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H.R.6366

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act This bill modifies the boundary of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition, which is approximately 3,925 acres of federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Lake County, California. The Department of the Interior shall administer the addition as part of the monument. Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall jointly develop a comprehensive management plan for the monument in accordance with, and in a manner that fulfills the purposes specified in, Presidential Proclamation 9298 of July 10, 2015, relating to the establishment of the monument. The BLM or the Forest Service shall enter into agreements, contracts, and other similarly cooperative and collaborative partnerships if requested by an affected federally recognized Indian tribe regarding management of the monument pursuant to the relevant federal authority.

To modify the boundary of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include certain Federal land in Lake County, California, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Walker ridge (molok luyuk) addition.--The term ``Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition'' means the approximately 3,925 acres of Federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management land in Lake County, California, and identified as ``Proposed Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition'' on the Map and all lands and interest in lands therein and objects thereon. (2) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled ``Proposed Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument'' and dated October 26, 2021. (3) Molok luyuk.--The term ``Molok Luyuk'' means Condor Ridge (in the Patwin language). (4) National monument.--The term ``National Monument'' means the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument established by Presidential Proclamation 9298 of July 10, 2015 (80 Fed. Reg. 41975 (July 15, 2015)), and all lands and interest in lands therein and all objects thereon identified by such Presidential Proclamation. SEC. 3. NATIONAL MONUMENT EXPANSION. (a) Boundary Modification.--The boundary of the National Monument is modified to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition. (b) Map.-- (1) Corrections.--The Secretary of the Interior may make clerical and typographical corrections to the Map. Such corrections shall have the same force and effect as if the revised Map were included as part of this Act. (2) Public availability.--The Map, and any subsequent revised Map, shall be publicly available on the website of the Bureau of Land Management. (c) Administration.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary of the Interior shall administer the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition-- (1) as part of the National Monument; (2) in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 9298 of July 10, 2015 (80 Fed. Reg. 41975 (July 15, 2015)); and (3) in accordance with applicable laws (including regulations). SEC. 4. MANAGEMENT PLAN. (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall jointly develop a comprehensive management plan for the National Monument in accordance with, and in a manner that fulfills the purposes specified in, Presidential Proclamation 9298 of July 10, 2015 (80 Fed. Reg. 41975 (July 15, 2015)). (b) Tribal Consultation.--The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall consult with affected federally recognized Indian Tribes-- (1) in the development of the management plan; and (2) to inform subsequent management decisions regarding the National Monument. (c) Continued Engagement With Indian Tribes.--The management plan shall set forth parameters for continued meaningful engagement with affected federally recognized Indian Tribes in implementation of the management plan. SEC. 5. AGREEMENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS. (a) In General.--To the greatest extent practicable and in accordance with applicable laws, the Secretary concerned shall enter into agreements, contracts, and other similarly cooperative and collaborative partnerships if requested by an affected federally recognized Indian Tribe regarding management of the National Monument pursuant to relevant Federal authority, including-- (1) the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.); (2) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); (3) the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5361 et seq.); (4) Executive Order 13175 (dated November 6, 2000); (5) the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 (25 U.S.C. 3115a et seq.); (6) section 8206 (good neighbor authority) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (16 U.S.C. 2113a); (7) Secretarial Order 3342, dated October 21, 2016; or (8) Joint Secretarial Order 3403 (dated November 15, 2021). (b) Definition of Secretary Concerned.--In this section, the term ``Secretary concerned'' means, as applicable-- (1) the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management; or (2) the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service. SEC. 6. RENAMING OF WALKER RIDGE IN LAKE AND COLUSA COUNTIES, CALIFORNIA. (a) In General.--The parcel of Federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management located in Lake and Colusa Counties in the State of California and commonly referred to as ``Walker Ridge'' before the date of enactment of this Act shall be known and designated as ``Condor Ridge (Molok Luyuk)''. (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the parcel of Federal land described in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to ``Condor Ridge (Molok Luyuk)''. (c) Map and Legal Description.-- (1) Preparation.-- (A) Initial map.--The Board on Geographic Names (established by section 2 of the Act of July 25, 1947; 43 U.S.C. 364a) shall prepare a map and legal description of the parcel of Federal land designated in subsection (a) as Condor Ridge (Molok Luyuk). (B) Corrections.--The Board on Geographic Names and the Director of the Bureau of Land Management may make clerical and typographical corrections to the map and legal description prepared under this subsection. (2) Consultation.--In preparing the map and legal description under paragraph (1)(A), the Board on Geographic Names shall consult with-- (A) the Director of the Bureau of Land Management; and (B) affected federally recognized Indian Tribes. (3) Public availability.--The map and legal description and any subsequent revised map or legal description prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be publicly available on the website of the Board on Geographic Names, the Bureau of Land Management, or both. (4) Legal effect.--The map and legal description, and any subsequent revised map or legal description prepared pursuant to paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this Act. <all>

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act

To modify the boundary of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include certain Federal land in Lake County, California, and for other purposes.

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act

Rep. Garamendi, John

D

CA

H.R.8606

Transportation and Public Works

This bill prohibits the execution and extension of certain contracts between public transportation agencies and rail rolling stock manufacturers to procure rail rolling stock.

To amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit the extension of certain contracts to procure rail rolling stock, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. LIMITATION ON CERTAIN ROLLING STOCK PROCUREMENTS. Section 5323(u)(5)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting ``except that new contracts or extensions of contracts existing on the date of enactment of this clause between any public transportation agency and a rail rolling stock manufacturer described in paragraph (1) may not be executed.''. <all>

To amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit the extension of certain contracts to procure rail rolling stock, and for other purposes.

To amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit the extension of certain contracts to procure rail rolling stock, and for other purposes.

Official Titles - House of Representatives Official Title as Introduced To amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit the extension of certain contracts to procure rail rolling stock, and for other purposes.

Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick"

R

AR

H.R.6374

Armed Forces and National Security

Strengthening Supply Chains for Servicemembers and Security Act This bill addresses Department of Defense (DOD) supply chain risk management, specifically risk management related to pharmaceuticals. The bill requires the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment within DOD to develop and issue implementing guidance for risk management for DOD supply chains for materiel (e.g., pharmaceuticals) and identify supply chain information gaps regarding reliance on foreign suppliers of drugs. After such guidance is issued, the Defense Health Agency must develop and publish implementing guidance for risk management for DOD's supply chain for pharmaceuticals and establish a working group to assess risks to the pharmaceutical supply chain, identify the pharmaceuticals most critical to beneficiary care at military treatment facilities, and establish policies for allocating scarce pharmaceutical resources. Finally, the Defense Logistics Agency must modify Defense Logistics Agency Instructions 5025.03 and 3110.01 to require Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support to coordinate annually with customers in the military departments to test responsiveness of the agency's contingency contracts for pharmaceuticals and to include the results of the testing in the annual Warstopper Program reports.

To implement the recommendations of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense with respect to mitigation of foreign suppliers in the pharmaceutical supply chain of the Department of Defense. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Supply Chains for Servicemembers and Security Act''. SEC. 2. RISK MANAGEMENT FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SUPPLY CHAINS. (a) Risk Management for All Department of Defense Supply Chains.-- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall-- (1) develop and issue implementing guidance for risk management for Department of Defense supply chains for materiel for the Department, including pharmaceuticals; (2) identify, in coordination with the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, supply chain information gaps regarding reliance on foreign suppliers of drugs, including active pharmaceutical ingredients and final drug products; and (3) submit to Congress a report regarding-- (A) existing information streams, if any, that may be used to assess the reliance by the Department of Defense on high-risk foreign suppliers of drugs; (B) vulnerabilities in the drug supply chains of the Department of Defense; and (C) any recommendations to address-- (i) information gaps identified under paragraph (2); and (ii) any risks related to such reliance on foreign suppliers. (b) Risk Management for Department of Defense Pharmaceutical Supply Chain.--The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall-- (1) not later than one year after the issuance of the guidance required by subsection (a)(1), develop and publish implementing guidance for risk management for the Department of Defense supply chain for pharmaceuticals; and (2) establish a working group-- (A) to assess risks to the pharmaceutical supply chain; (B) to identify the pharmaceuticals most critical to beneficiary care at military treatment facilities; and (C) to establish policies for allocating scarce pharmaceutical resources in case of a supply disruption. (c) Responsiveness Testing of Defense Logistics Agency Pharmaceutical Contracts.--The Director of the Defense Logistics Agency shall modify Defense Logistics Agency Instructions 5025.03 and 3110.01-- (1) to require Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support to coordinate annually with customers in the military departments to conduct responsiveness testing of the Defense Logistics Agency's contingency contracts for pharmaceuticals; and (2) to include the results of that testing, as reported by customers in the military departments, in the annual reports of the Warstopper Program. <all>

Strengthening Supply Chains for Servicemembers and Security Act

To implement the recommendations of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense with respect to mitigation of foreign suppliers in the pharmaceutical supply chain of the Department of Defense.

Strengthening Supply Chains for Servicemembers and Security Act

Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy

D

PA

S.3825

Government Operations and Politics

This act designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3903 Melear Drive in Arlington, Texas, as the Ron Wright Post Office Building.

[117th Congress Public Law 239] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [[Page 136 STAT. 2330]] Public Law 117-239 117th Congress An Act To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3903 Melear Drive in Arlington, Texas, as the ``Ron Wright Post Office Building''. <<NOTE: Dec. 20, 2022 - [S. 3825]>> Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. RON WRIGHT POST OFFICE BUILDING. (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3903 Melear Drive in Arlington, Texas, shall be known and designated as the ``Ron Wright Post Office Building''. (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``Ron Wright Post Office Building''. Approved December 20, 2022. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S. 3825: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 168 (2022): May 25, considered and passed Senate. Nov. 29, considered in House. Dec. 1, prior proceedings vacated; considered and passed House. <all>

A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3903 Melear Drive in Arlington, Texas, as the "Ron Wright Post Office Building".

A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3903 Melear Drive in Arlington, Texas, as the "Ron Wright Post Office Building".

Official Titles - Senate Official Title as Introduced A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3903 Melear Drive in Arlington, Texas, as the "Ron Wright Post Office Building".

Sen. Cornyn, John

R

TX

H.R.6673

Immigration

Border Operations Strengthened by Stonegarden Act or the BOSS Act This bill provides statutory authorization for the Operation Stonegarden program from FY2022 through FY2025. (Operation Stonegarden provides grants to enhance the border security capabilities of state, local, and tribal governments.)

To authorize appropriations for Operation Stonegarden, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Border Operations Strengthened by Stonegarden Act'' or the ``BOSS Act''. SEC. 2. OPERATION STONEGARDEN APPROPRIATIONS AND TRUST FUND. There is authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2025 $180,000,000 for the Operation Stonegarden grant program of the Department of Homeland Security, and not less than $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2025 to procure technology and equipment, including communications equipment, sensors, and drone technology. <all>

BOSS Act

To authorize appropriations for Operation Stonegarden, and for other purposes.

BOSS Act Border Operations Strengthened by Stonegarden Act

Rep. Gonzales, Tony

R

TX

H.R.3029

Health

Health Care Prices Revealed and Information to Consumers Explained Transparency Act or the Health Care PRICE Transparency Act This bill provides statutory authority for requirements for hospitals and health insurance plans to disclose certain information about the costs for items and services. Specifically, hospitals must publish in their list of standard charges certain rates negotiated with insurers, discounts for cash payments, and billing codes. Further, hospitals generally must publish the standard charges for the services provided by the hospital that may be scheduled in advance. Additionally, insurance plans must publish the in-network and out-of-network charges for covered items and services and the negotiated prices for covered prescription drugs. Plans must provide a tool for consumers to search for this cost information. Consumers also may request additional information about the costs of specific items or services under their plans.

To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for hospital and insurer price transparency. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Health Care Prices Revealed and Information to Consumers Explained Transparency Act'' or the ``Health Care PRICE Transparency Act''. SEC. 2. PRICE TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENTS. (a) Hospitals.--Section 2718(e) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-18(e)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``Each hospital'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--Each hospital''; (2) by inserting ``, in plain language without subscription and free of charge, in a consumer-friendly, machine-readable format,'' after ``a list''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``Each hospital shall include in its list of standard charges, along with such additional information as the Secretary may require with respect to such charges for purposes of promoting public awareness of hospital pricing in advance of receiving a hospital item or service, as applicable, the following: ``(A) A description of each item or service provided by the hospital. ``(B) The gross charge. ``(C) Any payer-specific negotiated charge clearly associated with the name of the third party payer and plan. ``(D) The de-identified minimum negotiated charge. ``(E) The de-identified maximum negotiated charge. ``(F) The discounted cash price. ``(G) Any code used by the hospital for purposes of accounting or billing, including Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code, the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code, the Diagnosis Related Group (DRG), the National Drug Code (NDC), or other common payer identifier. ``(2) Delivery methods and use.-- ``(A) In general.--Each hospital shall make public the standard charges described in paragraph (1) for as many of the 70 Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services-specified shoppable services that are provided by the hospital, and as many additional hospital- selected shoppable services as may be necessary for a combined total of at least 300 shoppable services, including the rate at which a hospital provides and bills for that shoppable service. If a hospital does not provide 300 shoppable services in accordance with the previous sentence, the hospital shall make public the information specified under paragraph (1) for as many shoppable services as it provides. ``(B) Determination by cms.--A hospital shall be deemed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to meet the requirements of subparagraph (A) if the hospital maintains an internet-based price estimator tool that meets the following requirements: ``(i) The tool provides estimates for as many of the 70 specified shoppable services that are provided by the hospital, and as many additional hospital-selected shoppable services as may be necessary for a combined total of at least 300 shoppable services. ``(ii) The tool allows health care consumers to, at the time they use the tool, obtain an estimate of the amount they will be obligated to pay the hospital for the shoppable service. ``(iii) The tool is prominently displayed on the hospital's website and easily accessible to the public, without subscription, fee, or having to submit personal identifying information (PII), and searchable by service description, billing code, and payer. ``(3) Definitions.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the purpose of paragraphs (1) and (2): ``(A) De-identified maximum negotiated charge.--The term `de-identified maximum negotiated charge' means the highest charge that a hospital has negotiated with all third party payers for an item or service. ``(B) De-identified minimum negotiated charge.--The term `de-identified minimum negotiated charge' means the lowest charge that a hospital has negotiated with all third party payers for an item or service. ``(C) Discounted cash price.--The term `discounted cash price' means the charge that applies to an individual who pays cash, or cash equivalent, for a hospital item or service. Hospitals that do not offer self-pay discounts may display the hospital's undiscounted gross charges as found in the hospital chargemaster. ``(D) Gross charge.--The term `gross charge' means the charge for an individual item or service that is reflected on a hospital's chargemaster, absent any discounts. ``(E) Payer-specific negotiated charge.--The term `payer-specific negotiated charge' means the charge that a hospital has negotiated with a third party payer for an item or service. ``(F) Shoppable service.--The term `shoppable service' means a service that can be scheduled by a health care consumer in advance. ``(G) Standard charges.--The term `standard charges' means the regular rate established by the hospital for an item or service, including both individual items and services and service packages, provided to a specific group of paying patients, including the gross charge, the payer-specific negotiated charge, the discounted cash price, the de- identified minimum negotiated charge, the de-identified maximum negotiated charge, and other rates determined by the Secretary. ``(H) Third party payer.--The term `third party payer' means an entity that is, by statute, contract, or agreement, legally responsible for payment of a claim for a health care item or service. ``(4) Enforcement.--In addition to any other enforcement actions or penalties that may apply under subsection (b)(3) or another provision of law, a hospital that fails to provide the information required by this subsection and has not completed a corrective action plan to comply with the requirements of such subsection shall be subject to a civil monetary penalty of an amount not to exceed $300 per day that the violation is ongoing as determined by the Secretary. Such penalty shall be imposed and collected in the same manner as civil money penalties under subsection (a) of section 1128A of the Social Security Act are imposed and collected.''. (b) Transparency in Coverage.--Section 1311(e)(3) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031(e)(3)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A)-- (A) by redesignating clause (ix) as clause (xii); and (B) by inserting after clause (viii), the following: ``(ix) In-network provider rates for covered items and services. ``(x) Out-of-network allowed amounts and billed charges for covered items and services. ``(xi) Negotiated rates and historical net prices for covered prescription drugs.''; (2) in subparagraph (B)-- (A) in the heading, by striking ``use'' and inserting ``delivery methods and use''; (B) by inserting ``and subparagraph (C)'' after ``subparagraph (A)''; (C) by inserting ``, as applicable,'' after ``English proficiency''; and (D) by inserting after the second sentence, the following: ``The Secretary shall establish standards for the methods and formats for disclosing information to individuals. At a minimum, these standards shall include the following: ``(i) An internet-based self-service tool to provide information to an individual in plain language, without subscription and free of charge, in a machine readable format, through a self-service tool on an internet website that provides real-time responses based on cost-sharing information that is accurate at the time of the request that allows, at a minimum, users to-- ``(I) search for cost-sharing information for a covered item or service provided by a specific in- network provider or by all in-network providers; ``(II) search for an out-of-network allowed amount, percentage of billed charges, or other rate that provides a reasonably accurate estimate of the amount an insurer will pay for a covered item or service provided by out-of-network providers; and ``(III) refine and reorder search results based on geographic proximity of in-network providers, and the amount of the individual's cost-sharing liability for the covered item or service, to the extent the search for cost-sharing information for covered items or services returns multiple results. ``(ii) In paper form at the request of the individual that includes no fewer than 20 providers per request with respect to which cost-sharing information for covered items and services is provided, and discloses the applicable provider per-request limit to the individual, mailed to the individual not later than 2 business days after receiving an individual's request.''; (3) in subparagraph (C)-- (A) in the first sentence-- (i) by striking ``The Exchange'' and inserting the following: ``(i) In general.--The Exchange''; (ii) by inserting ``or out-of-network provider'' after ``item or service by a participating provider''; and (iii) by inserting before the period the following: ``the following information: ``(i) An estimate of an individual's cost- sharing liability for a requested covered item or service furnished by a provider, which shall reflect any cost-sharing reductions the individual would receive. ``(ii) A description of the accumulated amounts. ``(iii) The in-network rate, including negotiated rates and underlying fee schedule rates. ``(iv) The out-of-network allowed amount or any other rate that provides a more accurate estimate of an amount an issuer will pay, including the percent reimbursed by insurers to out-of-network providers, for the requested covered item or service furnished by an out-of- network provider. ``(v) A list of the items and services included in bundled payment arrangements for which cost-sharing information is being disclosed. ``(vi) A notification that coverage of a specific item or service is subject to a prerequisite, if applicable. ``(vii) A notice that includes the following information: ``(I) A statement that out-of- network providers may bill individuals for the difference, including the balance billing, between a provider's billed charges and the sum of the amount collected from the insurer in the form of a copayment or coinsurance amount and the cost-sharing information. ``(II) A statement that the actual charges for an individual's covered item or service may be different from an estimate of cost-sharing liability depending on the actual items or services the individual receives at the point of care. ``(III) A statement that the estimate of cost-sharing liability for a covered item or service is not a guarantee that benefits will be provided for that item or service. ``(IV) A statement disclosing whether the plan counts copayment assistance and other third-party payments in the calculation of the individual's deductible and out-of- pocket maximum. ``(V) For items and services that are recommended preventive services under section 2713 of the Public Health Service Act, a statement that an in- network item or service may not be subject to cost-sharing if it is billed as a preventive service in the insurer cannot determine whether the request is for a preventive or non-preventive item or service. ``(VI) Any additional information, including other disclaimers, that the insurer determines is appropriate, provided the additional information does not conflict with the information required to be provided by this subsection.''; (B) by striking the second sentence; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(ii) Definitions.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for the purpose of this subparagraph and subparagraphs (A) and (B): ``(I) Accumulated amounts.--The term `accumulated amounts' means the amount of financial responsibility an individual has incurred at the time a request for cost-sharing information is made, with respect to a deductible or out-of-pocket limit, including any expense that counts toward a deductible or out-of-pocket limit, but exclude any expense that does not count toward a deductible or out-of-pocket limit. To the extent an insurer imposes a cumulative treatment limitation on a particular covered item or service independent of individual medical necessity determinations, the amount that has accrued toward the limit on the item or service. ``(II) Historical net price.--The term `historical net price' means the retrospective average amount an insurer paid for a prescription drug, inclusive of any reasonably allocated rebates, discounts, chargebacks, fees, and any additional price concessions received by the insurer with respect to the prescription drug. The allocation shall be determined by dollar value for non- product specific and product-specific rebates, discounts, chargebacks, fees, and other price concessions to the extent that the total amount of any such price concession is known to the insurer at the time of publication of the historical net price. ``(III) Negotiated rate.--The term `negotiated rate' means the amount a plan or issuer has contractually agreed to pay for a covered item or service, whether directly or indirectly through a third party administrator or pharmacy benefit manager, to an in-network provider, including an in-network pharmacy or other prescription drug dispenser, for covered items or services. ``(IV) Out-of-network allowed amount.--The term `out-of-network allowed amount' means the maximum amount an insurer will pay for a covered item or service furnished by an out-of-network provider. ``(V) Out-of-network limit.--The term `out-of-network limit' means the maximum amount that an individual is required to pay during a coverage period for his or her share of the costs of covered items and services under his or her plan or coverage, including for self-only and other than self-only coverage, as applicable. ``(VI) Underlying fee schedule rates.--The term `underlying fee schedule rates' means the rate for an item or service that a plan or issuer uses to determine a participant's, beneficiary's, or enrollee's cost- sharing liability from a particular provider or providers, when the rate is different from the negotiated rate.''; (4) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``subparagraph (A)'' and inserting ``subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C)''; and (5) by adding at the end the following: ``(F) Application of paragraph.--In addition to qualified health plans (and plans seeking certification as qualified health plans), this paragraph (as amended by the Health Care Prices Revealed and Information to Consumers Explained Transparency Act) shall apply to group health plans (including self-insured and fully insured plans) and health insurance coverage (as such terms are defined in section 2791 of the Public Health Service Act).''. <all>

Health Care PRICE Transparency Act

To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for hospital and insurer price transparency.

Health Care PRICE Transparency Act Health Care Prices Revealed and Information to Consumers Explained Transparency Act

Rep. Davidson, Warren

R

OH

H.R.356

Government Operations and Politics

Federal Hiring Improvement Reform and Enforcement Act or the Federal HIRE Act This bill provides direct-hire authority to federal agencies for purposes of filling positions in the competitive service for which there is a severe shortage of candidates, as determined by the agency. Direct-hire authority is an expedited hiring authority that currently may be issued by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to fill positions in the competitive service for which there is a critical hiring need or severe shortage of candidates. OPM may issue such authority to agencies upon written request or upon an independent assessment that there is a critical hiring need or severe shortage of candidates for specific positions.

To provide greater flexibility to agencies to make appointments to positions for which there is a severe shortage of candidates, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Hiring Improvement Reform and Enforcement Act'' or the ``Federal HIRE Act''. SEC. 2. FEDERAL AGENCY APPOINTMENT FLEXIBILITY. (a) In General.--Chapter 31 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 3116 the following new section: ``Sec. 3117. Agency appointment flexibility ``(a) In General.--The head of an agency may, without regard to the provisions of section 3304 and sections 3309 through 3318, appoint a qualified individual to a position within the agency that is in the competitive service and for which the head of the agency determines that there is a severe shortage of candidates. ``(b) Rule of Construction.--This provision shall not be construed as superseding or otherwise affecting any authority granted to the head of any agency under any other provision of law to make appointments without regard to a provision of chapter 33. ``(c) Agency Defined.--The term `agency' has the meaning given such term under section 551.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 31 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item related to section 3116 the following item: ``3117. Agency appointment flexibility.''. <all>

Federal HIRE Act

To provide greater flexibility to agencies to make appointments to positions for which there is a severe shortage of candidates, and for other purposes.

Federal HIRE Act Federal Hiring Improvement Reform and Enforcement Act

Rep. Steube, W. Gregory

R

FL

S.4417

Commerce

Patent Trial and Appeal Board Reform Act of 2022 This bill modifies the authorities and procedures of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), the body within the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) that decides administrative patent validity challenges and reviews (e.g., inter partes reviews and post-grant reviews). For example, the bill (1) authorizes the director of the PTO to review and set aside PTAB decisions, (2) modifies the time limits for filing such patent validity challenges at the PTAB, and (3) limits the institution of certain such challenges if the challenges are filed by the same petitioner and includes one or more of the same claims.

To amend title 35, United States Code, to address matters relating to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Patent Trial and Appeal Board Reform Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. PATENTS. (a) In General.--Title 35, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in section 6-- (A) in subsection (a), by inserting after the third sentence the following: ``Each member of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board shall comply with the Code of Conduct for United States Judges, including limitations on ex parte communications, when performing the duties enumerated in subsection (b).''; (B) in subsection (c)-- (i) in the second sentence, by striking ``Only the'' and inserting ``The''; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``After the constitution of a panel of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board under this subsection has been made public, any changes to the constitution of that panel, including changes that were made before the constitution of the panel was made public, shall be noted in the record.''; (C) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); (D) by inserting after subsection (c) the following: ``(d) Review by the Director.-- ``(1) Opportunities for review.-- ``(A) In general.--With respect to a decision of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board-- ``(i) the Director may, on the initiative of the Director, review, and modify or set aside, the decision; ``(ii) if the decision is issued under section 318(a) or 328(a), a party to the applicable inter partes or post-grant review may request that the Director review, and modify or set aside, the decision; and ``(iii) if the decision is issued under section 314 or 324 under a delegation by the Director, a party to the applicable inter partes or post-grant review petition may request that the Director review, and modify or set aside, the decision. ``(B) Effect of request for review of determination to institute review.--A request for review under subparagraph (A)(iii) shall not be a basis to stay or delay any proceeding. ``(2) Requirement.-- ``(A) In general.--Any review by the Director under paragraph (1) shall be issued in a separate written opinion that-- ``(i) is made part of the public record; ``(ii) sets forth the reasons for the review, modification, or setting aside of the decision of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board; and ``(iii) may be designated as precedential, and if it is designated as precedential, shall be followed by future panels of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, unless and until the opinion is-- ``(I) rescinded; or ``(II) superseded by-- ``(aa) regulation; ``(bb) a decision of the Director that is designated as precedential; or ``(cc) a decision of a court. ``(B) Effect of precedential designation.--Nothing in subparagraph (A)(iii) shall be construed to affect the obligation of the Director to prescribe regulations under section 316(a) or 326(a). ``(3) Timeline and bases for review.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Reform Act of 2022, the Director shall promulgate rules addressing the following issues: ``(A) With respect to review of a decision on the initiative of the Director under paragraph (1)(A)(i)-- ``(i) the timeline under which the Director may review the decision, which shall be consistent with the requirements under section 318(e) or 328(e), if applicable; and ``(ii) the bases on which the Director may review the decision. ``(B) With respect to a request by a party under clause (ii) or (iii) of paragraph (1)(A)-- ``(i) the timeline for submitting such a request; ``(ii) the content that the party is required to include in such a request; ``(iii) the bases on which the party may submit such a request; and ``(iv) the timeline for any response or reply to such a request such that the request can be decided within the deadline imposed under section 318(e) or 328(e), as applicable. ``(4) Determination whether to review final decisions of board.--Notwithstanding the bases for review promulgated under paragraph (3), the determination whether to review a final decision of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board under this subsection is committed to the discretion of the Director. ``(5) Rule of construction.--For the purposes of an appeal permitted under section 141, any decision on review of a final written decision of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board under section 318(a) or 328(a), that is issued by the Director under this subsection, shall be deemed a final written decision of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.''; and (E) in subsection (e), as so redesignated-- (i) in the first sentence-- (I) by striking ``of this subsection'' and inserting ``of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Reform Act of 2022''; (II) by inserting ``or the Secretary'' after ``appointment by the Director''; and (III) by inserting ``or the Secretary, as applicable,'' after ``on which the Director''; and (ii) in the second sentence-- (I) by inserting ``, or, before the date of enactment of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Reform Act of 2022, having performed duties no longer performed by administrative patent judges,'' after ``by the Director''; and (II) by striking ``that the administrative patent judge so appointed'' and inserting ``that the applicable administrative patent judge''; (2) in chapter 31-- (A) in section 314(d), by striking ``section'' and inserting ``chapter''; (B) in section 315-- (i) in subsection (b), by striking ``shall not apply to a request for joinder under subsection (c).'' and inserting the following: ``shall be subject to the following limitations: ``(1) The time limitation shall not apply-- ``(A) to a request for joinder under subsection (c); or ``(B) if the complaint is dismissed without prejudice. ``(2) If new or amended claims issue from reexamination after the petitioner, real party in interest, or privy of the petitioner is served with the complaint, an inter partes review of those claims, and any dependent claims depending from those claims, may be instituted if the petition requesting the review is filed not later than 1 year after the date on which the new or amended claims are asserted against the petitioner, real party in interest, or privy of the petitioner.''; (ii) in subsection (c), by inserting ``a request to join the inter partes review and'' before ``a petition under section 311''; (iii) in subsection (d)-- (I) by striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding''; and (II) by striking ``before the Office,'' and all that follows and inserting the following: ``before the Office-- ``(A) the parties shall notify the Director; ``(B) the Director shall issue a decision determining the manner in which the other proceeding or matter may proceed, including providing for stay, transfer, consolidation, or termination of any such proceeding or matter; and ``(C) a party may seek review of the decision by way of petition to the Director. ``(2) No extension.--A decision of the Director under paragraph (1)(B) may not-- ``(A) extend any statutory deadline under this chapter; or ``(B) terminate an inter partes proceeding in favor of an ex parte proceeding. ``(3) Limit on repeated petitions.--The Director may not authorize an inter partes review to be instituted if the Director has previously instituted an inter partes review or post-grant review that includes one or more of the same claims based on a petition that was filed on a different day by the same petitioner, or a real party in interest or privy of the same petitioner.''; (iv) in subsection (e)-- (I) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``that the claim is not unpatentable'' after ``decision under section 318(a)''; and (II) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Applicability.--The prohibitions under this subsection shall apply to the petitioner in an inter partes review upon the issuance of the final written decision for that review.''; and (v) by adding at the end the following: ``(f) Institution Not To Be Denied Based on Parallel Proceedings.-- In deciding whether to institute an inter partes review proceeding, the Director shall not in any respect consider an ongoing civil action or a proceeding before the International Trade Commission under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1337), other than with respect to-- ``(1) the bars specified in subsections (a) and (b); or ``(2) the determination under section 314(a) that there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.''; (C) in section 316-- (i) in subsection (a)-- (I) in paragraph (5)-- (aa) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end; (bb) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (cc) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: ``(B) evidence identifying real parties in interest of the petitioner who would be statutorily prohibited from filing a petition under section 311; and''; (II) in paragraph (6)-- (aa) by inserting after ``abuse of process,'' the following: ``including a petitioner deliberately delaying or losing, or offering to deliberately delay or lose, an instituted proceeding in exchange for consideration,''; and (bb) by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: ``, which sanctions shall be equally applicable to petitioners and patent owners and may include, among other things-- ``(A) shifting costs, expert witness fees, or attorney fees; ``(B) referring counsel to the Office of Enrollment and Discipline; ``(C) a bar preventing a party from filing certain documents; and ``(D) a bar preventing a party from filing any inter partes review or post-grant review petition for a period of 1 year''; (III) in paragraph (11), by inserting ``or consolidation under section 315(d)'' after ``under section 315(c)''; (IV) in paragraph (12), by striking ``and'' at the end; (V) in paragraph (13), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (VI) by adding at the end the following: ``(14) providing that for all purposes under this chapter-- ``(A) each term in a challenged claim of a patent shall be construed using the same claim construction standard that would be used to construe the term in a civil action under chapter 29; and ``(B) if a court has previously construed a term in a civil action involving the patent under chapter 29, the Office-- ``(i) shall make that construction of record in the proceeding; and ``(ii) shall consider but shall not be bound by that construction.''; (ii) in subsection (c)-- (I) by striking ``The Patent'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--The Patent''; and (II) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Ex parte communication.--An officer who has supervisory authority or disciplinary authority with respect to an administrative patent judge of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (or a delegate of such an officer), and who is not a member of a panel described in section 6(c), shall refrain from ex parte communication with such a judge who is a member of that panel concerning any pending matter before that panel, except as allowed under the Code of Conduct for United States Judges.''; and (iii) in subsection (e)-- (I) by striking ``In an'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--In an''; (II) in paragraph (1), as so designated, by inserting ``of challenged patent claims'' after ``unpatentability''; and (III) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Claim amendment.--For any substitute claim proposed under subsection (d), the burden of proving patentability, including under sections 101, 102, 103, and 112, shall be the same as in examination under section 131.''; (D) in section 318-- (i) in subsection (b), by inserting ``, not later than 60 days after the date on which the parties to the inter partes review have informed the Director that the time for appeal has expired or any appeal has terminated,'' after ``the Director shall''; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Rehearing.--Not later than 120 days after the date on which the Patent Trial and Appeal Board issues a final written decision under subsection (a), the Board or the Director shall finally decide any request for reconsideration, rehearing, or review that is submitted with respect to the decision, except that the Director may, for good cause shown, extend that 120-day period by not more than 60 days.''; (E) in section 319-- (i) by striking ``A party'' and inserting the following: ``(a) In General.--A party''; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``(b) Standing To Appeal.--For the purposes of an appeal described in subsection (a), the right to appeal shall extend at least to any dissatisfied party that reasonably expects that another person will assert estoppel against the party under section 315(e) as a result of the decision. ``(c) Timing on Remand After Appeal.--Not later than 120 days after the date on which a mandate issues from the court remanding to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board after an appeal under subsection (a), the Board or the Director shall finally decide any issue on remand, except that the Director may, for good cause shown, extend that 120-day period by not more than 60 days.''; and (F) by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 320. Support for small and micro entities in inter partes review and post-grant review ``(a) Covered Patent Defined.--In this section, the term `covered patent' means a patent-- ``(1) that is the subject of a petition for inter partes review under chapter 31 or post-grant review under chapter 32; ``(2) whose owner at the time of the patent application qualified for small entity or micro entity status; ``(3) whose owner, on the date on which the petition is filed, would qualify for small entity or micro entity status if that owner were to file a patent application; ``(4) whose owner has not asserted the patent in litigation; ``(5) that has not been licensed to any other party that would not qualify for small entity or micro entity status if that party were to file a patent application; and ``(6) the owner or exclusive licensee of which makes or uses the claimed invention in a commercial enterprise, or has made substantial preparations to do so. ``(b) Expenses Covered.-- ``(1) In general.--The Office shall pay to the owner of a covered patent all of the reasonable expenses of the proceeding actually incurred by the patent owner (and not expenses incurred by a third party funding the proceeding), including reasonable expert witness fees and reasonable attorney fees, for defending the inter partes review or post-grant review. ``(2) Expenses included.--The expenses to be paid under paragraph (1) shall include expenses of-- ``(A) a preliminary response under section 313 or 323; ``(B) a response under section 316(a)(8) or 326(a)(8); ``(C) any discovery under section 316(a)(5) or 326(a)(5); ``(D) motions filed at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board; ``(E) any requests for reconsideration, rehearing, or review; and ``(F) any proceedings after a remand from the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. ``(3) Payment not dependent on outcome.--The Office shall pay reasonable expenses under paragraph (1) regardless of the outcome of the proceeding. ``(4) Expenses not included.--The expenses to be paid under paragraph (1) shall not include expenses incurred-- ``(A) in a proceeding at the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit or any tribunal outside the Office; or ``(B) in moving to amend any patent claim under-- ``(i) subsection (a)(9), (d), or (e) of section 316; or ``(ii) subsection (a)(9), (d), or (e) of section 326. ``(c) Source of Funds.--The total estimated expenses paid to owners of covered patents under this section-- ``(1) shall be considered part of the aggregate costs under section 311(a) or 321(a); and ``(2) shall be recovered through fees paid by petitioners.''; and (3) in chapter 32-- (A) in section 324(e), by striking ``section'' and inserting ``chapter''; (B) in section 325-- (i) in subsection (c), by inserting ``, the petitioner files a request to join the post- grant review,'' before ``and the Director''; (ii) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following: ``(d) Multiple Proceedings.-- ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding sections 135(a), 251, and 252, and chapter 30, during the pendency of any post-grant review under this chapter, if another proceeding or matter involving the patent is before the Office-- ``(A) the parties shall notify the Director; ``(B) the Director shall issue a decision determining the manner in which the other proceeding or matter may proceed, including providing for stay, transfer, consolidation, or termination of any such proceeding or matter; and ``(C) a party may seek review of the decision by way of petition to the Director. ``(2) No extension.--A decision of the Director under paragraph (1)(B) may not-- ``(A) extend any statutory deadline under this chapter; or ``(B) terminate an inter partes proceeding in favor of an ex parte proceeding. ``(3) Limit on repeated petitions.--The Director shall not authorize a post-grant review to be instituted if the Director has previously instituted an inter partes review or post-grant review that includes one or more of the same claims based on a petition that was filed on a different day by the same petitioner, or a real party in interest or privy of the same petitioner. ``(4) Considerations.--In determining whether to institute or order a proceeding under this chapter, chapter 30, or chapter 31, the Director may take into account whether, and reject the petition or request because, the same or substantially the same prior art or arguments previously were presented to the Office.''; (iii) in subsection (e)-- (I) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``that the claim is not unpatentable'' after ``decision under section 328(a)''; and (II) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Applicability.--The prohibitions under this subsection shall apply to the petitioner in a post-grant review upon the issuance of the final written decision for that review.''; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: ``(g) Institution Not To Be Denied Based on Parallel Proceedings.-- In deciding whether to institute a post-grant review proceeding, the Director shall not in any respect consider an ongoing civil action or a proceeding before the International Trade Commission under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1337), other than with respect to the determination under section 324(a) that there is a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner would prevail with respect to at least 1 of the claims challenged in the petition.''; (C) in section 326-- (i) in subsection (a)-- (I) in paragraph (5)-- (aa) by striking ``shall be limited to evidence'' and inserting the following: ``shall be limited to-- ``(A) evidence''; and (bb) by adding at the end the following: ``and ``(B) evidence identifying real parties in interest of the petitioner who would be statutorily prohibited from filing a petition under section 321;''; (II) in paragraph (6)-- (aa) by inserting after ``abuse of process,'' the following: ``including a petitioner deliberately delaying or losing, or offering to deliberately delay or lose, an instituted proceeding in exchange for consideration,''; and (bb) by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: ``, which sanctions shall be equally applicable to petitioners and patent owners and may include, among other things-- ``(A) shifting costs, expert witness fees, or attorney fees; ``(B) referring counsel to the Office of Enrollment and Discipline; ``(C) a bar preventing a party from filing certain documents; and ``(D) a bar preventing a party from filing any inter partes review or post-grant review petition for a period of 1 year''; (III) in paragraph (11)-- (aa) by inserting ``or consolidation under section 325(d)'' after ``under section 325(c)''; and (bb) by striking ``and'' at the end; (IV) in paragraph (12), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (V) by adding at the end the following: ``(13) providing that for all purposes under this chapter-- ``(A) each term in a challenged claim of a patent shall be construed using the same claim construction standard that would be used to construe the term in a civil action under chapter 29; and ``(B) if a court has previously construed a term in a civil action involving the patent under chapter 29, the Office-- ``(i) shall make that construction of record in the proceeding; and ``(ii) shall consider but shall not be bound by that construction.''; (ii) in subsection (c)-- (I) by striking ``The Patent'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--The Patent''; and (II) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Ex parte communication.--An officer who has supervisory authority or disciplinary authority with respect to an administrative patent judge of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (or a delegate of such an officer), and who is not a member of a panel described in section 6(c), shall refrain from ex parte communication with such a judge who is a member of that panel concerning any pending matter before that panel, except as allowed under the Code of Conduct for United States Judges.''; and (iii) in subsection (e)-- (I) by striking ``In a'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--In a''; (II) in paragraph (1), as so designated, by inserting ``of challenged patent claims'' after ``unpatentability''; and (III) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Claim amendment.--For any substitute claim proposed under subsection (d), the burden of proving patentability, including under sections 101, 102, 103, and 112, shall be the same as in examination under section 131.''; (D) in section 328-- (i) in subsection (b), by inserting ``, not later than 60 days after the date on which the parties to the post-grant review have informed the Director that the time for appeal has expired or any appeal has terminated,'' after ``the Director shall''; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Rehearing.--Not later than 120 days after the date on which the Patent Trial and Appeal Board issues a final written decision under subsection (a), the Board or the Director shall finally decide any request for reconsideration, rehearing, or review that is submitted with respect to the decision, except that the Director may, for good cause shown, extend that 120-day period by not more than 60 days.''; and (E) in section 329-- (i) by striking ``A party'' and inserting the following: ``(a) In General.--A party''; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``(b) Standing To Appeal.--For the purposes of an appeal described in subsection (a), the right to appeal shall extend at least to any dissatisfied party that reasonably expects that another person will assert estoppel against the party under section 325(e) as a result of the decision. ``(c) Timing on Remand After Appeal.--Not later than 120 days after the date on which a mandate issues from the court remanding to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board after an appeal under subsection (a), the Board or the Director shall finally decide any issue on remand, except that the Director may, for good cause shown, extend that 120-day period by not more than 60 days.''. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 31 of title 35, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``320. Support for small and micro entities in inter partes review and post-grant review.''. <all>

Patent Trial and Appeal Board Reform Act of 2022

A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to address matters relating to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and for other purposes.

