zli12321/Bills huggingface dataset:
Commonsense Reporting Act of 2015 

This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and the Internal Revenue Code to modify the requirements for employers to report health insurance coverage information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by the end of the tax year.

The bill changes the information that is required and permits employers to voluntarily report the information prior to the beginning of open enrollment.

The Department of the Treasury must develop a prospective reporting system to permit:

 employers to voluntarily report specified health insurance coverage information before the annual open enrollment period; the exchanges, the Federal Marketplace Data Services Hub, and the IRS to access the information to provide the Department of Health and Human Services with information related to eligibility for advance payment of premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies; the exchanges to communicate with employers and employees regarding eligibility for the tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies; and employers to provide updates to the Federal Marketplace Data Services Hub regarding changes in coverage for employees. At the time of enrollment, exchanges must provide employers the names of employees and dependents that enroll in a qualified health plan for a year.

If a health insurance issuer or employer is unable to obtain the Taxpayer Identification Number of a dependent, Treasury may permit the individual's full name and date of birth to be used instead.

Employers participating in the reporting system established by this bill are exempt from the requirement to report health insurance coverage information to the IRS by the end of the tax year.

Date: 2015-08-05
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal, beginning with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the excise tax on employer-sponsored health care coverage for which there is an excess benefit (high-cost plans).

Date: 2015-09-17
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Taxation
Department of Veterans Affairs Billing Accountability Act of 2015

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to waive the requirement that a veteran make copayments for medications, hospital care, nursing home care, and medical services if:

 an error committed by the VA or a VA employee was the cause of delaying copayment notification to the veteran, and the veteran received such notification later than 120 days (18 months in the case of a non-VA facility) after the date on which the veteran received the care or services. In requiring a veteran to make a copayment for care or services provided at a VA or a non-VA medical facility the VA shall notify the veteran not later than 120 days (18 months in the case of a non-VA facility) after the date on which the veteran received the care or services. If the VA does not provide notification by such date it may not collect the payment, including through a third-party entity, unless the veteran is provided with:

 information about applying for a waiver and establishing a payment plan with the VA, and opportunity to make a waiver or establish a payment plan. The VA shall review and improve its copayment billing internal controls and notification procedures.

Date: 2015-09-17
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
American Worker Health Care Tax Relief Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the excise tax on employer-sponsored health care coverage for which there is an excess benefit (high-cost plans).

The bill expresses the sense of the Senate that the revenue loss resulting from the repeal of such excise tax should be offset by corresponding revenue.

Date: 2015-09-24
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Taxation
Preserving Medicare Advantage for all Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) temporarily prohibit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid from terminating a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan contract solely because the MA plan fails to achieve a certain minimum quality rating, provided that the MA plan achieves a quality rating of at least two out of five stars; and (2) establish a demonstration project to provide funds to MA organizations for the development or expansion of programs or services to improve health care delivery and outcomes for enrollees of low socioeconomic status.

To qualify for demonstration project funding, an MA plan must meet specified requirements with respect to quality ratings and the percentage of plan enrollees either eligible for a low-income subsidy or dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. MA organizations receiving funds under the demonstration project must use those funds to target improvement by the MA plan with respect to certain quality rating measures.

Date: 2015-09-30
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) prevent 2016 increases to Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles for enrollees, and (2) authorize federal funding to offset the corresponding reduction in aggregate monthly premiums.

Under current law, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must annually determine the monthly actuarial rate upon which Part B premiums and deductibles are based. The bill temporarily freezes that rate at the 2015 level for enrollees, effectively preventing increases to premiums and deductibles for those enrollees in 2016. (Current law already protects Part B enrollees whose benefits are deducted from their Social Security benefits from premium increases that would result in a smaller Social Security check.)

Date: 2015-10-07
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Rates Act

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to declare that federal requirements that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) review unreasonable premium increases in health care coverage do not prohibit a state from imposing additional rate requirements on health insurance issuers that are more protective of consumers. The review is expanded to include all rate increases, not only premium increases.

HHS or the relevant state insurance commissioner or state regulator must ensure that any excessive, unjustified, or unfairly discriminatory rates are corrected before, or as soon as possible after, implementation, including through mechanisms such as denying rates, modifying rates, or requiring rebates to consumers. HHS may apply civil monetary penalties to health insurance issuers that fail to comply with a corrective action taken by HHS and may make the plan involved ineligible for classification as a qualified health plan.

