants to the state to support Lake Owyhee Road Transportation Improvement Projects. The Department of Labor shall make grants for workforce training activities in the county.

Date: 2016-06-10
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Conservation Act

This bill designates specified lands in New Mexico administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) of the Department of the Interior as wilderness and as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Such wilderness areas shall also be administered as components of the National Landscape Conservation System.

The bill designates approximately 100 acres of specified BLM land in New Mexico as a potential wilderness area, upon which Interior shall permit only those uses already permitted. When specified conditions have been met, this area shall be incorporated into the Robledo Mountains Wilderness.

The bill releases from further review for designation as wilderness the public land in Dona Ana County, New Mexico, administered by the BLM and not designated as wilderness.

The bill withdraws the Potrillo Mountains Complex from the Potrillo Mountains Wilderness; it closes a specified route from public access, making it available only for administrative and law enforcement uses, including border security.

 In implementing a management plan for the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in New Mexico, Interior shall include a watershed health assessment to identify opportunities for watershed restoration.

Any land or interest that is within specified state trust land acquired by the United States shall become part of the monument.

Interior shall convey to the state of New Mexico specified BLM land in exchange for specified parcels of state trust land within the monument.

Date: 2016-06-10
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Emergency Wildfire and Forest Management Act of 2016

This bill sets forth a procedure for the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to request declarations for major wildfire disasters on federal land.

This bill shall apply whenever the appropriate department prepares an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for a forest management activity whose primary purpose is to:

 reduce hazardous fuel loads, reduce fuel connectivity through the installation of fuel and fire breaks, restore forest health and resilience, protect a municipal water supply, or perform a combination of two or more such activities. In an EA or EIS, the department concerned shall develop only these two alternatives:

 the forest management activity proposed, or the alternative of no action. A categorical exclusion shall be available to the department concerned to: (1) expedite specified critical response actions, (2) expedite salvage operations in response to catastrophic events, (3) meet forest plan goals for early successional forests, and (4) improve and restore forest health and reduce the risk of wildfire.

(A "categorical exclusion" under NEPA is a category of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment and which have been found to have no such effect in procedures adopted by a federal agency in implementing environmental regulations and for which, therefore, neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact Statement is required.) The bill establishes the State-Supported Forest Management Fund to cover the cost of certain forest management activities on National Forest System (NFS) or public land.

The Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 is amended regarding protection of tribal forest assets and management of Indian forest land authorized to include NFS and public land.

USDA shall issue grants for a state and private forest landscape-scale restoration program.

USDA shall establish an NFS:

 pilot arbitration program to designate projects for an alternative dispute resolution process replacing judicial review, and accelerated landscape restoration pilot program for the restoration or maintenance of designated landscapes.

Date: 2016-06-22
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Pershing County Economic Development and Conservation Act

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to conduct sales or exchanges of eligible lands in Pershing County, Nevada, identified as the "Checkerboard Lands Resolution Area."

Interior and the county shall jointly select which parcels of eligible land to offer for sale or acre-for-acre exchange.

For purposes of acre-for-acre exchanges, Interior shall identify management priority areas within the Checkerboard Lands Resolution Area, including those considered to be:

 greater sage-grouse habitat; part of an identified wildlife corridor or designated critical habitat; of value for outdoor recreation or public access for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes; of significant cultural, historic, ecological, or scenic value; or of value for improving federal land management. The bill prescribes requirements for the disposition of proceeds from the sales of lands under this bill.

Interior shall offer for sale and convey to specified qualified entities, for fair market value, the remaining U.S. right, title, and interest in certain lands and interests in the county.

Interior shall convey, without consideration, Unionville Cemetery to the county.

The bill designates specified federal land in Nevada as components of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

The bill releases specified wilderness study areas from further review for designation as wilderness.

Date: 2016-06-28
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area Act of 2016

This bill establishes the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area to include specified counties in the states of Maryland and West Virginia. The bill designates the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area, Inc., as the local coordinating entity for the area.

The bill also requires the Appalachian Forest Heritage Area, Inc., to submit a management plan that provides for the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of cultural, natural, historical, educational, scenic, and recreational resources of the area.