Patent Trial and Appeal Board Reform Act of 2022

Sen. Leahy, Patrick J.

D

VT

H.R.2252

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021 This bill provides for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley. After the award the medal shall be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

To award posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal to Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The brutal lynching of Emmett Till and the subsequent bravery and boldness of his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, became a catalyst for the civil rights movement. (2) On August 28, 1955, 14-year-old Emmett Till was kidnapped, beaten, and shot in Money, Mississippi, where he had traveled from Chicago to stay with his great uncle, Moses Wright. (3) The corpse of Emmett Till was discovered 3 days later in the Tallahatchie River and his murderers were acquitted despite Moses Wright providing an eyewitness testimony that the men on trial kidnapped Emmett Till. (4) Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmett Till, demonstrated her love for her son and her courage and strength in suffering in the days that followed as she brought the body of Emmett Till back to Chicago for burial and demanded an open casket funeral, which drew more than 50,000 attendees. (5) Mamie Till-Mobley further allowed a photograph to be taken of Emmett Till in his casket, which was shown throughout the world. (6) The original casket of Emmett Till stands on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture as an enduring reminder of the racial violence that is a part of the history of the United States that the people of the United States must confront. (7) The heroic actions of Mamie Till-Mobley in the midst of evil, injustice, and grief became a catalyst for the civil rights movement and continued in the years to come as she worked for justice and honored the legacy of Emmett Till. (8) Mamie Till-Mobley went on to create the Emmett Till Players, which was a significant national cultural contribution as teenagers traveled throughout the country presenting Martin Luther King, Jr., speeches in the name of Emmett Till. (9) Mamie Till-Mobley also served as chair and co-founder of the Emmett Till Justice Campaign, which had the dual mission of reopening the murder of Emmett Till for a reinvestigation and a passage into law of Federal legislation to ensure that other racially motivated murders during the civil rights era were investigated and, when possible, prosecuted. (10) The efforts of the Emmett Till Justice Campaign led to the successful joint investigation by the State of Mississippi, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Department of Justice in 2004, the passage of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-344; 122 Stat. 3934), signed into law by President George W. Bush, and the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-325; 130 Stat. 1965), signed into law by President Barack Obama. (11) The people of the United States honor the legacy of Emmett Till and the incredible suffering and equally incredible courage, resilience, and efforts of Mamie Till-Mobley that led to the civil rights movement that began in the 1950s. SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. (a) Presentation Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the posthumous presentation, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design in commemoration of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley. (b) Design and Striking.--For purposes of the presentation referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (referred to in this Act as the ``Secretary'') shall strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary. (c) Award of Medal.-- (1) In general.--After the award of the gold medal referred to in subsection (a), the gold medal shall be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where it shall be displayed as appropriate. (2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the National Museum of African American History and Culture should make the gold medal received under paragraph (1) available for display elsewhere, particularly at other locations and events associated with Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley. SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS. Under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal struck under section 3, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the medals, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses. SEC. 5. STATUS OF MEDALS. (a) National Medals.--Medals struck under this Act are national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code. (b) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, all medals struck under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items. <all>

Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021

To award posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal to Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley.

Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021

Rep. Rush, Bobby L.

D

IL

S.1188

Armed Forces and National Security

SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act This bill implements reporting requirements and policies related to the treatment and documentation of veterans who have been exposed to open burn pits. A burn pit is an area used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment. First, the bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit quarterly reports on veterans' burn pit exposure The bill also requires the VA to collaborate with the Department of Defense to submit an annual report detailing specified information about veterans who have been exposed to open burn pits, such as the number of claims for disability compensation approved and denied (including the rationale for denials). The bill authorizes the survivor of a deceased veteran to report a veteran's exposure to toxic substances from an open burn pit in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, even if the veteran was not included prior to their death. VA medical professionals must inform veterans of the registry if they present at a medical facility for treatment related to exposure to toxic chemicals by open burn pits. Finally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the effectiveness of any memorandum of understanding entered into by the VA with respect to the processing of reported cases of burn pit exposure and the coordination of care and provision of health care related to such cases at VA and non-VA facilities.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to notify Congress regularly of reported cases of burn pit exposure by veterans, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act''. SEC. 2. NOTIFICATIONS AND REPORTS REGARDING REPORTED CASES OF BURN PIT EXPOSURE. (a) Quarterly Notifications.-- (1) In general.--On a quarterly basis, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on each reported case of burn pit exposure by a covered veteran reported during the previous quarter. (2) Elements.--Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to each reported case of burn pit exposure of a covered veteran included in the report, the following: (A) Notice of the case, including the medical facility at which the case was reported. (B) Notice of, as available-- (i) the enrollment status of the covered veteran with respect to the patient enrollment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code; (ii) a summary of all health care visits by the covered veteran at the medical facility at which the case was reported that are related to the case; (iii) the demographics of the covered veteran, including age, sex, and race; (iv) any non-Department of Veterans Affairs health care benefits that the covered veteran receives; (v) the Armed Force in which the covered veteran served and the rank of the covered veteran; (vi) the period in which the covered veteran served; (vii) each location of an open burn pit from which the covered veteran was exposed to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes during such service; (viii) the medical diagnoses of the covered veteran and the treatment provided to the veteran; and (ix) whether the covered veteran is registered in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. (3) Protection of information.--The Secretary shall ensure that the reports submitted under paragraph (1) do not include the identity of covered veterans or contain other personally identifiable data. (b) Annual Report on Cases.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report detailing the following: (A) The total number of covered veterans. (B) The total number of claims for disability compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, approved and the total number denied by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with respect to a covered veteran, and for each such denial, the rationale of the denial. (C) A comprehensive list of-- (i) the conditions for which covered veterans seek treatment; and (ii) the locations of the open burn pits from which the covered veterans were exposed to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes. (D) Identification of any illnesses relating to exposure to open burn pits that formed the basis for the Secretary to award benefits, including entitlement to service connection or an increase in disability rating. (E) The total number of covered veterans who died after seeking care for an illness relating to exposure to an open burn pit. (F) Any updates or trends with respect to the information described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) that the Secretary determines appropriate. (2) Matters included in first report.--The Secretary shall include in the first report under paragraph (1) information specified in subsection (a)(2) with respect to reported cases of burn pit exposure made during the period beginning January 1, 1990, and ending on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Inclusion of Information After Death and Provision of Information Regarding Open Burn Pit Registry.--Section 201(a) of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(3) Reporting of information after death.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall permit a survivor of a deceased veteran to report to the registry under paragraph (1) the exposure of the veteran to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by an open burn pit, even if such veteran was not included in the registry before their death. ``(4) Information regarding registry.-- ``(A) Notice.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that a medical professional of the Department of Veterans Affairs informs a veteran of the registry under paragraph (1) if the veteran presents at a medical facility of the Department for treatment that the veteran describes as being related to, or ancillary to, the exposure of the veteran to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits. ``(B) Display.--In making information public regarding the number of participants in the registry under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall display such numbers by both State and by congressional district.''. (d) Comptroller General Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing an assessment of the effectiveness of any memorandum of understanding or memorandum of agreement entered into by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with respect to-- (1) the processing of reported cases of burn pit exposure; and (2) the coordination of care and provision of health care relating to such cases at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs and at non-Department facilities. (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry'' means the registry established by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under section 201 of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note). (2) The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means-- (A) the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and (B) The Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. (3) The term ``covered veteran'' means a veteran who presents at a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs (or in a non-Department facility pursuant to section 1703 or 1703A of title 38, United States Code) for treatment that the veteran describes as being related to, or ancillary to, the exposure of the veteran to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits at any time while serving in the Armed Forces. (4) The term ``open burn pit'' has the meaning given that term in section 201(c) of the Dignified Burial and Other Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note). (5) The term ``reported case of burn pit exposure'' means each instance in which a veteran presents at a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs (or in a non-Department facility pursuant to section 1703 or 1703A of title 38, United States Code) for treatment that the veteran describes as being related to, or ancillary to, the exposure of the veteran to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits at any time while serving in the Armed Forces. <all>

SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act

A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to notify Congress regularly of reported cases of burn pit exposure by veterans, and for other purposes.

SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act

Sen. Brown, Sherrod

D

OH

S.1059

Commerce

American Innovation and Manufacturing Act This bill establishes within the Small Business Administration a credit facility to provide financial assistance to investment companies that finance small manufacturing businesses.

To establish a small business and domestic production recovery investment facility, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``American Innovation and Manufacturing Act''. SEC. 2. SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANY PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Part A of title III of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 681 et seq.) is amended-- (1) in section 302(a) (15 U.S.C. 682(a))-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or'' at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) $20,000,000, adjusted every 5 years for inflation, with respect to each licensee authorized or seeking authority to sell bonds to Administration as a participating investment company under section 321.''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 321. SMALL BUSINESS AND DOMESTIC PRODUCTION RECOVERY INVESTMENT FACILITY. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Eligible small business concern.--The term `eligible small business concern'-- ``(A) means a small business concern that is a manufacturing business that is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with 31, 32, or 33 at the time at which the small business concern receives an investment from a participating investment company under the facility; and ``(B) does not include an entity described in section 7(a)(37)(A)(iv)(III) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(37)(A)(iv)(III)). ``(2) Facility.--The term `facility' means the facility established under subsection (b). ``(3) Fund.--The term `Fund' means the fund established under subsection (h). ``(4) Participating investment company.--The term `participating investment company' means a small business investment company approved under subsection (d) to participate in the facility. ``(5) Protege investment company.--The term `protege investment company' means a small business investment company that-- ``(A) is majority managed by new, inexperienced, or otherwise underrepresented fund managers; and ``(B) elects and is selected by the Administration to participate in the pathway-protege program under subsection (g). ``(6) Small business concern.--The term `small business concern' has the meaning given the term in section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)). ``(b) Establishment.-- ``(1) Facility.--The Administrator shall establish and carry out a facility to increase resiliency in the manufacturing supply chain of eligible small business concerns by providing financial assistance to participating investment companies that facilitate equity financings to eligible small business concerns in accordance with this section. ``(2) Administration of facility.--The facility shall be administered by the Administrator acting through the Associate Administrator described in section 201. ``(c) Applications.-- ``(1) In general.--Any small business investment company may submit to the Administrator an application to participate in the facility. ``(2) Requirements for application.--An application to participate in the facility shall include the following: ``(A) A business plan describing how the applicant intends to make successful equity investments in eligible small business concerns. ``(B) Information regarding the relevant investment qualifications and backgrounds of the individuals responsible for the management of the applicant. ``(C) A description of the extent to which the applicant meets the selection criteria under subsection (d)(2). ``(3) Exceptions to application for new licensees.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall reduce requirements for applicants applying to operate as a participating investment company under this section in order to encourage the participation of new small business investment companies in the facility under this section, which may include the requirements established under part 107 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation, relating to-- ``(A) the approval of initial management expenses; ``(B) the management ownership diversity requirement; ``(C) the disclosure of general compensatory practices and fee structures; or ``(D) any other requirement that the Administrator determines to be an obstacle to achieving the purposes described in this paragraph. ``(d) Selection of Participating Investment Companies.-- ``(1) Determination.-- ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), not later than 60 days after the date on which the Administrator receives an application under subsection (c), the Administrator shall-- ``(i) make a final determination to approve or disapprove such applicant to participate in the facility; and ``(ii) transmit the determination to the applicant in writing. ``(B) Commitment amount.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), at the time of approval of an applicant, the Administrator shall make a determination of the amount of the commitment that may be awarded to the applicant under this section. ``(2) Selection criteria.--In making a determination under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider-- ``(A) the probability that the investment strategy of the applicant will successfully repay any financial assistance provided by the Administration, including the probability of a return significantly in excess thereof; ``(B) the probability that the investments made by the applicant will-- ``(i) provide capital to eligible small business concerns; or ``(ii) create or preserve jobs in the United States; ``(C) the probability that the applicant will meet the objectives in the business plan of the applicant, including the financial goals, and, if applicable, the pathway-protege program in accordance with subsection (g); and ``(D) the probability that the applicant will assist eligible small business concerns in achieving profitability. ``(3) Approval of participating investment companies.-- ``(A) Provisional approval.-- ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), with respect to an application submitted by an applicant to operate as a participating investment company under this section, the Administrator may provide provisional approval for the applicant in lieu of a final determination of approval and determination of the amount of the commitment under that paragraph. ``(ii) Purpose.--The purpose of a provisional approval under clause (i) is to-- ``(I) encourage applications from investment companies with an investment mandate from the committed private market capital of the investment company that does not conform to the requirements described in this section at the time of application; ``(II) allow the applicant to more effectively raise capital commitments in the private markets by referencing the intent of the Administrator to award the applicant a commitment; and ``(III) allow the applicant to more precisely request the desired amount of commitment pending the securing of capital from private market investors. ``(iii) Limit on period of the time.--The period between a provisional approval under clause (i) and the final determination of approval under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 12 months. ``(e) Commitments and SBIC Bonds.-- ``(1) In general.--The Administrator may, out of amounts available in the Fund, purchase or commit to purchase from a participating investment company 1 or more accruing bonds that include equity features as described in this subsection. ``(2) Bond terms.--A bond purchased by the Administrator from a participating investment company under this subsection shall have the following terms and conditions: ``(A) Term and interest.-- ``(i) In general.--The bond shall be issued for a term of not less than 15 years and shall bear interest at a rate determined by the Administrator of not more than 2 percent. ``(ii) Accrual of interest.--Interest on the bond shall accrue and shall be payable in accordance with subparagraph (D). ``(iii) Prepayment.--The bond shall be prepayable without penalty after the end of the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the bond was purchased. ``(B) Profits.-- ``(i) In general.--The Administration shall be entitled to receive a share of the profits net of any profit sharing performance compensation of the participating investment company equal to the quotient obtained by dividing-- ``(I) one-third of the commitment that the participating investment company is approved for under subsection (d); by ``(II) the commitment approved under subsection (d) plus the regulatory capital of the participating investment company at the time of approval under that subsection. ``(ii) Determination of percentage.--The share to which the Administration is entitled under clause (i)-- ``(I) shall be determined at the time of approval under subsection (d); and ``(II) without the approval of the Administration, shall not be revised, including to reflect subsequent distributions of profits, returns of capital, or repayments of bonds, or otherwise. ``(C) Profit sharing performance compensation.-- ``(i) Receipt by administration.--The Administration shall receive a share of profits of not more than 2 percent, which shall be deposited into the Fund and be available to make commitments under this subsection. ``(ii) Receipt by managers.--The managers of the participating investment company may receive a maximum profit sharing performance compensation of 25 percent minus the share of profits paid to the Administration under clause (i). ``(D) Prohibition on distributions.--No distributions on capital, including profit distributions, shall be made by the participating investment company to the investors or managers of the participating investment company until the Administration has received payment of all accrued interest on the bond committed under this section. ``(E) Repayment of principal.--Except as described in subparagraph (F), repayments of principal of the bond of a participating investment company shall be-- ``(i) made at the same time as returns of private capital; and ``(ii) in amounts equal to the pro rata share of the Administration of the total amount being repaid or returned at such time. ``(F) Liquidation or default.--Upon any liquidation event or default, as defined by the Administration, any unpaid principal or accrued interest on the bond shall-- ``(i) have a priority over all equity of the participating investment company; and ``(ii) be paid before any return of equity or any other distributions to the investors or managers of the participating investment company. ``(3) Amount of commitments and purchases.-- ``(A) Maximum amount.--The maximum amount of outstanding bonds and commitments to purchase bonds for any participating investment company under the facility shall be the lesser of-- ``(i) twice the amount of the regulatory capital of the participating investment company; or ``(ii) $200,000,000. ``(4) Commitment process.--Commitments by the Administration to purchase bonds under the facility shall remain available to be sold by a participating investment company until the end of the fourth fiscal year following the year in which the commitment is made, subject to review and approval by the Administration based on regulatory compliance, financial status, change in management, deviation from business plan, and such other limitations as may be determined by the Administration by regulation or otherwise. ``(5) Commitment conditions.-- ``(A) In general.--As a condition of receiving a commitment under the facility, not less than 50 percent of amounts invested by the participating investment company shall be invested in eligible small business concerns. ``(B) Examinations.--In addition to the matters set forth in section 310(c), the Administration shall examine each participating investment company in such detail so as to determine whether the participating investment company has complied with the requirements under this subsection. ``(f) Distributions and Fees.-- ``(1) Distribution requirements.-- ``(A) Distributions.--As a condition of receiving a commitment under the facility, a participating investment company shall make all distributions to the Administrator in the same form and in a manner as are made to investors, or otherwise at a time and in a manner consistent with regulations or policies of the Administration. ``(B) Allocations.--A participating investment company shall make allocations of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit to the Administrator with respect to any outstanding bonds as if the Administrator were an investor. ``(2) Fees.--The Administrator may not charge fees for participating investment companies other than examination fees that are consistent with the license of the participating investment company. ``(3) Bifurcation.--Losses on bonds issued by participating investment companies shall not be offset by fees or any other charges on debenture small business investment companies. ``(g) Protege Program.--The Administrator shall establish a pathway-protege program in which a protege investment company may receive technical assistance and program support from a participating investment company on a voluntary basis and without penalty for non- participation. ``(h) Loss Limiting Fund.-- ``(1) In general.--There is established in the Treasury a fund for making commitments and purchasing bonds with equity features under the facility and receiving capital returned by participating investment companies. ``(2) Use of funds.--Amounts appropriated to the Fund or deposited in the Fund under paragraph (3) shall be available to the Administrator, without further appropriation, for making commitments and purchasing bonds under the facility and expenses and payments, excluding administrative expenses, relating to the operations of the Administrator under the facility. ``(3) Depositing of amounts.-- ``(A) In general.--All amounts received by the Administrator from a participating investment company relating to the facility, including any moneys, property, or assets derived by the Administrator from operations in connection with the facility, shall be deposited in the Fund. ``(B) Period of availability.--Amounts deposited under subparagraph (A) shall remain available until expended. ``(i) Application of Other Sections.--To the extent not inconsistent with requirements under this section, the Administrator may apply sections 309, 311, 312, 313, and 314 to activities under this section and an officer, director, employee, agent, or other participant in a participating investment company shall be subject to the requirements under such sections. ``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated for the first fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this part $10,000,000,000 to carry out the facility. Amounts appropriated pursuant to this subsection shall remain available until the end of the second fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this section.''. (b) Approval of Bank-Owned, Non-Leveraged Applicants.--Section 301(c)(2) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 681(c)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``Within'' and inserting ``Except as provided in subparagraph (C), within''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) Exception for bank-owned, non-leveraged applicants.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (B), not later than 45 days after the date on which the Administrator receives a completed application submitted by a bank-owned, non-leveraged applicant in accordance with this subsection and in accordance with such requirements as the Administrator may prescribe by regulation, the Administrator shall-- ``(i) review the application in its entirety; and ``(ii)(I) approve the application and issue a license for such operation to the applicant if the requirements of this section are satisfied; or ``(II) disapprove the application and notify the applicant in writing of the disapproval.''. (c) Electronic Submissions.--Part A of title III of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 681 et seq.), as amended by subsection (a) of this section, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 322. ELECTRONIC SUBMISSIONS. ``The Administration shall permit any document submitted under this title, or pursuant to a regulation carrying out this title, to be submitted electronically, including by permitting an electronic signature for any signature that is required on such a document.''. <all>

American Innovation and Manufacturing Act

A bill to establish a small business and domestic production recovery investment facility, and for other purposes.

American Innovation and Manufacturing Act

Sen. Rubio, Marco

R

FL

S.983

Health

Consumer Health Options and Insurance Competition Enhancement Act or the CHOICE Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop a public health insurance option that meets all federal plan requirements and is available on state and federal health insurance exchanges. Specifically, the CMS must offer silver and gold plans, may offer bronze plans, and must include all essential benefits, consumer protections, and cost-sharing limitations in each plan. The CMS may contract with a third party to administer the public option plans and states may establish advisory councils to make recommendations to the CMS about the operation and policies of such plans. Further, the CMS must establish geographically adjusted premiums and negotiate provider payment rates for services and prescription drugs covered the plans. If a payment rate cannot be negotiated, the CMS must pay the amount for such service as required under traditional Medicare. Medicare and Medicaid providers are automatically participants in public option plans unless they opt out, and providers not participating in Medicare or Medicaid may opt in.

To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish a public health insurance option, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Consumer Health Options and Insurance Competition Enhancement Act'' or the ``CHOICE Act''. SEC. 2. PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION. (a) In General.--Part 2 of subtitle D of title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18031 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 1314. PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION. ``(a) Establishment.-- ``(1) In general.--For plans years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, the Secretary shall establish, and provide for the offering through the Exchanges of, a qualified health plan (in this section referred to as the `public health insurance option') that provides value, choice, competition, and stability of affordable, high-quality coverage throughout the United States in accordance with this section. ``(2) Primary responsibility.--In designing the public health insurance option, the primary responsibility of the Secretary shall be to create an affordable health plan without compromising quality or access to care. ``(b) Administrating the Public Health Insurance Option.-- ``(1) Offered through exchanges.-- ``(A) Exclusive to exchanges.--The public health insurance option shall be offered exclusively by the Secretary through the Exchanges and not by a health insurance issuer. ``(B) Ensuring a level playing field.--Except as otherwise provided under this section, the public health insurance option shall comply with requirements under this title, and title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, that are applicable to health plans offered through the Exchanges, including requirements related to benefits, benefit levels, provider networks, notices, consumer protections, and cost-sharing. ``(C) Provision of benefit levels.--The public health insurance option shall offer bronze, silver, and gold plans. ``(2) Administrative contracting.-- ``(A) Authorities.--The Secretary may enter into contracts for the purpose of performing administrative functions (including functions described in subsection (a)(4) of section 1874A of the Social Security Act) with respect to the public health insurance option in the same manner as the Secretary may enter into contracts under subsection (a)(1) of such section. The Secretary shall have the same authority with respect to the public health insurance option as the Secretary has under such subsection (a)(1) and subsection (b) of section 1874A of the Social Security Act with respect to title XVIII of such Act. ``(B) Transfer of insurance risk.--Any contract under this paragraph shall not involve the transfer of insurance risk from the Secretary to the entity entering into such contract with the Secretary. ``(3) State advisory council.-- ``(A) Establishment.--A State may establish a public or nonprofit entity to serve as the State Advisory Council to provide recommendations to the Secretary on the operations and policies of the public health insurance option offered through the Exchange operating in the State. ``(B) Recommendations.--A State Advisory Council established under subparagraph (A) shall provide recommendations on at least the following: ``(i) Policies and procedures to integrate quality improvement and cost containment mechanisms into the health care delivery system. ``(ii) Mechanisms to facilitate public awareness of the availability of the public health insurance option. ``(iii) Alternative payment models and value-based insurance design under the public health insurance option that encourage quality improvement and cost control. ``(C) Members.--The members of any State Advisory Council shall be representatives of the public and include health care consumers and health care providers. ``(D) Applicability of recommendations.--The Secretary may apply the recommendations of a State Advisory Council to the public health insurance option in that State, in any other State, or in all States. ``(4) Data collection.--The Secretary shall collect such data as may be required-- ``(A) to establish rates for premiums and health care provider reimbursement under subsection (c); and ``(B) for other purposes under this section, including to improve quality, and reduce racial, ethnic, and other disparities, in health and health care. ``(c) Financing the Public Health Insurance Option.-- ``(1) Premiums.-- ``(A) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish geographically adjusted premium rates for the public health insurance option-- ``(i) in a manner that complies with the requirement for premium rates under subparagraph (C) and considers the data collected under subsection (b)(4); and ``(ii) at a level sufficient to fully finance-- ``(I) the costs of health benefits provided by the public health insurance option; and ``(II) administrative costs related to operating the public health insurance option. ``(B) Contingency margin.--In establishing premium rates under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall include an appropriate amount for a contingency margin. ``(C) Variations in premium rates.--The premium rate charged for the public health insurance option may not vary except as provided under section 2701 of the Public Health Service Act. ``(2) Health care provider payment rates for items and services.-- ``(A) In general.-- ``(i) Rates negotiated by the secretary.-- Not later than January 1, 2022, and except as provided in clause (ii), the Secretary shall, through a negotiated agreement with health care providers, establish rates for reimbursing health care providers for providing the benefits covered by the public health insurance option. ``(ii) Medicare reimbursement rates.--If the Secretary and health care providers are unable to reach a negotiated agreement on a reimbursement rate, the Secretary shall reimburse providers at rates determined for equivalent items and services under the original medicare fee-for-service program under parts A and B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act. ``(iii) For new services.--The Secretary shall modify reimbursement rates described in clause (ii) in order to accommodate payments for services, such as well-child visits, that are not otherwise covered under the original medicare fee-for-service program. ``(B) Prescription drugs.--Any payment rate under this subsection for a prescription drug shall be at a rate negotiated by the Secretary. If the Secretary is unable to reach a negotiated agreement on such a reimbursement rate, the Secretary shall use rates determined for equivalent drugs paid for under the original medicare fee-for-service program. The Secretary shall modify such rates in order to accommodate payments for drugs that are not otherwise covered under the original medicare fee-for-service program. ``(3) Account.-- ``(A) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury of the United States an account for the receipts and disbursements attributable to the operation of the public health insurance option, including the start-up funding under subparagraph (C) and appropriations authorized under subparagraph (D). ``(B) Prohibition of state imposition of taxes.-- Section 1854(g) of the Social Security Act shall apply to receipts and disbursements described in subparagraph (A) in the same manner as such section applies to payments or premiums described in such section. ``(C) Start-up funding.-- ``(i) Authorization of funding.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to establish the public health insurance option and cover 90 days of claims reserves based on projected enrollment. ``(ii) Amortization of start-up funding.-- The Secretary shall provide for the repayment of the startup funding provided under clause (i) to the Treasury in an amortized manner over the 10-year period beginning on January 1, 2023. ``(D) Additional authorization of appropriations.-- To carry out paragraph (2) of subsection (b), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary. ``(d) Health Care Provider Participation.-- ``(1) Provider participation.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish conditions of participation for health care providers under the public health insurance option. ``(B) Licensure or certification.--The Secretary shall not allow a health care provider to participate in the public health insurance option unless such provider is appropriately licensed or certified under State law. ``(2) Establishment of a provider network.-- ``(A) Medicare and medicaid participating providers.--A health care provider that is a participating provider of services or supplier under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act or under a State Medicaid plan under title XIX of such Act is a participating provider in the public health insurance option unless the health care provider opts out of participating in the public health insurance option through a process established by the Secretary. ``(B) Additional providers.--The Secretary shall establish a process to allow health care providers not described in subparagraph (A) to become participating providers in the public health insurance option.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Treatment as a qualified health plan.--Section 1301(a) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18021(a)) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (1)(C), by inserting ``except in the case of the public health insurance option established under section 1314,'' before ``is offered by''; (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) in the paragraph heading, by inserting ``, the public health insurance option,'' before ``and''; and (ii) by inserting ``the public health insurance option under section 1314,'' before ``and a multi-State plan''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(5) Public health insurance option.--The term `qualified health plan' shall include the public health insurance option established under section 1314, notwithstanding the requirement under paragraph (1)(C) for the plan to be offered by a health insurance issuer.''. (2) Level playing field.--Section 1324(a) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18044(a)) is amended by inserting ``the public health insurance option under section 1314,'' before ``or a multi-State qualified health plan''. <all>

CHOICE Act

A bill to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish a public health insurance option, and for other purposes.

CHOICE Act Consumer Health Options and Insurance Competition Enhancement Act

Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon

D

RI

H.R.4219

Energy

This bill revises the royalty rates for leases on federal land to produce coal, oil, and gas. Specifically the bill caps the royalty rate for coal and establishes a royalty rate for oil and gas.

To amend the Mineral Leasing Act to adjust the royalty rates for leases for coal mining and oil and gas extraction on Federal land, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. ADJUSTMENTS TO ROYALTY RATES FROM MINERAL LEASING. (a) Coal Leasing Rates.--Section 7(a) of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 207(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``less than 12\1/2\ per centum'' and inserting ``more than 12.5 percent''; and (2) by striking ``, except the Secretary may determine a lesser amount in the case of coal recovered by underground mining operations''. (b) Oil and Gas Leasing Rates.--Section 17(b)(1)(A) of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 226(b)(1)(A)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``not less than''; and (2) by inserting ``except in a case in which a different rate is established pursuant to section 31'' after ``sold from the lease''. <all>

To amend the Mineral Leasing Act to adjust the royalty rates for leases for coal mining and oil and gas extraction on Federal land, and for other purposes.

To amend the Mineral Leasing Act to adjust the royalty rates for leases for coal mining and oil and gas extraction on Federal land, and for other purposes.

Official Titles - House of Representatives Official Title as Introduced To amend the Mineral Leasing Act to adjust the royalty rates for leases for coal mining and oil and gas extraction on Federal land, and for other purposes.

Rep. Cheney, Liz

R

WY

S.3653

Crime and Law Enforcement

Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act of 2022 This bill prohibits a nonprofit entity from receiving federal funds (and denies a tax exemption) unless the entity certifies compliance with certain federal laws (e.g., laws with respect to human trafficking and smuggling). It also establishes reporting requirements, including that the Government Accountability Office must annually report to Congress on those nonprofit entities that do not certify their compliance with these laws.

To direct the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to require the disclosure of violations of Federal law with respect to human trafficking or alien smuggling, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. MANDATORY DISCLOSURES OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND ALIEN SMUGGLING. (a) Limitation on Award of Federal Funds.-- (1) Future recipients.--Beginning not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, no Federal funds may be awarded to a nonprofit entity unless such entity submits to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a certification that the entity-- (A) is in compliance with Federal law with respect to human trafficking, alien smuggling, fraud, bribery, and gratuity; and (B) has not been convicted of an offense under section 274 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324). (2) Current and prior recipients.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each nonprofit entity that is in receipt of awarded Federal funds as of the date of the enactment of this Act, or was awarded Federal funds before January 1, 2021, and remains engaged in the activities for which such Federal funds were awarded, shall submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a certification that the entity-- (i) is in compliance with Federal law with respect to human trafficking, alien smuggling, fraud, bribery, and gratuity; and (ii) has not been convicted of an offense under section 274 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324). (B) Effect of noncompliance.--If an entity referred to in subparagraph (A) does not submit the certification required under such subparagraph before the date referred to in such subparagraph, or the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines that the entity has violated section 274(a)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324(a)(1)(A)), the entity shall reimburse the Federal Government for any Federal funds the entity received for the fiscal year in which such noncompliance occurred. (b) Denial of Tax Exemption.--Section 503 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(g) Denial of Exemption for Not Meeting Certain Certification Requirement.-- ``(1) In general.--An organization described in section 501(c) shall not be exempt from taxation under section 501(a) if-- ``(A) such organization does not submit the certification required under section 2(a) of the Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act of 2022; or ``(B) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines that such organization has violated section 274 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324). ``(2) Re-application for exemption.--Beginning on the date that is one year after the date on which an organization described in section 501(c) is determined not to be exempt under paragraph (1), such organization may reapply to be exempt from taxation under section 501(a).''. (c) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall-- (1) develop a written strategy and best practices guide for nonprofit entities to ensure the entities comply with Federal law, including how to detect, deter, and report human trafficking and alien smuggling; (2) publish, on an internet website of the Department of Homeland Security, information regarding violations of any nonprofit entity that pertains to compliance with Federal and State laws involving human trafficking and alien smuggling; and (3) develop a written strategy to improve cooperation with nonprofit entities and Federal and State law enforcement agencies with respect to improving cooperation on deterring, detecting, reporting, and removing aliens. (d) Report by Comptroller General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report to Congress that identifies each failure by a nonprofit entity to comply with the certification requirement under subsection (a) during the reporting period. (e) Applicability.--The requirement under subsection (a) shall apply to any nonprofit entity awarded Federal funding, including any nonprofit entity that has an agreement, contract, award, or relationship with the Federal Government on the date of the enactment of this Act. <all>

Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act of 2022

A bill to direct the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to require the disclosure of violations of Federal law with respect to human trafficking or alien smuggling, and for other purposes.

Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act of 2022

Sen. Kennedy, John

R

LA

H.R.9320

Taxation

Education, Achievement, and Opportunity Act This bill allows a new refundable tax credit for the qualified education expenses of a taxpayer's child, up to $10,000 for each child. These expenses include tuition and fees for attendance at a public or private elementary or secondary school, and up to $1,500 of expenses for computers and educational software, tutoring, special needs services, transportation services, and academic testing services.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a refundable credit against income tax for tuition expenses incurred for each qualifying child of the taxpayer in attending public or private elementary or secondary school. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Education, Achievement, and Opportunity Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Private schools supplement the public school system and are a vital component of our Nation's school network. (2) The public school system was created to serve students, not the other way around. Children should have the opportunity to attend the school system that is most conducive to developing their abilities, and parents have the right to choose the public or private school that best meets their child's individual needs. SEC. 3. CREDIT FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION EXPENSES. (a) In General.--Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to refundable credits) is amended by inserting after section 36C the following new section: ``SEC. 36D. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION EXPENSES. ``(a) Allowance of Credit.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the taxable year the amount of the qualified education expenses paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year for each qualifying child of the taxpayer. ``(2) Amount per child.--The amount of credit allowable under paragraph (1) for any taxable year with respect to the qualified education expenses of each qualifying child of the taxpayer shall not exceed $10,000. ``(b) Limitation Based on Adjusted Gross Income.-- ``(1) In general.--The amount of the credit allowable under subsection (a) (after the application of subsection (a)(2)) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by $50 for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) by which the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income exceeds the threshold amount. ``(2) Definitions and special rules.--For purposes of this paragraph (1)-- ``(A) Threshold amount.--The term `threshold amount' means-- ``(i) $150,000 in the case of a joint return, and ``(ii) $75,000 in any other case. ``(B) Modified adjusted gross income.--The term `modified adjusted gross income' means adjusted gross income increased by any amount excluded from gross income under section 911, 931, or 933. ``(C) Marital status.--Marital status shall be determined under section 7703. ``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Qualifying child.--The term `qualifying child' has the meaning given such term in section 24(c). ``(2) Qualified education expenses.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified education expenses' means amounts paid for-- ``(i) tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of a student at a qualified educational institution, and ``(ii) so much of the following non-tuition expenses as does not exceed $1,500: ``(I) Computers, educational software, computer support services, and books required for courses of instruction at a qualified educational institution. ``(II) Academic tutoring (by a person other than the taxpayer). ``(III) Special needs services for qualifying children who are children with disabilities (as such term is defined in section 602(3) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1401(3)). ``(IV) Fees for transportation services to and from a private school, if the transportation is provided by the school and the school charges a fee for the transportation. ``(V) Academic testing services. ``(B) Amounts excluded.--The term does not include special school fees for nonacademic purposes, including fees for student activities, athletics, insurance, school uniforms, and nonacademic after-school activities. ``(3) Qualified educational institution.--The term `qualified educational institution' means any public, charter, private, parochial, or religious school organized for the purpose of providing elementary or secondary education, or both, without regard to the religious nature, character, affiliation, mission, beliefs, or exercise of such school. ``(d) Adjustment for Coverdell Savings Account Distributions.--The amount of qualified education expenses taken into account under subsection (a) with respect to an individual for a taxable year shall be reduced (before the application of subsection (b)) by the sum of any amounts not includible in gross income under section 530(d)(2) for such taxable year by reason of the qualified elementary and secondary education expenses (as defined in section 530(b)(3)) of such individual for such taxable year.''. (b) Technical Amendments.-- (1) Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``36D,'' after ``36C,''. (2) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking the last item and inserting the following new items: ``Sec. 36D. Elementary and secondary education expenses.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. <all>

Education, Achievement, and Opportunity Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a refundable credit against income tax for tuition expenses incurred for each qualifying child of the taxpayer in attending public or private elementary or secondary school.