HHS must determine whether HHS or the state insurance commissioner or regulator will undertake such corrective actions based on whether the state can adequately undertake the actions. This Act applies to health plans grandfathered under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Date: 2015-10-08
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
Veterans Scheduling Accountability Act

This bill directs the Government Accountability Office to conduct random, periodic audits of the medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Veterans Integrated Service Networks to determine if they are in compliance with legal and VA standards requiring that veterans be provided timely access to VA health care.

Date: 2015-11-03
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Medicare Advantage Coverage Transparency Act of 2015

This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to report annually to specified congressional committees on Medicare Advantage enrollment data.

Date: 2015-12-03
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to extend hospital and medical services under the Veterans Choice Program to veterans who are 75 years or older.

Date: 2016-02-03
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Health Care Premium Reduction Act

This bill amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to states to support the purchase of private health insurance by consumers and to stabilize health insurance premiums. Priority is given to states with the highest health insurance premiums and such states may be provided bonus payments.

States must use grants to:

 reduce health insurance premiums through activities such as cost-sharing programs to reduce deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses; increase the number of individuals with health insurance; review premium rates to determine unreasonable premium increases and facilitate reduction of such rates; and address health insurance affordability, quality, and accessibility through a waiver of health coverage requirements.

Date: 2016-02-04
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
Empowering Patients First Act of 2015

This bill repeals the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the health care provisions of the Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010, effective as of their enactment. This bill replaces those provisions with amendments to the Internal Revenue Code, the Public Health Service Act, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to address health care coverage.

The bill provides for refundable tax credits for health insurance coverage and health savings account (HSA) contributions.

The bill raises the annual HSA contribution limit, expands eligibility for tax-deductible HSA contributions, and allows HSAs to be used to pay periodic or capitated primary care fees.

A limit is placed on the amount of an employer's contribution to health coverage that can be excluded from the employee's taxable income.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must provide a grant to each state for high-risk pools or reinsurance pools to subsidize health insurance for high-risk populations and individuals.

Funds authorized, tax credits, and tax deductions under this Act may not be used to pay for an abortion or health coverage that includes abortion, with exceptions.

This bill provides for the establishment and governance of independent health pools, entities that form risk pools to offer health insurance coverage to their members.

Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2015

This bill provides for the establishment and governance of association health plans, which are group health plans sponsored by business associations that meet certain ERISA certification requirements.

Health insurers offering individual coverage may deny coverage to an individual, outside of open enrollment periods. Preexisting conditions may be excluded from coverage under certain conditions.

Individual health insurance coverage is governed by the laws of a state designated by the health insurance issuer.

HHS must issue clinical practice guidelines. The bill specifies how these guidelines may be used in a health care lawsuit.

HHS may not use comparative effectiveness research or patient-centered outcomes research to deny coverage of an item or service under a federal health care program. This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to permit Medicare beneficiaries to contract with a physician or practitioner for covered health care and submit a claim for payment under Medicare. Health care professionals are exempted from federal and state antitrust laws in connection with negotiations with a health plan to provide health care items or services.

Date: 2016-02-09
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
Veterans Choice Card Prompt Payment Act

This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), upon receipt of a request from a non-VA entity for reimbursement for health care services provided to a veteran under the Veterans Choice Program, to reimburse the entity even if the request does not include the veteran's medical records.

Date: 2016-02-11
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Improving Veterans Access to Care in the Community Act

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into contracts or agreements with eligible providers to furnish hospital care and medical services to electing, eligible veterans, which include veterans who are unable to schedule an appointment with a VA health care provider within a specified time frame or who do not reside within 40 miles of a VA medical facility. Such provisions may be referred to as the Veterans Choice Program.

VA reimbursement of veterans for emergency treatment in a non-VA facilities is expanded to include urgent care.

If the VA is not able to furnish hospital care, medical services, or extended care at VA facilities or under contracts or sharing agreements, the VA may furnish such care and services by entering into Veterans Care Agreements with certified eligible providers. The VA shall: (1) establish a system to monitor the quality of care and services provided under such Agreements, and (2) review Agreements exceeding $1 million annually at least once every two years.

The bill allows VA agreements with state homes to provide nursing home care for veterans with a service-connected disability to be entered into without the use of competitive procedures.

The bill requires advance appropriations for the Care in the Community Account of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 is amended to direct the VA to annually transfer to the VHA an amount estimated to be needed to furnish hospital care, medical services, and other health care through non-VA providers.