Date: 2016-07-12
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Buffalo Tract Protection Act

This bill withdraws specified Bureau of the Land Management (BLM) lands in Placitas, New Mexico, from all forms of mineral development under all laws pertaining to mineral leasing or mineral materials, including locatable minerals.

Nothing in this bill prohibits the disposal of the surface estate of such BLM lands under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 or the Recreation and Public Purposes Act.

Any disposal of the surface estate of the BLM lands shall be subject to the condition that the mineral estate of those lands shall remain under the ownership of the BLM, subject to the withdrawal under this bill.

Date: 2016-07-14
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Act

This bill establishes the Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area in Chicago, Illinois.

The Black Metropolis National Heritage Area Commission shall be the local coordinating entity for the heritage area and shall submit a management plan for the heritage area. 

Date: 2016-09-06
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Environmental and Economic Benefits Restoration Act of 2016

This bill amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to direct the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a landscape-scale restoration program to provide financial and technical assistance for landscape-scale restoration projects on state, political subdivision, and private forest lands that maintain or improve benefits from trees and forests on such lands.

The program shall:

 address the national private forest conservation priorities specified under the Act; and enhance public benefits from trees and forests, as identified in a state-wide assessment and a long-term state-wide forest resource strategy under the Act. The program shall also have one or more objectives, including to:

 protect or improve water quality or quantity; reduce wildfire risk; protect or enhance wildlife habitat, consistent with wildlife objectives established by the applicable state fish and wildlife agency; improve forest health, including addressing native, nonnative, and invasive pests; or enhance opportunities for new and existing markets in which the production and use of wood products strengthens local and regional economies. USDA shall establish a measurement system to measure the results of landscape-scale restoration projects assisted under this bill.

USDA shall allocate from the amounts made available under this bill:

 50% for the competitive process for distributing funds for landscape-scale restoration projects; and 50% proportionally to states to maximize the achievement of the restoration program's objectives and to address the highest national priorities, as identified in state-wide assessments and long-term state-wide forest resource strategies. The bill amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 to allocate funds and use specified authorities of the USDA or of the Department of the Interior, as appropriate, to assist cross-boundary hazardous fuel reduction and wildfire mitigation programs.

Date: 2016-09-12
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Advancing Conservation and Education Act of 2016

 This bill allows the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming (western states) to relinquish state land grant parcels wholly or primarily within eligible areas and select, in exchange, public land within the state.

The bill defines "eligible areas" as lands within the outer boundaries of units or components of the National Park, National Wilderness Preservation, National Wildlife Refuge, or National Landscape Conservation Systems, areas identified by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) of the Department of the Interior as having wilderness characteristics, certain designated lands within the National Forest System or administered by the BLM, and sentinel landscapes designated by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, or Interior.

 Interior shall create a process for the relinquishment of such parcels.

 A western state may select, and Interior may convey, lands that are mineral in character.

 The overall value of the state land grant parcels and the public land to be conveyed shall be equal.

The bill sets forth requirements regarding hazardous materials on land conveyed, water rights, and grazing permits.

Date: 2016-09-13
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Mohave County Federal Land Management Act

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to conduct sales of eligible lands in Mohave County, Arizona, which are administered by the Bureau of Land Management and have been designated for disposal by Interior.

Interior and Mohave County shall jointly select which parcels of eligible land to offer for sale.

Before carrying out a sale, Mohave County shall certify to Interior that qualified bidders have agreed to comply with:

 local zoning ordinances; and any master plan for the area approved by the county. Each sale of eligible land shall be:

 through a competitive bidding process, under which adjoining landowners are offered the first option, unless otherwise determined by Interior; for not less than fair market value, based on an appraisal; and conducted in accordance with the requirements regarding the administration of a sale of such land pursuant to this bill. The bill sets forth requirements for the disposition of proceeds from the sales of eligible lands under this bill.

Date: 2016-09-15
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Rural Disaster Recovery Act of 2016

This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, if a state has in effect an individual assistance program that meets specified criteria, to increase to 100%, with respect to a major disaster, the federal share of financial assistance provided to individuals and households in that state to address needs other than housing.