Education, Achievement, and Opportunity Act

Rep. Smith, Christopher H.

R

NJ

H.R.1975

Native Americans

Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of the Interior to take approximately 721.12 acres of land in San Diego County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, if the tribe transfers title to that land to the United States. The land is made part of the Pala Indian Reservation. The bill generally prohibits gaming on any of the land taken into trust.

To take certain land located in San Diego County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. TRANSFER OF LAND IN TRUST FOR THE PALA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS. (a) Transfer and Administration.-- (1) Transfer of lands into trust.--If, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Tribe transfers title to the land referred to in subsection (b) to the United States, the Secretary, not later than 180 days after such transfer, shall take that land into trust for the benefit of the Tribe. (2) Administration.--The land transferred under paragraph (1) shall be part of the Pala Indian Reservation and administered in accordance with the laws and regulations generally applicable to land held in trust by the United States for an Indian Tribe. (b) Land Description.--The land referred to in subsection (a)(1) is the approximately 721.12 acres of land located in San Diego County, California, generally depicted as ``Gregory Canyon Property Boundary'' on the map titled ``Pala Gregory Canyon Property Boundary and Parcels''. (c) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this Act shall-- (1) enlarge, impair, or otherwise affect any right or claim of the Tribe to any land or interest in land that is in existence before the date of the enactment of this Act; (2) affect any water right of the Tribe in existence before the date of the enactment of this Act; or (3) terminate or limit any access in any way to any right- of-way or right-of-use issued, granted, or permitted before the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Restricted Use of Transferred Lands.--The Tribe may not conduct, on the land taken into trust for the Tribe pursuant to this Act, gaming activities-- (1) as a matter of claimed inherent authority; or (2) under any Federal law, including the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) and regulations promulgated by the Secretary or the National Indian Gaming Commission under that Act. (e) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section: (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (2) Tribe.--The term ``Tribe'' means the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Calendar No. 431 117th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 1975 [Report No. 117-126] _______________________________________________________________________

Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2021

To take certain land located in San Diego County, California, into trust for the benefit of the Pala Band of Mission Indians, and for other purposes.

Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2021 Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2021 Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2021 Pala Band of Mission Indians Land Transfer Act of 2021

Rep. Issa, Darrell E.

R

CA

H.R.1237

Government Operations and Politics

Stop Supporting Foreign Interference in Our Democracy Act This bill provides statutory authority for the prohibition against a person knowingly providing substantial assistance regarding illegal political spending by a foreign national.

To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit a person from knowingly providing substantial assistance relating to a contribution or donation by a foreign national, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Stop Supporting Foreign Interference in Our Democracy Act''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON PROVISION OF SUBSTANTIAL ASSISTANCE RELATING TO CONTRIBUTION OR DONATION BY FOREIGN NATIONALS. (a) In General.--Section 319 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30121) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (1)(C); (B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting ``; or''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) a person to knowingly provide substantial assistance to another person in carrying out an activity described in paragraph (1) or (2).''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsections: ``(c) Knowingly Described.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a)(3), the term `knowingly' means actual knowledge, awareness of pertinent facts that would lead a reasonable person to conclude there is a substantial probability, or awareness of pertinent facts that would lead a reasonable person to conduct a reasonable inquiry to establish-- ``(A) with respect to an activity described in subsection (a)(1), that the contribution, donation, expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement is from a foreign national; and ``(B) with respect to an activity described in subsection (a)(2), that the contribution or donation solicited, accepted, or received is from a foreign national. ``(2) Pertinent facts.--For purposes of paragraph (1), pertinent facts include, but are not limited to, that the person making the contribution, donation, expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement, or that the person from whom the contribution or donation is solicited, accepted, or received-- ``(A) uses a foreign passport or passport number for identification purposes; ``(B) provides a foreign address; ``(C) uses a check or other written instrument drawn on a foreign bank, or by a wire transfer from a foreign bank, in carrying out the activity; or ``(D) resides abroad. ``(d) Substantial Assistance Defined.--As used in this section, the term `substantial assistance' means, with respect to an activity prohibited by paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a), involvement with an intent to facilitate successful completion of the activity.''. <all>

Stop Supporting Foreign Interference in Our Democracy Act

To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to prohibit a person from knowingly providing substantial assistance relating to a contribution or donation by a foreign national, and for other purposes.

Stop Supporting Foreign Interference in Our Democracy Act

Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy

D

PA

H.R.5863

Environmental Protection

End Palm Oil Deforestation Act This bill modifies requirements for importing palm oil and makes other changes to address deforestation and other potential harms from cultivating and processing palm oil. For example, the bill (1) specifies that palm oil does not qualify for exclusions from importation requirements granted to common cultivars or common food crops, and (2) prohibits imported palm oil products from being treated as renewable fuel for purposes of the Renewable Fuel Program.

To strengthen enforcement actions against unlawfully sourced palm oil and deforestation in developing countries, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``End Palm Oil Deforestation Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. (a) In General.--In this Act: (1) Certifying standard.--The term ``certifying standard'' means any accreditation for lawfully, ethically, and sustainably sourced palm oil offered by a nongovernmental organization. (2) Palm oil product.--The term ``palm oil product'' means-- (A) any product containing ingredients, including palmolein and monocarboxylic fatty acids, derived from the plants African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera), babassu palm (Attalea speciosa), macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata), maripa palm (Attalea maripa), or hybridized species derived therefrom; (B) those food products derived from imported palm oil or any combination or portion thereof; or (C) any other product prepared, in whole or in part from, or processed with, imported palm oil as the Secretary may specify. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture. (4) Taking.--The term ``taking'' has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371). (b) Palm Oil Not Considered Common Cultivar or Common Food Crop.-- The exclusions specified in section 2(f)(2)(A) of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371(f)(2)(A)) with respect to common cultivars and common food crops shall not apply with respect to palm oil. SEC. 3. SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATIONS FOR PALM OIL DEEMED SUFFICIENT AS IMPORT DECLARATIONS AND DUE DILIGENCE. (a) In General.--In the case of a palm oil product that meets the sustainability certification standards published under this section and for which documentation of meeting such standards is presented at the port of entry into the United States-- (1) such product shall not require an import declaration under section 3(f) of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3372(f)); and (2) such documentation shall be considered sufficient to demonstrate due care in the taking of such palm oil product under section 4(a) of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3373(a)). (b) Certification Standards.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish on an internet website of the Department of Agriculture for public comment a preliminary list of nongovernmental certifying standards for sustainable palm oil. (2) Considerations.--In publishing the list under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall-- (A) when considering whether to include a certifying standard on such list, prioritize certifying standards that promote-- (i) palm oil cultivation practices with decreased net greenhouse gas emissions; (ii) human rights of palm oil agricultural workers; (iii) human rights of the communities neighboring palm oil plantations; and (iv) preventing deforestation or peatlands degradation; and (B) consider including in such list the certifying standard sponsored by the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil. (3) Excluded standards.--The Secretary may not include in the list under paragraph (1) any standard issued by a foreign government. (4) Finalization.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which the preliminary list of nongovernmental certifying standards for sustainable palm oil under paragraph (1) is published, finalize the preliminary list. (5) Updates.--The Secretary shall-- (A) review and update, as appropriate, the finalized list under paragraph (4) at least once every 5 years; and (B) allow for public notice and a period for public comment with respect to any such updates. (c) Temporary Certifications.--In the case of palm oil products for which documentation of meeting the sustainability certification standards referred to in subsection (a) cannot be provided, the Secretary may grant the importers of such products temporary certifications that may be presented at the port of entry into the United States in lieu of such documentation for a period not to exceed one year, subject to renewal (of such duration as the Secretary may specify), if the Secretary publishes on a public internet site of the Department of Agriculture, and updates as necessary, a list of all such temporary certifications, including with respect to each such temporary certification-- (1) a written statement outlining the reason for granting the temporary certification; (2) the date on which the temporary certification expires; (3) the terms by which the temporary certification may be renewed, if applicable; and (4) any supporting documents or information considered by the Secretary in deciding to grant such temporary certification. SEC. 4. LABELING OF IMPORTED PALM OIL PRODUCTS. (a) Food Labeling.--Section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 343) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(z) If it is a food that contains ingredients derived from imported palm oil, unless its labeling lists such ingredients by the common or usual name of the ingredient, including listing (parenthetically or otherwise) of all components of such ingredient.''. (b) Country of Origin Labeling.-- (1) Use in food.--Section 281(1)(A) of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1638(1))(A) is amended-- (A) in clause (x), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in clause (xi), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(xii) palm oil.''. (2) Other uses.--Each head of a Federal agency which regulates products containing palm oil shall issue regulations-- (A) specifying that a person may not sell, or offer for sale in interstate commerce, imported palm oil products, or another product containing imported palm oil products, unless the packaging and labeling of such products that are not, by operation of the amendments made by paragraph (1), subject to section 282 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1638a), specify the country of origin of such products; and (B) providing for an exemption from the requirement specified pursuant to subparagraph (A) with respect to products containing imported palm oil products if the amount of imported palm oil in such product is de minimis (as determined by the head of the Federal agency involved). SEC. 5. UNITED STATES POLICY WITH RESPECT TO PALM OIL CULTIVATION ABROAD. (a) Moratorium.--No Federal funds may be obligated, expended, or otherwise made available for the cultivation or processing of palm oil abroad, unless the Secretary of State certifies that-- (1) the program, project, or activity for which such funds are made available will not-- (A) contribute to significant loss of native species; (B) disrupt or contaminate natural water sources; (C) reduce local food security; (D) cause the forced displacement of local people; (E) contribute to deforestation; (F) increase greenhouse gas emissions substantially; (G) contribute to human trafficking, forced labor, or child labor; (H) enable wildlife trafficking; or (I) further bureaucratic corruption; and (2) the cultivation or processing is carried out in accordance with the sustainability certification standards specified pursuant to section 3. (b) Congressional Instructions to the Executive.--The President should instruct the Secretary of the Treasury, acting as the Chairman of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies, and the United States Executive Director at each international financial institution (as defined in section 1701(c)(2) of the International Financial Institutions Act) to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose new proposals for palm oil development loans, unless the development of palm oil is to be carried out in accordance with the sustainability certification standards specified pursuant to section 3. (c) Consultation.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall consult and collaborate with the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the Agency for International Development in carrying out activities under this Act relating to palm oil cultivation and development in other countries. SEC. 6. INELIGIBILITY FOR RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD. Except as provided by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, imported palm oil products shall not be treated as renewable fuel for purposes of the renewable fuel program under section 211(o) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(o)). SEC. 7. EFFECT ON OTHER LAW. Nothing in this Act modifies, limits, or otherwise affects the application of, or obligation to comply with any other Federal law, including the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.). <all>

End Palm Oil Deforestation Act

To strengthen enforcement actions against unlawfully sourced palm oil and deforestation in developing countries, and for other purposes.

End Palm Oil Deforestation Act

Rep. Garamendi, John

D

CA

S.823

Taxation

This bill prohibits the attachment of a 2021 recovery rebate by legal process, including assignment, levy, or garnishment. A 2021 recovery rebate is a stimulus payment provided by the American Rescue Plan of 2021 for individual taxpayers and their dependents who have been affected by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.

To amend the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide for protection of recovery rebates. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. PROTECTION OF 2021 RECOVERY REBATES. (a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 9601 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting the following: ``(A) subject to reduction or offset pursuant to section 3716 or 3720A of title 31, United States Code, or similar authority permitting offset, ``(B) subject to reduction or offset pursuant to subsection (c), (d), (e), or (f) of section 6402 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or ``(C) reduced or offset by other assessed Federal taxes that would otherwise be subject to levy or collection.'', and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) Assignment of benefits.-- ``(A) In general.--The right of any person to any applicable payment shall not be transferable or assignable, at law or in equity, and no applicable payment shall be subject to, execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process, or the operation of any bankruptcy or insolvency law. ``(B) Encoding of payments.--In the case of an applicable payment described in subparagraph (E)(iii)(I) that is certified for payment after the date of the enactment of this paragraph under section 3528 of title 31, United States Code, and that is paid electronically by direct deposit through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary's delegate) shall-- ``(i) issue the payment using a unique identifier that is reasonably sufficient to allow a financial institution to identify the payment as an applicable payment, and ``(ii) further encode the payment pursuant to the same specifications as required for a benefit payment defined in section 212.3 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations. ``(C) Garnishment.-- ``(i) Encoded payments.--In the case of a garnishment order that applies to an account that has received an applicable payment that is encoded as provided in subparagraph (B), a financial institution shall follow the requirements and procedures set forth in part 212 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, except-- ``(I) notwithstanding section 212.4 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations (and except as provided in subclause (II)), a financial institution shall not fail to follow the procedures of sections 212.5 and 212.6 of such title with respect to a garnishment order merely because such order has attached, or includes, a notice of right to garnish Federal benefits issued by a State child support enforcement agency, and ``(II) a financial institution shall not, with regard to any applicable payment, be required to provide the notice referenced in sections 212.6 and 212.7 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations. ``(ii) Other payments.--In the case of a garnishment order (other than an order that has been served by the United States) that has been received by a financial institution and that applies to an account into which an applicable payment that has not been encoded as provided in subparagraph (B) has been deposited electronically on any date during the lookback period or into which an applicable payment that has been deposited by check on any date in the lookback period, the financial institution, upon the request of the account holder, shall treat the amount of the funds in the account at the time of the request, up to the amount of the applicable payment (in addition to any amounts otherwise protected under part 212 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations), as exempt from a garnishment order without requiring the consent of the party serving the garnishment order or the judgment creditor. ``(iii) Liability.--A financial institution that acts in good faith in reliance on clauses (i) or (ii) shall not be subject to liability or regulatory action under any Federal or State law, regulation, court or other order, or regulatory interpretation for actions concerning any applicable payments. ``(D) No reclamation rights.--This paragraph shall not alter the status of applicable payments as tax refunds or other nonbenefit payments for purpose of any reclamation rights of the Department of the Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service as per part 210 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations. ``(E) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph-- ``(i) Account holder.--The term `account holder' means a natural person whose name appears in a financial institution's records as the direct or beneficial owner of an account. ``(ii) Account review.--The term `account review' means the process of examining deposits in an account to determine if an applicable payment has been deposited into the account during the lookback period. The financial institution shall perform the account review following the procedures outlined in section 212.5 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations and in accordance with the requirements of section 212.6 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations. ``(iii) Applicable payment.--The term `applicable payment' means-- ``(I) any advance refund amount paid pursuant to section 6428B(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, ``(II) any payment made by a possession of the United States with a mirror code tax system (as defined in subsection (b) of this section) pursuant to such subsection which corresponds to a payment described in subclause (I), and ``(III) any payment made by a possession of the United States without a mirror code tax system (as so defined) pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. ``(iv) Garnishment.--The term `garnishment' means execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process. ``(v) Garnishment order.--The term `garnishment order' means a writ, order, notice, summons, judgment, levy, or similar written instruction issued by a court, a State or State agency, a municipality or municipal corporation, or a State child support enforcement agency, including a lien arising by operation of law for overdue child support or an order to freeze the assets in an account, to effect a garnishment against a debtor. ``(vi) Lookback period.--The term `lookback period' means the two-month period that begins on the date preceding the date of account review and ends on the corresponding date of the month two months earlier, or on the last date of the month two months earlier if the corresponding date does not exist.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. <all>

A bill to amend the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide for protection of recovery rebates.

A bill to amend the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide for protection of recovery rebates.

Official Titles - Senate Official Title as Introduced A bill to amend the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to provide for protection of recovery rebates.

Sen. Brown, Sherrod

D

OH

H.R.5350

Energy

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act This bill revises the environmental review of geothermal energy projects on federal land in order to expedite such projects.

To amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to promote timely exploration for geothermal resources under geothermal leases, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act''. SEC. 2. GEOTHERMAL PRODUCTION ON FEDERAL LANDS. The Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 30. GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION TEST PROJECTS. ``(a) Definition of Geothermal Exploration Test Project.--In this section, the term `geothermal exploration test project' means the drilling of a well to test or explore for geothermal resources on lands for which the Secretary has issued a lease under this Act, that-- ``(1) is carried out by the holder of the lease; ``(2) causes-- ``(A) less than 5 acres of soil or vegetation disruption at the location of each geothermal exploration well; and ``(B) not more than an additional 5 acres of soil or vegetation disruption during access or egress to the test site; ``(3) is developed-- ``(A) less than 12 inches in diameter; ``(B) in a manner that does not require off-road motorized access other than to and from the well site along an identified off-road route; ``(C) without construction of new roads other than upgrading of existing drainage crossings for safety purposes; ``(D) with the use of rubber-tired digging or drilling equipment vehicles; and ``(E) without the use of high-pressure well stimulation; ``(4) is completed in less than 90 days, including the removal of any surface infrastructure from the site; and ``(5) requires the restoration of the project site within 3 years of the date of first exploration drilling to approximately the condition that existed at the time the project began, unless the site is subsequently used as part of energy development under the lease. ``(b) Categorical Exclusion.-- ``(1) In general.--Unless extraordinary circumstances exist, a project that the Secretary determines under subsection (c) is a geothermal exploration test project shall be categorically excluded from the requirements for an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) or section 1501.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). ``(2) Extraordinary circumstances definition.--In this subsection, the term `extraordinary circumstances' has the same meaning given such term in the Department of the Interior Departmental Manual, 516 DM 2.3A(3) and 516 DM 2, Appendix 2 (or successor provisions). ``(c) Process.-- ``(1) Requirement to provide notice.--A leaseholder shall provide notice to the Secretary of the leaseholder's intent to carry out a geothermal exploration test project at least 30 days before the start of drilling under the project. ``(2) Review and determination.--Not later than 10 days after receipt of a notice of intent under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, with respect to the project described in the notice of intent-- ``(A) determine if the project qualifies for a categorical exclusion under subsection (b); and ``(B) notify the leaseholder of such determination. ``(3) Opportunity to remedy.--If the Secretary determines under paragraph (2)(A) that the project does not qualify for a categorical exclusion under subsection (b), the Secretary shall-- ``(A) include in such notice clear and detailed findings on any deficiencies in the project that resulted in such determination; and ``(B) allow the leaseholder to remedy any such deficiencies and resubmit the notice of intent under paragraph (1).''. SEC. 3. GEOTHERMAL LEASING PRIORITY AREAS. The Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.) is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 31. GEOTHERMAL LEASING PRIORITY AREAS. ``(a) Definition of Covered Land.--In this section, the term `covered land' means land that is-- ``(1) Federal land; and ``(2) not excluded from the development of geothermal energy under-- ``(A) a land use plan established under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); or ``(B) any other Federal law. ``(b) Designation of Geothermal Leasing Priority Areas.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall designate portions of covered land as geothermal leasing priority areas as soon as practicable, but not later than 5 years, after the date of the enactment of this section. ``(c) Criteria for Selection.--In determining which covered lands to designate as geothermal leasing priority areas under subsection (b), the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall consider if-- ``(1) the covered land is preferable for geothermal leasing; ``(2) production of geothermal energy on such land is economically viable, including if such land has access to methods of energy transmission; and ``(3) the designation would be in compliance with section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712), including subsection (c)(9) of that section. ``(d) Review and Modification.--Not less frequently than once every 5 years, the Secretary shall-- ``(1) review covered land and, if appropriate, make additional designations of geothermal leasing priority areas; and ``(2) review each area designated as a geothermal leasing priority area under this section, and, if appropriate, remove such designation. ``(e) Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement.-- ``(1) Initial designations.--No later than one year after the initial designation of a geothermal leasing priority area, the Secretary shall prepare a supplement to any final programmatic environmental impact statement for geothermal leasing that is the most recently finalized such statement with respect to covered land designated as a geothermal leasing priority area under subsection (b). ``(2) Subsequent designations.--Each designation of a geothermal leasing priority area under subsection (d) shall be included in a programmatic environmental impact statement for geothermal leasing or in a supplement to such a statement. ``(3) Consultations.--In developing any programmatic environmental impact statement for geothermal leasing or supplement to such a statement under this section, the Secretary shall consult, on an ongoing basis, with appropriate State, Tribal, and local governments, transmission infrastructure owners and operators, developers, and other appropriate entities. ``(4) Procedure.--The Secretary may not delay issuing a permit or holding a lease sale under this Act because the supplement required under paragraph (1) has not been finalized by the Secretary. ``(f) Compliance With NEPA.--If the Secretary determines that the designation of a geothermal leasing priority area has been sufficiently analyzed by a programmatic environmental impact statement, the Secretary shall not prepare any additional analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to geothermal lease sales for such geothermal leasing priority area.''. <all>

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act

To amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to promote timely exploration for geothermal resources under geothermal leases, and for other purposes.

Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act

Rep. Fulcher, Russ

R

ID

S.5330

Immigration

Stateless Protection Act of 2022 This bill provides protections for stateless persons (a person who is not considered a national of any state by that state's law). For example, the bill establishes stateless protected status, which shall provide protections against deportation and other benefits to certain stateless persons present in the United States who meet certain criteria.

To protect stateless persons in the United States, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Stateless Protection Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. PURPOSES. The purposes of this Act are-- (1) to resolve the status of stateless persons in the United States and to promote their access to fundamental human rights and human dignity; and (2) to prevent statelessness from occurring under United States law or on United States territory. SEC. 3. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) The international community has recognized the significance of the right to a nationality in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, done at New York December 16, 1966, to which the United States is a signatory, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and numerous international treaties, including the Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, done at New York September 28, 1954, and the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, done at New York August 30, 1961. (2) Statelessness is an abhorrent violation of fundamental human rights and human dignity, and a life of statelessness has been recognized by the Supreme Court of the United States as a form of punishment more primitive than torture. (3) Government action and inaction causes statelessness; therefore, governments have the power to resolve and prevent statelessness. (4) The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees-- (A) is the United Nations agency responsible for preventing and reducing statelessness; and (B) estimates that there are more than 4,200,000 stateless persons worldwide. (5) A 2020 study found that there are approximately 218,000 individuals living in the United States who are stateless or at risk of statelessness. (6) Stateless individuals live in all 50 States, and many such individuals have lived in the United States for years or decades without relief. (7) Despite the presence of stateless persons in the United States, there is no law relating to the identification of stateless persons in the United States or to provide them with a path to legal status. (8) Stateless persons generally-- (A) live without the means to work legally or to travel; and (B) face barriers in opening bank accounts, pursuing higher education, and obtaining health care. (9) If detained for removal from the United States, a stateless person is often subjected to prolonged detention and cannot be removed because no country recognizes the person as its citizen. (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that to resolve statelessness and its related human suffering, lost potential, and societal impacts, the United States should-- (1) provide a legal status to protect stateless persons; and (2) urge the international community to take strong action to prevent statelessness globally. SEC. 4. PROTECTION OF STATELESS PERSONS IN THE UNITED STATES. (a) In General.--Chapter 5 of title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 245A the following: ``SEC. 245B. PROTECTION OF STATELESS PERSONS IN THE UNITED STATES. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Competent authority.--With respect to a foreign country, the term `competent authority'-- ``(A) means the authority responsible for-- ``(i) conferring nationality on, or withdrawing nationality from, individuals; or ``(ii) in the case of nationality having been acquired or withdrawn automatically, clarifying the nationality status of an individual; and ``(B) includes a Federal, local, or regional government entity, a consular official, and a government official at any level, notwithstanding any process by which a decision by such an entity or official may later be overridden. ``(2) National; nationality.--The terms `national' and `nationality'-- ``(A) refer to a formal link, of a political and legal character, between an individual and a country; and ``(B) do not include the concept of nationality relating to membership in a religious, linguistic, or ethnic group. ``(3) Noncitizen.--The term `noncitizen' has the meaning given the term `alien' in section 101(a). ``(4) Operation of law; operation of its law.--The terms `operation of law' and `operation of its law'-- ``(A) refer to the consideration by a competent authority of a country with respect to an individual in practice, including under the legislation, ministerial decrees, regulations, orders, judicial case law, and customary practices of the competent authority; and ``(B) include situations in which the position of the competent authority differs from the law as written, if the position of the competent authority that an individual is not a national of the country is determinative. ``(5) Relevant association.--The term `relevant association' means a natural person's connection to a country through-- ``(A) birth on the territory of the country; ``(B) descent from 1 or more individuals who are nationals of the country; ``(C) marriage to an individual who is a national of the country; ``(D) adoption by an individual who is a national of the country; or ``(E) habitual residence in the country. ``(6) Stateless person.--The term `stateless person' means an individual who is not considered as a national by any state under the operation of its law. ``(b) Mechanisms for Regularizing the Status of Stateless Persons.-- ``(1) Stateless protected status.-- ``(A) Principal applicants.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide stateless protected status to a noncitizen who-- ``(i) is a stateless person present in the United States; ``(ii) applies for such relief; ``(iii) has not formally renounced his or her nationality as a result of voluntary, affirmative, and intentional action after arrival in the United States and after the date of the enactment of this section, unless the renunciation was the result of duress, coercion, or a reasonable expectation that the noncitizen had acquired or would acquire another nationality or citizenship; ``(iv) is not inadmissible under 212(a)(3), except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection; and ``(v) is not described in section 241(b)(3)(B)(i). ``(B) Treatment of spouse and children.-- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide stateless protected status to a noncitizen who-- ``(i) is the spouse or child of a noncitizen described in subparagraph (A), if such spouse or child is not otherwise eligible for admission under that subparagraph; ``(ii) is accompanying, or following to join, such noncitizen; ``(iii) established the qualifying relationship to such noncitizen before the date on which such noncitizen applied for stateless protected status; ``(iv) is not inadmissible under 212(a)(3), except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection; and ``(v) is not described in section 241(b)(3)(B)(i). ``(C) Stateless protected status.--Noncitizens with stateless protected status-- ``(i) shall-- ``(I) receive relevant protections against deportation, removal, and detention, as described in paragraph (3); ``(II) be authorized for employment, as described in paragraph (4); and ``(III) be eligible to apply for a travel document, as described in paragraph (5); and ``(ii) shall not face limitations from immigration enforcement officials on their domestic travel. ``(D) Concurrent grant of lawful permanent residence.-- ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), notwithstanding any other provision of law, immediately on granting stateless protected status to a noncitizen, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall adjust the status of the noncitizen to that of a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence. ``(ii) Exception.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may not adjust the status of a noncitizen with stateless protected status who is inadmissible under section 212(a)(2). ``(2) Waivers.-- ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Homeland Security may, for humanitarian purposes, in the interests of access to fundamental or enabling rights, to ensure family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public interest, waive the operation of the grounds of inadmissibility set forth in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 212(a), for relief under this section. ``(B) Factors.--In making a determination under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consider all relevant factors, including-- ``(i) mitigating and aggravating factors of the basis for inadmissibility; ``(ii) the duration of the noncitizen's residence in the United States; and ``(iii) the degree to which the noncitizen's removal, or denial of the noncitizen's application, would adversely affect the noncitizen or the noncitizen's United States citizen or lawful permanent resident family members. ``(3) Release from post-removal detention.--A grant of stateless protected status under this section shall-- ``(A) trigger immediate release of an individual from post-removal detention; ``(B) be considered to establish that there is no significant likelihood of the individual's removal in the reasonably foreseeable future; and ``(C) establish a presumption that travel documents are not available for the individual. ``(4) Employment authorization.-- ``(A) In general.--An individual granted stateless protected status under this section shall receive employment authorization for a renewable period not less than 5 years. ``(B) Pending application.-- ``(i) In general.--During the 150-day period after the date on which an application for status under this section is submitted, the Secretary of Homeland Security may authorize the applicant to engage in employment in the United States. ``(ii) Mandatory employment authorization.--If the Secretary of Homeland Security has not issued a decision within the 150-day period beginning on the date on which an application for status under this section is submitted, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall authorize the applicant to engage in employment in the United States until the date on which a decision is issued on the application for lawful permanent residence or stateless protected status. ``(5) Travel documents.-- ``(A) In general.--On request, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide to any noncitizen granted relief under this section, a travel document that facilitates the noncitizen's ability to travel abroad and to be admitted to the United States upon return. ``(B) Validity.--The minimum period of validity for a document issued under subparagraph (A) shall be 10 years. ``(6) Naturalization.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual granted lawful permanent residence status under paragraph (1)(D) may apply for naturalization after having resided continuously in the United States for at least 3 years beginning on the date on which such individual is granted lawful permanent resident status. ``(c) Evidentiary Matters.-- ``(1) In general.--In determining if an individual is a stateless person under this section, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall consider and obtain any credible evidence relevant to the application, including information from-- ``(A) the Department of State, particularly the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; and ``(B) relevant international and foreign bodies, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, nongovernmental organizations, and the competent authorities of other countries. ``(2) Designation of specific groups of stateless persons.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may designate 1 or more specific groups of individuals who shall be considered stateless persons for purposes of this section, and a noncitizen who belongs to a group so designated shall be considered a stateless person. ``(3) Burden of proof.--The burden of proof with respect to evidentiary matters relating to an application under this section shall be shared between the Secretary of Homeland Security and the applicant. ``(4) Standard of proof.-- ``(A) In general.--A noncitizen shall be considered to be a stateless person if it is established to a reasonable degree that the noncitizen meets the definition of the term `stateless person' under this section. ``(B) Assessment of nationality.--The nationality of an individual shall be assessed as of the date on which a determination of eligibility under this section is made. ``(5) Submission of documentary evidence.-- ``(A) Supporting documents from applicant.--An applicant for relief under this section shall submit, as part of the application for such relief-- ``(i) a full and truthful account, to the best of the noncitizen's knowledge, of such noncitizen's legal status with regard to any country in which the applicant was born or resided before entering the United States or to which the applicant has a relevant association; and ``(ii) all evidence reasonably available, including any valid or expired travel document. ``(B) Evidence available to secretary of homeland security.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall obtain and submit to the immigration officer or immigration judge and the applicant or, as applicable, the applicant's counsel, all available evidence regarding the legal status of the applicant in the applicant's country of birth or prior residence or any country to which the applicant has a relevant association, including information on the relevant laws and practices of the countries concerned. ``(C) Consideration of response.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may consider as substantial evidence that an individual is not considered by a country to be national of the country the following: ``(i) After 120 days have elapsed after the Secretary of Homeland Security has requested information from the country with respect to the nationality status of the individual, the lack of response from the competent authority of the country. ``(ii) A pro forma response from the country that lacks an application of the law or facts to the particular individual. ``(iii) The refusal of the country to accept the individual for deportation or removal. ``(d) Fees.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may not charge a noncitizen any fee in connection with an application for, or issuance of, lawful status under this section, employment authorization, or travel documents. ``(e) Jurisdiction and Review.-- ``(1) In general.--The Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services shall have jurisdiction over an application for stateless protected status and adjustment of status filed by a noncitizen under this section. ``(2) Review.--A denial by the Secretary of Homeland Security of an application for relief under this section shall be subject to review by the Administrative Appeals Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. ``(f) Effect on Removal Proceedings.--With respect to a noncitizen in removal proceedings who files an application for relief under this section, the Attorney General shall postpone the removal proceedings pending the adjudication of the application. ``(g) Applicants With Final Orders of Removal.-- ``(1) Motions to reopen.-- ``(A) In general.--A noncitizen whose removal, deportation, or exclusion proceedings were concluded before the date of the enactment of this section, and who is eligible for relief under this section, may file 1 motion to reopen proceedings to apply for such relief not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this section. ``(B) Effect of limitations.--A time or numerical limitation on motions to reopen removal, deportation, or exclusion proceedings may not be construed to restrict the filing of a motion to reopen under this paragraph if such limitation is based on previously unavailable evidence or facts, or on changed facts or circumstances, including a discovery by a noncitizen that the noncitizen may be a stateless person. ``(2) Stay of removal.-- ``(A) In general.--An applicant for relief under this section who has been issued a final order of removal, deportation, or exclusion may request a stay of removal, deportation, or exclusion. ``(B) Consideration of request.--With respect to an individual who requests a stay under subparagraph (A), if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that the application for relief is bona fide, the Secretary shall automatically stay the execution of the final order of deportation, exclusion, or removal, and the stay will remain in effect until a final decision is made on the applications. ``(C) Effect of denial.--If the application is denied, the stay of the final order is deemed lifted as of the date of such denial, without regard to whether the noncitizen appeals the decision. ``(3) Termination.--On the grant of an application for relief under this section to a noncitizen with a final order of removal, deportation, or exclusion, the final order shall be deemed canceled by operation of law as of the date of the approval. ``(h) Exclusion From Numerical Limitations.--Individuals provided status under this section shall not be counted against any numerical limitation under section 201(d), 202(a), or 203(b)(4). ``(i) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed to authorize or require the admission of any noncitizen to the United States. ``(j) Reports.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives a report on-- ``(A) the number of applications submitted under each of paragraphs (1), (4), and (5) of subsection (b) since the date of the enactment of this section, disaggregated by the country of birth of the applicants; and ``(B) average timelines for processing each such application. ``(2) Public availability.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall publish each report submitted under paragraph (1) on the internet website of the Department of Homeland Security, respectively. ``(k) Publication of Guidance.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall publish all policy manuals, guidance, and application instructions relating to applications under this section on the internet website of the Department of Homeland Security. ``(l) Regulations.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may issue such regulations as the Secretary of Homeland Security considers appropriate to carry out this section.''. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Table of contents.--The table of contents for the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 245A the following: ``Sec. 245B. Protection of stateless persons in the United States.''. (2) Exception for unlawful presence of stateless persons.-- Section 212(a)(9)(B)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(9)(B)(iii)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(V) Stateless persons.--Clause (i) shall not apply to a noncitizen who demonstrates that he or she is a stateless person (as defined in section 245B(a)).''. SEC. 5. PREVENTION OF STATELESSNESS. (a) Births to United States Citizens Overseas.--Section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1401) is amended-- (1) in subsection (g), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; (2) in subsection (h), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(i) a person born to a citizen of the United States outside the United States or in an outlying possession of the United States, if such person is born as a stateless person (as defined in section 245B(a)).''. (b) Foundlings.--Section 301 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1401) is further amended by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following: ``(f) a person of unknown parentage found in the United States while under the age of 18 years, until shown, prior to the person attaining the age of 21 years, not to have been born in the United States;''. (c) Stateless Safeguards for Derivative Citizenship and International Adoptions.-- (1) Stateless safeguards.--Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1431) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person born outside the United States or in an outlying possession who is or becomes a stateless person (as defined in section 245B(a)) automatically becomes a citizen of the United States on the date on which one of the following conditions has been fulfilled: ``(A) One parent is or was a citizen of the United States. ``(B) The person was adopted by-- ``(i) a citizen of the United States; or ``(ii) an individual who became a citizen of the United States after the date of such adoption. ``(2) This subsection applies to any person who meets the criteria under paragraph (1) at any time.''. (2) Age.--Section 320(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1431(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following: ``(2) The child is under the age of 21 years.''. (3) Entry and custody.--Section 320(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1431(a)) is further amended by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: ``(3) The child is residing in the United States, and provided such child is under the legal age of adulthood in the State in which the parent of the child or the child resides, is in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent.''. (d) Programs To Prevent Statelessness.--The Secretary of Homeland Security and Secretary of State shall jointly establish and carry out initiatives to prevent statelessness from occurring, which may include-- (1) an assessment of United States citizenship law to determine and amend any provision of law that results in statelessness or a delayed acquisition of nationality that increases the risk of statelessness; (2) studies on the profiles and number of stateless people living in the United States; (3) programs to promote inclusive and nondiscriminatory nationality laws and practices in other countries, with particular attention to the prevention of atrocity crimes; (4) programs to encourage other countries to establish stateless status determination and protection legislation; and (5) grants to universities and nongovernmental organizations to accelerate research, education, curricula, and knowledge on nationality law and practice and statelessness. <all>

Stateless Protection Act of 2022

A bill to protect stateless persons in the United States, and for other purposes.

Stateless Protection Act of 2022

Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L.

D

MD

H.R.7637

Armed Forces and National Security

Veterans First Act of 2022 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from obligating or expending any amounts to provide emergency assistance in response to an emergency at the southern border directly resulting from the repeal of certain public health orders from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Specifically, the bill prohibits such emergency assistance in response to the repeal of

To prohibit the use by the Department of Veterans Affairs of funds to provide emergency assistance at the southern border of the United States resulting from the repeal of certain public health orders, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans First Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER OF THE UNITED STATES RESULTING FROM THE REPEAL OF CERTAIN PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not obligate or expend any amounts to provide emergency assistance in response to an emergency at the southern border directly resulting from the repeal of an order specified in subsection (b). (b) Order Specified.--An order specified in this subsection is any of the following: (1) The Order issued by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on August 2, 2021, entitled ``Public Health Reassessment and Order Suspending the Right To Introduce Certain Persons From Countries Where a Quarantinable Communicable Disease Exists'' (86 Fed. Reg. 42828). (2) The Order issued by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on April 1, 2022, entitled ``Public Health Determination and Order Regarding Suspending the Right To Introduce Certain Persons From Countries Where a Quarantinable Communicable Disease Exists'' (87 Fed. Reg. 19941). (3) An order relating to the same public health concern as an order specified in paragraph (1) or (2). (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the Secretary from obligating or expending amounts to provide emergency assistance at the southern border that is not described in subsection (a). <all>

Veterans First Act of 2022

To prohibit the use by the Department of Veterans Affairs of funds to provide emergency assistance at the southern border of the United States resulting from the repeal of certain public health orders, and for other purposes.

Veterans First Act of 2022

Rep. Womack, Steve

R

AR

S.3401

Health

Anyone But China Safe Drug Act or the ABC Safe Drug Act This bill requires the federal government to maintain a registry of certain foreign-sourced drugs, prohibits federal health care programs from purchasing drugs containing ingredients manufactured in China, and requires drugs to be labeled for country of origin. The Food and Drug Administration shall maintain (1) a list of foreign-sourced drugs and active ingredients that are critical for consumer health and safety, and (2) another list identifying such drugs that are produced exclusively in China or use ingredients produced in China. The bill phases in a restriction on federal health care programs purchasing drugs with active ingredients manufactured in China. By January 1, 2026, such programs may not purchase a drug with any active ingredients from China. The Department of Health and Human Services may issue a waiver for an agency or program that is unable to meet this requirement, but no waiver may apply to drugs purchased in or after 2027. Each drug must have labeling listing the country of origin of each active ingredient, and a drug without this labeling shall be deemed misbranded.