The requirement that the VA act as a secondary payer for certain non-service connected disability care is eliminated.

Veterans Choice Fund amounts may be used to: (1) carry out certain disability examinations by non-VA providers; and (2) provide hospital, nursing home, and domiciliary care at non-VA facilities.

The VA may record as a U.S. obligation amounts owed for hospital care or medical services furnished at non-VA facilities on the date the payment claim is approved.

The bill requires the VA to be treated as a participating provider for purposes of allowing recovery of costs incurred in providing care to a veteran for a non-service connected disability that is covered under the veteran's health plan contract.

The VA shall assign each veteran enrolled in the annual patient enrollment system a full-time primary care provider using specified distance and travel criteria.

Date: 2016-03-03
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Veterans Choice Equal Cost for Care Act of 2016

This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to permit the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to recover or collect reasonable charges for hospital care or medical services from a health-care plan when an eligible veteran is furnished such care or services for a non-service-connected disability.

The VA shall have the primary (and sole) responsibility to pay any related health insurance cost sharing amount.

An eligible veteran shall not pay a greater amount for receiving hospital care or medical services than the amount the veteran would pay for receiving the same or comparable care or services at a VA medical facility or from a VA health care provider. (The bill repeals the VA's secondary responsibility to pay the costs of care in such circumstances.)

Date: 2016-03-08
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
This bill amends the Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 to extend through August 7, 2021, the pilot program under which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides covered health services in highly rural areas to covered veterans through qualifying non-VA health care providers.

Date: 2016-03-14
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Armed forces and national security
Preserving Consumer Health Accounts Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the excise tax on excess benefit employer-sponsored health care plans any amounts contributed to an Archer medical savings plan, a tax-exempt health savings account, or a health flexible spending arrangement by an employee or an employer through salary reduction contributions.

Date: 2016-03-16
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Taxation
States Achieve Medicaid Expansion (SAME) Act of 2016

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide the enhanced federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to every state that expands Medicaid coverage for individuals who are newly eligible under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, regardless of when such expansion takes place.

Under current law, the enhanced FMAP is equivalent to 100% in 2014 through 2016, 95% in 2017, 94% in 2018, 93% in 2019, and 90% thereafter. The bill retains this enhanced FMAP, but bases it on a term of years rather than on specific dates.

The bill applies retroactively.

Date: 2016-04-13
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
Taxpayers Before Insurers Act 

This bill rescinds specified departmental management funds from the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) unless HHS deposits into the Treasury specified funds derived from contributions collected under the Transitional Reinsurance Program.

The rescission is required unless HHS deposits into the Treasury: (1) $2 billion for each of calendar years 2014 and 2015 within 45 days of enactment of this bill, and (2) $1 billion for 2016 by March 1, 2017.

(The Transitional Reinsurance Program was created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [PPACA] to stabilize premiums in the individual health insurance market by partially reimbursing insurers for high-cost enrollees. Health insurance issuers and certain group health plans make contributions to the program, and reinsurance payments are made to issuers for enrollees in certain individual market plans with claim costs within a specified level. Portions of the reinsurance contributions are allocated for the reinsurance payment pool, administrative expenses, and the Treasury.)

Date: 2016-04-14
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
World's Greatest Healthcare Plan Act of 2016

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the requirements for individuals to maintain minimum essential coverage and for large employers to offer affordable coverage to full time employees.

Health insurance is no longer required to cover preventive care at no cost or include the essential health benefits.

Individuals enrolling in health insurance who have not maintained continuous coverage over the previous 12 months are charged an extra 20% on premiums for each consecutive year without coverage, unless the individual is subject to similar state incentives to maintain coverage.

States may enroll uninsured residents in high deductible health plans. Individuals must be permitted to opt-out of this coverage.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must develop a risk adjustment mechanism for health insurance in the individual market.

For residents of a state to qualify for premium subsidies or the health insurance tax credit in this bill, the state must permit health insurance with an annual limit on benefits to be sold on its exchange.

The bill establishes an advanceable, refundable health insurance tax credit for taxpayers enrolled in health coverage.

States may: (1) apply to HHS to use unclaimed health insurance tax credits for indigent health care; and (2) enroll Medicaid-eligible individuals in health insurance that qualifies for the tax credit instead of in Medicaid, at the individual's option.