To receive such increased federal share, the state must develop and implement such a program that authorizes the state to provide financial assistance and necessary direct services to individuals who, as a direct result of a major disaster or an event that does not trigger a major disaster declaration, have necessary expenses and serious needs they are unable to meet otherwise. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall publish minimum eligibility criteria for such a program.

The bill amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to: (1) authorize appropriations for emergency food and shelter grants, and for disaster supplemental food and shelter grants, for FY2017; and (2) require FEMA to award a grant for the full amount that Congress makes available for the Federal Emergency Management Food and Shelter Program to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board for the purpose of providing disaster supplemental food and shelter grants to needy individuals through private nonprofit organizations and local governments. Eligibility requirements for such grants are specified.

The Farm Service Agency shall: (1) amend the regulations promulgated pursuant to the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 relating to the emergency conservation program to limit the maximum amount of payments made per person or legal entity per natural disaster for carrying out wind erosion control or rehabilitation measures or for carrying out water conservation or water enhancing measures to $500,000, and (2) initiate a rule making to amend the regulations promulgated to carry out the emergency conservation program to account for the challenges posed by the increase in frequency and intensity of wildland fires.

 The Natural Resources Conservation Service shall establish a two-year pilot program for the administration of the emergency watershed protection program in jurisdictions within areas for which the President declared a major disaster to extend deadlines, as specified, for submitting applications and the provision of amounts under the program.

The President may provide hazard mitigation assistance in any area in which fire management assistance is provided.

Date: 2016-09-22
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Emergency management
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)

Prescribed Burn Approval Act of 2016

(Sec. 3) This bill prohibits the Forest Service from authorizing a prescribed burn (i.e., a planned fire intentionally ignited) on Forest Service land if, for the county or contiguous county in which such land is located, the national fire danger rating system is indicating an extreme fire danger level.

Nonetheless, the Forest Service may authorize a prescribed burn under such a condition if it coordinates with the applicable state government and local fire officials.

At the end of every fiscal year, the Forest Service shall submit a report that describes:

 the number and locations of prescribed burns during that fiscal year, and each prescribed burn during that year that was authorized by the Forest Service as an exception under this bill.

Date: 2016-09-27
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Bureau of Land Management Foundation Act

 This bill establishes the Bureau of Land Management Foundation as a charitable, nonprofit organization to encourage, accept, obtain, administer, and use private gifts of money, devises, and bequests of real and personal property for the benefit of, or in connection with, the activities and services of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The foundation shall conduct and encourage programs and activities that support:

 educational, technical, scientific, and other assistance or activities to support the management of BLM lands with regard to wild free-roaming horses and burros, fish and wildlife and their habitats, National Conservation Lands, and recreation, cultural, and historic resources; and activities that support the reclamation and remediation of specified abandoned mine lands, specified orphaned oil and gas well sites, or public lands impacted by development connected to mineral exploration and development activities. Reclamation activities are to include the remediation of soil and water contamination; the restoration of wildlife habitat in order to restore the natural, scenic, historic, cultural, and ecological values of those areas; or promotion of the areas' economic potential.

Date: 2016-09-28
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act

This bill adjusts the boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California as depicted on a specified map to include the area known as the Rim of the Valley Unit.

The unit, and any lands or interests acquired by the United States and located within its boundaries, shall be administered as part of the recreation area.

The Department of the Interior may acquire only through exchange, donation, or purchase from a willing seller any nonfederal land within the boundaries of the unit.

Nothing in this bill authorizes the use of eminent domain to acquire lands or interests within the boundaries of the unit.

No part of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory shall be considered for inclusion in the unit until specified cleanups of soil at the laboratory have been completed.

Date: 2016-12-07
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Act of 2016

This bill designates approximately 13,961 acres of National Forest System land in Idaho, to be known as the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, as wilderness and a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

The wilderness area is withdrawn from specified public land, mining, mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) may carry out management activities to maintain or restore fish and wildlife populations and habitats within the wilderness area if they would:

 promote healthy, viable, and more naturally distributed populations that would enhance wilderness values; and accomplish the purpose of the management activity with the minimum impact necessary. USDA may take measures within the wilderness area necessary for the control of fire, insects, and disease.