To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to maintain a list of the country of origin of all drugs marketed in the United States, to ban the use of Federal funds for the purchase of drugs manufactured in the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Anyone But China Safe Drug Act'' or the ``ABC Safe Drug Act''. SEC. 2. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF DRUGS. (a) In General.--Subchapter A of chapter V of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 524B. REGISTRY OF DRUGS PRODUCED OUTSIDE THE US. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall compile and maintain a list of all drugs approved under subsection (c) or (j) of section 505 of this Act or licensed under subsection (a) or (k) of section 351 of the Public Health Service Act, and any active ingredients in such drugs, that-- ``(1) are manufactured outside of the United States; and ``(2) are determined by the Secretary to be critical to the health and safety of consumers in the United States. ``(b) Additional List.--In conjunction with the list described in subsection (a), the Secretary shall compile and maintain a list of drugs included on such list that are exclusively produced in, or use active or inactive ingredients produced in, the People's Republic of China. ``(c) Requirement.--The list described in subsection (a) shall, with respect to each drug included on the list, provide information about the supply chain of the drug, including each step in the supply chain that occurs prior to importation of the drug into the United States.''. (b) Federal Health Program Purchase of Drugs.-- (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, with respect to the purchase of a drug by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, or any other Federal health care program (as defined in section 1128B(f) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7b(b))), the following shall apply: (A) Beginning on January 1, 2024, such agency or program may purchase only drugs for which 60 percent or more of the active pharmaceutical ingredients are manufactured in countries described in paragraph (2). (B) Beginning on January 1, 2026, such agency or program may purchase only drugs for which 100 percent of the active pharmaceutical ingredients are manufactured in countries described in paragraph (2). (2) Countries described.--The countries described in this paragraph are countries-- (A) other than People's Republic of China; and (B) that meet the health and safety standards of the Food and Drug Administration. (3) Waivers.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services may issue waivers of the requirements under paragraph (1) for any agency or program that is unable to meet such requirements and demonstrates a need for the waiver. No waiver may be issued under this paragraph for drugs that are purchased on or after January 1, 2027. (c) Labeling Requirement.--Section 502 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 352) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(gg) If it is a drug and its labeling does not specify the country of origin of each active ingredient contained in the drug.''. <all>

ABC Safe Drug Act

A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to maintain a list of the country of origin of all drugs marketed in the United States, to ban the use of Federal funds for the purchase of drugs manufactured in the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

ABC Safe Drug Act Anyone But China Safe Drug Act

Sen. Cotton, Tom

R

AR

H.R.5624

Armed Forces and National Security

Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on the program that provides rental subsidies under the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a report on the shallow subsidy program under the supportive services for veteran families program, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. REPORT ON SHALLOW SUBSIDY PROGRAM UNDER THE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VETERAN FAMILIES PROGRAM. (a) Report Required.--Not later than 120 days after the last day of the fiscal year during which this Act is enacted, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the program for providing rental subsidies under section 62.34(a)(8) of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation) (in this section referred to as the ``program''). (b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include each of the following: (1) The number of veterans and families served under the program during the fiscal year during which this Act is enacted, disaggregated, if such information is available, by-- (A) race and ethnicity; (B) gender; (C) geographic location; and (D) age. (2) A description of support provided to special populations under the program, including elderly veterans, women veterans, children of veterans, disabled veterans, veterans transitioning from certain institutions, and minority veterans. (3) A description of the decision-making process of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding which locations would be eligible for coverage under the program. (4) An assessment of whether increasing the payment rate under the program is necessary. (5) An assessment of whether it is feasible and beneficial to expand the program nationally. (6) An assessment of the efficacy of the increased payments provided under the program based on increases in the number of veterans served and the number of veterans transitioned into permanent housing. <all>

Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2021

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a report on the shallow subsidy program under the supportive services for veteran families program, and for other purposes.

Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2021

Rep. Jacobs, Sara

D

CA

H.R.551

Energy

Energy Debt Relief for American Families Act This bill authorizes supplemental funding to states through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to assist eligible households pay 100% of any utility bills they are unable to pay because of economic distress caused by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.

To amend the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to provide for supplemental assistance for COVID-19 relief, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Energy Debt Relief for American Families Act''. SEC. 2. ENERGY DEBT RELIEF FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES PROGRAM. (a) Authorization.--Section 2602 of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(f) There is authorized to be appropriated for payments under this title, in addition to amounts appropriated for distribution to all the States in accordance with section 2604 or to carry out section 2607A, $10,000,000,000 for allocation to States under section 2607C.''. (b) Supplemental Allotments for COVID-19 Relief.--The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 2607B the following: ``SEC. 2607C. SUPPLEMENTAL ALLOTMENTS FOR COVID-19 RELIEF. ``(a) Allotment of Funds.--The Secretary may allocate amounts appropriated under section 2602(f) to provide supplementary funds to States to assist eligible households in accordance with this section. ``(b) Formula for Distribution.--Distribution of amounts made available under this section shall be based on a formula developed by the Secretary that provides funding to States based on-- ``(1) the amount allotted to the State under this title, other than section 2607A, in fiscal year 2021; and ``(2) the average unemployment rate in the State from January 31, 2020, through December 31, 2020. ``(c) Use of Funds.-- ``(1) Assistance.--A State may use funds allocated to the State under this section to help eligible households in the State maintain home energy or electricity service, by providing to such households, in accordance with the plan submitted by the State under paragraph (2), 100 percent of the amount of any utility bill incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic that is in arrears. ``(2) Plan for disbursement.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, each State shall submit to the Secretary a plan for providing assistance under paragraph (1) that prioritizes the restoration of terminated service and the prevention of service terminations, taking into consideration the total amount of debt in arrears of eligible households and any other factors that the State finds relevant. ``(3) Administrative expenses.--A State may use not more than 15 percent of funds allocated to the State under this section for administrative expenses related to providing assistance under paragraph (1). ``(d) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Eligible household.--The term `eligible household' means a household with a utility bill incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic that certifies to the State (including through proof of job loss of a member of the household, such as a layoff or furlough notice or verification of application for unemployment benefits) that it cannot pay such utility bill because of economic distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. ``(2) Utility bill.--The term `utility bill' means a bill charged to a household for home energy or electricity service. ``(3) Utility bill incurred during the covid-19 pandemic.-- The term `utility bill incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic' means a utility bill for service provided during the period during which the public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) on January 31, 2020, with respect to COVID-19 (or any renewal of that declaration), is in effect. ``(e) Termination.-- ``(1) Date.--The authority of the Secretary to allocate funds under this section, and the authority of a State to use such funds under subsection (c), shall expire on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this section. ``(2) Remaining funds.-- ``(A) Unallocated funds.--The Secretary may not allocate or otherwise use any funds appropriated under section 2602(f) that have not been allocated under this section by the date described in paragraph (1). ``(B) Unused funds.--A State to which funds have been allocated under this section shall use any such funds, which have not been used under subsection (c) by the date described in paragraph (1), in the same manner as amounts allotted to the State under section 2604.''. (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to Congress a report describing-- (1) the number of households in each State that received assistance under subsection (c)(1) of section 2607C of the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, and demographic information for such households, to the extent such information is available; (2) the total amount of assistance provided to households in each State under such subsection (c)(1); (3) the total amount of funds used by States under subsection (c)(3) of such section 2607C; and (4) any other information relating to the implementation and effectiveness of such section, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. <all>

Energy Debt Relief for American Families Act

To amend the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to provide for supplemental assistance for COVID-19 relief, and for other purposes.

Energy Debt Relief for American Families Act

Rep. Kuster, Ann M.

D

NH

S.718

Environmental Protection

NEPA Agency Process Accountability Act This bill revises the environmental review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), including by limiting the number of assessment documents required for proposed major federal actions, requiring agencies to reuse certain research or documents in the NEPA process, and allowing agencies to adopt environmental documents prepared by states or third parties as specified under the bill. In addition, the bill requires agencies to only consider alternatives to proposed major federal actions that are technically and economically feasible. Agencies must track and report on specified NEPA data, such as the comprehensive costs of the NEPA process.

To amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to reform agency process requirements, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``NEPA Agency Process Accountability Act''. SEC. 2. AGENCY PROCESS REFORMS UNDER NEPA. Title I of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 is amended-- (1) by redesignating section 105 (42 U.S.C. 4335) as section 106; and (2) by inserting after section 104 (42 U.S.C. 4334) the following: ``SEC. 105. AGENCY PROCESS REFORMS. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Environmental assessment.--The term `environmental assessment' has the meaning given the term in section 1508.9 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation). ``(2) Environmental impact statement.--The term `environmental impact statement' means a detailed statement required under section 102(2)(C). ``(3) Federal agency.--The term `Federal agency' includes a State that has assumed responsibility under section 327 of title 23, United States Code. ``(4) Head of a federal agency.--The term `head of a Federal agency' includes the governor or head of an applicable State agency of a State that has assumed responsibility under section 327 of title 23, United States Code. ``(5) NEPA process.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `NEPA process' means the entirety of every process, analysis, or other measure, including an environmental impact statement, required to be carried out by a Federal agency under this title before the agency undertakes a proposed action. ``(B) Period.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the NEPA process-- ``(i) begins on the date on which the head of a Federal agency receives an application for a proposed action from a project sponsor; and ``(ii) ends on the date on which the Federal agency issues, with respect to the proposed action-- ``(I) a record of decision, including, if necessary, a revised record of decision; ``(II) a finding of no significant impact; or ``(III) a categorical exclusion under this title. ``(6) Project sponsor.--The term `project sponsor' means a Federal agency or other entity, including a private or public- private entity, that seeks approval of a proposed action. ``(b) Prohibitions.--In carrying out the NEPA process, the head of a Federal agency may not-- ``(1) consider an alternative to the proposed action if the proposed action is not technically or economically feasible to the project sponsor; or ``(2) consider an alternative to the proposed action that is not within the jurisdiction of the Federal agency. ``(c) Environmental Documents.-- ``(1) EIS required.--In carrying out the NEPA process for a proposed action that requires the preparation of an environmental impact statement, the head of a Federal agency shall produce for the proposed action not more than 1-- ``(A) environmental impact statement; ``(B) if necessary, environmental assessment; and ``(C) record of decision. ``(2) EIS not required.--In carrying out the NEPA process for a proposed action that does not require the preparation of an environmental impact statement, the head of a Federal agency shall produce for the proposed action not more than 1-- ``(A) environmental assessment; or ``(B) finding of no significant impact. ``(d) Categorical Exclusions.-- ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to paragraph (2), the head of a Federal agency may, without further approval, use a categorical exclusion under this title that has been approved by-- ``(A)(i) another Federal agency; and ``(ii) the Council on Environmental Quality; or ``(B) an Act of Congress. ``(2) Requirements.--The head of a Federal agency may use a categorical exclusion described in paragraph (1) if the head of the Federal agency-- ``(A) carefully reviews the description of the proposed action to ensure that it fits within the category of actions described in the categorical exclusion; and ``(B) considers the circumstances associated with the proposed action to ensure that there are no extraordinary circumstances that warrant the preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement. ``(3) Extraordinary circumstances.--If the head of a Federal agency determines that extraordinary circumstances are present with respect to a proposed action, the head of the Federal agency shall-- ``(A) consider whether mitigating circumstances or other conditions are sufficient to avoid significant effects of the proposed action; and ``(B) if the head of the Federal agency determines that those significant effects can be avoided, apply a categorical exclusion to the proposed action. ``(e) Reuse of Work; Documents Prepared by Qualified 3rd Parties; Unexpected Circumstances.-- ``(1) In general.--In carrying out the NEPA process for a proposed action-- ``(A) subject to paragraph (2), the head of a Federal agency shall-- ``(i) use any applicable findings and research from a prior NEPA process of any Federal agency; and ``(ii) incorporate the findings and research described in clause (i) into any applicable analysis under the NEPA process; and ``(B) a Federal agency may adopt as an environmental impact statement, environmental assessment, or other environmental document to achieve compliance with this title-- ``(i) an environmental document prepared under the law of the applicable State if the head of the Federal agency determines that the environmental laws of the applicable State-- ``(I) provide the same level of environmental analysis as the analysis required under this title; and ``(II) allow for the opportunity of public comment; or ``(ii) subject to paragraph (3), an environmental document prepared by a qualified third party chosen by the project sponsor, at the expense of the project sponsor, if the head of the Federal agency-- ``(I) provides oversight of the preparation of the environmental document by the third party; and ``(II) independently evaluates the environmental document for the compliance of the environmental document with this title. ``(2) Requirement for the reuse of findings and research.-- The head of a Federal agency may reuse the applicable findings and research described in paragraph (1)(A) if-- ``(A)(i) the project for which the head of the Federal agency is seeking to reuse the findings and research was in close geographic proximity to the proposed action; and ``(ii) the head of the Federal agency determines that the conditions under which the applicable findings and research were issued have not substantially changed; or ``(B)(i) the project for which the head of the Federal agency is seeking to reuse the findings and research was not in close geographic proximity to the proposed action; and ``(ii) the head of the Federal agency determines that the proposed action has similar issues or decisions as the project. ``(3) Requirements for creation of environmental document by qualified 3rd parties.-- ``(A) In general.--A qualified third party may prepare an environmental document intended to be adopted by a Federal agency as the environmental impact statement, environmental assessment, or other environmental document for a proposed action under paragraph (1)(B)(ii) if-- ``(i) the project sponsor submits a written request to the head of the applicable Federal agency that the head of the Federal agency approve the qualified third party to create the document intended to be adopted by a Federal agency as the environmental impact statement, environmental assessment, or other environmental document; and ``(ii) the head of the Federal agency determines that-- ``(I) the third party is qualified to prepare the document; and ``(II) the third party has no financial or other interest in the outcome of the proposed action. ``(B) Deadline.--The head of a Federal agency that receives a written request under subparagraph (A)(i) shall issue a written decision approving or denying the request not later than 30 days after the date on which the written request is received. ``(C) No prior work.--The head of a Federal agency may not adopt an environmental document under paragraph (1)(B)(ii) if the qualified third party began preparing the document prior to the date on which the head of the Federal agency issues the written decision under subparagraph (B) approving the request. ``(D) Denials.--If the head of a Federal agency issues a written decision denying the request under subparagraph (A)(i), the head of the Federal agency shall submit to the project sponsor with the written decision the findings that served as the basis of the denial. ``(4) Unexpected circumstances.--If, while carrying out a proposed action after the completion of the NEPA process for that proposed action, a Federal agency or project sponsor encounters a new or unexpected circumstance or condition that may require the reevaluation of the proposed action under this title, the head of the Federal agency with responsibility for carrying out the NEPA process for the proposed action shall-- ``(A) consider whether mitigating the new or unexpected circumstance or condition is sufficient to avoid significant effects that may result from the circumstance or condition; and ``(B) if the head of the Federal agency determines under subparagraph (A) that the significant effects that result from the circumstance or condition can be avoided, mitigate the circumstance or condition without carrying out the NEPA process again. ``(f) Multi-Agency Projects.-- ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection: ``(A) Cooperating agency.--The term `cooperating agency' means a Federal agency involved in a proposed action that-- ``(i) is not the lead agency; and ``(ii) has the jurisdiction or special expertise such that the Federal agency needs to be consulted-- ``(I) to use a categorical exclusion; or ``(II) to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, as applicable. ``(B) Lead agency.--The term `lead agency' means the Federal agency selected under paragraph (2)(A). ``(2) Agency designation.-- ``(A) Lead agency.--In carrying out the NEPA process for a proposed action that requires authorization from multiple Federal agencies, the heads of the applicable Federal agencies shall determine the lead agency for the proposed action. ``(B) Invitation.--The head of the lead agency may invite any relevant State, local, or Tribal agency with Federal authorization decision responsibility to be a cooperating agency. ``(3) Responsibilities of lead agency.--The lead agency for a proposed action shall-- ``(A) as soon as practicable and in consultation with the cooperating agencies, determine whether a proposed action requires the preparation of an environmental impact statement; and ``(B) if the head of the lead agency determines under subparagraph (A) that an environmental impact statement is necessary-- ``(i) be responsible for coordinating the preparation of an environmental impact statement; ``(ii) provide cooperating agencies with an opportunity to review and contribute to the preparation of the environmental impact statement and environmental assessment, as applicable, of the proposed action, except that the cooperating agency shall limit comments to issues within the special expertise or jurisdiction of the cooperating agency; and ``(iii) subject to subsection (b), as soon as practicable and in consultation with the cooperating agencies, determine the range of alternatives to be considered for the proposed action. ``(4) Environmental documents.--In carrying out the NEPA process for a proposed action, the lead agency shall prepare not more than 1 of each type of document described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (c), as applicable-- ``(A) in consultation with cooperating agencies; and ``(B) for all applicable Federal agencies. ``(5) Prohibitions.-- ``(A) In general.--A cooperating agency may not evaluate an alternative to the proposed action that has not been determined to be within the range of alternatives considered under paragraph (3)(B)(iii). ``(B) Omission.--If a cooperating agency submits to the lead agency an evaluation of an alternative that does not meet the requirements of subsection (b), the lead agency shall omit the alternative from the environmental impact statement. ``(g) Reports.-- ``(1) NEPA data.-- ``(A) In general.--The head of each Federal agency that carries out the NEPA process shall carry out a process to track, and annually submit to Congress a report containing, the information described in subparagraph (B). ``(B) Information described.--The information referred to in subparagraph (A) is, with respect to the Federal agency issuing the report under that subparagraph-- ``(i) the number of proposed actions for which a categorical exclusion was issued during the reporting period; ``(ii) the length of time the Federal agency took to issue the categorical exclusions described in clause (i); ``(iii) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on which the report is submitted for which the issuance of a categorical exclusion is pending; ``(iv) the number of proposed actions for which an environmental assessment was issued during the reporting period; ``(v) the length of time the Federal agency took to complete each environmental assessment described in clause (iv); ``(vi) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on which the report is submitted for which an environmental assessment is being drafted; ``(vii) the number of proposed actions for which an environmental impact statement was issued during the reporting period; ``(viii) the length of time the Federal agency took to complete each environmental impact statement described in clause (vii); and ``(ix) the number of proposed actions pending on the date on which the report is submitted for which an environmental impact statement is being drafted. ``(2) NEPA costs.-- ``(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall jointly develop a methodology to assess the comprehensive costs of the NEPA process. ``(B) Requirements.--The head of each Federal agency that carries out the NEPA process shall-- ``(i) adopt the methodology developed under subparagraph (A); and ``(ii) use the methodology developed under subparagraph (A) to annually submit to Congress a report describing-- ``(I) the comprehensive cost of the NEPA process for each proposed action that was carried out within the reporting period; and ``(II) for a proposed action for which the head of the Federal agency is still completing the NEPA process at the time the report is submitted-- ``(aa) the amount of money expended to date to carry out the NEPA process for the proposed action; and ``(bb) an estimate of the remaining costs before the NEPA process for the proposed action is complete.''. <all>

NEPA Agency Process Accountability Act

A bill to amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to reform agency process requirements, and for other purposes.

NEPA Agency Process Accountability Act

Sen. Lee, Mike

R

UT

S.3043

Education

Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2021 This bill conditions each state's receipt of federal funds on the state's establishment of specified minimum requirements for the prevention and treatment of concussions in school sports.

To promote minimum State requirements for the prevention and treatment of concussions caused by participation in school sports, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. MINIMUM STATE REQUIREMENTS. (a) Minimum Requirements.--Each State that receives funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) and does not meet the requirements described in this section, as of the date of enactment of this Act, shall, not later than the last day of the fifth full fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act (referred to in this Act as the ``compliance deadline''), enact legislation or issue regulations establishing the following minimum requirements: (1) Local educational agency concussion safety and management plan.--Each local educational agency in the State, in consultation with members of the community in which such agency is located, shall develop and implement a standard plan for concussion safety and management that-- (A) educates students, parents, and school personnel about concussions, through activities such as-- (i) training school personnel, including coaches, teachers, athletic trainers, related services personnel, and school nurses, on concussion safety and management, including training on the prevention, recognition, and academic consequences of concussions and response to concussions; and (ii) using, maintaining, and disseminating to students and parents-- (I) release forms and other appropriate forms for reporting and record keeping; (II) treatment plans; and (III) prevention and post-injury observation and monitoring fact sheets about concussion; (B) encourages supports, where feasible, for a student recovering from a concussion (regardless of whether or not the concussion occurred during school- sponsored activities, during school hours, on school property, or during an athletic activity), such as-- (i) guiding the student in resuming participation in athletic activity and academic activities with the help of a multi- disciplinary concussion management team, which may include-- (I) a health care professional, the parents of such student, a school nurse, relevant related services personnel, and other relevant school personnel; and (II) an individual who is assigned by a public school to oversee and manage the recovery of such student; and (ii) providing appropriate academic accommodations aimed at progressively reintroducing cognitive demands on the student; and (C) encourages the use of best practices designed to ensure, with respect to concussions, the uniformity of safety standards, treatment, and management, such as-- (i) disseminating information on concussion safety and management to the public; and (ii) applying uniform best practice standards for concussion safety and management to all students enrolled in public schools. (2) Posting of information on concussions.--Each public elementary school and each public secondary school shall post on school grounds, in a manner that is visible to students and school personnel, and make publicly available on the school website, information on concussions that-- (A) is based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence (such as information made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention); (B) shall include information on-- (i) the risks posed by sustaining a concussion; (ii) the actions a student should take in response to sustaining a concussion, including the notification of school personnel; and (iii) the signs and symptoms of a concussion; and (C) may include information on-- (i) the definition of a concussion; (ii) the means available to the student to reduce the incidence or recurrence of a concussion; and (iii) the effects of a concussion on academic learning and performance. (3) Response to concussion.--If an individual designated from among school personnel for purposes of this Act, one of whom must be in attendance at every school-sponsored activity, suspects that a student has sustained a concussion (regardless of whether or not the concussion occurred during school- sponsored activities, during school hours, on school property, or during an athletic activity)-- (A) the student shall be-- (i) immediately removed from participation in a school-sponsored athletic activity; and (ii) prohibited from returning to participate in a school-sponsored athletic activity on the day that student is removed from such participation; and (B) the designated individual shall report to the parent or guardian of such student-- (i) any information that the designated school employee is aware of regarding the date, time, and type of the injury suffered by such student (regardless of where, when, or how a concussion may have occurred); and (ii) any actions taken to treat such student. (4) Return to athletics.--If a student has sustained a concussion (regardless of whether or not the concussion occurred during school-sponsored activities, during school hours, on school property, or during an athletic activity), before such student resumes participation in school-sponsored athletic activities, the school shall receive a written release from a health care professional, that-- (A) states that the student is capable of resuming participation in such activities; and (B) may require the student to follow a plan designed to aid the student in recovering and resuming participation in such activities in a manner that-- (i) is coordinated, as appropriate, with periods of cognitive and physical rest while symptoms of a concussion persist; and (ii) reintroduces cognitive and physical demands on such student on a progressive basis only as such increases in exertion do not cause the reemergence or worsening of symptoms of a concussion. (b) Noncompliance.-- (1) First year.--If a State described in subsection (a) fails to comply with subsection (a) by the compliance deadline, the Secretary of Education shall reduce by 5 percent the amount of funds the State receives under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) for the first fiscal year following the compliance deadline. (2) Succeeding years.--If the State fails to so comply by the last day of any fiscal year following the compliance deadline, the Secretary of Education shall reduce by 10 percent the amount of funds the State receives under that Act for the following fiscal year. (3) Notification of noncompliance.--Prior to reducing any funds that a State receives under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) in accordance with this subsection, the Secretary of Education shall provide a written notification of the intended reduction of funds to the State and to the appropriate committees of Congress. SEC. 3. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect civil or criminal liability under Federal or State law. SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Concussion.--The term ``concussion'' means a type of mild traumatic brain injury that-- (A) is caused by a blow, jolt, or motion to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly in the skull; (B) disrupts normal brain functioning and alters the mental state of the individual, causing the individual to experience-- (i) any period of observed or self- reported-- (I) transient confusion, disorientation, or impaired consciousness; (II) dysfunction of memory around the time of injury; or (III) loss of consciousness lasting less than 30 minutes; or (ii) any 1 of 4 types of symptoms, including-- (I) physical symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, or dizziness; (II) cognitive symptoms, such as memory disturbance or slowed thinking; (III) emotional symptoms, such as irritability or sadness; or (IV) difficulty sleeping; and (C) can occur-- (i) with or without the loss of consciousness; and (ii) during participation in any organized sport or recreational activity. (2) Health care professional.--The term ``health care professional''-- (A) means an individual who has been trained in diagnosis and management of concussion in a pediatric population; and (B) is registered, licensed, certified, or otherwise statutorily recognized by the State to provide such diagnosis and management. (3) Local educational agency; state.--The terms ``local educational agency'' and ``State'' have the meanings given such terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). (4) Related services personnel.--The term ``related services personnel'' means individuals who provide related services, as defined under section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1401). (5) School-sponsored athletic activity.--The term ``school- sponsored athletic activity'' means-- (A) any physical education class or program of a school; (B) any athletic activity authorized during the school day on school grounds that is not an instructional activity; (C) any extra-curricular sports team, club, or league organized by a school on or off school grounds; and (D) any recess activity. <all>

Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2021

A bill to promote minimum State requirements for the prevention and treatment of concussions caused by participation in school sports, and for other purposes.

Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2021

Sen. Durbin, Richard J.

D

IL

S.1056

Immigration

Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act This bill makes aliens associated with criminal gangs inadmissible for entry into the United States and deportable and establishes procedures related to designating groups with criminal gang status. An alien shall be inadmissible if a consular officer, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or the Department of Justice knows or has reason to believe that the individual is or was a criminal gang member or has participated or aided such a group's illegal activities. An alien who is or was a member of such a gang, or has participated or aided such a group's illegal activities, shall be deportable. Such individuals shall be subject to mandatory detention, shall not be eligible for asylum, temporary protected status, or special immigrant juvenile visas, and shall not be eligible for parole unless they are assisting the government in a law enforcement matter. The bill defines a criminal gang as a group of five or more persons (1) where one of its primary purposes is the commission of specified criminal offenses and the members of which engage or have engaged within the past five years in a continuing series of such offenses, or (2) that has been designated as a criminal gang by DHS. The bill establishes procedures for DHS to designate a group as a criminal gang, including notification to Congress, publication in the Federal Register, and an opportunity for the group to petition for administrative and judicial review.

To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to aliens associated with criminal gangs, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act''. SEC. 2. GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY AND DEPORTABILITY FOR ALIEN GANG MEMBERS. (a) Definition of Gang Member.--Section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(53) The term `criminal gang' means an ongoing group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons that has, as 1 of its primary purposes, the commission of 1 or more of the following criminal offenses and the members of which engage, or have engaged within the past 5 years, in a continuing series of such offenses, or that has been designated as a criminal gang by the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, as meeting such criteria. The offenses described, whether in violation of Federal or State law or foreign law and regardless of whether the offenses occurred before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, are the following: ``(A) A `felony drug offense' (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)). ``(B) An offense under section 274 (relating to bringing in and harboring certain aliens), section 277 (relating to aiding or assisting certain aliens to enter the United States), or section 278 (relating to importation of alien for immoral purpose). ``(C) A crime of violence (as defined in section 16 of title 18, United States Code). ``(D) A crime involving obstruction of justice, tampering with or retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant, or burglary. ``(E) Any conduct punishable under sections 1028 and 1029 of title 18, United States Code (relating to fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents or access devices), sections 1581 through 1594 of such title (relating to peonage, slavery, and trafficking in persons), section 1951 of such title (relating to interference with commerce by threats or violence), section 1952 of such title (relating to interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises), section 1956 of such title (relating to the laundering of monetary instruments), section 1957 of such title (relating to engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity), or sections 2312 through 2315 of such title (relating to interstate transportation of stolen motor vehicles or stolen property). ``(F) A conspiracy to commit any offense described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).''. (b) Inadmissibility.--Section 212(a)(2) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(J) Aliens associated with criminal gangs.--Any alien is inadmissible who a consular officer, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Attorney General knows or has reason to believe-- ``(i) to be or to have been a member of a criminal gang; or ``(ii) to have participated in the activities of a criminal gang, knowing or having reason to know that such activities will promote, further, aid, or support the illegal activity of the criminal gang.''. (c) Deportability.--Section 237(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(G) Aliens associated with criminal gangs.--Any alien is deportable who-- ``(i) is or has been a member of a criminal gang; or ``(ii) has participated in the activities of a criminal gang, knowing or having reason to know that such activities will promote, further, aid, or support the illegal activity of the criminal gang.''. (d) Designation.-- (1) In general.--Chapter 2 of title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182) is amended by inserting after section 219 the following: ``SEC. 220. DESIGNATION OF CRIMINAL GANG. ``(a) Designation.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, may designate a group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons as a criminal gang if the Secretary finds that their conduct is described in section 101(a)(53). ``(2) Procedure.-- ``(A) Notification.--Not later than 7 days before making a designation under this subsection, the Secretary shall, by classified communication, notify the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the President pro tempore, Majority Leader, and Minority Leader of the Senate, and the members of the relevant committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate, in writing, of the intent to designate a group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons under this subsection and the factual basis for such designation. ``(B) Publication in the federal register.--The Secretary shall publish the designation in the Federal Register 7 days after providing the notification under subparagraph (A). ``(3) Record.-- ``(A) In general.--In making a designation under this subsection, the Secretary shall create an administrative record. ``(B) Classified information.--The Secretary may consider classified information in making a designation under this subsection. Classified information shall not be subject to disclosure for such time as it remains classified, except that such information may be disclosed to a court ex parte and in camera for purposes of judicial review under subsection (c). ``(4) Period of designation.-- ``(A) In general.--A designation under this subsection shall be effective for all purposes until revoked under paragraph (5) or (6) or set aside pursuant to subsection (c). ``(B) Review of designation upon petition.-- ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall review the designation of a criminal gang under the procedures set forth in clauses (iii) and (iv) if the designated group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons files a petition for revocation within the petition period described in clause (ii). ``(ii) Petition period.--For purposes of clause (i)-- ``(I) if the designated group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons has not previously filed a petition for revocation under this subparagraph, the petition period begins 2 years after the date on which the designation was made; or ``(II) if the designated group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons has previously filed a petition for revocation under this subparagraph, the petition period begins 2 years after the date of the determination made under clause (iv) on that petition. ``(iii) Procedures.--Any group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons that submits a petition for revocation under this subparagraph of its designation as a criminal gang must provide evidence in that petition that it is not described in section 101(a)(53). ``(iv) Determination.-- ``(I) In general.--Not later than 180 days after receiving a petition for revocation submitted under this subparagraph, the Secretary shall make a determination as to such revocation. ``(II) Classified information.--The Secretary may consider classified information in making a determination in response to a petition for revocation. Classified information shall not be subject to disclosure for such time as it remains classified, except that such information may be disclosed to a court ex parte and in camera for purposes of judicial review under subsection (c). ``(III) Publication of determination.--A determination made by the Secretary under this clause shall be published in the Federal Register. ``(IV) Procedures.--Any revocation by the Secretary shall be made in accordance with paragraph (6). ``(C) Other review of designation.-- ``(i) In general.--If no review has taken place under subparagraph (B) in a 5-year period, the Secretary shall review the designation of the criminal gang in order to determine whether such designation should be revoked pursuant to paragraph (6). ``(ii) Procedures.--If a review does not take place pursuant to subparagraph (B) in response to a petition for revocation that is filed in accordance with that subparagraph, then the review shall be conducted pursuant to procedures established by the Secretary. The results of such review and the applicable procedures shall not be reviewable in any court. ``(iii) Publication of results of review.-- The Secretary shall publish any determination made pursuant to this subparagraph in the Federal Register. ``(5) Revocation by act of congress.--The Congress, by an Act of Congress, may block or revoke a designation made under paragraph (1). ``(6) Revocation based on change in circumstances.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may revoke a designation made under paragraph (1) at any time, and shall revoke a designation upon completion of a review conducted pursuant to subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (4) if the Secretary finds that-- ``(i) the group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons that has been designated as a criminal gang is no longer described in section 101(a)(53); or ``(ii) the national security or the law enforcement interests of the United States warrants a revocation. ``(B) Procedure.--The procedural requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) shall apply to a revocation under this paragraph. Any revocation shall take effect on the date specified in the revocation or upon publication in the Federal Register if no effective date is specified. ``(7) Effect of revocation.--The revocation of a designation under paragraph (5) or (6) shall not affect any action or proceeding based on conduct committed prior to the effective date of such revocation. ``(8) Use of designation in trial or hearing.--If a designation under this subsection has become effective under paragraph (2) an alien in a removal proceeding shall not be permitted to raise any question concerning the validity of the issuance of such designation as a defense or an objection. ``(b) Amendments to a Designation.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may amend a designation under this subsection if the Secretary finds that the group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons has changed its name, adopted a new alias, dissolved and then reconstituted itself under a different name or names, or merged with another group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons. ``(2) Procedure.--Amendments made to a designation in accordance with paragraph (1) shall be effective upon publication in the Federal Register. Paragraphs (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) of subsection (a) shall apply to an amended designation. ``(3) Administrative record.--The administrative record shall be corrected to include the amendments and any additional relevant information that supports those amendments. ``(4) Classified information.--The Secretary may consider classified information in amending a designation in accordance with this subsection. Classified information shall not be subject to disclosure for such time as it remains classified, except that such information may be disclosed to a court ex parte and in camera for purposes of judicial review under subsection (c). ``(c) Judicial Review of Designation.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register of a designation, an amended designation, or a determination in response to a petition for revocation, the designated group, club, organization, or association of 5 or more persons may seek judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. ``(2) Basis of review.--Review under this subsection shall be based solely upon the administrative record, except that the Government may submit, for ex parte and in camera review, classified information used in making the designation, amended designation, or determination in response to a petition for revocation. ``(3) Scope of review.--The Court shall hold unlawful and set aside a designation, amended designation, or determination in response to a petition for revocation the court finds to be-- ``(A) arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law; ``(B) contrary to constitutional right, power, privilege, or immunity; ``(C) in excess of statutory jurisdiction, authority, or limitation, or short of statutory right; ``(D) lacking substantial support in the administrative record taken as a whole or in classified information submitted to the court under paragraph (2); or ``(E) not in accord with the procedures required by law. ``(4) Judicial review invoked.--The pendency of an action for judicial review of a designation, amended designation, or determination in response to a petition for revocation shall not affect the application of this section, unless the court issues a final order setting aside the designation, amended designation, or determination in response to a petition for revocation. ``(d) Definitions.--In this section-- ``(1) the term `classified information' has the meaning given that term in section 1(a) of the Classified Information Procedures Act (18 U.S.C. App.); ``(2) the term `national security' means the national defense, foreign relations, or economic interests of the United States; ``(3) the term `relevant committees' means-- ``(A) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; and ``(B) the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives; and ``(4) the term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents for the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 note) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 219 the following: ``Sec. 220. Designation of criminal gang.''. (e) Mandatory Detention of Criminal Gang Members.-- (1) In general.--Section 236(c)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1226(c)(1)) is amended-- (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``, or'' and inserting a semicolon; (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the comma at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following: ``(E) is inadmissible under section 212(a)(2)(J) or deportable under section 217(a)(2)(G),''. (2) Annual report.--Not later than March 1 of each year (beginning 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act), the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation with the appropriate Federal agencies, shall submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives regarding the number of aliens detained as a result of the amendments made by paragraph (1). (f) Asylum Claims Based on Gang Affiliation.-- (1) Inapplicability of restriction on removal to certain countries.--Section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1251(b)(3)(B)) is amended, in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting ``who is described in section 212(a)(2)(J)(i) or section 237(a)(2)(G)(i) or who is'' after ``to an alien''. (2) Ineligibility for asylum.--Section 208(b)(2)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(2)(A)) is amended-- (A) in clause (v), by striking ``or'' at the end; (B) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (vii); and (C) by inserting after clause (v) the following: ``(vi) the alien is described in section 212(a)(2)(J)(i) or section 237(a)(2)(G)(i); or''. (g) Temporary Protected Status.--Section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a) is amended-- (1) by striking ``Attorney General'' each place such term appears and inserting ``Secretary of Homeland Security''; (2) in subsection (c)(2)(B)-- (A) in clause (i), by striking ``, or'' and inserting a semicolon; (B) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(iii) the alien is, or at any time has been, described in section 212(a)(2)(J) or 237(a)(2)(G).''; and (3) in subsection (d)-- (A) by striking paragraph (3); (B) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (3); and (C) in paragraph (3), as redesignated, by adding at the end the following: ``The Secretary of Homeland Security may detain an alien provided temporary protected status under this section whenever appropriate under any other provision of law.''. (h) Special Immigrant Juvenile Visas.--Section 101(a)(27)(J)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(J)(iii)) is amended-- (1) in subclause (I), by striking ``and'' at the end; (2) in subclause (II), by adding ``and'' at the end; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(III) no alien who is, or at any time has been, described in section 212(a)(2)(J) or 237(a)(2)(G) shall be eligible for any immigration benefit under this subparagraph;''. (i) Parole.--An alien described in section 212(a)(2)(J) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as added by subsection (b), is not eligible for parole under section 212(d)(5)(A) of such Act unless-- (1) the alien is assisting or has assisted the United States Government in a law enforcement matter, including a criminal investigation; and (2) the alien's presence in the United States is required by the Government with respect to such assistance. (j) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to acts that occur before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act. <all>

Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act

A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to aliens associated with criminal gangs, and for other purposes.

Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act

Sen. Kennedy, John

R

LA

S.5018

Education

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act This bill restricts funding to an institution of higher education (IHE) that has a relationship with a Chinese entity of concern or Confucius Institute. A Confucius Institute is a cultural institute directly or indirectly funded by the Chinese government. Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must ensure that an IHE that has awarded a contract to, entered into an agreement with, or received an in-kind donation or gift from a Chinese entity of concern or Confucius Institute is ineligible to receive specified funds from DHS. The IHE may regain eligibility for these funds if it terminates the relationship.