The bill establishes Roth HSAs (health savings accounts) for paying certain medical expenses and health insurance premiums.

The tax deduction for medical expenses is eliminated.

This bill amends title XIX (Medicaid) and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, including to turn federal Medicaid payments into block grants.

Date: 2016-05-25
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
Removing Barriers to Person-Centered Care Act of 2016

This bill amends title XI (General Provisions) of the Social Security Act to establish an alternative payment model for patient-centered care with respect to Medicare beneficiaries with advanced illnesses. Through the voluntary pilot program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall enter into demonstration project agreements with advance care collaboratives to provide Medicare services in a manner that promotes accountability, coordinates services, and encourages investment in infrastructure and redesigned care processes. An "advance care collaborative" is an affiliated group of providers, physicians, or practitioners.

Under the program, a participating advance care collaborative may use a pre-implementation grant to: (1) conduct a needs assessment; (2) modify, upgrade, or purchase health information technology; (3) conduct education and training; (4) hire staff to conduct care management and coordination activities; and (5) conduct other appropriate activities. 

With respect to coverage and payment for services provided to a target Medicare beneficiary by a participating collaborative, CMS shall waive specified requirements related to: (1) coverage of curative care with respect to individuals receiving hospice care, (2) alternative certification for home care and hospice care, (3) coverage of skilled nursing services without an inpatient stay, and (4) coverage of home health care without homebound status.

Under the program, a participating collaborative may receive payment for furnishing target Medicare beneficiaries with: (1) inpatient care as an alternative to routine hospice care, and (2) home-based respite care as an alternative to inpatient respite care.

A participating collaborative shall be eligible for shared savings payments.

CMS shall identify and develop a recommended set of advance care quality measures that may be tested in the pilot program.

Date: 2016-06-23
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
This bill requires Members of Congress, the President, and the Vice President to purchase health insurance through a health insurance exchange. These officials may receive a federal subsidy or contribution to the costs of coverage through congressional disbursing offices, the Office of Personnel Management, or tax credits only if the subsidy or contribution is otherwise available to individuals at a similar income level.

Date: 2016-06-29
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
CO-OP Consumer Protection Act of 2016

 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from penalties for failing to purchase and maintain minimum essential health care coverage individuals whose coverage under a plan offered by a qualified nonprofit health insurance issuer receiving funds through the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan program was terminated.

Date: 2016-09-12
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Taxation
Medicare Affordability and Enrollment Act of 2016

This bill amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to:

 establish an annual limit on out-of-pocket expenditures for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries; expand income-eligibility for cost-sharing and, with respect to beneficiaries consequently eligible for cost-sharing, establish a federal medical assistance percentage of 100% under Medicaid; limit the amount of coinsurance or copayment required of low-income beneficiaries; eliminate the two-year waiting period for Medicare coverage with respect to individuals with disabilities; allow beneficiaries residing in U.S. territories to be eligible for certain premium and cost-sharing subsidies available to other beneficiaries under the Medicare prescription drug benefit; and modify other provisions related to special rules for beneficiaries in Puerto Rico, income and resource determinations, and enrollment procedures. The bill also amends the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 to extend funding for specified beneficiary outreach and education activities.

Date: 2016-09-21
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act of 2016

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act and title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to:

 establish, extend, reinstate, or modify various Medicare payment adjustments for rural hospitals; establish a capital infrastructure revolving loan program for rural medical facilities; allow authorized physician assistants to order hospice care under Medicare; establish Medicare coverage for specified mental health counselor services and marriage and family therapist services; create a grant program for state offices of rural health; and modify other provisions related to rural medical facilities. 

Date: 2016-09-28
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
Ensuring Patient Access to Healthcare Records Act of 2016

This bill amends the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to develop and update policies that enable certain health care clearinghouses, plans, and providers to: (1) provide patients with access to information related to their care; and (2) develop patient-engagement tools, reports, analyses, and presentations that may demonstrate benefit to the taxpayer.