Nothing in this bill creates a protective perimeter or buffer zone around the wilderness area.

USDA shall ensure that Indian tribes have access to the wilderness area for:

 traditional and cultural purposes, and the exercise of any right reserved by treaty.

Date: 2016-12-08
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Litigation Relief for Forest Management Projects Act

This bill amends the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 to prohibit any additional consultation from being required with respect to: (1) the listing of a species as threatened or endangered, or a designation of a critical habitat, if a land management plan has been adopted by the Department of Agriculture as of the designation date; or (2) any provision of such an adopted plan.

The bill amends the Federal land Policy and Management Act of 1976 to prohibit any additional consultation from being required with respect to: (1) the listing of a species as threatened or endangered, or a designation of critical habitat, if a land use plan has been adopted by the Department of the Interior as of the designation date; or (2) any provision of such an adopted plan.

Date: 2016-12-08
Topic: Public Lands (Public Lands)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
RU-486 Suspension and Review Act of 2007 - Deems the approved application for the drug mifepristone (marketed as Mifeprex, commonly known as RU-486, and used for the chemically induced termination of intrauterine pregnancy) to have been withdrawn. Deems the drug misoprostol to be misbranded under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) if it bears labeling providing that the drug may be used for the medical termination of intrauterine pregnancy. Directs the Comptroller General to review and report on the process by which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved mifepristone. Provides for the reinstatement of the approved application for such drug if the report determines the approval to have been in accordance with FFDCA.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Health
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50% of qualified umbilical cord blood collection and storage expenses, up to $2,000 in a taxable year. Defines "qualified umbilical cord blood collection and storage expenses" as expenses directly related to the collection, storage, and maintenance of umbilical cord blood collected at the birth of a child.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Taxation
Prescription Drug Affordability Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable tax credit for 80 percent of the amount paid for a prescribed drug during the taxable year (and not compensated for by insurance or otherwise) by a taxpayer who has attained social security retirement age.Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to repeal provisions restricting the importation of prescription drugs. Allows a person who meets applicable legal requirements to be an importer of prescription drugs upon application to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Requires the Secretary to approve such an application if the drug meets all FFDCA requirements for admission into the United States, including that the drug has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is not adulterated or misbranded.Prohibits the Secretary from taking any action against any of the persons involved with the interstate sale of a prescription drug through an Internet site if: (1) the sale was made in compliance with applicable Federal and State laws; and (2) accurate information regarding compliance with such laws is posted on the Internet site.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Health
Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to revise provisions governing the importation of prescription drugs. Waives the limitation on importation of prescription drugs that have been exported from the United States. Prohibits the importation of a qualifying drug unless such drug is imported by: (1) a registered importer; or (2) an individual for personal use. Establishes registration conditions for importers and exporters. Requires the Secretary to inspect places of business, verify chains of custody, inspect facilities, and determine compliance with registration conditions. Sets forth provisions governing the importation of qualifying drugs that are different from U.S. label drugs, including standards for judging such differences. Prohibits manufacturers from: (1) discriminating against registered exporters or importers; (2) causing there to be a difference in a prescription drug distributed in the United States and one distributed in a permitted country; (3) engaging in actions to restrict, prohibit, or delay the importation of a qualifying drug; or (4) engaging in any action that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) determines discriminates against a person that engages or attempts to engage in the importation of a qualifying drug. States that the resale in the United States of prescription drugs that were properly sold abroad is not patent infringement. Requires the Secretary to educate consumers regarding prescription drug importation. Sets forth provisions governing the sale of prescription drugs through an Internet site. Includes the dispensing or selling of a prescription drug in violation of this Act as a prohibited act under FFDCA. Prohibits the introduction of restricted transactions with unregistered foreign pharmacies into a payment system or the completion of such transactions using a payment system.