To establish Department of Homeland Security funding restrictions on institutions of higher education that have a relationship with Confucius Institutes, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act''. SEC. 2. LIMITATIONS ON CONFUCIUS INSTITUTES' HOST SCHOOLS. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Chinese entity of concern.--The term ``Chinese entity of concern'' means any university or college in the People's Republic of China that-- (A) is involved in the implementation of military- civil fusion; (B) participates in the Chinese defense industrial base; (C) is affiliated with the Chinese State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for the National Defense; (D) receives funding from any organization subordinate to the Central Military Commission of the Chinese Communist Party; or (E) provides support to any security, defense, police, or intelligence organization of the Government of the People's Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party. (2) Confucius institute.--The term ``Confucius Institute'' means a cultural institute funded by the Government of the People's Republic of China. (3) Institution.--The term ``institution'' has the meaning given the term ``institution of higher education'' in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002). (4) Relationship.--The term ``relationship'' means, with respect to an institution, any contract awarded, agreement entered into, or any in-kind donation or gift, received from a Confucius Institute or Chinese entity of concern. (b) Restrictions on Institutions of Higher Education.-- (1) In general.--Beginning the first October 1 occurring after the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that an institution that has a relationship with a Confucius Institute or a Chinese entity of concern is ineligible to receive any Science and Technology or Research and Development funds from the Department of Homeland Security. (2) Eligibility after termination.--An institution described in paragraph (1) may receive Science and Technology or Research and Development funds from the Department of Homeland Security if the institution terminates the relationship between the institution and the Confucius Institute or Chinese entity of concern with which the institution has a relationship. <all>

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

A bill to establish Department of Homeland Security funding restrictions on institutions of higher education that have a relationship with Confucius Institutes, and for other purposes.

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

Sen. Scott, Rick

R

FL

S.608

Science, Technology, Communications

Keeping Critical Connections Act of 2021 This bill provides funds with which the Federal Communications Commission shall reimburse small business broadband providers for costs incurred during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period to voluntarily (1) provide free or discounted service to students in need of distance learning capacity, or (2) refrain from disconnecting low-income households that cannot afford to make a full payment.

To help small business broadband providers keep customers connected. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Keeping Critical Connections Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. KEEPING CRITICAL CONNECTIONS EMERGENCY FUND. (a) Definitions.--In this section-- (1) the term ``Commission'' means the Federal Communications Commission; (2) the term ``covered program'' means a program established by a small business broadband provider under which the small business broadband provider, at any time during the COVID-19 emergency period, voluntarily-- (A) provides a customer with free or discounted broadband service, or free upgrades of existing service to meet certain capacity and speed needs, due specifically to the presence of a student in the household of the customer who needs distance learning capability; or (B) refrains from disconnecting broadband service provided to an existing customer due to nonpayment or underpayment if the customer-- (i) has a household income, at the time of the nonpayment or underpayment, that does not exceed 135 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines (as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services); (ii) is unable to make a full payment due specifically to the economic impact of the national emergency described in paragraph (3); and (iii) provides sufficient documentation to the provider to show that the customer meets the criteria under clauses (i) and (ii); (3) the term ``COVID-19 emergency period'' means the period during which the national emergency declaration by the President under the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is in effect; and (4) the term ``small business broadband provider'' means a broadband provider that provides broadband service to fewer than 250,000 customers. (b) Funding.-- (1) Appropriation.--Out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there is appropriated to the Commission $2,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2021, to remain available until expended, to reimburse small business broadband providers for the costs of carrying out a covered program. (2) Rules.--The Commission shall promulgate rules on an expedited basis, and without regard to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, regarding the provision of reimbursements to small business broadband providers under paragraph (1). <all>

Keeping Critical Connections Act of 2021

A bill to help small business broadband providers keep customers connected.

Keeping Critical Connections Act of 2021

Sen. Klobuchar, Amy

D

MN

H.R.5361

Housing and Community Development

We Need Eviction Data Now Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish and maintain a national eviction database. The database must contain eviction data compiled annually by state courts. HUD must award grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations to collect data from landlords on illegal self-help evictions for inclusion in the database. The bill also requires HUD to establish an advisory committee on eviction research.

To require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a national evictions database, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``We Need Eviction Data Now Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Administrative eviction.--The term ``administrative eviction'' means a ruling in favor of the landlord in an administrative forum within a public housing agency, such as grievance procedures, to recover possession of residential property from a tenant, including a tenant residing in a public housing dwelling unit or receiving tenant-based assistance or project-based assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f). (2) Court-ordered eviction.--The term ``court-ordered eviction'' means a court ruling in favor of the landlord in a legal action to recover possession of residential property from a tenant, including a tenant residing in a public housing dwelling unit or receiving tenant-based assistance or project- based assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f). (3) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (4) Executed eviction.--The term ``executed eviction'' means a court order carried out by a sheriff's office or other law enforcement agency that resulted in the landlord recovering possession of residential property from a tenant, including a tenant residing in a public housing dwelling unit or receiving tenant-based assistance or project-based assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f). (5) Illegal eviction.--The term ``illegal eviction'' means self-help measures taken outside of the legal process for eviction to recover possession of residential property from a tenant, including a tenant residing in a public housing dwelling unit or receiving tenant-based assistance or project- based assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f), such as-- (A) willfully interrupting or permitting the interruption of essential items of services required by the rental agreement; (B) blocking or attempting to block the entry of a tenant upon the premises; (C) changing the locks or removing the front door of the premises; (D) removing the belongings of a tenant; and (E) any other action defined as a self-help eviction under State landlord-tenant law. (6) Local ordinance impacting eviction.--The term ``local ordinance impacting eviction'' means a local ordinance that is designed to address the number of emergency services calls resulting from assault, sexual harassment, stalking, disorderly conduct, or another type of behavior, situation, or condition that results in the need for emergency services, that results in loss of housing or limit the housing opportunities for victims of crime, including victims of domestic violence, or individuals with disabilities who may require emergency services, abnegating local landlord-tenant law by-- (A) requiring, encouraging, or permitting the eviction of a tenant or resident because of a certain number of calls for emergency services; (B) requiring, encouraging, or permitting the eviction of a tenant or resident because of an arrest even though the arrest has not resulted in the conviction of that tenant or resident; or (C) requiring, encouraging, or permitting the eviction of a tenant or resident because of criminal activity occurring at or near the place of residence of the tenant or resident for which that tenant or resident has not been convicted. (7) Public housing; public housing agency.--The terms ``public housing'' and ``public housing agency'' have the meanings given those terms in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)). (8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. SEC. 3. NATIONAL DATABASE OF EVICTIONS. (a) Establishment of Database.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish and maintain a database that-- (1) is accessible to the Office of Policy Development and Research and the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity of the Department and other employees of the Department as determined necessary by the Secretary; (2) includes the data described in subsection (b) with respect to court-ordered evictions, administrative evictions, and illegal evictions in the United States; and (3) ensures appropriate security to prevent improper disclosure of that data. (b) Contents.--The database established under subsection (a) shall contain the following data: (1) Data on each court-ordered or administrative eviction.--With respect to each court-ordered or administrative eviction case filed on or after the date on which the database is established: (A) Information on the tenant who is the defendant, including-- (i) the name of the tenant; (ii) the address of the residential property and the type of housing; (iii) the number of household members residing in the property, including the number of children; and (iv) whether the tenant is a recipient of tenant-based or project-based assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f). (B) Information on the landlord who filed the court-ordered or administrative eviction case, including-- (i) the name of the landlord; (ii) the name of the attorney or legally permitted representative of the landlord, or an indication that the landlord was self- represented; (iii) any amount that the landlord alleges that the tenant owes, including any penalties and attorney's fees; and (iv) any costs incurred by the landlord for engaging in the eviction process, including-- (I) court costs, such as filing fees; (II) the cost of legal representation; and (III) the cost to set out a tenant. (C) Procedural data on the court-ordered or administrative eviction case, including-- (i) the date, if applicable, on which the tenant was served with a notice to quit; (ii) the date of the initial court filing by the landlord; (iii) the reason why the landlord filed for eviction, such as nonpayment or breach of lease; (iv) whether the eviction was as a result of the enforcement of a local ordinance impacting eviction; (v) the final outcome of the court-ordered or administrative eviction case, including-- (I) the disposition of the case, including whether the initial hearing resulted in a default judgment, dismissal, consent agreement, settlement, or trial; (II) the date of final disposition; (III) any amount owed to the landlord or tenant, if any, and over what time period; (IV) whether a judgment was made in favor of the tenant for code violations or warranty of habitability claims; (V) the overall outcome of the case, including whether the tenant paid any amounts to the landlord and whether the tenant stayed in the housing or was evicted from the housing; and (VI) whether the tenant had legal representation and the nature of that representation, including a lawyer, a law student participating in a clinic, or another non-lawyer trained to represent clients in landlord-tenant court, or whether the tenant was a lawyer representing himself or herself; (vi) the total court fees incurred by the tenant, separated into categories of fees; (vii) the total court fees incurred by the landlord; (viii) whether the landlord had appeared in landlord-tenant court for a court-ordered or administrative eviction matter involving the landlord in the 6-month, 1-year, or 2-year period preceding the court-ordered or administrative eviction case; and (ix) whether the tenant had appeared in landlord-tenant court for a court-ordered or administrative eviction matter involving the landlord in the 6-month, 1-year, or 2-year period preceding the court-ordered or administrative eviction case. (2) Aggregate data on court-ordered or administrative eviction cases.--Aggregate data on court-ordered or administrative eviction cases filed on or after the date on which the database is established, including-- (A) the total number of cases filed, including a breakdown by-- (i) the number of cases filed for nonpayment, other breach of lease, both nonpayment and breach of lease, and any other reason; (ii) the number of cases filed because of the enforcement of a local ordinance impacting eviction; and (iii) the outcome of the dispositive hearing, including default judgment, dismissal, a consent agreement, a trial, and a settlement with or without mediation; (B) the number of tenants and landlords who showed up for the dispositive hearing of a court-ordered or an administrative eviction case, and how many were represented by counsel; (C) the average duration of a court-ordered or an administrative eviction case, including the average time from filing to first hearing; (D) the average amount allegedly owed by a tenant, per landlord; (E) the average months of rent allegedly owed by a tenant; (F) the average amount paid by a tenant to resolve the case and stay in the housing; (G) the number of court-ordered or administrative eviction cases resulting in a judgment in favor of the tenant due to code violations or warranty of habitability claims; (H) the number and percentage of court-ordered or administrative eviction cases broken down by age bracket; (I) the number and percentage of court-ordered or administrative eviction cases with a tenant or household with children; (J) the number of tenants evicted from public housing, broken down by each public housing agency; (K) the number of tenants evicted from dwelling units who were receiving tenant-based assistance or project-based assistance under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f); and (L) the number of court-ordered or administrative eviction or cases where late fees were collected from tenants by landlords, and the average amount of late fees in those cases. (3) Data on executed evictions.--Local law enforcement or any other official who executes an eviction shall report to the adjudicating court or administrative forum sufficient data on each executed eviction, such that the court may determine which court-ordered or administrative evictions resulted in a law enforcement officer or other local official removing the tenant. (4) Data on tenant status following a court-ordered or administrative eviction.--Each court or administrative forum responsible for adjudicating evictions should contact landlords to determine whether tenants who were the subject of a court- ordered or administrative eviction were removed or remained in the property 90 days after the court-ordered or administrative eviction. (5) Data on each illegal eviction.--With respect to each illegal eviction occurring on or after the date on which the database is established, as reported by local governments and nonprofit organizations receiving grants under section 6: (A) The data described in paragraph (1)(A). (B) Information on the landlord, including-- (i) the name of the landlord; and (ii) any amount that the landlord alleges that the tenant owes, including any penalties. (C) The reason the tenant was evicted. (D) If the tenant was evicted for nonpayment, the amount owed. (E) If the tenant was evicted for nonpayment, the total number of months owed. (F) Whether the tenant was evicted because of the enforcement of a local ordinance impacting eviction. (6) Aggregate data on illegal evictions.--Aggregate data on illegal eviction cases occurring on or after the date on which the database is established, as reported by local governments and nonprofit organizations receiving grants under section 6, including-- (A) the average amount owed by a tenant, per landlord; (B) the average months of rent owed by a tenant; (C) the number and percentage of illegal eviction cases broken down by age bracket; (D) the number and percentage of illegal eviction cases with a tenant or household with children; (E) the number and percentage of illegal eviction cases broken down by race and ethnicity; (F) the number and percentage of illegal eviction cases broken down by gender; (G) the number and percentage of illegal eviction cases broken down by disability status; and (H) the number and percentage of illegal eviction cases based on the enforcement of a local ordinance impacting eviction. (c) Submission of Data.-- (1) Submission by courts.--Not later than March 1 of each year, the Attorney General of each State shall submit to the Secretary data on court-ordered eviction cases that occurred in that State during the preceding calendar year for inclusion in the database established under this section. (2) Submission to secretary.-- (A) In general.--The Attorney General of the State shall-- (i) ensure the accuracy and consistency of the data submitted under paragraph (1); and (ii) upon receipt of the data, aggregate the data and report the individual and aggregate data to the Secretary in a timely manner. (B) Submission by courts.--If the Attorney General of the State fails to submit the data described in paragraph (1) to the Secretary in a timely manner under subparagraph (A), the clerk of each State or local court that handles landlord-tenant cases may submit the data directly to the Secretary. (d) Guidelines.--The Secretary shall promulgate rules and establish guidelines for the submission of data under subsection (c) and publication of data in the database established under this section, which shall include-- (1) a technological solution that provides a single point of entry for data submissions to reduce the burden on clerks of the courts; (2) in consultation with local governments and judges, appropriate safeguards for protecting the privacy of personally identifiable information of vulnerable populations, which shall incorporate confidentiality measures to ensure that any personally identifiable information regarding a tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking is not disclosed during the process of data submission and publication; (3) standards for-- (A) external researchers to be granted permission to access data in the database, including both aggregate data and, if necessary for the conduct of their research, personally identifiable information, with appropriate safeguards to ensure identities are protected in any publicly released analysis; (B) the establishment of a research data center to support analysis of that data; and (C) using generally accepted statistical principles to validate the data, in consultation with outside participants; (4) methods for collecting data required under subsection (b) that are not currently collected; (5) establishing definitions for terms related to the eviction process based on how they are legally defined by courts of jurisdiction handling eviction cases; and (6) standards for local officials to identify and designate social services agencies that may access the database to provide targeted social services to those tenants. (e) Annual Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, the Secretary shall make publicly available a report on the contents of the database established under this section. (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. SEC. 4. GRANT PROGRAM TO COLLECT DATA ON ILLEGAL EVICTIONS. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations to set up programs to collect data from landlords on illegal evictions in the United States. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to provide grants under this section. SEC. 5. ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to be known as the Committee on Eviction Research (in this section referred to as the ``Committee'') to advise the Secretary on matters relating to-- (1) the creation, operation, maintenance, methodology, and privacy matters of the statistical efforts relating to the database established under section 5; (2) developing a research agenda to determine the causes and consequences of evictions; and (3) illuminating policies or practices that reduce the number of evictions or mitigate the consequences of evictions. (b) Membership.-- (1) In general.--The Committee shall be composed of 14 members who shall be appointed by the Secretary, in consultation with the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives, of whom-- (A) 2 members shall be employees of the Department with expertise in housing data and an interest in issues relating to evictions and housing instability; (B) 2 members shall be representatives of landlords; (C) 5 members shall be from the academic or research community; (D) 3 members shall be from civil society, of whom not less than 2 shall be from entities that advocate for civil rights related to housing or eviction; and (E) 2 members shall be from private industry, civil society, or the academic community with backgrounds in data science and privacy. (2) Chair.--The Secretary shall appoint a chair of the Committee from among the members of the Committee. (3) Period of appointment; vacancies.-- (A) In general.--A member of the Committee shall be appointed for a period of 2 years. (B) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Committee-- (i) shall not affect the powers of the Committee; and (ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. (c) Meetings.--The Committee shall meet-- (1) in person not less frequently than twice each year; and (2) via teleconference not less frequently than once every 2 months. (d) Powers.--In carrying out the duties of the Committee, the Committee may-- (1) hold such hearings, sit, and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Committee determines to be appropriate; (2) issue reports, guidelines, and memoranda; (3) hold or host conferences and symposia; (4) enter into cooperative agreements with third-party experts to obtain relevant advice or expertise, and oversee staff; (5) establish subcommittees; and (6) establish rules of procedure. (e) Gifts.--The Committee may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. (f) Travel Expenses.--The members of the Committee shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of service for the Committee. (g) Staff.-- (1) In general.--The chair of the Committee may, without regard to the civil service laws (including regulations), appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties, except that the employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission. (2) Compensation.--The chair of the Committee may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of that title. (h) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Committee terminates, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report containing-- (1) recommendations for statistical efforts relating to the database established under section 5, including how additional data may potentially be collected, consistent with civil rights protections, to understand eviction trends by race, gender, disability status, ethnicity, age, and immigration status; and (2) a research agenda to determine the causes and consequences of evictions and to illuminate policies or practices that reduce the number of evictions or mitigate the consequences of evictions, including an assessment of the housing challenges resulting from the prohibition on public housing participation due to the prior eviction of an individual. (i) No Additional Funds.--The amounts necessary to carry out this section shall be derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the Secretary. <all>

We Need Eviction Data Now Act of 2021

To require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish a national evictions database, and for other purposes.

We Need Eviction Data Now Act of 2021

Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L.

D

CT

H.R.8029

International Affairs

Taiwan Weapons Exports Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Commerce to move Taiwan from Country Group A:6 to Country Group A:5 for the purposes of the Export Administration Regulations. (Generally, this reclassification allows Taiwan to acquire certain items and weapons systems subject to export controls on an expedited basis.)

To require the placement of Taiwan in Country Group A:5 for purposes of the strategic trade authorization license exception under the Export Administration Regulations. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Taiwan Weapons Exports Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the United States has a strong interest, in accordance with its obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), in ensuring that Taiwan has all resources necessary to defend itself, especially by asymmetric ways and means, against military action by the People's Republic of China; (2) the threat of military action by the People's Republic of China against Taiwan is growing more rapidly than many anticipated, with the current and former commanders of the United States Indo-Pacific Command testifying that the Government of the People's Republic of China may view the local military balance over Taiwan as favorable to an invasion well before 2035 and potentially as soon as 2027; (3) it is imperative that the United States provide Taiwan with defensive resources with urgency, not only so that Taiwan can better defend itself against military action by the People's Republic of China, but also to reduce the operational risk to the United States Armed Forces, if the President commits such forces to Taiwan's defense following the initiation of hostilities by the Government of the People's Republic of China; (4) the inclusion of Taiwan in Country Group A:5 under Supplement No. 1 to part 740 of the Export Administration Regulations would address the need described in paragraph (3) by allowing Taiwan to acquire critical asymmetric defensive capabilities on an expedited basis, including undersea sensors, naval mines, man-portable air defense systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles, pursuant to the strategic trade authorization license exception under section 740.20 of the Export Administration Regulations; and (5) Taiwan has been designated a major non-NATO ally under section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321k). SEC. 3. STRATEGIC TRADE AUTHORIZATION LICENSE EXCEPTION FOR TAIWAN. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall revise part 740 of the Export Administration Regulations to remove Taiwan from Country Group A:6 and add it to Country Group A:5. SEC. 4. DEFINITION OF EXPORT ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS. In this Act, the term ``Export Administration Regulations'' has the meaning given that term in section 1742 of the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4801). <all>

Taiwan Weapons Exports Act of 2022

To require the placement of Taiwan in Country Group A:5 for purposes of the strategic trade authorization license exception under the Export Administration Regulations.

Taiwan Weapons Exports Act of 2022

Rep. Banks, Jim

R

IN

H.R.514

Education

Preserve American History Act This bill provides statutory authority for a November 2, 2020, executive order establishing the President's Advisory 1776 Commission to promote the history and principles of the founding of the United States.

To provide that the Executive order entitled ``Establishing the President's Advisory 1776 Commission'' shall have the force and effect of law, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Preserve American History Act''. SEC. 2. LEGAL EFFECT. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or Executive order, Executive Order 13958 (85 Fed. Reg. 70951), signed on November 2, 2020, and entitled ``Establishing the President's Advisory 1776 Commission'' shall have the force and effect of law. <all>

Preserve American History Act

To provide that the Executive order entitled "Establishing the President's Advisory 1776 Commission" shall have the force and effect of law, and for other purposes.

Preserve American History Act

Rep. Budd, Ted

R

NC

H.R.7573

Health

Telehealth Extension and Evaluation Act This bill expands and otherwise modifies coverage of telehealth services under Medicare until two years after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Specifically, the bill (1) allows federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to serve as the distant site (i.e., the location of the health care practitioner), (2) allows for Medicare payment of certain audio-only services and of outpatient critical access hospital services consisting of telehealth behavioral therapy, (3) conditions payment for certain high-cost laboratory tests and durable medical equipment that are ordered via telehealth on at least one in-person visit during the preceding 12-month period, and (4) allows Schedule II through V controlled substances to be prescribed online if a practitioner has conducted a telehealth evaluation with video. The bill also generally extends any Medicare telehealth flexibilities that were granted during the COVID-19 public health emergency until two years after the emergency ends. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must report on the effects of changes that were made during the emergency period with respect to the provision or availability of telehealth services under Medicare. The CMS must also award grants to state Medicaid programs to allow them to report on similar information.

To amend titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend certain telehealth services covered by Medicare and to evaluate the impact of telehealth services on Medicare beneficiaries, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) In General.--This Act may be cited as the ``Telehealth Extension and Evaluation Act''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Extension of telehealth services. Sec. 3. Temporary requirements for provision of high-cost durable medical equipment and laboratory tests. Sec. 4. Requirement to submit NPI number for telehealth billing. Sec. 5. Federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics. Sec. 6. Telehealth flexibilities for critical access hospitals. Sec. 7. Use of telehealth for the dispensing of controlled substances by means of the internet. Sec. 8. Study on the effects of changes to telehealth under the Medicare and Medicaid programs during the COVID-19 emergency. Sec. 9. Extension of authority for audio-only telehealth services under the Medicare program. SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF TELEHEALTH SERVICES. Section 1135(e) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-5(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) Two-year extension of telehealth services following the covid-19 emergency period.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a waiver or modification of requirements pursuant to subsection (b)(8) shall terminate on the date that is 2 years after the last day of the emergency period described in subsection (g)(1)(B).''. SEC. 3. TEMPORARY REQUIREMENTS FOR PROVISION OF HIGH-COST DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND LABORATORY TESTS. (a) High-Cost Durable Medical Equipment.--Section 1834(a)(1)(E) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(a)(1)(E)) is amended by adding at the end the following new clauses: ``(vi) Standards for high-cost durable medical equipment.-- ``(I) Limitation on payment for high-cost durable medical equipment.-- During the 2-year period beginning on the day after the last day of the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B), payment may not be made under this subsection for high-cost durable medical equipment ordered by a physician or other practitioner described in clause (ii) via telehealth for an individual, unless such physician or practitioner furnished to such individual a service in person at least once during the 12-month period prior to ordering such high-cost durable medical equipment. ``(II) High-cost durable medical equipment defined.--For purposes of this clause, the term `high-cost durable medical equipment' means, with respect to a year, durable medical equipment for which payment may be made under paragraphs (2) through (8), the price under the clinical lab fee schedule which for such year is in the highest quartile of national purchase prices of durable medical equipment payable for such year. ``(vii) Audit of providers and practitioners furnishing a high volume of durable medical equipment via telehealth.-- ``(I) Identification of providers.--During the 2-year period beginning on the day after the last day of the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B), Medicare administrative contractors shall conduct reviews, on a schedule determined by the Secretary, of claims for durable medical equipment prescribed by a physician or other practitioner described in clause (ii) during the 12-month period preceding such review to identify physicians or other practitioners with respect to whom at least 90 percent of all durable medical equipment prescribed by such physician or practitioner during such period was prescribed pursuant to a telehealth visit. ``(II) Audit.--In the case of a physician or practitioner identified under subclause (I), with respect to a 12-month period described in such subclause, the Medicare administrative contractors shall conduct audits of all claims for durable medical equipment prescribed by such physicians or practitioners to determine whether such claims comply with the requirements for coverage under this title.''. (b) High-Cost Laboratory Tests.--Section 1834A(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m-1(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(6) Requirement for high-cost laboratory tests.-- ``(A) Limitation on payment for high-cost laboratory tests.--During the 2-year period beginning on the day after the last day of the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B), payment may not be made under this subsection for a high-cost laboratory test ordered by a physician or practitioner via telehealth for an individual, unless such physician or practitioner furnished to such individual a service in person at least once during the 12-month period prior to ordering such high-cost laboratory test. ``(B) High-cost laboratory test defined.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `high-cost laboratory test' means, with respect to a year, a laboratory test for which payment may be made under this section, and the purchase price of which for such year is in the highest quartile of purchase prices of laboratory tests for such year. ``(7) Audit of laboratory testing ordered pursuant to telehealth visit.-- ``(A) Identification of providers.--During the 2- year period beginning on the day after the last day of the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B), Medicare administrative contractors shall conduct periodic reviews, on a schedule determined by the Secretary, of claims for laboratory tests prescribed by a physician or practitioner during the 12-month period preceding such review to identify physicians or other practitioners with respect to whom at least 90 percent of all laboratory tests prescribed by such physician or practitioner during such period were prescribed pursuant to a telehealth visit. ``(B) Audit.--In the case of a physician or practitioner identified under subparagraph (A), with respect to a 12-month period described in such subparagraph, the Medicare administrative contractors shall conduct audits of all claims for laboratory tests prescribed by such physicians or practitioners during such period to determine whether such claims comply with the requirements for coverage under this title.''. SEC. 4. REQUIREMENT TO SUBMIT NPI NUMBER FOR TELEHEALTH BILLING. Section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(m)) is amended-- (1) in the first sentence of paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraphs (8) and (9)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (8), (9), and (10)''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(10) Requirement to submit npi number for telehealth billing.--During the 2-year period beginning on the day after the last day of the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B), payment may not be made under this subsection for telehealth services furnished by a health care professional eligible to bill Medicare for their professional services unless such health care professional submits a claim for payment-- ``(A) under the national provider identification number assigned to such health care professional; ``(B) in the case of services provided under section 1833(a)(8), under the facility identification number; or ``(C) in the case of occupational therapy assistants or physical therapy assistants in private practice, under the national provider identification of the supervising therapist.''. SEC. 5. FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS AND RURAL HEALTH CLINICS. Section 1834(m)(8) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(m)(8)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``the 151-day period'' and inserting ``the 2- year period''; and (2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: ``(B) Payment.-- ``(i) In general.--A telehealth service furnished by a Federally qualified health center or a rural health clinic to an individual pursuant to this paragraph on or after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph shall be deemed to be so furnished to such individual as an outpatient of such clinic or facility (as applicable) for purposes of paragraph (1) or (3), respectively, of section 1861(aa) and payable as a Federally qualified health center service or rural health clinic service (as applicable) under the prospective payment system established under section 1834(o) or under section 1833(a)(3), respectively. ``(ii) Treatment of costs for fqhc pps calculations and rhc air calculations.--Costs associated with the delivery of telehealth services by a Federally qualified health center or rural health clinic serving as a distant site pursuant to this paragraph shall be considered allowable costs for purposes of the prospective payment system established under section 1834(o) and any payment methodologies developed under section 1833(a)(3), as applicable.''. SEC. 6. TELEHEALTH FLEXIBILITIES FOR CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS. Section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(m)), as amended by section 4, is amended-- (1) in the first sentence of paragraph (1), by striking ``and (10)'' and inserting ``, (10), and (11)''; (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``paragraph (8)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (8) and (11)''; (3) in paragraph (4)-- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``paragraph (8)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (8) and (11)''; (B) in subparagraph (F)(i), by striking ``paragraph (8)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (8) and (11)''; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(11) Telehealth flexibilities for critical access hospitals.-- ``(A) In general.--During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this paragraph and ending on the date that is 2 years after the end of the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B), the following shall apply: ``(i) The Secretary shall pay for telehealth services that are furnished via a telecommunications system by a critical access hospital, including any practitioner authorized to provide such services within the facility, that is a qualified provider (as defined in subparagraph (B)) to an eligible telehealth individual enrolled under this part notwithstanding that the critical access hospital providing the telehealth service is not at the same location as the beneficiary, if such services complement a plan of care that includes in-person care at some point, as may be appropriate. ``(ii) The amount of payment to a critical access hospital that serves as a distant site for such a telehealth service shall be determined under subparagraph (B). ``(iii) For purposes of this subsection-- ``(I) the term `distant site' includes a critical access hospital that furnishes a telehealth service to an eligible telehealth individual; ``(II) the term `qualified provider' means, with respect to a telehealth service described in clause (i) that is furnished to an eligible telehealth individual, a critical access hospital that has an established patient relationship with such individual as defined by the State in which the individual is located; and ``(III) the term `telehealth services' includes behavioral health services and any other outpatient critical access hospital service that is furnished using telehealth to the extent that payment codes corresponding to services identified by the Secretary under clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (4)(F) are listed on the corresponding claim for such critical access hospital service. ``(B) Payment.--For purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii), the amount of payment to a critical access hospital that serves as a distant site that furnishes a telehealth service to an eligible telehealth individual under this paragraph shall be equal to 101 percent of the reasonable costs of the hospital in providing such services, unless the hospital makes an election under paragraph (2) of section 1834(g) to be paid for such services based on the methodology described in such paragraph. Telehealth services furnished by a critical access hospital shall be counted for purposes of determining the provider productivity rate of the critical access hospital for purposes of payment under such section. ``(C) Implementation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may implement this paragraph through program instruction, interim final rule, or otherwise.''. SEC. 7. USE OF TELEHEALTH FOR THE DISPENSING OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES BY MEANS OF THE INTERNET. Section 309(e)(2) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 829(e)(2)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A)(i)-- (A) by striking ``at least 1 in-person medical evaluation'' and inserting the following: ``at least-- ``(I) 1 in-person medical evaluation''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(II) during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this subclause and ending on the date that is 2 years after the end of the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-5(g)(1)(B)), for purposes of prescribing a controlled substance in schedules II through V, 1 telehealth evaluation; or''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(D)(i) The term `telehealth evaluation' means a medical evaluation that is conducted in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws by a practitioner (other than a pharmacist) who is at a location remote from the patient and is communicating with the patient using a telecommunications system referred to in section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(m)) that includes, at a minimum, audio and video equipment permitting two-way, real-time interactive communication between the patient and distant site practitioner. ``(ii) Nothing in clause (i) shall be construed to imply that 1 telehealth evaluation demonstrates that a prescription has been issued for a legitimate medical purpose within the usual course of professional practice. ``(iii) A practitioner who prescribes the drugs or combination of drugs that are covered under section 303(g)(2)(C) using the authority under subparagraph (A)(i)(II) of this paragraph shall adhere to nationally recognized evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of patients with opioid use disorders and a diversion control plan, as those terms are defined in section 8.2 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of this subparagraph.''. SEC. 8. STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF CHANGES TO TELEHEALTH UNDER THE MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PROGRAMS DURING THE COVID-19 EMERGENCY. (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall conduct a study and submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate an interim report on any changes made to the provision or availability of telehealth services under part A or B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (including by reason of the amendments made to the Controlled Substances Act under section 7) since the start of the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-5(g)(1)(B)). Such report shall include the following: (1) A summary of utilization of all health care services furnished under such part A or B during such emergency period, including the number of telehealth visits (broken down by service type, the number of such visits furnished via audio- visual technology, the number of such visits furnished via audio-only technology, and the number of such visits furnished by a Federally qualified health center, rural health clinic, or community health center, respectively, if practicable), in- person outpatient visits, inpatient admissions, and emergency department visits. (2) A description of any changes in utilization patterns for the care settings described in paragraph (1) over the course of such emergency period compared to such patterns prior to such emergency period. (3) An analysis of utilization of telehealth services under such part A or B during such emergency period, broken down by race and ethnicity, geographic region, and income level (as measured directly or indirectly, such as by patient's zip code tabulation area median income as publicly reported by the United States Census Bureau), and of any trends in such utilization during such emergency period, so broken down. Such analysis may not include any personally identifiable information or protected health information. (4) A description of expenditures and any savings under such part A or B attributable to use of such telehealth services during such emergency period. (5) A description of any instances of fraud identified by the Secretary, acting through the Office of the Inspector General or other relevant agencies and departments, with respect to such telehealth services furnished under such part A or B during such emergency period and a comparison of the number of such instances with the number of instances of fraud so identified with respect to in-person services so furnished during such emergency period. (6) A description of any privacy concerns with respect to the furnishing of such telehealth services (such as cybersecurity or ransomware concerns), including a description of any actions taken by the Secretary, acting through the Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center or other relevant agencies and departments, during such emergency period to assist health care providers secure telecommunications systems. (7) Identification of common ICD-10 codes billed via telehealth, comparing measures of quality and outcomes between telehealth care and in-person care for the same category of service. (8) Recommendations regarding the permanency of the waivers and authorities under the provisions of, and amendments made by, this Act. (b) Consultation.--In conducting the study and submitting the report under subsection (a), the Secretary-- (1) shall consult with-- (A) the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission; (B) the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission; (C) the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; and (D) other stakeholders determined appropriate by the Secretary, such as patients, tribal communities, medical professionals, health facilities, State medical boards, State nursing boards, telehealth providers, health professional liability providers, public and private payers, and State leaders; and (2) shall endeavor to include as many racially, ethnically, geographically, and professionally diverse perspectives as possible. (c) Final Report.--Not later than 18 months after the end of the emergency period described in section 1135(g)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-5(g)(1)(B)), the Secretary shall-- (1) update and finalize the interim report under subsection (a); and (2) submit such updated and finalized report to the committees specified in such subsection. (d) Grants for Medicaid Reports.-- (1) In general.--Not later than January 1, 2023, the Secretary shall award grants to States with a State plan (or waiver of such plan) in effect under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r) that submit an application under this subsection for purposes of enabling such States to study and submit reports to the Secretary on any changes made to the provision or availability of telehealth services under such plans (or such waivers) during such period. (2) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under paragraph (1), a State shall-- (A) provide benefits for telehealth services under the State plan (or waiver of such plan) in effect under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r); (B) be able to differentiate telehealth from in- person visits within claims data submitted under such plan (or such waiver) during such period; and (C) submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information (including the amount of the grant requested) as the Secretary may require. (3) Use of funds.--A State shall use amounts received under a grant under this subsection to conduct a study and report findings regarding the effects of changes to telehealth services offered under the State plan (or waiver of such plan) of such State under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) during such period in accordance with paragraph (4). (4) Reports.-- (A) Interim report.--Not later 1 year after the date a State receives a grant under this subsection, the State shall submit to the Secretary an interim report that-- (i) details any changes made to the provision or availability of telehealth benefits (such as eligibility, coverage, or payment changes) under the State plan (or waiver of such plan) of the State under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) during the emergency period described in paragraph (1); and (ii) contains-- (I) a summary and description of the type described in paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, of subsection (a); and (II) to the extent practicable, an analysis of the type described in paragraph (3) of subsection (a), except that any reference in such subsection to ``such part A or B'' shall, for purposes of subclauses (I) and (II), be treated as a reference to such State plan (or waiver). (B) Final report.--Not later than 3 years after the date a State receives a grant under this subsection, the State shall update and finalize the interim report and submit such final report to the Secretary. (C) Report by secretary.--Not later than the earlier of the date that is 1 year after the submission of all final reports under subparagraph (B) and December 31, 2027, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the grant program, including a summary of the reports received from States under this paragraph. (5) Modification authority.--The Secretary may modify any deadline described in paragraph (4) or any information required to be included in a report made under this subsection to provide flexibility for States to modify the scope of the study and timeline for such reports. (6) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall provide such technical assistance as may be necessary to a State receiving a grant under this subsection in order to assist such State in conducting studies and submitting reports under this subsection. (7) State.--For purposes of this subsection, the term ``State'' means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, and each territory of the United States. (e) Authorization of Appropriations.-- (1) Medicare.--For the purpose of carrying out subsections (a) through (c), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (2) Medicaid.--For the purpose of carrying out subsection (d), there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027. SEC. 9. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR AUDIO-ONLY TELEHEALTH SERVICES UNDER THE MEDICARE PROGRAM. Paragraph (9) of section 1834(m) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395m(m)) is amended by striking ``151-day period'' and inserting ``2-year period''. <all>

Telehealth Extension and Evaluation Act

To amend titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend certain telehealth services covered by Medicare and to evaluate the impact of telehealth services on Medicare beneficiaries, and for other purposes.

Telehealth Extension and Evaluation Act

Rep. Axne, Cynthia

D

IA

H.R.5164

International Affairs

Prohibiting Assistance to the Taliban Act This bill prohibits using federal funds for foreign assistance to the Taliban, either directly or indirectly.

To prohibit Federal assistance from being made available to the Taliban, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Prohibiting Assistance to the Taliban Act''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON FEDERAL ASSISTANCE TO THE TALIBAN. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal funds may be made available in the form of foreign assistance-- (1) to the Taliban; (2) to any person that the Secretary of State reasonably believes would fail to prevent such assistance from being made available to or for the benefit of the Taliban; or (3) that has the effect of benefitting or otherwise supporting terrorist activities by the Taliban. <all>

Prohibiting Assistance to the Taliban Act

To prohibit Federal assistance from being made available to the Taliban, and for other purposes.

Prohibiting Assistance to the Taliban Act

Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A.

R

FL

H.R.1195

Labor and Employment

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to address workplace violence in health care, social service, and other sectors. Specifically, Labor must issue an interim occupational safety and health standard that requires certain employers to take actions to protect workers and other personnel from workplace violence. The standard applies to employers in the health care sector, in the social service sector, and in sectors that conduct activities similar to those in the health care and social service sectors. In addition, Labor must promulgate a final standard within a specified time line.