Date: 2016-12-08
Topic: Health (Insurance)
Subject: Health
Chesapeake Bay Restoration Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise requirements for implementation and monitoring grants under the Chesapeake Bay Agreement and for reporting on federally-funded projects under such Agreement. Requires federal agencies that carry out activities within the watershed to: (1) participate in planning and restoration programs; and (2) ensure that such activities comply with the Chesapeake Bay Agreement and the Federal Agencies Chesapeake Ecosystem Unified Plan. Requires the President to submit as part of the annual federal budget information regarding each federal agency involved in Chesapeake Bay restoration. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to report on progress in achieving and maintaining nutrient and sediment reduction goals for each tributary basin. Sets forth the baseline for the report and reporting requirements. Requires the states of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia to submit to the Administrator information relating to nutrient and sediment reduction for each Chesapeake Bay tributary basin. Prohibits the Administrator from making a grant to any state which fails to provide required information. Requires the Administrator to request the Local Government Advisory Committee to report to EPA on measurable goals for local governments for nutrient and sediment reduction. Requires the Administrator: (1) to establish an implementation assistance program to support tributary strategies and other projects toward achievement of Chesapeake Bay Agreement goals; (2) to assist local governments and nonprofit organizations to implement tributary strategies and other complementary cooperative, locally based protection and restoration programs or projects under the technical assistance and assistance grants program; (3) in cooperation with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to provide capacity building assistance to enhance local governments' capabilities to carry out protection and restoration programs or projects within a tributary basin; and (4) to provide grants to implement tributary strategies that accelerate the reduction of nonpoint source nutrient and sediment pollution. Requires specified load allocations to be incorporated into discharge permits until applicable total maximum daily loads are established. Updates reporting deadlines for the study of the Chesapeake Bay Program. Authorizes appropriations through FY2012.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Environmental protection
Rural America Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to prohibit the Secretary of the Army or a state from issuing a permit to a governmental entity for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters where Act compliance is based on a permit condition requiring mitigation of adverse impacts to wetlands through the acquisition of private property if the property is: (1) being acquired by condemnation; and (2) located outside a certain U.S. Geological Survey cataloging unit in which the wetland is located. Allows issuance of such a permit upon payment of compensation equaling or exceeding the property's fair market value or the average fair market value of a parcel the size of the property in the cataloging unit in which the wetland is located.

Date: 2007-01-04
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Environmental protection
Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act - Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Smithsonian Institution, and the U.S. Geological Survey (administering agencies) to: (1) enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding the implementation and coordination of this Act; and (2) develop a marine and freshwater research program to support efforts to assess introduction rates and patterns of invasive nonnative species into the aquatic ecosystem, and efforts to detect, prevent, and eradicate them. Requires the administering agencies to: (1) develop standardized protocols for conducting ecological and pathway surveys of such species; (2) conduct research to identify the relationship between the introduction and establishment of such species; and (3) analyze the data collected and develop a profile that determines whether a species planned for importation is likely to invade an aquatic ecosystem. . Requires the U.S. Geological Survey to develop a central, national pathway and ecological surveys database of information. Makes the Invasive Species Council responsible for disseminating such information and develop a national strategy for how it will be shared with federal, state, and local entities. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a grant program to fund research, development, demonstration and verification of environmentally sound, cost-effective technologies and methods to control and eradicate such species. Reauthorizes the ship pathway technology demonstration program. Requires the Coast Guard and the EPA to develop a research program to support implementation of ship pathway standards to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species by ships. Requires the National Science Foundation to establish a grant program for researchers at institutions of higher education and museums to carry our research programs in systematics and taxonomy.

Date: 2007-01-05
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Water resources development
Replaces the map subtitled "P08", relating to the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System unit designated as Coastal Barrier Resources System Ponce Inlet Unit P08, that is included in the set of maps entitled "John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System", and referred to in the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, with another map relating to the unit entitled "John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Ponce Inlet Unit P08" and dated XXXXX.

Date: 2007-01-17
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Water Quality Investment Act of 2007 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require projects receiving sewer overflow control grant assistance to be carried out subject to the requirements applicable to projects receiving assistance from state water pollution control revolving funds, except to the extent that the governor of the state in which the project is located determines that a revolving fund requirement is inconsistent with the purposes of the sewer overflow control grant program. Authorizes appropriations for sewer overflow control grants through FY2012. Modifies grant funding allocation provisions to reflect new dates of authorization and reauthorized amounts. Eliminates the set-aside for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make direct grants to municipalities and municipal entities during the second year of authorization. Establishes a December 31, 2010, deadline for the Administrator's report to Congress on recommended funding levels for sewer overflow control grants. Prohibits the funds authorized by this Act from being used to lobby governmental entities or officers or to pay for expenses related to memberships in organizations or associations.

Date: 2007-01-18
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Environmental protection
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize appropriations for coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification grants through FY 2012. Amends the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000 to reauthorize appropriations to carry out that Act through FY 2012.