Date: 2007-01-10
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Health
Charlie W. Norwood Living Organ Donation Act - Amends the National Organ Transplant Act to provide that for the purpose of provisions that prohibit the transfer of any human organ for use in human transplantation for valuable consideration, human organ paired donation does not involve such a transfer. Defines "human organ paired donation" as the donation and receipt of a human organ under the following circumstances: (1) an individual (the first donor) desires to make a living donation of a human organ specifically to a particular patient (the first patient), but such donor is biologically incompatible with such patient; (2) a second individual (the second donor) desires to make a such a donation to a second patient, but is biologically incompatible with such patient; (3) the first donor is biologically compatible to the second patient, and the second donor is biologically compatible to the first patient; (4) all donors and patients enter into a single agreement to donate and receive such organs; and (5) no valuable consideration is knowingly acquired, received, or otherwise transferred with respect to the organs.Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the progress made toward understanding the long-term health effects of living organ donation.

Date: 2007-01-29
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Health
Counterfeit Drug Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish criminal penalties of a fine and imprisonment for not more than 20 years, or both, for any person who commits a prohibited act relating to counterfeiting knowing that: (1) the conduct concerns the rendering of a drug as a counterfeit drug; (2) the conduct will cause a drug to be a counterfeit drug; or (3) a drug, held, sold, or dispensed is a counterfeit drug. Increases the term of imprisonment to any term of years or for life if the use of a counterfeit drug is the proximate cause of a consumer's death. Modifies provisions pertaining to criminal fines for committing certain prohibited acts involving food, drugs, devices, or cosmetics.

Date: 2007-01-31
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Health
Food and Drug Administration Safety Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish the Center for Postmarket Evaluation and Research for Drugs and Biologics within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Requires the Director of the Center to conduct activities to ensure the safety and effectiveness of FDA-approved drugs and licensed biological products, including by: (1) conducting postmarket risk assessment and surveillance of such drugs and products; (2) determining whether a postmarket study is required; (3) contracting, or requiring the sponsor of such a drug or product to contract, with the holders of domestic and international patient databases to conduct epidemiologic and other observational studies; (4) determining whether a drug or product may present an unreasonable risk to the health of patients or the general public; (5) taking corrective action if such an unreasonable risk may exist; and (6) making information about the safety and effectiveness of such drugs and biological products available to the public and health care providers in a timely manner. Requires the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee to make recommendations to the Director on postmarket studies, drugs and biological products that may present an unreasonable risk, and appropriate corrective actions. Allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assess civil penalties for violations of this Act. Allows the Director to withdraw or suspend approval of a drug or license for a biological product using expedited procedures under certain circumstances. Transfers to the Center the functions and duties of the Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology.

Date: 2007-01-31
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Health
Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit a holder of a new, approved drug application from commencing to manufacture, market, sell, or distribute a generic version of such drug from the time of the receipt of notice from the generic manufacturer that an abbreviated new drug application has been submitted for approval until the expiration or forfeiture of the exclusivity period granted to the generic manufacturer.

Date: 2007-02-05
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Health
Mercury-Free Vaccines Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem a banned mercury-containing vaccine to be adulterated. Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide that a vaccine is a banned mercury-containing vaccine if one dose of the vaccine contains one or more micrograms of mercury in any form. Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to declare that an actual or potential bioterrorist incident or other public health emergency makes the administration of such vaccines advisable for a specified period. Requires the Secretary to prohibit the distribution of banned mercury-containing influenza vaccines that are approved as biological products to: (1) any child under the age of three years old (effective July 1, 2007); (2) pregnant women if the vaccine contains thimerosal (effective July 1, 2007); and (3) any child under the age of six (effective July 1, 2008). Requires the Secretary to revise the vaccine information included with mercury-containing vaccines to include: (1) a statement that indicates the presence of mercury in the vaccine; (2) information on the availability of any mercury-free or mercury-reduced alternative vaccine and instructions on how to obtain such an alternative vaccine; and (3) a recommendation against administration of any mercury-containing vaccine to a pregnant woman. Expresses the sense of Congress that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should disseminate, with any vaccine-related information, a recommendation against administration of any thimerosal-containing vaccine to a pregnant woman.