To direct the Secretary of Labor to issue an occupational safety and health standard that requires covered employers within the health care and social service industries to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act''. SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. TITLE I--WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION STANDARD Sec. 101. Workplace violence prevention standard. Sec. 102. Scope and application. Sec. 103. Requirements for workplace violence prevention standard. Sec. 104. Rules of construction. Sec. 105. Other definitions. TITLE II--AMENDMENTS TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT Sec. 201. Application of the workplace violence prevention standard to certain facilities receiving Medicare funds. TITLE I--WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION STANDARD SEC. 101. WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION STANDARD. (a) Interim Final Standard.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall issue an interim final standard on workplace violence prevention-- (A) to require certain employers in the health care and social service sectors, and certain employers in sectors that conduct activities similar to the activities in the health care and social service sectors, to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan and carry out other activities or requirements described in section 103 to protect health care workers, social service workers, and other personnel from workplace violence; (B) that shall, at a minimum, be based on the Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the Department of Labor in 2015 and adhere to the requirements of this title; and (C) that provides for a period determined appropriate by the Secretary, not to exceed 1 year, during which the Secretary shall prioritize technical assistance and advice consistent with section 21(d) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 670(d)) to employers subject to the standard with respect to compliance with the standard. (2) Inapplicable provisions of law and executive order.-- The following provisions of law and Executive orders shall not apply to the issuance of the interim final standard under this subsection: (A) The requirements applicable to occupational safety and health standards under section 6(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 655(b)). (B) The requirements of chapters 5 and 6 of title 5, United States Code. (C) Subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly referred to as the ``Paperwork Reduction Act''). (D) Executive Order No. 12866 (58 Fed. Reg. 51735; relating to regulatory planning and review), as amended. (3) Notice and comment.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary shall, prior to issuing the interim final standard under this subsection, provide notice in the Federal Register of the interim final standard and a 30-day period for public comment. (4) Effective date of interim standard.--The interim final standard shall-- (A) take effect on a date that is not later than 30 days after issuance, except that such interim final standard may include a reasonable phase-in period for the implementation of required engineering controls that take effect after such date; (B) be enforced in the same manner and to the same extent as any standard promulgated under section 6(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 655(b)); and (C) be in effect until the final standard described in subsection (b) becomes effective and enforceable. (5) Failure to promulgate.--If an interim final standard described in paragraph (1) is not issued not later than 1 year of the date of enactment of this Act, the provisions of this title shall be in effect and enforced in the same manner and to the same extent as any standard promulgated under section 6(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C. 655(b)) until such provisions are superseded in whole by an interim final standard issued by the Secretary that meets the requirements of paragraph (1). (b) Final Standard.-- (1) Proposed standard.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall, pursuant to section 6 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C. 655), promulgate a proposed standard on workplace violence prevention-- (A) for the purposes described in subsection (a)(1)(A); and (B) that shall include, at a minimum, requirements contained in the interim final standard promulgated under subsection (a). (2) Final standard.--Not later than 42 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a final standard on such proposed standard that shall-- (A) provide no less protection than any workplace violence standard adopted by a State plan that has been approved by the Secretary under section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 667), provided the Secretary finds that the final standard is feasible on the basis of the best available evidence; and (B) be effective and enforceable in the same manner and to the same extent as any standard promulgated under section 6(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 655(b)). SEC. 102. SCOPE AND APPLICATION. In this title: (1) Covered facility.-- (A) In general.--The term ``covered facility'' includes the following: (i) Any hospital, including any specialty hospital, in-patient or outpatient setting, or clinic operating within a hospital license, or any setting that provides outpatient services. (ii) Any residential treatment facility, including any nursing home, skilled nursing facility, hospice facility, Alzheimer's and memory care facility, and long-term care facility. (iii) Any non-residential treatment or service setting. (iv) Any medical treatment or social service setting or clinic at a correctional or detention facility. (v) Any community care setting, including a community-based residential facility, group home, and mental health clinic. (vi) Any psychiatric treatment facility. (vii) Any drug abuse or substance use disorder treatment center. (viii) Any independent freestanding emergency centers. (ix) Any facility described in clauses (i) through (viii) operated by a Federal Government agency and required to comply with occupational safety and health standards pursuant to section 1960 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as such section is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (x) Any other facility the Secretary determines should be covered under the standards promulgated under section 101. (B) Exclusion.--The term ``covered facility'' does not include an office of a physician, dentist, podiatrist, or any other health practitioner that is not physically located within a covered facility described in clauses (i) through (x) of subparagraph (A). (2) Covered services.-- (A) In general.--The term ``covered service'' includes the following services and operations: (i) Any services and operations provided in any field work setting, including home health care, home-based hospice, and home-based social work. (ii) Any emergency services and transport, including such services provided by firefighters and emergency responders. (iii) Any services described in clauses (i) and (ii) performed by a Federal Government agency and required to comply with occupational safety and health standards pursuant to section 1960 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as such section is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (iv) Any other services and operations the Secretary determines should be covered under the standards promulgated under section 101. (B) Exclusion.--The term ``covered service'' does not include child day care services. (3) Covered employer.-- (A) In general.--The term ``covered employer'' includes a person (including a contractor, subcontractor, a temporary service firm, or an employee leasing entity) that employs an individual to work at a covered facility or to perform covered services. (B) Exclusion.--The term ``covered employer'' does not include an individual who privately employs, in the individual's residence, a person to perform covered services for the individual or a family member of the individual. (4) Covered employee.--The term ``covered employee'' includes an individual employed by a covered employer to work at a covered facility or to perform covered services. SEC. 103. REQUIREMENTS FOR WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION STANDARD. Each standard described in section 101 shall include, at a minimum, the following requirements: (1) Workplace violence prevention plan.--Not later than 6 months after the date of promulgation of the interim final standard under section 101(a), a covered employer shall develop, implement, and maintain an effective written workplace violence prevention plan (in this section referred to as the ``Plan'') for covered employees at each covered facility and for covered employees performing a covered service on behalf of such employer, which meets the following: (A) Plan development.--Each Plan-- (i) shall be developed and implemented with the meaningful participation of direct care employees, other employees, and employee representatives, for all aspects of the Plan; (ii) shall be tailored and specific to conditions and hazards for the covered facility or the covered service, including patient- specific risk factors and risk factors specific to each work area or unit; (iii) shall be suitable for the size, complexity, and type of operations at the covered facility or for the covered service, and remain in effect at all times; and (iv) may be in consultation with stakeholders or experts who specialize in workplace violence prevention, emergency response, or other related areas of expertise for all relevant aspects of the Plan. (B) Plan content.--Each Plan shall include procedures and methods for the following: (i) Identification of the individual and the individual's position responsible for implementation of the Plan. (ii) With respect to each work area and unit at the covered facility or while covered employees are performing the covered service, risk assessment and identification of workplace violence risks and hazards to employees exposed to such risks and hazards (including environmental risk factors and patient-specific risk factors), which shall be-- (I) informed by past violent incidents specific to such covered facility or such covered service; and (II) conducted with, at a minimum-- (aa) direct care employees; (bb) where applicable, the representatives of such employees; and (cc) the employer. (iii) Hazard prevention, engineering controls, or work practice controls to correct hazards, in a timely manner, applying industrial hygiene principles of the hierarchy of controls, which-- (I) may include security and alarm systems, adequate exit routes, monitoring systems, barrier protection, established areas for patients and clients, lighting, entry procedures, staffing and working in teams, and systems to identify and flag clients with a history of violence; and (II) shall ensure that employers correct, in a timely manner, hazards identified in any violent incident investigation described in paragraph (2) and any annual report described in paragraph (5). (iv) Reporting, incident response, and post-incident investigation procedures, including procedures-- (I) for employees to report workplace violence risks, hazards, and incidents; (II) for employers to respond to reports of workplace violence; (III) for employers to perform a post-incident investigation and debriefing of all reports of workplace violence with the participation of employees and their representatives; (IV) to provide medical care or first aid to affected employees; and (V) to provide employees with information about available trauma and related counseling. (v) Procedures for emergency response, including procedures for threats of mass casualties and procedures for incidents involving a firearm or a dangerous weapon. (vi) Procedures for communicating with and training the covered employees on workplace violence hazards, threats, and work practice controls, the employer's plan, and procedures for confronting, responding to, and reporting workplace violence threats, incidents, and concerns, and employee rights. (vii) Procedures for-- (I) ensuring the coordination of risk assessment efforts, Plan development, and implementation of the Plan with other employers who have employees who work at the covered facility or who are performing the covered service; and (II) determining which covered employer or covered employers shall be responsible for implementing and complying with the provisions of the standard applicable to the working conditions over which such employers have control. (viii) Procedures for conducting the annual evaluation under paragraph (6). (C) Availability of plan.--Each Plan shall be made available at all times to the covered employees who are covered under such Plan. (2) Violent incident investigation.-- (A) In general.--As soon as practicable after a workplace violence incident, risk, or hazard of which a covered employer has knowledge, the employer shall conduct an investigation of such incident, risk, or hazard under which the employer shall-- (i) review the circumstances of the incident, risk, or hazard, and whether any controls or measures implemented pursuant to the Plan of the employer were effective; and (ii) solicit input from involved employees, their representatives, and supervisors about the cause of the incident, risk, or hazard, and whether further corrective measures (including system-level factors) could have prevented the incident, risk, or hazard. (B) Documentation.--A covered employer shall document the findings, recommendations, and corrective measures taken for each investigation conducted under this paragraph. (3) Training and education.--With respect to the covered employees covered under a Plan of a covered employer, the employer shall provide training and education to such employees who may be exposed to workplace violence hazards and risks, which meet the following requirements: (A) Annual training and education shall include information on the Plan, including identified workplace violence hazards, work practice control measures, reporting procedures, record keeping requirements, response procedures, anti-retaliation policies, and employee rights. (B) Additional hazard recognition training shall be provided for supervisors and managers to ensure they-- (i) can recognize high-risk situations; and (ii) do not assign employees to situations that predictably compromise the safety of such employees. (C) Additional training shall be provided for each such covered employee whose job circumstances have changed, within a reasonable timeframe after such change. (D) Additional training shall be provided for each such covered employee whose job circumstances require working with victims of torture, trafficking, or domestic violence. (E) Applicable training shall be provided under this paragraph for each new covered employee prior to the employee's job assignment. (F) All training shall provide such employees opportunities to ask questions, give feedback on training, and request additional instruction, clarification, or other followup. (G) All training shall be provided in-person and by an individual with knowledge of workplace violence prevention and of the Plan, except that any annual training described in subparagraph (A) provided to an employee after the first year such training is provided to such employee may be conducted by live video if in- person training is impracticable. (H) All training shall be appropriate in content and vocabulary to the language, educational level, and literacy of such covered employees. (4) Recordkeeping and access to plan records.-- (A) In general.--Each covered employer shall-- (i) maintain for not less than 5 years-- (I) records related to each Plan of the employer, including workplace violence risk and hazard assessments, and identification, evaluation, correction, and training procedures; (II) a violent incident log described in subparagraph (B) for recording all workplace violence incidents; and (III) records of all incident investigations as required under paragraph (2)(B); and (ii)(I) make such records and logs available, upon request, to covered employees and their representatives for examination and copying in accordance with section 1910.1020 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as such section is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), and in a manner consistent with HIPAA privacy regulations (defined in section 1180(b)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d-9(b)(3))) and part 2 of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations (as such part is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act); and (II) ensure that any such records and logs that may be copied, transmitted electronically, or otherwise removed from the employer's control for purposes of this clause omit any element of personal identifying information sufficient to allow identification of any patient, resident, client, or other individual alleged to have committed a violent incident (including the individual's name, address, electronic mail address, telephone number, or social security number, or other information that, alone or in combination with other publicly available information, reveals such individual's identity). (B) Violent incident log description.--Each violent incident log shall-- (i) be maintained by a covered employer for each covered facility controlled by the employer and for each covered service being performed by a covered employee on behalf of such employer; (ii) be based on a template developed by the Secretary not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act; (iii) include, at a minimum, a description of-- (I) the violent incident (including environmental risk factors present at the time of the incident); (II) the date, time, and location of the incident, and the names and job titles of involved employees; (III) the nature and extent of injuries to covered employees; (IV) a classification of the perpetrator who committed the violence, including whether the perpetrator was-- (aa) a patient, client, resident, or customer of a covered employer; (bb) a family or friend of a patient, client, resident, or customer of a covered employer; (cc) a stranger; (dd) a coworker, supervisor, or manager of a covered employee; (ee) a partner, spouse, parent, or relative of a covered employee; or (ff) any other appropriate classification; (V) the type of violent incident (such as type 1 violence, type 2 violence, type 3 violence, or type 4 violence); and (VI) how the incident was abated; (iv) not later than 7 days after the employer learns of such incident, contain a record of each violent incident, which is updated to ensure completeness of such record; (v) be maintained for not less than 5 years; and (vi) in the case of a violent incident involving a privacy concern case, protect the identity of employees in a manner consistent with section 1904.29(b) of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as such section is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act). (C) Annual summary.-- (i) Covered employers.--Each covered employer shall prepare and submit to the Secretary an annual summary of each violent incident log for the preceding calendar year that shall-- (I) with respect to each covered facility, and each covered service, for which such a log has been maintained, include-- (aa) the total number of violent incidents; (bb) the number of recordable injuries related to such incidents; and (cc) the total number of hours worked by the covered employees for such preceding year; (II) be completed on a form provided by the Secretary; (III) be posted for 3 months beginning February 1 of each year in a manner consistent with the requirements of section 1904 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as such section is in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), relating to the posting of summaries of injury and illness logs; (IV) be located in a conspicuous place or places where notices to employees are customarily posted; and (V) not be altered, defaced, or covered by other material. (ii) Secretary.--Not later than 1 year after the promulgation of the interim final standard under section 101(a), the Secretary shall make available a platform for the electronic submission of annual summaries required under this subparagraph. (5) Annual report.-- (A) Report to secretary.--Not later than February 15 of each year, each covered employer shall report to the Secretary, on a form provided by the Secretary, the frequency, quantity, and severity of workplace violence, and any incident response and post-incident investigation (including abatement measures) for the incidents set forth in the annual summary of the violent incident log described in paragraph (4)(C). The contents of the report of the Secretary to Congress shall not disclose any confidential information. (B) Report to congress.--Not later than 6 months after February 15 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a summary of the reports received under subparagraph (A). (6) Annual evaluation.--Each covered employer shall conduct an annual written evaluation, conducted with the full, active participation of covered employees and employee representatives, of-- (A) the implementation and effectiveness of the Plan, including a review of the violent incident log; and (B) compliance with training required by each standard described in section 101, and specified in the Plan. (7) Plan updates.--Each covered employer shall incorporate changes to the Plan, in a manner consistent with paragraph (1)(A)(i) and based on findings from the most recent annual evaluation conducted under paragraph (6), as appropriate. (8) Anti-retaliation.-- (A) Policy.--Each covered employer shall adopt a policy prohibiting any person (including an agent of the employer) from the discrimination or retaliation described in subparagraph (B). (B) Prohibition.--No covered employer shall discriminate or retaliate against any employee for-- (i) reporting a workplace violence incident, threat, or concern to, or seeking assistance or intervention with respect to such incident, threat, or concern from, the employer, law enforcement, local emergency services, or a local, State, or Federal government agency; or (ii) exercising any other rights under this paragraph. (C) Enforcement.--This paragraph shall be enforced in the same manner and to the same extent as any standard promulgated under section 6(b) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C. 655(b)). SEC. 104. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. Notwithstanding section 18 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 667)-- (1) nothing in this title shall be construed to curtail or limit authority of the Secretary under any other provision of the law; (2) the rights, privileges, or remedies of covered employees shall be in addition to the rights, privileges, or remedies provided under any Federal or State law, or any collective bargaining agreement; (3) nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit or prevent health care workers, social service workers, and other personnel from reporting violent incidents to appropriate law enforcement; and (4) nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit or diminish any protections in relevant Federal, State, or local law related to-- (A) domestic violence; (B) stalking; (C) dating violence; and (D) sexual assault. SEC. 105. OTHER DEFINITIONS. In this title: (1) Workplace violence.-- (A) In general.--The term ``workplace violence'' means any act of violence or threat of violence, without regard to intent, that occurs at a covered facility or while a covered employee performs a covered service. (B) Exclusions.--The term ``workplace violence'' does not include lawful acts of self-defense or lawful acts of defense of others. (C) Inclusions.--The term ``workplace violence'' includes-- (i) the threat or use of physical force against a covered employee that results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, psychological trauma, or stress, without regard to whether the covered employee sustains an injury, psychological trauma, or stress; and (ii) an incident involving the threat or use of a firearm or a dangerous weapon, including the use of common objects as weapons, without regard to whether the employee sustains an injury, psychological trauma, or stress. (2) Type 1 violence.--The term ``type 1 violence''-- (A) means workplace violence directed at a covered employee at a covered facility or while performing a covered service by an individual who has no legitimate business at the covered facility or with respect to such covered service; and (B) includes violent acts by any individual who enters the covered facility or worksite where a covered service is being performed with the intent to commit a crime. (3) Type 2 violence.--The term ``type 2 violence'' means workplace violence directed at a covered employee by customers, clients, patients, students, inmates, or any individual for whom a covered facility provides services or for whom the employee performs covered services. (4) Type 3 violence.--The term ``type 3 violence'' means workplace violence directed at a covered employee by a present or former employee, supervisor, or manager. (5) Type 4 violence.--The term ``type 4 violence'' means workplace violence directed at a covered employee by an individual who is not an employee, but has or is known to have had a personal relationship with such employee, or with a customer, client, patient, student, inmate, or any individual for whom a covered facility provides services or for whom the employee performs covered services. (6) Threat of violence.--The term ``threat of violence'' means a statement or conduct that-- (A) causes an individual to fear for such individual's safety because there is a reasonable possibility the individual might be physically injured; and (B) serves no legitimate purpose. (7) Alarm.--The term ``alarm'' means a mechanical, electrical, or electronic device that does not rely upon an employee's vocalization in order to alert others. (8) Dangerous weapon.--The term ``dangerous weapon'' means an instrument capable of inflicting death or serious bodily injury, without regard to whether such instrument was designed for that purpose. (9) Engineering controls.-- (A) In general.--The term ``engineering controls'' means an aspect of the built space or a device that removes a hazard from the workplace or creates a barrier between a covered employee and the hazard. (B) Inclusions.--For purposes of reducing workplace violence hazards, the term ``engineering controls'' includes electronic access controls to employee occupied areas, weapon detectors (installed or handheld), enclosed workstations with shatter-resistant glass, deep service counters, separate rooms or areas for high-risk patients, locks on doors, removing access to or securing items that could be used as weapons, furniture affixed to the floor, opaque glass in patient rooms (which protects privacy, but allows the health care provider to see where the patient is before entering the room), closed-circuit television monitoring and video recording, sight-aids, and personal alarm devices. (10) Environmental risk factors.-- (A) In general.--The term ``environmental risk factors'' means factors in the covered facility or area in which a covered service is performed that may contribute to the likelihood or severity of a workplace violence incident. (B) Clarification.--Environmental risk factors may be associated with the specific task being performed or the work area, such as working in an isolated area, poor illumination or blocked visibility, and lack of physical barriers between individuals and persons at risk of committing workplace violence. (11) Patient-specific risk factors.--The term ``patient- specific risk factors'' means factors specific to a patient that may increase the likelihood or severity of a workplace violence incident, including-- (A) a patient's treatment and medication status, and history of violence and use of drugs or alcohol; and (B) any conditions or disease processes of the patient that may cause the patient to experience confusion or disorientation, be non-responsive to instruction, behave unpredictably, or engage in disruptive, threatening, or violent behavior. (12) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Labor. (13) Work practice controls.-- (A) In general.--The term ``work practice controls'' means procedures and rules that are used to effectively reduce workplace violence hazards. (B) Inclusions.--The term ``work practice controls'' includes-- (i) assigning and placing sufficient numbers of staff to reduce patient-specific type 2 violence hazards; (ii) provision of dedicated and available safety personnel such as security guards; (iii) employee training on workplace violence prevention methods and techniques to de-escalate and minimize violent behavior; and (iv) employee training on procedures for response in the event of a workplace violence incident and for post-incident response. TITLE II--AMENDMENTS TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT SEC. 201. APPLICATION OF THE WORKPLACE VIOLENCE PREVENTION STANDARD TO CERTAIN FACILITIES RECEIVING MEDICARE FUNDS. (a) In General.--Section 1866 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395cc) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1)-- (A) in subparagraph (X), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in subparagraph (Y), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (Y) the following new subparagraph: ``(Z) in the case of hospitals that are not otherwise subject to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (or a State occupational safety and health plan that is approved under 18(b) of such Act) and skilled nursing facilities that are not otherwise subject to such Act (or such a State occupational safety and health plan), to comply with the Workplace Violence Prevention Standard (as promulgated under section 101 of the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act).''; and (2) in subsection (b)(4)-- (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and a hospital or skilled nursing facility that fails to comply with the requirement of subsection (a)(1)(Z) (relating to the Workplace Violence Prevention Standard)'' after ``Bloodborne Pathogens standard)''; and (B) in subparagraph (B)-- (i) by striking ``(a)(1)(U)'' and inserting ``(a)(1)(V)''; and (ii) by inserting ``(or, in the case of a failure to comply with the requirement of subsection (a)(1)(Z), for a violation of the Workplace Violence Prevention standard referred to in such subsection by a hospital or skilled nursing facility, as applicable, that is subject to the provisions of such Act)'' before the period at the end. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply beginning on the date that is 1 year after the date of issuance of the interim final standard on workplace violence prevention required under section 101. Passed the House of Representatives April 16, 2021. Attest: CHERYL L. JOHNSON, Clerk.

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act

To direct the Secretary of Labor to issue an occupational safety and health standard that requires covered employers within the health care and social service industries to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan, and for other purposes.

Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act

Rep. Courtney, Joe

D

CT

S.3794

Education

Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act This bill directs the Department of Education to establish a grant program for institutions of higher education to provide emergency financial-aid grants to students.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish an emergency grant aid program, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act''. SEC. 2. EMERGENCY FINANCIAL AID GRANT PROGRAM. Title VII of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070b et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``PART F--EMERGENCY FINANCIAL AID GRANTS ``SEC. 791. EMERGENCY FINANCIAL AID GRANT PROGRAM. ``(a) Emergency Financial Aid Grant Programs Authorized.--The Secretary shall carry out a grant program to make grants, in accordance with subsection (b), to eligible entities to provide emergency financial aid grants to eligible students in accordance with subsection (c). ``(b) Application.-- ``(1) In general.--Each eligible entity desiring to carry out an emergency grant aid program under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``(2) Outreach.--The Secretary shall, at least 60 days before each deadline to submit applications under paragraph (1), conduct outreach to institutions of higher education (including such institutions that are eligible for priority under this section) and systems of higher education to provide such institutions and systems with information on the opportunity to apply under paragraph (1) to carry out an emergency grant aid program under this section. ``(3) Contents.--Each application under paragraph (1) shall include a description of the emergency grant aid program to be carried out by the eligible entity, including-- ``(A) an estimate of the number of emergency financial aid grants that such entity will make in an award year and how such eligible entity assessed such estimate; ``(B) the criteria the eligible entity will use to determine a student's eligibility for an emergency financial aid grant; ``(C) an assurance that an emergency for which an eligible student will be eligible to receive an emergency financial aid grant will include financial challenges related to any component of the student's cost of attendance or financial challenges that would impact the ability of an eligible student to continue the course of study of such student; ``(D) an assurance that the eligible entity, when applicable, will make information available to eligible students about the eligibility of such students, and their dependents, as applicable, for assistance under means-tested Federal benefit programs, including-- ``(i) the supplemental security income program under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.); ``(ii) the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), a nutrition assistance program carried out under section 19 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2028), or a supplemental nutrition assistance program carried out under section 3(c) of the Act entitled `An Act to authorize appropriations for certain insular areas of the United States, and for other purposes' (Public Law 95-348); ``(iii) the free and reduced price school lunch program established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.); ``(iv) the program of block grants for States for temporary assistance for needy families established under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); ``(v) the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children established by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786); ``(vi) the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.); ``(vii) Federal housing assistance programs, including tenant-based assistance under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)), and public housing, as defined in section 3(b)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(1)); ``(viii) the refundable credit for coverage under a qualified health plan under section 36B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; ``(ix) the Earned Income Tax Credit under section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; or ``(x) any other means-tested program determined by the Secretary to be appropriate; ``(E) how the eligible entity will administer the emergency grant aid program, including-- ``(i) the process by which an eligible student may apply for and receive an emergency grant, which shall include an opportunity to apply online, and at least 1 opportunity to appeal a grant denial; ``(ii) the processes the eligible entity will use to respond to applications, approve applications, and disburse emergency financial aid grants, including outside of normal business hours; ``(iii) how the eligible entity will advertise emergency grants to eligible students; and ``(iv) how quickly the eligible entity will disburse emergency aid grants to students after applications have been submitted; ``(F) an assurance that the eligible entity will acknowledge receipt of a student's application and fund approved applications not later than 10 business days after the date of the approval; ``(G) an assurance that the eligible entity will conduct outreach to students to inform them of the availability of, and process for applying for, emergency aid grants; ``(H) a description of how the eligible entity will prioritize eligible students with financial need in awarding emergency financial aid grants; and ``(I) any other information the Secretary may require. ``(4) Priority.--In selecting eligible entities to carry out an emergency grant aid program under this section, the Secretary may give priority to-- ``(A) an eligible entity that is a community college; ``(B) an eligible entity that is an institution of higher education described in section 371(a); ``(C) an eligible entity that is considered rural according to the National Center for Education Statistics for purposes of the Integrated Postsecondary Data System; ``(D) an eligible entity in which not less than 33 percent of the students enrolled at such eligible entity are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant; or ``(E) an eligible entity that-- ``(i) has an admissions rate that is 50 percent or higher and is under-resourced; or ``(ii) is an eligible institution as defined in section 312(b). ``(c) Use of Funds.-- ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity may only use funds provided under this section to make emergency financial aid grants to eligible students. ``(2) Amount of awards.-- ``(A) In general.--An eligible student may receive an amount under this section that would cause the amount of total financial aid received by such student to exceed the cost of attendance of the institution of higher education in which the student is enrolled. ``(B) Maximum amounts received.--An eligible student may not receive a cumulative amount under this section for an academic year that is more than the maximum Federal Pell Grant available for such academic year. ``(3) Determinations.--In determining eligibility for and awarding emergency financial aid grants under this section, an eligible entity may-- ``(A) waive the amount of need calculation under section 471; and ``(B) utilize a contract with a scholarship- granting organization designated for the sole purpose of accepting applications from, or disbursing funds to, students enrolled in the institution of higher education, if such scholarship-granting organization disburses the full allocated amount provided to the institution of higher education to the student recipients. ``(d) Reporting and Oversight.-- ``(1) In general.--Not less frequently than once annually, each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary a report on the progress of the eligible entity in carrying out the programs supported by such grant. ``(2) Form of report.--The report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. The Secretary shall issue uniform guidelines describing the information that shall be reported by grantees under such paragraph. ``(3) Content of report.--The report under paragraph (1) shall include, at minimum, the following: ``(A) The average, minimum, and maximum amount of grants made available to eligible students, including any average, minimum, or maximum grant levels made to any specific subgroups of eligible students, including the subgroups listed in subparagraph (B). ``(B) A description of any specific subgroups of eligible students who were prioritized for the emergency financial aid grants, including students of color, low-income students, first-generation college students, students with disabilities, English learners, students experiencing homelessness, former foster youth, or student parents. ``(C) The number of eligible students who received an emergency financial aid grant, including the number of eligible students who received more than one such grant, and the number of eligible students in each of the subgroups described in subparagraph (B) who received an emergency financial aid grant, including the number of eligible students in each of such subgroups who received more than one such grant. ``(D) The types of emergencies declared and frequencies of emergencies declared by eligible students. ``(E) The number of students who applied for an emergency financial aid grant, including the number of eligible students in each of the subgroups described in subparagraph (B) who applied for an emergency financial aid grant. ``(F) The number of students who were denied such a grant. ``(G) The number of students who appealed a denial of such grant. ``(H) The average amount of time it took an eligible entity to respond to requests for such a grant and the average amount of time it took the eligible entity to award or deny such a grant. ``(I) A description and amount of any institutional funds used to supplement emergency financial aid grants provided in accordance with this section. ``(J) Outcomes of the eligible students who received such a grant, including rates of persistence, retention, and completion. ``(K) A description of the method used to disburse emergency grants to students. ``(e) Determination of Awards.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall solely determine which students receive emergency financial aid grants under this section. ``(f) Special Rules.--An emergency financial aid grant awarded to a student under this section-- ``(1) shall not be treated as estimated financial assistance or other financial assistance for the purposes of section 471 or section 480; ``(2) shall not be considered-- ``(A) income or assets (including untaxed income and benefits under section 480(b)) in the computation of a student's expected family contribution or student aid index in determining the amount of aid for which the student is eligible under title IV for any academic year; and ``(B) in determining eligibility for other public benefits; and ``(3) shall not be included in the gross income of such student for purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. ``(g) Eligibility for Benefits.--No individual shall be determined to be ineligible to receive benefits provided under this section on the basis of citizenship, alienage, or immigration status. ``(h) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Community college.--The term `community college' means-- ``(A) a degree-granting public institution of higher education (as defined in section 101) at which-- ``(i) the highest degree awarded is an associate degree; or ``(ii) an associate degree is the most frequently awarded degree; ``(B) a 2-year Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316(b)(3)); ``(C) a degree-granting Tribal College or University (as defined in section 316(b)(3)) at which-- ``(i) the highest degree awarded is an associate degree; or ``(ii) an associate degree is the most frequently awarded degree; or ``(D) a branch campus of a 4-year public institution of higher education (as defined in section 101), if, at such branch campus-- ``(i) the highest degree awarded is an associate degree; or ``(ii) an associate degree is the most frequently awarded degree. ``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means an institution of higher education. ``(3) Eligible student.--The term `eligible student' means any student who is enrolled in an eligible entity. ``(4) Institution of higher education.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the term `institution of higher education' has the meaning given the term in section 101 or 102(c). ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2027.''. <all>

Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act

A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish an emergency grant aid program, and for other purposes.

Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act

Sen. Smith, Tina

D

MN

S.4089

Armed Forces and National Security

Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act of 2022 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from charging any entitlement to retraining assistance under the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program in situations where an individual was unable to complete a course or program as a result of the closure of an educational institution or the disapproval of a program by the state approving agency or the VA. The period for which retraining assistance is not charged must be equal to the full amount of retraining assistance provided for enrollment in the program of education. In the event of a closure or disapproval, the educational institution must not receive any further payments under the program, and any payment already made must be considered an overpayment and constitute a liability of the institution to the United States.

[117th Congress Public Law 138] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [[Page 136 STAT. 1256]] Public Law 117-138 117th Congress An Act To restore entitlement to educational assistance under Veterans Rapid Retraining Program in cases of a closure of an educational institution or a disapproval of a program of education, and for other purposes. <<NOTE: June 7, 2022 - [S. 4089]>> Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act of 2022. 38 USC 101 note.>> SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. RESTORATION OF ENTITLEMENT UNDER VETERANS RAPID RETRAINING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Section 8006 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2), as amended by the Training in High-demand Roles to Improve Veteran Employment Act (Public Law 117-16), <<NOTE: 38 USC 3001 note prec.>> is further amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (n) as subsection (o); and (2) by inserting after subsection (m), the following new subsection (n): ``(n) Effects of Closure of an Educational Institution or Disapproval of a Program of Education.-- ``(1) <<NOTE: Determination.>> In general.--Any payment of retraining assistance under subsection (d)(1) shall not be charged against any entitlement to retraining assistance described in subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that an individual was unable to complete a course or program of education as a result of -- ``(A) the closure of an educational institution; or ``(B) the disapproval of a program of education by the State approving agency or the Secretary when acting in the role of the State approving agency. ``(2) Period not charged.--The period for which, by reason of this subsection, retraining assistance is not charged shall be equal to the full amount of retraining assistance provided for enrollment in the program of education. ``(3) Halt of payments to certain educational institutions.--In the event of a closure or disapproval, as described in paragraph (1), the educational institution shall not receive any further payments under subsection (d). ``(4) Recovery of funds.--In the event of a closure or disapproval, as described in paragraph (1), any payment already made under subsection (d) to the educational institution shall be considered an overpayment and constitute a liability of such institution to the United States.''. [[Page 136 STAT. 1257]] (b) Conforming Amendment.--In subsection (b)(3) of such section, strike the period and insert ``, except for an individual described in subsection (n).''. (c) <<NOTE: 38 USC 3001 note prec.>> Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply as if included in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-2). Approved June 7, 2022. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--S. 4089: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 168 (2022): Apr. 26, considered and passed Senate. May 18, considered and passed House. DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2022): June 7, Presidential remarks. <all>

Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act of 2022

A bill to restore entitlement to educational assistance under Veterans Rapid Retraining Program in cases of a closure of an educational institution or a disapproval of a program of education, and for other purposes.

Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act of 2022 Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act of 2022 Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act of 2022

Sen. Durbin, Richard J.

D

IL

H.R.2494

Armed Forces and National Security

This bill establishes the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration to administer economic opportunity assistance programs for veterans and their dependents and survivors. Specifically, the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration must administer the following Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs: Prior to the transfer of administrative responsibilities, the bill requires the VA to certify that (1) the transition of the provision of services will not negatively affect the provision of such services to veterans, and (2) such services are ready to be transferred.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF VETERANS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND TRANSITION ADMINISTRATION. (a) Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration.-- (1) In general.--Part V of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter: ``CHAPTER 80--VETERANS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND TRANSITION ADMINISTRATION ``Sec. ``8001. Organization of Administration. ``8002. Functions of Administration. ``8003. Annual report to Congress. ``Sec. 8001. Organization of Administration ``(a) Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration.--There is in the Department of Veterans Affairs a Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration. The primary function of the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration is the administration of the programs of the Department that provide assistance related to economic opportunity to veterans and their dependents and survivors. ``(b) Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity and Transition.--The Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration is under the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition, who is directly responsible to the Secretary for the operations of the Administration. ``Sec. 8002. Functions of Administration ``The Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration is responsible for the administration of the following programs of the Department: ``(1) Vocational rehabilitation and employment programs. ``(2) Educational assistance programs. ``(3) Veterans' housing loan and related programs. ``(4) The verification of small businesses owned and controlled by veterans pursuant to subsection (f) of section 8127 of this title, including the administration of the database of veteran-owned businesses described in such subsection. ``(5) The Transition Assistance Program under section 1144 of title 10. ``(6) Any other program of the Department that the Secretary determines appropriate. ``Sec. 8003. Annual report to Congress ``The Secretary shall include in the annual report to the Congress required by section 529 of this title a report on the programs administered by the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition. Each such report shall include the following with respect to each such program during the fiscal year covered by that report: ``(1) The number of claims received. ``(2) The number of claims decided. ``(3) The average processing time for a claim. ``(4) The number of successful outcomes (as determined by the Secretary). ``(5) The number of full-time equivalent employees. ``(6) The amounts expended for information technology.''. (2) Clerical amendments.--The tables of chapters at the beginning of title 38, United States Code, and of part V of title 38, United States Code, are each amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 79 the following new item: ``80. Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition 8001''. Administration. (b) Effective Date.--Chapter 80 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on October 1, 2022. (c) Authorization for Appropriations for Veterans Benefits Administrations.--There is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2022 for the General Operating Expenses account of the Veterans Benefits Administration $3,207,000,000. (d) Labor Rights.--Any labor rights, inclusion in the bargaining unit, and collective bargaining agreement that affects an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs who is transferred to the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, as established under chapter 80 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply in the same manner to such employee after such transfer. SEC. 2. UNDER SECRETARY FOR VETERANS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND TRANSITION. (a) Under Secretary.-- (1) In general.--Chapter 3 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 306 the following new section: ``Sec. 306A. Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition ``(a) Under Secretary.--There is in the Department an Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition, who is appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation or activity and solely on the basis of demonstrated ability in-- ``(1) information technology; and ``(2) the administration of programs within the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration or programs of similar content and scope. ``(b) Responsibilities.--The Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition is the head of, and is directly responsible to the Secretary for the operations of, the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration. ``(c) Vacancies.--(1) Whenever a vacancy in the position of Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition occurs or is anticipated, the Secretary shall establish a commission to recommend individuals to the President for appointment to the position. ``(2) A commission established under this subsection shall be composed of the following members appointed by the Secretary: ``(A) Three persons representing education and training, vocational rehabilitation, employment, real estate, mortgage finance and related industries, and survivor benefits activities affected by the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration. ``(B) Two persons representing veterans served by the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration. ``(C) Two persons who have experience in the management of private sector benefits programs of similar content and scope to the economic opportunity and transition programs of the Department. ``(D) The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. ``(E) The chairman of the Veterans' Advisory Committee on Education formed under section 3692 of this title. ``(F) One person who has held the position of Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition, if the Secretary determines that it is desirable for such person to be a member of the commission. ``(3) A commission established under this subsection shall recommend at least three individuals for appointment to the position of Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition. The commission shall submit all recommendations to the Secretary. The Secretary shall forward the recommendations to the President and the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives with any comments the Secretary considers appropriate. Thereafter, the President may request the commission to recommend additional individuals for appointment. ``(4) The Assistant Secretary or Deputy Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs who performs personnel management and labor relations functions shall serve as the executive secretary of a commission established under this subsection.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 306 the following new item: ``306A. Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Title 38, United States Code, is further amended-- (1) in section 306(c)(2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and (E) and redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (F), as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively; (2) in section 317(d)(2), by inserting after ``Under Secretary for Benefits,'' the following: ``the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,''; (3) in section 318(d)(2), by inserting after ``Under Secretary for Benefits,'' the following: ``the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,''; (4) in section 516(e)(2)(C), by striking ``Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits'' and inserting ``Health, the Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition''; (5) in section 541(a)(2)(B), by striking ``Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits'' and inserting ``Health, the Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition''; (6) in section 542(a)(2)(B)(iii), by striking ``Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits'' and inserting ``Health, the Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition''; (7) in section 544(a)(2)(B)(vi), by striking ``Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits'' and inserting ``Health, the Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition''; (8) in section 709(c)(2)(A), by inserting after ``Under Secretary for Benefits,'' the following: ``the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,''; (9) in section 7701(a), by inserting after ``assistance'' the following: ``, other than assistance related to Economic Opportunity and Transition,''; and (10) in section 7703, by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively. (c) Effective Date.--Section 306A of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), and the amendments made by this section, shall take effect on October 1, 2022. SEC. 3. TRANSFER OF SERVICES. (a) Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report on the progress toward establishing the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, as established under section 8001 of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 4, and the transition of the provision of services to veterans by such Administration. (b) Certification.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may not transfer the function of providing any services to veterans to the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, as established under section 8001 of title 38, United States Code, as added by section 4 until the Secretary submits to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives certification that-- (1) the transition of the provision of services to such Administration will not negatively affect the provision of such services to veterans; (2) such services are ready to be transferred. (c) Deadline for Certification.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives the certification required by subsection (b)-- (1) no earlier than April 1, 2022; and (2) no later than September 1, 2022. (d) Failure To Certify.--If the Secretary fails to submit the certification required by subsection (b) by the date specified in subsection (c)(2), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives a report that includes-- (1) the reason why the certification was not made by such date; and (2) the estimated date when the certification will be made. Passed the House of Representatives May 18, 2021. Attest: CHERYL L. JOHNSON, Clerk.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.