Date: 2007-01-30
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Environmental protection
Prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007 - Amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to revise certain aquatic invasive species prevention requirements to, among other things: (1) apply them to certain U.S. vessels and to certain foreign vessels (or a structure being towed by a vessel) that are en route to, or have departed from, a U.S. port; and (2) establish ballast water exchange and treatment and sediment management standards for vessels of the armed forces. Prohibits an operator of a vessel from uptaking or discharging ballast water or sediment, except in specified circumstances, from a U.S. vessel operating in U.S. or non-U.S. waters. Requires a vessel to conduct all its ballast water management operations in accordance with an aquatic invasive species plan designed to minimize the discharge of aquatic invasive species. Requires a vessel, before discharging ballast water into U.S. waters, to conduct ballast water treatment so that the discharged ballast water will contain no more than a specified level of living organisms or microbes. Prohibits an operator of a vessel, until the vessel conducts such treatment, from discharging ballast water except after certain ballast water exchange and ballast water treatment requirements are met. Sets forth civil penalties for violations of this Act. Urges the Secretary to negotiate with foreign countries to develop and implement an international program for preventing the unintentional introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species.

Date: 2007-02-07
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Environmental protection
Safe Water Improvement and Modernization Act of 2007 - Extends through FY2012 the authorization of appropriations for: (1) grants by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to states and local governments for coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification programs; and (2) carrying out the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000. Requires the Administrator to study the benefits of using molecular diagnostics for monitoring and assessing the quality of coastal recreation waters, including by: (1) evaluating the full range of available rapid indicator technologies; and (2) comparing the use of molecular diagnostics to culture testing of same source water. Authorizes the Administrator to award a grant or cooperative agreement to an organization to assist the Administrator in carrying out the study.

Date: 2007-02-08
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Environmental protection
Save Our Shores Act - Amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to extend the authorization of appropriations for research, education, and monitoring activities related to the prevention, reduction, and control of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. Requires that all federal financial assistance for harmful algal bloom research be awarded on a competitive, peer reviewed basis.

Date: 2007-02-15
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Environmental protection
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Tax Treatment Act - Allows taxpayers who are plaintiffs in the civil action In re Exxon Valdez, No. 89-095-CV (HRH) (Consolidated) (D. Alaska), or their heirs or dependents, to: (1) elect to average, for income tax purposes, income received in settlement of such civil action for the period beginning on January 1, 1994, and ending on December 31 of the year in which any settlement income is received; and (2) make contributions of any amount of such settlement income to certain tax-exempt retirement plans in the year such income is received.

Date: 2007-03-06
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Taxation
Community Beaches Protection Act - Rewrites provisions regarding the federal shore protection program to: (1) provide for the protection and restoration of beaches and other coastal infrastructure, as well as shore protection; and (2) include the purpose of promoting healthful recreation. Includes among areas to be given preference: (1) areas where regional sediment management plans have been adopted; and (2) areas that promote human health and safety and the quality of life. Directs the Secretary of the Army to pay the federal share of the cost of carrying out shore protection projects and research that encourages the protection, restoration, and enhancement of shores, sandy beaches, and other coastal infrastructure. Sets forth revised provisions regarding the federal share of the cost, which shall be equal for beach erosion control projects for purposes of recreation or for storm damage protection or environmental restoration. Directs the Secretary, at the request of a nonfederal interest and with congressional approval, to extend the period of federal participation in certain shore protection projects. Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to prohibit the Secretary from: (1) soliciting contributions, in excess of the nonfederal share assigned to specified project purposes, from nonfederal interests for costs of constructing authorized projects; or (2) conditioning federal participation on the receipt of such contributions. Makes permanent the national shoreline erosion control development and demonstration program. Requires the program to include provisions for technology transfers to educational institutions. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cost-sharing agreements with nonfederal interests, and to modify existing shoreline protection projects, under specified circumstances.