Date: 2007-02-07
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Health
Tanning Accountability and Notification Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to determine whether: (1) the labeling requirements for indoor tanning devices provide sufficient information to consumers regarding the risks that the use of such devices pose for the development of irreversible damage to the eyes and skin, including skin cancer; (2) adding the warning suggested by the American Academy of Dermatology or any other additional warning to the current warning label would communicate such risks more effectively; and (3) there is no warning that would be capable of adequately communicating such risks. Requires the Secretary, in making such determinations, to: (1) conduct appropriate consumer testing using the best available methods for determining consumer understanding of label warnings; and (2) hold public hearings and solicit comments from the public.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Commerce
Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to deny an application for a new animal drug that is a critical antimicrobial animal drug unless the applicant demonstrates that there is a reasonably certainty of no harm to human health due to the development of antimicrobial resistance attributable to the nontherapeutic use of the drug. Defines "critical antimicrobial animal drug" as a drug intended for use in food-producing animals that contains specified antibiotics or other drugs used in humans to treat or prevent disease or infection caused by microorganisms. Requires the Secretary to withdraw approval of a nontherapeutic use of such drugs in food-producing animals two years after the date of enactment of this Act unless certain safety requirements are met. Requires the manufacturer of such a drug or an animal feed for food-producing animals containing such a drug to report sales information to the Secretary.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Health
Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem to be adulterated any unfinished dextromethorphan that is possessed, received, or distributed in violation of this Act. Prohibits a person from: (1) possessing or receiving unfinished dextromethorphan unless the person is registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services as a producer of a drug or device; or (2) distributing unfinished dextromethorphan to any person other than a registered person. Excludes from such prohibitions common carriers that possess, receive, or distributed unfinished dextromethorphan between registered persons.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Health
Community Pharmacy Fairness Act of 2007 - Entitles independent pharmacies negotiating contract terms with a health plan for the provision of health care items or services to the same treatment under the antitrust laws as the treatment to which bargaining units recognized under the National Labor Relations Act are entitled. Treats such a pharmacy as an employee engaged in concerted activities in connection with such negotiations. Exempts actions taken in good faith reliance on this Act from being subject to criminal sanctions or civil penalties beyond actual damages incurred. Provides that this Act does not exempt from application of antitrust laws any agreement or unlawful conspiracy that: (1) would have the effect of boycotting any independent pharmacy; (2) would exclude, limit the participation or reimbursement of, or otherwise limit the scope of services to be provided by any independent pharmacy or group of independent pharmacies with respect to the performance of services that are within their scope of practice as defined or permitted by relevant law or regulation; (3) allocates a market among competitors; (4) unlawfully ties the sale or purchase of one product or service to the sale or purchase of another product or service; or (5) monopolizes or attempts to monopolize a market.Excludes from the application of this Act: (1) negotiations of any group of independent pharmacies with a health plan if the number of pharmacy licenses within such group in a PDP region (Medicare Part D prescription drug plan region) exceeds 25% of the total number of pharmacy licenses issued to all retail pharmacies in the region; and (2) negotiations between independent pharmacies and health plans pertaining to federal health benefits.Requires the Comptroller General to study the impact of this Act after five years.Provides that this Act does not preclude the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) from overseeing the conduct of independent pharmacies covered under this Act.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Commerce
Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2007 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act to exclude industrial hemp from the definition of "marihuana." Defines "industrial hemp" to mean the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant with a delta-nine tetrahydrocannabinol concentration that does not exceed .3 percent on a dry weight basis. Grants a state regulating the growing and processing of industrial hemp exclusive authority, in any criminal or civil action or administrative proceeding, to determine whether any such plant meets that concentration limit.

Date: 2007-02-13
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Crime and law enforcement
Living Organ Donor Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a nonrefundable tax credit for a donation of a qualified life-saving organ for transplantation by a living individual into another individual. Defines "qualified life-saving organ" as a kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, intestine, bone marrow, or any part thereof. Limits the annual amount of such credit to $5,000 of the unreimbursed costs and lost wages incurred by an organ donor in connection with an organ transplant.Amends: (1) the Public Health Service Act to reduce federal living organ donation grants by any tax credit for organ donation received under this Act; and (2) the National Organ Transplant Act to provide that any such tax credit shall not be deemed valuable consideration for purposes of the ban against organ purchases.

Date: 2007-02-13
Topic: Health (Drug Industry)
Subject: Taxation