Date: 2007-03-13
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Public lands and natural resources
Caribbean Coral Reef Protection Act -States that it shall be U.S. policy to: (1) undertake measures to deny the government of Cuba, the Cuban Communist Party, or any of their instrumentalities the financial resources to engage in activities that threaten U.S. national security and other interests, threaten Cuba's environment and natural resources and Florida's marine environment, and prolong the dictatorship that oppresses the Cuban people; and (2) deter foreign investments that would enhance the Cuban regime's ability to develop its petroleum resources. Amends the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 to exclude from U.S. entry an alien who: (1) is an officer or principal of an entity, or a shareholder who owns a controlling interest in an entity that makes an investment (as defined by this Act) of $1 million or more (or any combination of investments that equals or exceeds $1 million in any 12-month period), that significantly contributes to Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources off its submerged lands; or (2) is a spouse, minor child, or agent of such person. Exempts on a case-by-case basis entries: (1) for medical reasons or property-related litigation; or (2) where a transition government is in place. Defines "investment" and "petroleum resources" for purposes of this Act. Directs the President to impose two or more specified export, procurement, financial institution, loan, or Export-Import Bank sanctions if the President determines that a person has made an investment of $1 million or more (or any combination of investments that in the aggregate equals or exceeds $1 million in any 12-month period) that contributes to the enhancement of Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources off its submerged lands or has made an investment of any amount of money that contributes to such an enhancement and has trafficked in confiscated U.S. property. Makes it illegal for a U.S. person to facilitate Cuba's ability to develop petroleum resources off its submerged lands. Directs the Secretary of State to report annually respecting the impact of the development of Cuba's petroleum resources on the environment and natural resources of Cuba's submerged lands and Florida's marine environment.

Date: 2007-03-26
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: International affairs
Safe Drinking Water for Healthy Communities Act of 2007 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promulgate a national primary drinking water regulation for perchlorate.

Date: 2007-03-28
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Environmental protection
Amends Safe Drinking Water Act provisions regarding regulations governing state underground injection programs to prohibit: (1) the issuance of a permit for any underground injection associated with the mining of a sulfide ore body within 20 miles of any of the Great Lakes unless the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the state that the mining activity will not result in acid mine drainage into the Great Lakes; and (2) the promulgation of a program rule that authorizes such an underground injection.

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Environmental protection
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (popularly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit the issuance of a permit under such Act for a discharge associated with the mining of a sulfide ore body within 20 miles of any of the Great Lakes unless the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Administrator (or the state in the case of an approved permit program) that the mining activity will not result in acid mine drainage into the Lakes.

Date: 2007-03-29
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Environmental protection
Lead-Free Drinking Water Act of 2007 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review and revise the national primary drinking water regulation for lead to provide the maximum feasible protection for individuals affected by lead contamination, particularly vulnerable populations (e.g., infants, children, and pregnant and lactating women). Requires the revised regulation to establish: (1) a maximum contaminant level for lead in drinking water as measured at the tap; or (2) a drinking water treatment technique that meets specified criteria. Directs community water systems or nontransient noncommunity water systems to: (1) annually replace a percentage of non-lead free service lines until all such lines are replaced; (2) provide notice in English and other appropriate languages to individuals and entities that may be exposed to lead contamination in the drinking water supply; (3) provide water lead test results to tested residences; (4) establish a public education program on lead in drinking water; and (5) provide water filters to residences, schools, and day care facilities. Requires the head of each federal agency to conduct water supply testing in federally-owned or occupied buildings. Directs each water system to test drinking water for lead contamination within one year. Requires the Administrator to revise monitoring requirements under the national primary drinking water regulation to incorporate specified criteria. Prohibits the use of lead pipes and plumbing equipment that is not lead free in public water systems or facilities that provide drinking water. Requires the Administrator to: (1) issue regulations to require states to establish programs to test and remediate lead contamination in school drinking water; and (2) carry out such programs in non-participating states.

Date: 2007-04-30
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Water resources development
Small Community Options for Regulatory Equity Act of 2007 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require states exercising primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems to exempt any nonprofit small public water system (serving 10,000 or fewer persons) that so requests in accordance with this Act from the requirements of any national primary drinking water regulation for naturally occurring contaminants, including arsenic, radon, radium, uranium, and specified disinfection byproducts. Requires exemption requests to include a finding that the system's compliance with applicable national primary drinking water regulations is not economically feasible. Precludes judicial or administrative review of such findings.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Environmental protection
Clean Water Protection Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (popularly known as the Clean Water Act) to define "fill material" to mean any pollutant that replaces portions of waters of the United States with dry land or that changes the bottom elevation of a water body for any purpose and to exclude any pollutant discharged into the water primarily to dispose of waste.

Date: 2007-05-03
Topic: Environment (Drinking Water)
Subject: Environmental protection