Official Titles - House of Representatives Official Title as Introduced To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.

Rep. Wenstrup, Brad R.

R

OH

H.R.4809

Health

Patient Access to ESRD New Innovative Devices Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide a certain payment adjustment under the Medicare end-stage renal disease (ESRD) prospective payment system. Specifically, the CMS must provide for a three-year temporary add-on payment adjustment for new medical devices used to diagnose, treat, or manage ESRD. (CMS regulations currently provide a two-year temporary add-on payment adjustment.)

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to innovative new medical devices furnished to individuals with end stage renal disease under part B of the Medicare program by establishing a new device add-on payment adjustment under such part. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Patient Access to ESRD New Innovative Devices Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) There are approximately 400,000 Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease, making up 1 percent of the Medicare population but accounting for approximately 7 percent of all Medicare spending. (2) Expected remaining lifetime for dialysis patients under 80 years old is one-third as long as their counterparts without ESRD, and for dialysis patients over 80 years old, it is one- half as long as that of their counterparts without ESRD. (3) On average, hemodialysis patients are hospitalized nearly twice per year and about 30 percent have an unplanned rehospitalization within the 30 days following discharge, contributing to high costs for treating ESRD Medicare beneficiaries. (4) There is a lack of innovative new devices for ESRD Medicare beneficiaries, in part because of the lack of reimbursement incentives for novel devices. SEC. 3. TEMPORARY ADD-ON PAYMENT FOR NEW MEDICAL DEVICES TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, OR MANAGE END STAGE RENAL DISEASE. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide-- (1) a three-year temporary add-on payment adjustment (as described in section 413.236(d) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations) for a new medical device approved by the Food and Drug Administration under section 513(f)(2) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360c) on or after January 1, 2020, and furnished to an individual entitled to benefits under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of end stage renal disease; and (2) for the adjustment under paragraph (1) to be implemented in a nonbudget neutral manner under subparagraph (D)(iv) of section 1881(b)(14) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395rr(b)(14)(D)(iv)). <all>

Patient Access to ESRD New Innovative Devices Act

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to innovative new medical devices furnished to individuals with end stage renal disease under part B of the Medicare program by establishing a new device add-on payment adjustment under such part.

Patient Access to ESRD New Innovative Devices Act

Rep. Davis, Danny K.

D

IL

S.240

Education

Supporting Children with Disabilities During COVID-19 Act This bill provides FY2021 supplemental appropriations for grants to assist states in providing special education and related services to children with disabilities and for specified early childhood education programs for children with disabilities. Additionally, the bill specifies reporting requirements related to the use of these funds. It also requires the Department of Education to publish on its website, and the Department of Health and Human Services to release, certain expenditure reports related to these funds. The amounts provided by the bill are designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO) and the Senate PAYGO rule.

To support children with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Supporting Children with Disabilities During COVID-19 Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) A free appropriate public education is a fundamental educational right of all children with disabilities, guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.). (2) More than 7,000,000 school-aged children with disabilities, approximately 13 percent of the total student enrollment, are currently entitled to individualized education and related services mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (3) Nearly 500,000 infants and toddlers, as well as their families, receive supports and services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and these early interventions have been proven to improve education outcomes. (4) Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, schools and lead agencies responsible for the administration of funds under part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) (referred to in this Act as ``lead agencies'') are required to provide early intervention, special education, and related services to children with disabilities, an obligation that requires services outlined in a child's individualized family service plan (referred to as an ``IFSP'') or individualized education program (referred to as an ``IEP''). (5) Children with disabilities have been disproportionately impacted by the disruptions to education resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, with many children with disabilities needing additional supports and services to meet their IEP and IFSP goals as the delivery of education and services has shifted from in-person to remote formats. (6) Local educational agencies and lead agencies face extra costs associated with adjusting services and continuing to provide a free, appropriate public education while children with disabilities are receiving services through distance learning and remote service delivery. (7) Schools are facing unprecedented budget challenges due to the rising costs of responding to COVID-19, coupled with State and local revenue shortfalls, as well as the severe and persistent underfunding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (8) To ensure that schools and lead agencies continue to meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families, including providing trained and certified special educators and education support specialists, emergency supplemental funding is needed under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. (9) Emergency supplemental funding is also needed under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) because services provided under that Act help ensure that students with disabilities have the technology devices and services they need to access equal educational opportunities. SEC. 3. SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--The following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021: (1) $11,000,000,000 for grants to States under section 611 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411 et seq.). (2) For early childhood education programs-- (A) $400,000,000 for preschool grants under section 619 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1419); and (B) $500,000,000 for programs for infants and toddlers under part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.). (3) $300,000,000 for personnel development under section 662 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1462). (4) $55,000,000 for the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.). (b) Emergency Designation.-- (1) In general.--The amounts provided by this section are designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4(g) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (2 U.S.C. 933(g)). (2) Designation in senate.--In the Senate, this Act is designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 4112(a) of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. (c) Applicability of All Terms and Conditions.--All terms and conditions that apply to a program under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) or the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.), as the case may be, shall apply with respect to support provided for the program through funds made available under subsection (a). (d) General Provisions.--Any amount appropriated under this section is in addition to other amounts appropriated or made available for the applicable purpose. SEC. 4. REPORTING. (a) IDEA Funds.-- (1) In general.--Recipients of funds made available under this Act for activities authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act shall separately account for, and report on, how such funds are spent in accordance with this section. (2) LEAs.--Not later than 1 year after the distribution of funds under this Act, local educational agencies shall report the use of funds appropriated in this Act to their respective State educational agencies. (3) SEAs.--Not later than 1 year after the distribution of funds under this Act, State educational agencies shall produce a publicly available report that contains information about such spending by each local educational agency in the State and aggregate spending of local educational agencies in the State by allowable uses under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Each State educational agency shall make that report available in an accessible manner on the website of the State educational agency and submit the report to the Secretary of Education. (4) Lead agency.--Not later than 1 year after the distribution of funds under this Act, each lead agency responsible for the administration of funds provided under part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) shall prepare and submit to the Secretary of Education a report that contains information about how the lead agency spent funds appropriated under this Act. (5) Secretary of education.--The Secretary of Education shall release a nationally representative report on expenditures under this Act and send such report to the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives. Not later than 1 year after the distribution of funds under this Act, the Secretary of Education's report shall be placed on the Department of Education's website in an accessible format. (b) Assistive Technology Act of 1998.-- (1) In general.--Recipients of funds made available under this Act for activities authorized under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) shall separately account for, and report on, how such funds are spent in accordance with this subsection. (2) Secretary of health and human services.--Not later than 1 year after the distribution of funds under this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall release a nationally representative report on expenditures made available under this Act for activities authorized under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998. <all>

Supporting Children with Disabilities During COVID–19 Act

A bill to support children with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting Children with Disabilities During COVID–19 Act

Sen. Murphy, Christopher

D

CT

H.R.2744

Government Operations and Politics

Hazardous Duty Pay for Frontline Federal Workers Act This bill temporarily entitles federal employees, including certain employees of the Veterans Health Administration and the Transportation Security Administration, who are exposed to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) during duty to a pay differential, as set by the Office of Personnel Management.

To provide hazardous duty pay for Federal employees who may be exposed to COVID-19, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Hazardous Duty Pay for Frontline Federal Workers Act''. SEC. 2. PAY DIFFERENTIAL FOR DUTY RELATED TO COVID-19. (a) In General.--Section 5545 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e)(1) The Office shall establish a schedule or schedules of pay differentials for duty during which an employee is exposed to an individual who has (or who has been exposed to) COVID-19. ``(2) Under such regulations as the Office may prescribe, during the period beginning on March 15, 2020, and ending on September 30, 2020, an employee to whom chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 applies, and an employee appointed under chapter 73 or 74 of title 38, is entitled to be paid the differential under paragraph (1) for any period in which the employee is carrying out the duty described in such paragraph.''. (b) TSA Employees.--Section 111(d)(2) of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (49 U.S.C. 44935 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(C) Hazardous duty pay for covid-19.--The provisions of section 5545(e) of title 5, United States Code, shall to apply to any individual appointed under paragraph (1).''. <all>

Hazardous Duty Pay for Frontline Federal Workers Act

To provide hazardous duty pay for Federal employees who may be exposed to COVID-19, and for other purposes.

Hazardous Duty Pay for Frontline Federal Workers Act

Rep. Payne, Donald M., Jr.

D

NJ

H.R.2343

Government Operations and Politics

Protecting American Voters Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide certain information to a state election official, upon the official's request, to verify citizenship status for the purpose of voting in federal elections. Specifically, the agencies must provide the state election official with such information necessary to verify that an applicant for voter registration or a registrant on the official list of eligible voters is a U.S. citizen. DHS may respond to a request by using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements program, which is used to verify immigration status. DHS may not charge a fee for this information. DHS must comply with any safeguards that the SSA determines are necessary to protect the confidentiality of an individual's Social Security number. Finally, the bill requires states to remove the names of noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters.

To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Social Security to provide information to States upon request which will enable States to verify the citizenship status of applicants for voter registration in elections for Federal office in the State and remove individuals who are not citizens of the United States from the list of individuals registered to vote in elections for Federal office in the State, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting American Voters Act''. SEC. 2. REQUIRING PROVISION OF INFORMATION UPON REQUEST TO ENABLE STATES TO VERIFY CITIZENSHIP STATUS OF APPLICANTS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION AND INDIVIDUALS ON VOTER REGISTRATION LISTS. (a) Provision of Information Upon Request.--Section 9 of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20508) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(c) Provision of Information Upon Request to Enable States to Verify Citizenship Status of Applicants and Registrants.-- ``(1) In general.--At the request of a State election official, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration shall provide the official with such information as may be necessary to enable the official to verify that an applicant for voter registration in elections for Federal office held in the State or a registrant on the official list of eligible voters in elections for Federal office held in the State is a citizen of the United States. ``(2) Use of save system.--The Secretary of Homeland Security may respond to a request received under paragraph (1) by using the system for the verification of immigration status under the applicable provisions of section 1137 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-7), as established pursuant to section 121(c) of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-603). ``(3) Sharing of information.--The Secretary and the Commissioner may share information with each other with respect to an individual who is the subject of a request received under paragraph (1) in order to enable the Secretary and the Commissioner to respond to the request. ``(4) Privacy.--The Secretary shall carry out this subsection in accordance with such safeguards as the Commissioner determines to be necessary or appropriate to protect the confidentiality of the social security account number of any individual. ``(5) Prohibiting fees.--The Secretary may not charge a fee for responding to a State's request under paragraph (1). ``(6) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this subsection.''. (b) Clarification of Authority of State to Remove Noncitizens From Official List of Eligible Voters.-- (1) In general.--Section 8(a)(4) of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (52 U.S.C. 20507(a)(4)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (A); (B) by adding ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (B); and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(C) a determination that the registrant is not a citizen of the United States;''. (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 8(c)(2)(B)(i) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 20507(c)(2)(B)(i)) is amended by striking ``(4)(A)'' and inserting ``(4)(A) or (C)''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to elections held on or after January 1, 2022. <all>

Protecting American Voters Act

To amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Social Security to provide information to States upon request which will enable States to verify the citizenship status of applicants for voter registration in elections for Federal office in the State and remove individuals who are not citizens of the United States from the list of individuals registered to vote in elections for Federal office in the State, and for other purposes.

Protecting American Voters Act

Rep. Roy, Chip

R

TX

H.J.Res.100

Labor and Employment

This joint resolution requires the parties to the disputes between certain railroads and labor organizations to accept the most recent tentative agreements, side letters, and local carrier agreements entered into by the parties that have not been ratified before the date of enactment of this joint resolution.

[117th Congress Public Law 216] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [[Page 136 STAT. 2267]] Public Law 117-216 117th Congress Joint Resolution To provide for a resolution with respect to the unresolved disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and certain of their employees. <<NOTE: Dec. 2, 2022 - [H.J. Res. 100]>> Whereas the unresolved labor disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and their employees represented by certain labor organizations threaten essential transportation services of the United States; Whereas it is in the national interest, including the national health and defense, that essential transportation services be maintained; Whereas the President, pursuant to the provisions of section 10 of the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 160), by Executive Order No. 14077 of July 15, 2022, created Presidential Emergency Board No. 250 to investigate the disputes and report findings; Whereas the recommendations of Presidential Emergency Board No. 250 issued on August 16, 2022, formed the basis for tentative agreements between all of the parties to the disputes; Whereas some, but not all, of the tentative agreements have been ratified by the union memberships in final resolution of certain of the disputes between the parties; Whereas unresolved disputes remain between the parties whose tentative agreements were not ratified by the union memberships; Whereas the recommendations of Presidential Emergency Board No. 250 issued on August 16, 2022, have not resulted in a final resolution of all the disputes; Whereas all the procedures provided under the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.), and further procedures agreed to by the parties, have been exhausted and have not resulted in a final resolution of all the disputes; Whereas it is desirable that all such disputes be resolved in a manner which encourages solutions reached through collective bargaining; Whereas Congress, under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, has the authority and responsibility to ensure the uninterrupted operation of essential transportation services; Whereas Congress finds that emergency measures are essential to national security and continuity of transportation services by such railroads; and Whereas Congress has in the past enacted legislation for such purposes: Now, therefore, be it [[Page 136 STAT. 2268]] Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. CONDITIONS FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES. (a) In General.--Consistent with the purposes of the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) to avoid any labor dispute that threatens substantially to interrupt interstate commerce to a degree such as to deprive any section of the country of essential transportation service, the most recent tentative agreements, side letters, and local carrier agreements entered into by the covered parties that have not been ratified before the date of enactment of this joint resolution (including tentative agreements, side letters, and local carrier agreements that have failed ratification) shall be binding on such covered parties to such unresolved disputes, and shall have the same effect as though arrived at by agreement of such covered parties under the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.). (b) <<NOTE: Definition.>> Covered Parties.--In this section, the term ``covered parties'' means the parties to the unresolved disputes subject to Presidential Emergency Board No. 250, established pursuant to Executive Order 14077 of July 15, 2022 (87 Fed. Reg. 43203; relating to establishing an emergency board to investigate disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and their employees represented by certain labor organizations) and the provisions of section 10 of the Railway Labor Act (45 U.S.C. 160). SEC. 2. MUTUAL AGREEMENT. Nothing in this joint resolution shall prevent any mutual written agreement by the parties to implement the terms and conditions established by this joint resolution, or prevent a mutual written agreement to any terms and conditions different from those established by this joint resolution. Approved December 2, 2022. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.J. Res. 100: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 168 (2022): Nov. 30, considered and passed House. Dec. 1, considered and passed Senate. DAILY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS (2022): Dec. 2, Presidential remarks. <all>

To provide for a resolution with respect to the unresolved disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and certain of their employees.

To provide for a resolution with respect to the unresolved disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and certain of their employees.

Official Titles - House of Representatives Official Title as Introduced To provide for a resolution with respect to the unresolved disputes between certain railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference and certain of their employees.

Rep. Payne, Donald M., Jr.

D

NJ

H.R.3664

Commerce

Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation Act or the SMART Act This bill limits design patent infringement liability for component parts used to repair the exterior of a motor vehicle. Specifically, the bill limits liability for infringement of a design patent that claims the appearance of a component part of a motor vehicle's exterior, such as a hood or fender. The act of making, offering to sell within the United States, or importing into the United States an article of manufacture (such as an exterior component part from an aftermarket manufacturer) that would otherwise infringe such a design patent shall not constitute infringement if the purpose of the article of manufacture is to repair and restore a motor vehicle to its original appearance. In addition, 30 months after a motor vehicle with an exterior component part covered by a design patent is offered for sale in any country, it shall not constitute design patent infringement to use or sell within the United States an otherwise-infringing article of manufacture if the purpose of that article of manufacture is to repair and restore the motor vehicle to its original appearance.

To amend title 35, United States Code, to provide for an exception from infringement for certain component parts of motor vehicles. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation Act'' or the ``SMART Act''. SEC. 2. EXCEPTION FROM INFRINGEMENT FOR CERTAIN COMPONENT PARTS OF MOTOR VEHICLES. Section 271 of title 35, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(j)(1) In this subsection-- ``(A) the term `component part'-- ``(i) means a component part of the exterior of a motor vehicle only, such as a hood, fender, tail light, side mirror, or quarter panel; and ``(ii) does not include an inflatable restraint system or other component part located in the interior of a motor vehicle; ``(B) the term `make' includes any testing of an article of manufacture; ``(C) the term `motor vehicle' has the meaning given the term in section 32101(7) of title 49; and ``(D) the term `offer to sell' includes any marketing of an article of manufacture to prospective purchasers or users and any pre-sale distribution of the article of manufacture. ``(2) With respect to a design patent that claims a component part of a motor vehicle as originally manufactured-- ``(A) it shall not be an act of infringement of the design patent to make or offer to sell within the United States, or import into the United States, any article of manufacture that is similar or the same in appearance to the component part that is claimed in the design patent if the purpose of the article of manufacture is for the repair of a motor vehicle so as to restore the motor vehicle to the appearance of the motor vehicle as originally manufactured; and ``(B) after the expiration of a period of 30 months beginning on the first day on which any such component part is first offered to the public for sale as part of a motor vehicle in any country, it shall not be an act of infringement of the design patent to use or sell within the United States any article of manufacture that is similar or the same in appearance to the component part that is claimed in the design patent if the purpose of the article of manufacture is for the repair of a motor vehicle so as to restore the motor vehicle to the appearance of the motor vehicle as originally manufactured.''. SEC. 3. CONFORMING AMENDMENT. Section 289 of title 35, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in the first undesignated paragraph, by striking ``Whoever'' and inserting the following: ``(a) In General.--Whoever''; (2) in the second undesignated paragraph, by striking ``Nothing'' and inserting the following: ``(c) Relationship to Other Remedies.--Nothing''; and (3) by inserting after subsection (a), as so designated, the following: ``(b) Inapplicability.--This section shall not apply to an act described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) if that act would not be considered an act of infringement under section 271(j)''. SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall take effect upon the expiration of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to any patent issued, or application for patent filed, before, on, or after that effective date. <all>

SMART Act

To amend title 35, United States Code, to provide for an exception from infringement for certain component parts of motor vehicles.

SMART Act Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation Act

Rep. Issa, Darrell E.

R

CA

H.R.6556

Housing and Community Development

Landlord Accountability Act of 2022 This bill provides protections to tenants of certain federally assisted housing and establishes a low-income housing maintenance tax credit for eligible landlords. Specifically, the bill prohibits discrimination, in the context of rental housing, against individuals who possess a housing choice voucher. Additionally, the bill prohibits landlords from taking or failing to take certain actions with the intent to make a unit ineligible to receive assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Landlords that violate this prohibition are subject to a penalty for each violation and may be sued by tenants who are harmed. In addition, the bill allows HUD to provide grants to states, Indian tribes, local governments, and affordable housing organizations to develop, expand, and assist tenant harassment prevention programs. The bill also provides protections to tenants of multifamily housing projects by requiring HUD to (1) increase the staffing level for the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line, (2) create a Multifamily Housing Complaint Resolution Program, and (3) publicly disclose on its website information regarding each complaint received under the program. Landlords must also display in certain multifamily housing projects information about the complaint line and the phone number of the regional or local HUD office. In addition, the bill provides a tax credit to qualifying landlords that is equal to the landlord's low-income housing maintenance expenses for the year. To qualify, landlords must have addressed within 30 days any complaints filed against them under the complaint resolution program.

To amend the Fair Housing Act, to prohibit discrimination based on use of section 8 vouchers, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Landlord Accountability Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION ON ACCOUNT OF USE OF SECTION 8 VOUCHERS. (a) In General.--Section 804 of the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3604) is amended by inserting after paragraph (f) the following new paragraph: ``(g) To discriminate in connection with the rental of a dwelling because the tenant or prospective tenant is the holder of a housing voucher.''. (b) Definition.--Section 802 of the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3602) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(p) `Holder of a housing voucher' means a holder of a voucher for rental assistance under subsection (o) or (t) of section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f).''. SEC. 3. PENALTIES FOR INTENTIONAL ACTS TO DISQUALIFY DWELLING UNITS FROM ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL HOUSING PROGRAMS. (a) Violation.--An owner of a dwelling unit that is available for rental may not take any action, or fail to take any action, with the intent to make the dwelling unit insufficiently decent, safe, sanitary, or inhabitable, or cause such other physical condition, so that the dwelling does not qualify for assistance within the jurisdiction of the Department (as such term is defined in section 102(m) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989 (42 U.S.C. 3545(m))). (b) Civil Money Penalties.--Any person who is found by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, after notice and opportunity for a hearing in accordance with section 554 of title 5, United States Code, to have violated subsection (a) shall be assessed a civil money penalty by the Secretary in the amount of $100,000 for each such action or failure to act. (c) Liability to Tenants.--A tenant who, at the time of a violation under subsection (a), occupies the dwelling unit to which the violation relates may bring a civil action for damages in the following amounts: (1) $50,000 for each action or failure to act in violation of subsection (a). (2) Any actual damages and costs to the tenant resulting from the violation, including any costs of finding a replacement dwelling unit. SEC. 4. RESOURCES FOR RECEIVING AND RESOLVING COMPLAINTS REGARDING MULTIFAMILY HOUSING PROJECTS. (a) Increased HUD Staffing for Complaint Call Staffing.-- (1) Increased staffing.--The Secretary shall, not later than the expiration of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, increase the staffing level for the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line established and operated by the Multifamily Housing Clearinghouse of the Department so that it is sufficient and appropriate to handle the volume of calls received without unreasonable waiting periods. (2) Authorization of appropriations.--For carrying out paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as may be necessary for each fiscal year for carrying out paragraph (1). (b) Multifamily Housing Complaint Resolution Program.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a Multifamily Housing Complaint Resolution Program for receiving complaints about multifamily housing projects from voucher users who reside in such projects and local governmental officials, under which the Secretary shall provide for-- (A) gathering of information regarding each such complaint; (B) determining whether there is a likelihood that there is any violation of the requirements under the rental assistance voucher program relating to such complaint; (C) informing the owner or landlord of the complaint and any violations; and (D) attempting to resolve the complaint and violations, including through mediation. (2) Resolution.--The Secretary may provide for carrying out the activities required under paragraph (1)(D) through regional or field offices of the Department or through such local or private organizations or agencies as the Secretary determines have appropriate capabilities and expertise to carry out such activities. (3) Funding.--Amounts made available for administrative fees under section 8(q) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(q)) shall be available for carrying out the program under this subsection. (4) Regulations.--Not later than the expiration of the 12- month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue any regulations necessary to establish the Program required under this subsection. SEC. 5. HUD DISCLOSURE OF LANDLORD COMPLAINTS. (a) Public Disclosure.--The Secretary shall publicly disclose, on a website of the Department and on a timely basis, information regarding each complaint received under the Program establish pursuant to section 4(b), which shall include for each such complaint-- (1) the nature of the complaint; (2) the date on which such complaint was submitted to the Department; (3) the disposition, as of the time of such disclosure, of such complaint; and (4) information identifying the multifamily housing project to which such complaint relates. (b) Reports to Congress.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall submit a report annually to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate summarizing the complaints described in subsection (a) that were received by the Department during the preceding year and describing the disposition to such date of such complaints. SEC. 6. TAX CREDIT INCENTIVE FOR MAINTENANCE OF MULTIFAMILY HOUSING WITH VOUCHER USER TENANTS. (a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 45U. LOW-INCOME HOUSING MAINTENANCE CREDIT. ``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 38, in the case of an eligible landlord, the low-income housing maintenance credit determined under this section for the taxable year is an amount equal to the amount of the taxpayer's low-income housing maintenance expenses for such taxable year. ``(b) Limitations.-- ``(1) Per unit limitation.--The credit allowed under subsection (a) with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year shall not exceed the product of $2,500 multiplied by the number of low-income housing units owned by the taxpayer. ``(2) Per building limitation.--The credit allowed under subsection (a) with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year shall not exceed the product of $100,000 multiplied by the number of eligible low-income housing projects owned by the taxpayer. ``(3) Per taxpayer limitation.--The credit allowed under subsection (a) with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year shall not exceed $500,000. ``(c) Eligible Landlord.--For purposes of this section, the term `eligible landlord' means any taxpayer for any taxable year if-- ``(1) such taxpayer owns one or more eligible low-income housing projects during such taxable year, and ``(2) either-- ``(A) each complaint that is filed, under the program under section 4(b) of the Landlord Accountability Act of 2022, during such taxable year with respect to a dwelling unit in an eligible low- income housing project owned by such taxpayer has been determined by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to have been remedied not later than the date which is 30 days after the date on which such complaint is so filed, or ``(B) no such complaint has been filed with respect to such a dwelling unit in such a housing project owned by such taxpayer during such taxable year. ``(d) Other Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Low-income housing maintenance expenses.--The term `low-income housing maintenance expenses' means the aggregate amount paid or incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year for maintenance or improvement of low-income housing units. ``(2) Eligible low-income housing project.--The term `eligible low-income housing project' means, with respect to a taxable year, a housing project-- ``(A) that consists of five or more dwelling units at least one of which was occupied during such year by a family who rented the dwelling unit using a voucher for rental assistance under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)); and ``(B) with respect to which the eligible landlord has entered into such binding agreements as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall require to ensure that rents for dwelling units in the project do not, at any time after the taxable year in which a low-income housing maintenance credit under this section is allowable, exceed the applicable fair market rental under section 8(c) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(c)) for the market area in which the project is located. ``(3) Low-income housing unit.--The term `low-income housing unit' means a dwelling unit within an eligible low- income housing project. ``(e) Aggregation Rule.--All persons treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 or subsection (m) or (o) of section 414 shall be treated as one person for purposes of applying this section. The credit determined under subsection (a) (after application of subsection (b)) shall be allocated among such persons in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe. ``(f) Termination.--No credit shall be determined under this section with respect to any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2032.''. (b) Credit To Be Part of General Business Credit.--Section 38(b) of such Code is amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (32), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (33) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(34) in the case of an eligible landlord (as defined in section 45U(c)), the low-income housing maintenance credit determined under section 45U.''. (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``Sec. 45U. Low-income housing maintenance credit.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022. SEC. 7. PUBLIC DISPLAY OF TENANT'S RIGHTS AND COMPLAINT LINE. (a) Required Display.--An owner of a multifamily housing project in which three or more voucher users reside shall display, at all times and in clear and conspicuous location on each floor of such project that contains any dwelling unit, a written notice that includes-- (1) a statement describing the rights under Federal law afforded to tenants of the project who are voucher users; (2) the phone number for the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line established and operated by the Multifamily Housing Clearinghouse; and (3) the phone number for a regional or local office of the Department which can provide tenants additional information regarding State and local resources for tenants. (b) Civil Money Penalty.--Any person who is found by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, after notice and opportunity for a hearing in accordance with section 554 of title 5, United States Code, to have failed to make a good faith effort to display notice complying with subsection (a) may be assessed a civil money penalty by the Secretary in the amount of $500 for each day of each such failure, except that the Secretary shall waive such penalty in any case in which an owner cures such violation within the 5-day period beginning upon notice by the Secretary of such violation. (c) Model Notice.-- (1) Development.--Not later than the expiration of the 12- month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall develop and publish in the Federal Register a model notice that fulfills the requirements under subsection (a)(1). (2) Availability.--The Secretary shall make copies of the notice developed pursuant to paragraph (1) available, upon request, to owners of multifamily housing projects. (d) Applicability.--Subsections (a) and (b) shall apply beginning upon the expiration of the 60-day period that begins on the date that the Secretary publishes notice in the Federal Register pursuant to subsection (c)(1). (e) Regulations.--Not later than the expiration of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations to carry out this section. SEC. 8. GRANTS FOR TENANT HARASSMENT PREVENTION PROGRAMS. (a) Authority.--The Secretary may, to the extent amounts are made available for grants under this section, make grants to States, Indian tribes, units of local government, and nonprofit, nongovernmental affordable housing organizations to develop, expand, or assist tenant harassment prevention programs. (b) Tenant Harassment Prevention Program.--For purposes of this section, the term ``tenant harassment prevention program'' means any program or activities designed to protect, assist, or educate tenants of residential rental dwelling units regarding harassing or illegal behavior by their landlords intended to force the tenant to vacate the dwelling unit or surrender any of their rights as tenants. Such term includes programs and activities providing legal assistance, counseling, education, intervention, complaint processes. (c) Federal Share.--The amount of a grant under this section for any tenant harassment prevention program may not exceed 75 percent of the total costs of the program or activities to be carried out, including administrative costs. (d) Applications.--The Secretary shall provide for eligible entities specified in subsection (a) to apply for grants under this section, which applications shall describe the tenant harassment prevention program to be assisted with grant amounts, the activities to be carried out under the program, and the projected costs of such activities. (e) Selection.--The Secretary shall select applicants to receive grants based on criteria that the Secretary shall establish. (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027 for grants under this section. SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall apply: (1) Multifamily housing project.--The term ``multifamily housing project'' means a housing project consisting of five or more dwelling units. (2) Rental assistance voucher.--The term ``rental assistance voucher'' means a voucher for rental assistance made available under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)). (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. (4) Voucher user.--The term ``voucher user'' means a family who is renting a dwelling unit using a rental assistance voucher. SEC. 10. REGULATIONS. The Secretary may issue any regulations necessary to carry out this Act. <all>

Landlord Accountability Act of 2022

To amend the Fair Housing Act, to prohibit discrimination based on use of section 8 vouchers, and for other purposes.

Landlord Accountability Act of 2022

Rep. Velazquez, Nydia M.

D

NY

H.R.1307

Government Operations and Politics

Vote by Mail Tracking Act This bill requires mail-in ballots to (1) contain a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) barcode that enables tracking of each individual ballot, (2) satisfy USPS requirements for ballot envelope design and machinable letters, and (3) include the official election mail logo. The federal government must reimburse each state (including the District of Columbia and any U.S. territory or possession) for the cost of using the barcode service.

To amend title 39, United States Code, to require mail-in ballots to use the Postal Service barcode service, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Vote by Mail Tracking Act''. SEC. 2. MAIL-IN BALLOTS AND POSTAL SERVICE BARCODE SERVICE. (a) In General.--Section 3001 of title 39, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(p) Any ballot sent within the United States for an election for Federal office is nonmailable and shall not be carried or delivered by mail unless the ballot is mailed in an envelope that-- ``(1) contains a Postal Service barcode (or successive service or marking) that enables tracking of each individual ballot; ``(2) satisfies requirements for ballot envelope design that the Postal Service may promulgate by regulation; ``(3) satisfies requirements for machineable letters that the Postal Service may promulgate by regulation; and ``(4) includes the Official Election Mail Logo (or any successor label that the Postal Service may establish for ballots).''. (b) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to any election for Federal office occurring after the date of enactment of this Act. (c) Reimbursement to States.-- (1) In general.--The Federal Government shall reimburse each State (including the District of Columbia and any territory or possession of the United States) for the cost of using the Postal Service barcode service as required under subsection (p) of section 3001 of title 39, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). (2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter such sums as may be necessary, to be derived from the general fund of the Treasury, for reimbursing States for such cost. <all>

Vote by Mail Tracking Act

To amend title 39, United States Code, to require mail-in ballots to use the Postal Service barcode service, and for other purposes.

Vote by Mail Tracking Act

Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B.

D

NY

H.R.986

International Affairs

Robust International Response to Pandemic Act This bill requires the Department of the Treasury and each U.S. Executive Director at an international financial institution to take certain actions in support of the global response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, each U.S. Executive Director at an international financial institution (e.g., the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development or the International Finance Corporation) must Further, the U.S. Governor at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) must advocate for the issuance of Special Drawing Rights so that governments may access additional resources to finance their responses to COVID-19. Of these Special Drawing Rights allocated to the United States, Treasury must lend a specified amount to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust or other special purpose vehicle of the IMF to help eligible low-income countries respond to COVID-19. Treasury must also advocate for an extension of the current moratorium on debt service payments to official bilateral creditors by the world's poorest countries.

To provide support for a robust global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Robust International Response to Pandemic Act''. SEC. 2. SUPPORT FOR A ROBUST GLOBAL RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. (a) United States Policies at the International Financial Institutions.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States Executive Director at each international financial institution (as defined in section 1701(c)(2) of the International Financial Institutions Act (22 U.S.C. 262r(c)(2))) to use the voice and vote of the United States at the respective institution-- (A) to seek to ensure adequate fiscal space for world economies in response to the global coronavirus disease 2019 (commonly referred to as ``COVID-19'') pandemic through-- (i) the suspension of all debt service payments to the institution; and (ii) the relaxation of fiscal targets for any government operating a program supported by the institution, or seeking financing from the institution, in response to the pandemic; (B) to oppose the approval or endorsement of any loan, grant, document, or strategy that would lead to a decrease in health care spending or in any other spending that would impede the ability of any country to prevent or contain the spread of, or treat persons who are or may be infected with, the SARS-CoV-2 virus; and (C) to require approval of all Special Drawing Rights allocation transfers from wealthier member countries to countries that are emerging markets or developing countries, based on confirmation of implementable transparency mechanisms or protocols to ensure the allocations are used for the public good and in response to the global pandemic. (2) IMF allocation of special drawing rights.--The United States Governor of the International Monetary Fund shall advocate for an allocation of not less than 2,000,000,000,000 Special Drawing Rights by the International Monetary Fund so that governments are able to access additional resources to finance their responses to the global COVID-19 pandemic. (3) Allocation of u.s. special drawing rights.--Of the Special Drawing Rights allocated to the United States pursuant to the allocation described in paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Treasury shall lend 1,100,000,000 Special Drawing Rights to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust or other special purpose vehicle of the International Monetary Fund, to help eligible low-income countries respond to the health and economic effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. (4) Authorizations.-- (A) In general.--Notwithstanding section 6(a) of the Special Drawing Rights Act (22 U.S.C. 286q(a)), the United States Governor of the International Monetary Fund may vote to allocate up to 2,000,000,000,000 Special Drawing Rights under article XVIII of the Articles of the Agreement of the International Monetary Fund. (B) Section 5(f) of the Bretton Woods Agreements Act (22 U.S.C. 286c(f)) shall not apply to any loan made by the Secretary of the Treasury to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust or other special purpose vehicle of the International Monetary Fund, in an amount not to exceed 1,100,000,000 Special Drawing Rights in the aggregate, in order to enhance the International Monetary Fund's support to eligible low- income countries: Provided, That the cost of the amounts authorized herein shall be determined as provided under the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661 et seq.): Provided further, That section 504(b) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661c(b)) shall not apply. (b) United States Policy at the G20.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall commence immediate efforts to reach an agreement with the Group of Twenty to extend through the end of 2021 the current moratorium on debt service payments to official bilateral creditors by the world's poorest countries. (c) Report Required.--The Chairman of the National Advisory Council on International Monetary and Financial Policies shall include in the annual report required by section 1701 of the International Financial Institutions Act (22 U.S.C. 262r) a description of progress made toward advancing the policies described in subsection (a) of this section. (d) Termination.--Subsections (a) and (c) shall have no force or effect on or after December 31, 2023. <all>

Robust International Response to Pandemic Act

To provide support for a robust global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Robust International Response to Pandemic Act

Rep. Garcia, Jesus G. "Chuy"

D

IL

H.R.8141

Armed Forces and National Security

Warrior Brain Health Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative to unify efforts and programs across DOD to improve the cognitive performance and brain health of members of the Armed Forces. DOD must submit a report to Congress setting forth a strategy and implementation plan to achieve the objectives of the initiative. Additionally, DOD must include a budget justification display for activities relating to the initiative in budget justification materials submitted for FY2025-FY2029.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish an initiative to unify efforts and programs across the Department of Defense to improve the cognitive performance and brain health of members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Warrior Brain Health Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. BRAIN HEALTH INITIATIVE OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries concerned, shall establish a comprehensive initiative for brain health to be known as the ``Warfighter Brain Health Initiative'' (in this section referred to as the ``Initiative'') for the purpose of unifying efforts and programs across the Department of Defense to improve the cognitive performance and brain health of members of the Armed Forces. (b) Objectives.--The objectives of the Initiative shall be the following: (1) To enhance, maintain, and restore the cognitive performance of members of the Armed Forces through education, training, prevention, protection, monitoring, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, including through the following activities: (A) The establishment of a program to monitor cognitive brain health across the Department of Defense, beginning upon the accession of a member to the Armed Forces and repeated at regular intervals thereafter, with the goal of detecting any need for cognitive enhancement or restoration resulting from potential brain exposures of the member, to mitigate possible evolution of injury or disease progression. (B) The identification and dissemination of thresholds for blast pressure safety and associated emerging scientific evidence. (C) The modification of high-risk training and operational activities to mitigate the negative effects of repetitive blast exposure. (D) The identification of individuals who perform high-risk training or occupational activities, for purposes of increased monitoring of the brain health of such individuals. (E) The development and operational fielding of non-invasive, portable, point-of-care medical devices, to inform the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury. (F) The establishment of a standardized monitoring program that documents and analyzes blast exposures that may affect the brain health of members of the Armed Forces. (G) The development of a resource that would set forth specific criteria used in the awarding of potential grants for research projects relating to the direct correlation of environmental exposures and brain injuries to the brain health of members of the Armed Forces. (H) The incorporation of the findings and recommendations of the report of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine titled ``Traumatic Brain Injury: A Roadmap for Accelerating Progress'' and published in 2022 (relating to the acceleration of progress in traumatic brain injury research and care), or any successor report, into activities of the Department relating to brain health, as applicable. (2) To harmonize and prioritize the efforts of the Department of Defense into a single approach to brain health, to produce more efficient and effective results. (c) Strategy and Implementation Plan.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth a strategy and implementation plan of the Department of Defense to achieve the objectives of the Initiative under subsection (b). (d) Annual Budget Justification Documents.--In the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department of Defense budget for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code), the Secretary of Defense shall include a budget justification display that includes all activities of the Department relating to the Initiative. (e) Annual Reports.--Not later than January 31, 2024, and annually thereafter until January 31, 2030, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the Initiative that includes the following: (1) A description of the activities taken under the Initiative and resources expended under the Initiative during the prior fiscal year. (2) A summary of the progress made during the prior fiscal year with respect to the objectives of the Initiative under subsection (b). (f) Secretary Concerned Defined.--In this section, the term ``Secretary concerned'' has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code. <all>

Warrior Brain Health Act of 2022

To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish an initiative to unify efforts and programs across the Department of Defense to improve the cognitive performance and brain health of members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

Warrior Brain Health Act of 2022

Rep. Bacon, Don

R

NE

S.4257

Agriculture and Food

Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take certain actions to address emergencies, disasters, and supply chain disruptions (particularly the shortage of infant formula in the United States) affecting participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). For example, the bill directs USDA to require each infant formula cost containment contract to include remedies in the event of an infant formula recall, including how an infant formula manufacturer would protect against disruption to WIC participants in the state.

To amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to establish requirements for infant formula cost containment contracts, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. INFANT FORMULA REQUIREMENTS. Section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following: ``(24) Supply chain disruption.--The term `supply chain disruption' means a shortage of supplemental foods that impedes the redemption of food instruments, as determined by the Secretary.''; (2) in subsection (h)(8), by adding at the end the following: ``(L) Infant formula cost containment contract requirements.-- ``(i) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the Secretary shall issue an interim final rule to require that each infant formula cost containment contract entered into between a State and an infant formula manufacturer on or after the effective date of the interim final rule includes remedies in the event of an infant formula recall, including how an infant formula manufacturer will protect against disruption to program participants in the State. ``(ii) Rebates.--In the case of an infant formula recall, an infant formula manufacturer contracted to provide infant formula under this section shall comply with the contract requirements under clause (i). ``(iii) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this subparagraph-- ``(I) pursuant to section 808(2) of title 5, United States Code; and ``(II) that shall be carried out without regard to chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the `Paperwork Reduction Act'). ``(M) Memorandum of understanding.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the Secretary shall ensure that there is a memorandum of understanding that establishes procedures to promote coordination and information sharing between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services regarding any supply chain disruption, including a supplemental food recall.''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(r) Emergencies and Disasters.-- ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection: ``(A) Emergency period.--The term `emergency period' means a period during which there is-- ``(i) a public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d); ``(ii) a renewal of a public health emergency described in clause (i) pursuant to section 319 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 247d); ``(iii) a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170); or ``(iv) an emergency declared by the President under section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191). ``(B) Qualified administrative requirement.--The term `qualified administrative requirement' means-- ``(i) a requirement under this section; and ``(ii) any regulatory requirement promulgated pursuant to this section. ``(2) Modification or waiver of requirements.-- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during an emergency period, the Secretary may modify or waive any qualified administrative requirement for a State agency if-- ``(A) the qualified administrative requirement cannot be met by the State agency during any portion of the emergency period due to the conditions that prompted the emergency period; and ``(B) the modification or waiver of the qualified administrative requirement-- ``(i) is necessary to provide assistance to participants of the program established by this section; and ``(ii) does not substantially weaken the nutritional quality of supplemental foods provided under the program. ``(3) Duration.--A modification or waiver under paragraph (2) shall be in effect for a period determined by the Secretary, but not later than 60 days after the end of the applicable emergency period. ``(s) Product Recalls and Supply Chain Disruptions.-- ``(1) Definition of qualified administrative requirement.-- In this subsection, the term `qualified administrative requirement' has the meaning given the term in subsection (r)(1). ``(2) Modification or waiver of requirements.-- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in order to address a supplemental food product recall or supply chain disruption, the Secretary may modify or waive a qualified administrative requirement to allow 1 or more State agencies-- ``(A) to permit vendors authorized to participate in the program under this section to exchange or substitute authorized supplemental foods obtained with food instruments with food items that are not identical (including in brand and size); ``(B) to modify or waive any requirement with respect to medical documentation for the issuance of noncontract brand infant formula, except the requirements for participants receiving Food Package III (as defined in section 246.10(e)(3) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection)); ``(C) to modify or waive the maximum monthly allowance for infant formula; ``(D) to modify or waive any additional requirement with respect to supplemental food products provided under the program under this section if the modification or waiver-- ``(i) may facilitate increased access to those products; ``(ii) does not substantially weaken the nutritional quality of those products; and ``(iii) is in accordance with any applicable guidance or directive from the Administrator of Food and Drugs determined to be applicable by the Secretary. ``(3) Duration.--A modification or waiver under paragraph (2)-- ``(A) may be-- ``(i) available for a period of not more than 45 days, to begin on a date determined by the Secretary; and ``(ii) renewed, subject to the condition that the Secretary shall provide notice of the renewal not less than 15 days before the renewal shall take effect; and ``(B) shall not be available after the date that is 60 days after the supplemental food product recall or supply chain disruption for which the modification or waiver is established ceases to exist.''. <all>

Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022

A bill to amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to establish requirements for infant formula cost containment contracts, and for other purposes.

Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022

Sen. Stabenow, Debbie

D

MI

S.2600

Taxation

Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act This bill directs the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to establish and implement the Refund to Rainy Day Savings program (i.e., a program to provide for unexpected expenses) to allow taxpayers to deposit 20% of their income tax refunds into the savings program. The bill sets forth rules for investments in and disbursement from the savings program. The bill also reauthorizes the Assets for Independence Act for FY2021-FY2025. The IRS may make grants to qualified entities to conduct AFI innovation projects. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a three-year matched savings account pilot program to encourage savings by participants in the savings program.

To establish the Refund to Rainy Day Savings Program. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Approximately 15,000,000 households file tax returns each year with the Internal Revenue Service. (2) For millions of Americans with low or moderate levels of income, their tax refund is the single largest source of income for the entire year. (3) Financial insecurity extends far up the income spectrum, as too few Americans have sufficient financial savings, and 1 in every 3 Americans has no financial savings at all. (4) Forty percent of American families do not have enough liquidity to pay for a $400 ``rainy day'' expense, and 40 percent of Americans are liquid asset poor, with emergency savings that are too small to cover basic needs in the event of a surprise expense or reduction in income. SEC. 3. REFUND TO RAINY DAY SAVINGS PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Not later than December 31, 2021, the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary's delegate (referred to in this section as the ``Secretary'') shall establish and implement a program (referred to in this section as the ``Refund to Rainy Day Savings Program'') to allow participating taxpayers, pursuant to the requirements established under this section, to defer payment on 20 percent of the amount which would otherwise be refunded to such taxpayer as an overpayment (as described in section 6401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986). (b) Period of Deferral.--Except as provided under subsection (c)(5), a participating taxpayer may elect to defer payment of the amount described in subsection (a) and have such amount deposited in the Rainy Day Fund (as described in subsection (c)). (c) Rainy Day Fund.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a fund, in such manner as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, to be known as the ``Rainy Day Fund'', consisting of any amounts described in subsection (a) on which payment has been deferred by participating taxpayers. (2) Investment.--Any amounts deposited in the Rainy Day Fund shall be invested by the Secretary, in coordination with the Bureau of the Fiscal Service of the Department of the Treasury, in United States Treasury bills issued under chapter 31 of title 31, United States Code, with maturities suitable for the needs of the Fund and selected so as to provide the highest return on investment for participating taxpayers. (3) Disbursements from fund.-- (A) In general.--On the date that is 180 days after receipt of the individual income tax return of a participating taxpayer, the amounts in the Rainy Day Fund shall be made available to the Secretary to distribute to such taxpayer in an amount equal to the amount deferred by such taxpayer under subsection (a) and any interest accrued on such amount (as determined under paragraph (4)). (B) Distributed to bank account.--The amounts described in subparagraph (A) shall be distributed to the bank account identified by the participating taxpayer under subsection (d)(3). (4) Interest accrued.--The amount of interest accrued on the amount deferred by a participating taxpayer under subsection (a) shall be determined by the Secretary, in coordination with the Bureau of the Fiscal Service of the Department of the Treasury, based upon the return on the investment of such amounts under paragraph (2). (5) Early withdrawal.-- (A) In general.--On any date during the period between the date which is 30 days after receipt by the Secretary of the individual income tax return of the participating taxpayer and October 15 of the applicable year, such taxpayer may elect to terminate the deferral of the amount described under subsection (a) and receive a distribution from the Rainy Day Fund equal to such amount and any interest which has accrued on such amount up to that date. (B) Complete withdrawal.--A participating taxpayer making an election under subparagraph (A) must terminate deferral of the full amount described under subsection (a), and such amount shall be distributed to the bank account identified by the participating taxpayer under subsection (d)(3). (d) Participating Taxpayer.--For purposes of this section, the term ``participating taxpayer'' means a taxpayer who-- (1) has not requested or received an extension of the time for payment of taxes for such taxable year under section 6161 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, (2) prior to the due date for filing the return of tax for such taxable year, elects to participate in the Refund to Rainy Day Savings Program, and (3) provides the Secretary with a bank account number and any other financial information deemed necessary by the Secretary for purposes of paragraphs (3)(B) and (5)(B) of subsection (c). (e) Forms.--The Secretary shall ensure that the election to defer payment of the amount described in subsection (a) may be claimed on Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ. (f) Implementation.-- (1) Educational materials and outreach.--The Secretary shall-- (A) design educational materials for taxpayers regarding financial savings and the Refund to Rainy Day Savings Program, (B) publicly disseminate and distribute such materials during the first calendar quarter of each calendar year and following disbursement of amounts described in subsection (c)(3), and (C) engage in outreach regarding the Refund to Rainy Day Savings Program to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and paid tax preparers. (2) Information for participating taxpayers.--The Secretary shall ensure that a participating taxpayer is able to electronically verify the status of the amount deferred by such taxpayer under subsection (a), including any interest accrued on such amount and the status of any distribution. (3) Federally funded benefits.--Any amounts described in subsection (a) which are distributed to a participating taxpayer, including any interest accrued on such amount, shall be treated in the same manner as any refund made to such taxpayer under section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for purposes of determining the eligibility of such taxpayer for benefits or assistance, or the amount or extent of benefits or assistance, under any Federal program or under any State or local program financed in whole or in part with Federal funds. SEC. 4. ASSETS FOR INDEPENDENCE INNOVATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS. (a) Reauthorization.--The Assets for Independence Act (42 U.S.C. 604 note) is amended-- (1) in section 416, by inserting ``, and, subject to section 417, $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 to remain available until expended.''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 417. RESERVATION OF FUNDS. ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsections (b) and (c), from the funds appropriated for each of fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 under section 416, the Secretary shall reserve-- ``(1) $3,000,000 for general research and evaluation; and ``(2) any amounts remaining after application of paragraph (1) to fund AFI innovation demonstration projects under section 418. ``(b) Pilot Program Funding.--From the amounts reserved under subsection (a) for each of fiscal years 2021, 2022, and 2023, the Secretary shall make available for operating the pilot program established under section 5 of the Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act-- ``(1) 50 percent of the amount reserved for the relevant fiscal year under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) (after any adjustment under subsection (c)); and ``(2) 25 percent of the amount reserved for the relevant fiscal year under paragraph (2) of subsection (a) (after any adjustment under subsection (c)). ``(c) Proportional Adjustment.--In any of fiscal years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, if the amount appropriated for such fiscal year is greater or less than the amount authorized for such fiscal year under section 416, the amounts reserved under subsection (a) shall be increased or decreased for such fiscal year so that each such amount bears the same proportion to the amount appropriated as each of the amounts reserved under such subsection bears to the amount authorized.''. (b) Establishment of Innovation Program.--The Assets for Independence Act (42 U.S.C. 604 note), as amended by subsection (a), is further amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 418. AFI INNOVATION PROJECTS. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to make grants to qualified entities to conduct AFI innovation projects under this section. ``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section: ``(1) AFI innovation project.--The term `AFI innovation project' means a demonstration project carried out by a qualified entity under this section. ``(2) Innovation development account.--The term `innovation development account' means an account that is established in a federally insured financial institution or a State insured financial institution and meets such other requirements as are established by the Secretary. ``(c) Application.-- ``(1) Criteria and preferences.-- ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), in considering an application to conduct an AFI innovation project, the Secretary shall apply subsections (c) and (d) of section 405 to the application in the same manner that such subsections apply to an application to conduct a demonstration project under section 405. ``(B) Modification.--For purposes of this paragraph, paragraph (1) of section 405(c) shall be applied without regard to the phrase `through activities requiring one or more qualified expenses'. ``(2) Approval of afi innovation projects.--Not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, on a competitive basis, approve such applications to conduct AFI innovation projects as the Secretary considers to be appropriate, taking into account the considerations required by paragraph (1). The Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the applications that are approved involve a range of communities (both rural and urban) and diverse populations. ``(d) Project Duration and Grant Amount.-- ``(1) Duration.--The Secretary shall award grants under this section for a period not to exceed 5 project years. ``(2) Grant amount.--For each project year of an AFI innovation project approved under this section, the Secretary may make a grant to the qualified entity authorized to conduct the project. In making such a grant, the Secretary shall make the grant on the first day of the project year in an amount not to exceed the lesser of-- ``(A) the aggregate amount of funds committed as matching contributions from non-Federal public or private sector sources; or ``(B) $1,000,000. ``(e) Eligibility and Selection of Individuals To Participate in an AFI Innovation Project.-- ``(1) Eligibility criteria.--Subject to the approval of the Secretary, each qualified entity conducting an AFI innovation project shall establish eligibility requirements for participants in the project. Such requirements shall-- ``(A) be more expansive than the requirements established under section 408; and ``(B) ensure that eligibility is limited to low- income individuals. ``(2) Selection of individuals to participate.--Each qualified entity conducting an AFI innovation project shall select, from among the individuals that meet the eligibility requirements established by the entity under paragraph (1), the individuals-- ``(A) that the qualified entity determines to be best suited to participate; and ``(B) to whom the qualified entity will make disbursements or deposits in accordance with subsection (f). ``(f) Disbursements by Qualified Entities.-- ``(1) In general.--Each qualified entity conducting an AFI innovation project shall, in a manner consistent with the program requirements established by such entity, disburse to a third-party or deposit into the innovation development account of each individual participating in the project from the funds described in subsection (d)(2), a matching contribution of not less than $0.50 and not more than $8 for every $1 deposited in the account by a project participant. ``(2) Limitation on disbursements for an individual.--Not more than $5,000 from a grant made under subsection (d)(1) shall be provided to any one individual over the course of the AFI innovation project. ``(3) Limitation on disbursements for a household.--Not more than $10,000 from a grant made under subsection (d)(1) shall be provided to any one household over the course of the AFI innovation project. ``(4) Adjustment for inflation.-- ``(A) In general.--For each calendar year after 2021, the dollar amounts in paragraphs (2) and (3) shall be increased by an amount equal to the product of-- ``(i) such dollar amount, and ``(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect on December 1, 2017) for the calendar year, determined by substituting `calendar year 2019' for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof. ``(B) Rounding.--If any increase determined under subparagraph (A) is not a multiple of $50, such increase shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50.''. (c) Conforming Amendments.--The Assets for Independence Act (42 U.S.C. 604 note), as amended by subsections (a) and (b), is further amended-- (1) in section 404(2), by inserting ``or section 418'' before the period; (2) in section 406-- (A) in subsection (a), by striking ``to conduct a demonstration project under this title'' and inserting ``under section 405''; and (B) in subsection (b), by striking ``conducted under this title'' and inserting ``approved under section 405''; (3) in section 407-- (A) in subsection (c)-- (i) in paragraph (1)-- (I) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or, in the case of a participant in a project conducted under section 418, other permitted expenses'' after ``qualified expenses''; and (II) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or subsection (f) of section 418'' after ``section 410''; and (ii) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``or section 418(d)(1)''; and (B) in subsection (d)(2)(A), by inserting ``or section 418(d)(1)'' after ``section 406(b)''; (4) in section 408, by striking ``conducted under this title'' each place it appears and inserting ``approved under section 405''; (5) in section 409, by striking ``conducted under this title'' and inserting ``approved under section 405''; (6) in section 410, by striking ``under this title'' and inserting ``conducting a demonstration project approved under section 405''; (7) in section 413(a), by inserting ``or section 418(c)'' after ``under section 405''; and (8) in section 415, by inserting ``or innovation development account'' after ``individual development account''. SEC. 5. MATCHED REFUND TO RAINY DAY SAVINGS PILOT PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act and using the funds made available pursuant to section 417(b) of the Assets for Independence Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of Community Services (in this section referred to as ``the Secretary''), shall establish under this section a matched savings account pilot program to encourage saving by eligible individuals. Under the pilot program, a qualified entity may apply to the Secretary for a grant to conduct a pilot project described in subsection (b) (in this section referred to as a ``pilot project''). The pilot program shall operate for a period of 3 years. (b) Pilot Project Described.-- (1) In general.--A pilot project is a project in which a qualified entity establishes a matched savings program that meets the requirements of paragraph (2) for eligible individuals who are selected by the entity to participate in the program. (2) Requirements.-- (A) Deposits into direct deposit accounts.-- (i) In general.--A matched savings program established as part of a pilot project shall match amounts saved by each eligible individual participating in the pilot project, with such match amount to be equal to or less than the amount of any payment deferred by such individual under the Refund to Rainy Day Savings Program established in section 3(a). (ii) Timing.--Any amount described in clause (i) shall not be distributed to an eligible individual until the amounts described in paragraphs (3)(B) or (5)(B) of section 3(c) have been distributed to the bank account identified by such individual. (B) Evaluation of program by independent research organization.-- (i) In general.--From amounts made available under section 417(b)(2) of the Assets for Independence Act, as added by section 4(a)(2) of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into a contract with an independent research organization for purposes of evaluating pilot projects conducted under this section. (ii) Coordination.--Each qualified entity that establishes a matched savings program as part of a pilot project shall collaborate with the independent research organization described in clause (i) to evaluate the outcomes and impact of the project. (iii) Impact on different groups.--The evaluation described in clause (i) shall include an examination of the demographic characteristics of the individuals participating in the pilot project, such as gender, race, age, geographic location, and family makeup, and how the impacts of the project vary among different demographic groups. (iv) Program features.--The program features to be evaluated through the pilot projects conducted under this section may include-- (I) different levels of matching contributions by qualified entities; (II) lock-out periods during which an eligible individual may not make withdrawals from their account; and (III) educational materials intended to promote savings. (3) Duration.--A pilot project shall be for a duration of not more than 3 years. (4) Federally funded benefits.--Any amounts described in paragraph (2)(A) which are distributed to an eligible individual shall be treated in the same manner as any refund made to such taxpayer under section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for purposes of determining the eligibility of such taxpayer for benefits or assistance, or the amount or extent of benefits or assistance, under any Federal program or under any State or local program financed in whole or in part with Federal funds. (c) Strategic Communications Plan.--The Secretary shall devise a strategic communications plan to ensure a strong pilot program. (d) Annual Report to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit an annual report to Congress on the progress and outcomes of the pilot program established under this section. (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Eligible individual.--The term ``eligible individual'' means an individual who-- (A) has deferred payment of the amount described in section 3(a) under the Refund to Rainy Day Savings Program established in such section, and (B) meets the eligibility requirements under section 408 of the Assets for Independence Act, except that subsection (a)(2) of such section shall not apply. (2) Qualified entity.-- (A) In general.--The term ``qualified entity'' means-- (i) one or more not-for-profit organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; (ii) a State or local government agency, or a tribal government, submitting an application to conduct a pilot project jointly with an organization described in clause (i); (iii) a site that offers free tax help to individuals who qualify through the Internal Revenue Service's Voluntary Income Tax Assistance or Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs; or (iv) an entity that-- (I) is-- (aa) a credit union designated as a low-income credit union by the National Credit Union Administration; or (bb) an organization designated as a community development financial institution by the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund); and (II) can demonstrate a collaborative relationship with a local community-based organization whose activities are designed to address poverty in the community and the needs of community members for economic independence and stability. (v) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as preventing an organization described in subparagraph (A)(i) from collaborating with a financial institution or for-profit community development corporation to carry out the purposes of this section. <all>

Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act

A bill to establish the Refund to Rainy Day Savings Program.

Refund to Rainy Day Savings Act

Sen. Booker, Cory A.

D

NJ

H.R.9160

Taxation

Healthcare Freedom Act of 2022 This bill expands the availability of health savings accounts. It renames such accounts as health freedom accounts and allows all individuals to receive increased tax deductions for contributions to such accounts. The term qualified medical expenses is expanded to include costs associated with direct primary care, health care sharing ministries, and medical cost sharing organizations. The bill also excludes employer contributions to health freedom accounts from employee gross income for income tax purposes.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create health freedom accounts available to all individuals. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Healthcare Freedom Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. HEALTH FREEDOM ACCOUNTS. (a) In General.--Section 223 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``health savings account'' and ``health savings accounts'' each place such terms appear and inserting ``health freedom account'' and ``health freedom accounts'', respectively. (b) All Individuals Allowed Deductions for Contributions.--Section 223(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``who is an eligible individual for any month during the taxable year''. (c) No Limitation on Purchasing Health Coverage From Health Freedom Accounts.--Section 223(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking subparagraphs (B) and (C) and the last sentence of subparagraph (A) and by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(B) Additional expenses.--The term `qualified medical expenses' includes costs associated with direct primary care, health care sharing ministries, and medical cost sharing organizations.''. (d) Transfers Allowed to Other Health Freedom Accounts.--Section 223(f)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows: ``(5) Rollover contribution.--An amount paid or distributed from a health freedom account is a rollover contribution to the extent the amount received is paid into any other health freedom account not later than the 60th day after the date of such payment or distribution.''. (e) Increase in Contribution Limits.--Section 223(b)(1) of such Code is amended by striking ``the sum of the monthly'' and all that follows through ``eligible individual'' and inserting ``$12,000 (twice such amount in the case of a joint return)''. (f) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 223(b) of such Code is amended by striking paragraphs (2), (5), (7), and (8) and by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (6) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respectively. (2) Section 223(b)(2) of such Code (as redesignated by paragraph (2)) is amended to read as follows: ``(2) Additional contributions for individuals 55 or older.--In the case of an individual who has attained age 55 before the close of the taxable year, the limitation under paragraph (1) shall be increased by $5,000.''. (3) Section 223(b)(3) of such Code (as redesignated by subparagraph (A)) is amended by striking the last sentence. (4) Section 223 of such Code is amended by striking subsection (c). (5) Section 223(d)(1)(A) of such Code is amended by striking ``will be accepted'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``will be accepted unless it is in cash.''. (6) Section 223(f) of such Code is amended by striking paragraphs (7) and (8). (7) Section 223(g)(1) of such Code is amended-- (A) by striking ``Each dollar amount in subsections (b)(2) and (c)(2)(A)'' and inserting ``The dollar amount in subsection (b)(1)''; (B) by striking ``thereof'' and all that follows in subparagraph (B) through ```calendar year 2003'.'' and inserting ```calendar year 1997'.''; and (C) by striking ``under subsections (b)(2) and (c)(2)(A)'' and inserting ``under subsection (b)(1)''. (8) The table of sections for part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended in the item relating to section 223 by striking ``savings'' and inserting ``freedom''. (g) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to months in taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. EXCLUSION FOR EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS TO HEALTH FREEDOM ACCOUNTS. (a) Employer Exclusion.-- (1) In general.--The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 106 the following new section: ``SEC. 106A. CONTRIBUTIONS BY EMPLOYERS TO HEALTH FREEDOM ACCOUNTS. ``Gross income of an employee does not include amounts contributed by such employee's employer to a health freedom account of such employee.''. (2) Exclusion for contributions by employer to accident and health plans.--The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking section 106. (3) Conforming amendment.--The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 is amended by striking the item relating to section 106 and inserting the following: ``Sec. 106A. Contributions by employers to health freedom accounts.''. (4) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall apply with respect to employees hired on or after the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Transition Rule.-- (1) In general.--Section 106(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows: ``(1) In general.--Amounts contributed by an employee's employer to any health freedom account (as defined in section 223(d)) of such employee shall be treated as employer-provided coverage for medical expenses under an accident or health plan.''. (2) In general.--The amendment made by this subsection shall apply with respect to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. <all>

Healthcare Freedom Act of 2022

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create health freedom accounts available to all individuals.

Healthcare Freedom Act of 2022

Rep. Roy, Chip

R

TX

H.R.8030

Emergency Management

Fentanyl is a WMD Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to treat illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.

To require the Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office of the Department of Homeland Security to treat illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Fentanyl is a WMD Act''. SEC. 2. TREATMENT OF ILLICIT FENTANYL AS A WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION. The Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office of the Department of Homeland Security shall treat illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction for purposes of title XIX of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 590 et seq.). <all>

Fentanyl is a WMD Act

To require the Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office of the Department of Homeland Security to treat illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, and for other purposes.

Fentanyl is a WMD Act

Rep. Boebert, Lauren

R

CO

S.5342

Finance and Financial Sector

Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2022 This bill establishes requirements for the sale by the Department of Housing and Urban Development of non-performing single-family residential mortgages that are insured under the National Housing Act.

To provide requirements for the bulk auction or group sale of certain non-performing loans, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. SALE OF FHA NON-PERFORMING SINGLE FAMILY MORTGAGE LOANS. (a) In General.--Title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 259. SALE OF NON-PERFORMING SINGLE FAMILY MORTGAGE LOANS. ``(a) Single Family Sales.--The Secretary may conduct sales of 1 or more of single family non-performing residential mortgage loans insured under this title only if the following requirements are met: ``(1) The Secretary determines that no other reasonable measures other than a sale are available to restore the Fund to, or keep the Fund above, the minimum capital requirements under section 205(f)(4). ``(2) The Secretary establishes a system that provides priority to Federal, State, local, or Tribal governments or nonprofit organizations that have the capacity and experience required for buying, servicing, and resolving single family mortgage loans in a manner that promotes affordable housing, fair housing, affordable homeownership, housing counseling, or neighborhood stabilization. ``(3) Applicable loss mitigation required under section 230 is exhausted before any loan is placed into the loan sale. ``(4) Clear, written notice is sent by certified and first- class mail by the servicer to the borrower of the loan, all owners of record, and any applicable estate of the borrower with a copy sent to the Secretary, not less than 90 days before the inclusion of the loan in any single family sale-- ``(A) stating that the loan will be included in a single family sale of non-performing loans; and ``(B) describing the sale process, including-- ``(i) the loss mitigation or other protections available to the borrower and other owners of record both before and after the sale; ``(ii) the status of any loss mitigation actions offered by the mortgagee with respect to the loan, including decisions on all loss mitigation reviews, descriptions of any loss mitigation options offered or denied, and supporting documentation for the most recent evaluation; and ``(iii) the obligations of the servicer of the loan before and after the sale, including loss mitigation requirements. ``(5) Purchasers take loans subject to the following requirements: ``(A) The provision of loss mitigation options to all eligible borrowers that offer terms and protections at least as favorable as those available under loss mitigation guidelines of the Federal Housing Administration, including the absence of fees for loss mitigation and loan modifications that reduce payments to an affordable level. ``(B) Written, public disclosure of post-sale loss mitigation options. ``(C) Failure by the purchaser to follow the established loss mitigation guidelines shall serve as a defense to a judicial foreclosure and a basis to enjoin or otherwise stay a non-judicial foreclosure. ``(D) Data reporting as provided under subsection (c)(1). ``(E) Maintenance of vacant and abandoned property, including the payment of local property taxes, until such time as title is transferred to a nonprofit organization or the property is sold to a bona fide third-party purchaser. ``(F) Where a property becomes vacant, the purchaser shall not release the lien until the property is sold or donated. ``(G) Use of contract for deed, lease to own, or a land installment contract to sell or otherwise transfer any property that is secured by a purchased loan shall be prohibited unless the tenant or purchaser is a nonprofit organization. ``(H) For all non-performing loans where a home retention loss mitigation option is not possible and the purchaser acquires the property through foreclosure sale, 75 percent of those properties shall be-- ``(i) sold at the current fair market value to an owner occupant; ``(ii) sold or donated to a nonprofit or local government entity that will commit to 1 of the outcomes described in clause (i) or (iii); ``(iii) for not less than the 10-year period beginning on the date on which any entity initially leases the property, and with respect to any new lease beginning within such 10-year period, leased to a tenant with income that is not more than 100 percent of the area median income at the time the tenant initially leases the property, with monthly rents that are not more than 30 percent of the monthly household income, provided that the property owner accepts as rental payment any legal source of income, including-- ``(I) a housing voucher under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) and any form of Federal, State, or local housing assistance provided to a person or family or provided to a housing owner on behalf of a person or family, including-- ``(aa) rental vouchers; ``(bb) rental assistance; ``(cc) rental subsidies from nongovernmental organizations; and ``(dd) homeownership subsidies; ``(II) income received as a monthly benefit under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.), as a supplemental security income benefit under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), or as a benefit under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231 et seq.), including any such benefit to which the individual is entitled for which payment is made to a representative payee; ``(III) income received by court order, including spousal support and child support; ``(IV) any payment from a trust, guardian, conservator, cosigner, or relative; and ``(V) any other lawful source of income or funds, including savings accounts and investments; or ``(iv) for any property that is not habitable, demolished or donated to a land bank with a cash donation to cover demolition costs. ``(b) Direct Loan Sales.--The Secretary may permit direct loan sales of single family non-performing residential loans insured under this title only if-- ``(1) the loans are sold to municipalities, land banks, or nonprofit organizations that work in affordable housing, housing counseling, or neighborhood stabilization; ``(2) the purchaser complies with the requirements under paragraph (5) of subsection (a); and ``(3) the pricing reasonably reflects the costs of complying with the requirements under paragraphs (3) through (5) of subsection (a). ``(c) Data and Reporting.-- ``(1) Purchaser reporting.--During the 4-year period following any single family sale of non-performing residential single family mortgage loans under subsection (a) or (b), the Secretary shall require each purchaser of such a loan, including any subsequent purchaser of the loan, to provide to the Secretary quarterly loan-level data regarding the treatment and outcome of the loan, including-- ``(A) loan characteristics, including loan type, remaining loan term, loan to value ratio, number of months in arrears, loss mitigation status, and foreclosure status at time of sale; ``(B) loss mitigation data, including whether loss mitigation was provided by the purchaser, debt-to- income ratio and percent payment reduction for any modified loans, foreclosures begun or completed, and performance of modified loans; ``(C) demographic data for the borrower and any co- borrower, including race, national origin, sex, ZIP Code, and census tract, and, if available, disability status and veteran status; and ``(D) other purchaser actions, including charge offs and resales of loans and dates for such actions. ``(2) Semiannual reports to congress.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress, and make publicly available at no cost to the public in a format that is readily accessible on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, semi-annual reports to Congress on-- ``(A) loans sold in a single family sale under subsection (a), disaggregated by pool, including-- ``(i) the number of loans and types of loans; ``(ii) mean and median delinquency and loan to value ratios at the time of the sale; ``(iii) the number and percentage of owner- occupied properties; ``(iv) the number and percentage of loans modified prior to the sale; ``(v) the number and percentage of loans in foreclosure proceedings at the time of the sale; and ``(vi) demographic and geographic data, including property locations by census tract or larger geographic location if necessary to protect personally identifiable information; ``(B) the performance of loans after a single family sale under subsection (a), disaggregated by loan pool, including the initial purchaser, current owner, current servicer, data summarizing any alternatives to foreclosure offered and enacted, and data summarizing the data collected under paragraph (1); ``(C) the results of a fair lending analysis conducted based on the data in paragraph (1) to identify any discriminatory impacts or outcomes associated with the sales; and ``(D) claims paid through the Claims Without Conveyance of Title program under section 204(a)(1)(C), including the number of third-party sales by ZIP Code, whether purchasers are owner-occupants, nonprofit organizations, government entities, or investors, and the source of funds or financing used by purchasers. ``(d) Penalties for Noncompliance.--The Secretary may-- ``(1) forcibly retain loans or properties, without providing compensation, from purchasers that do not meet the requirements under subsection (a)(5); and ``(2) enact additional penalties for purchasers described in paragraph (1) that the Secretary determines have repeatedly not complied with the requirements under subsection (a)(5), including monetary penalties and prohibition from participating in single family sales under this section. ``(e) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue regulations related to single family sales in accordance with the requirements in this section. ``SEC. 260. CLAIMS WITHOUT CONVEYANCE OF TITLE FIRST LOOK PROGRAM. ``(a) Claims Without Conveyance of Title First Look Program.--With respect to a third-party sale of properties foreclosed upon and put up for sale in accordance with section 204(a)(1)(C), the Secretary shall maintain an exclusive right for eligible buyers to purchase these properties at a price at or below the fair market value of the property (with appropriate adjustments) for a specified period of time at the start of post-foreclosure sale efforts. ``(b) Eligible Buyers.--The right to purchase a property under subsection (a) shall be offered to-- ``(1) homebuyers who will occupy the property as a principal residence; ``(2) nonprofit organizations that-- ``(A) commit in advance to rehabilitate the property and dispose of the property for an allowable use and within a time period to be designated by the Secretary by regulation; and ``(B) are pre-approved for participation by the Secretary or a designee thereof to ensure that the organization-- ``(i) maintains active tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; ``(ii) has a primary mission related to-- ``(I) affordable housing; or ``(II) community revitalization through housing-related activities; and ``(iii) has demonstrated not less than 2 years of direct experience with real estate project development as an organizational entity; and ``(3) Federal, State, local, or Tribal government agencies or instrumentalities that meet the requirements of subparagraph (A) and clauses (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2). ``(c) Allowable Uses.--An allowable use described in this subsection shall include-- ``(1) renovation and sale, or, if the property already meets the minimum property standards set by the Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner, sale without renovation, to an owner-occupant with an income that is not more than 120 percent of the area median income; ``(2) renovation and creation of affordable homeownership or, if the property already meets the minimum property standards set by the Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner, creation of affordable homeownership without renovation, by a community land trust or shared equity homeownership program; ``(3) renovation and rental to tenants with an income that is not more than 100 percent of the area median income at the time the tenant initially leases the property, with monthly rents that are not more than 30 percent of the monthly household income, for not less than the 10-year period beginning on the date on which any entity initially leases the property, and with respect to any new lease beginning within such 10-year period, provided that the property owner accepts as rental payment any legal source of income, including-- ``(A) a housing voucher under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) and any form of Federal, State, or local housing assistance provided to a person or family or provided to a housing owner on behalf of a person or family, including-- ``(i) rental vouchers; ``(ii) rental assistance; ``(iii) rental subsidies from nongovernmental organizations; and ``(iv) homeownership subsidies; ``(B) income received as a monthly benefit under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.), as a supplemental security income benefit under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), or as a benefit under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231 et seq.), including any such benefit to which the individual is entitled for which payment is made to a representative payee; ``(C) income received by court order, including spousal support and child support; ``(D) any payment from a trust, guardian, conservator, cosigner, or relative; and ``(E) any other lawful source of income or funds, including savings accounts and investments; and ``(4) demolition, but only if the property is vacant or uninhabitable and if the demolition is part of a strategy that incorporates rehabilitation, new construction, or designation of the land for use as a public amenity. ``(d) Reporting Requirements.-- ``(1) In general.--Each purchaser of a property under this section, other than an owner-occupant, shall, on an annual basis until the purchaser completes the allowable use of the property under subsection (c), report to the Secretary-- ``(A) the start date and completion date of any rehabilitation; ``(B) the scope of work for and the total cost of any rehabilitation; ``(C) the end-use of the property, including sale to owner-occupant, use in a land trust or other shared equity program, or affordable rental; ``(D) the demographics of the end-user of the property, whether an owner-occupant or a tenant, including race, national origin, sex, ZIP Code, and census tract, and, if available, disability status and veteran status; and ``(E) the approximate income of the end-user of the property expressed as a percentage of the area median income. ``(2) Availability.--The Secretary shall, on an annual basis, make the information collected under paragraph (1) publicly available at no cost to the public in a readily accessible format on the website of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. ``(e) Use of Third-Party Vendors.--The Secretary may contract with a third-party vendor to assist in carrying out the provisions of this section, including to-- ``(1) pre-approve nonprofit organizations for participation in the Claims Without Conveyance of Title First Look program; ``(2) monitor compliance with allowable uses and time periods designated by the Secretary by regulation; and ``(3) facilitate reporting to the Secretary. ``(f) Access.--The Secretary shall ensure that any eligible buyer seeking to purchase a property under this section can easily access and inspect the property prior to making a commitment to purchase the property.''. (b) Regulations.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall promulgate regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section. SEC. 3. SALE OF FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC NON-PERFORMING LOANS. The Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1328 (12 U.S.C. 4548) the following: ``SEC. 1329. SALE OF NON-PERFORMING LOANS. ``(a) Bulk Auction or Group Sales.--An enterprise may not conduct bulk auctions or other group sales of single family non-performing residential loans unless the following requirements are met: ``(1) The enterprise establishes a system that provides priority to Federal, State, local, or Tribal governments or nonprofit organizations that have the capacity and experience required for buying, servicing, and resolving single family mortgage loans in a manner that promotes affordable housing, fair housing, affordable homeownership, provision of housing counseling, or neighborhood stabilization. ``(2) Applicable loss mitigation is exhausted before a loan may be placed into the bulk auction or group sale. ``(3) Clear, written notice is sent by the enterprise or servicer through certified and first-class mail to the borrower and all owners of record, with a copy sent to the enterprise if sent by the servicer, not less than 90 days before the inclusion of the loan in any proposed sale-- ``(A) stating that the loan will be included in a bulk auction or group sale of non-performing loans; and ``(B) describing the bulk auction or group sale process, including-- ``(i) the loss mitigation or other protections available to the borrower and other owners of record both before and after the auction or sale; ``(ii) the status of any loss mitigation actions offered by the mortgagee with respect to the loan, including decisions on all loss mitigation reviews, descriptions of any loss mitigation options offered or denied, and supporting documentation for the most recent evaluation; and ``(iii) the obligations of the servicer of the loan before and after the auction or sale, including loss mitigation requirements. ``(4) The enterprise requires in the terms of the bulk auction or group sale that purchasers take loans subject to the following requirements: ``(A) The purchaser is required to provide loss mitigation options to all eligible borrowers that offer terms and protections at least as favorable as those available under loss mitigation guidelines of the enterprise, including the absence of fees for loss mitigation and loan modifications that reduce payments to an affordable level. ``(B) The purchaser is required to provide written, public disclosure of post-sale loss mitigation options that the purchaser makes available to eligible borrowers. ``(C) Failure by the purchaser to follow the established loss mitigation guidelines shall serve as a defense to a judicial foreclosure and a basis to enjoin or otherwise stay a non-judicial foreclosure. ``(D) Data reporting as provided under subsection (b)(2). ``(E) If a property becomes vacant, the purchaser shall not release the lien until the property is sold or donated. ``(F) Use of contract for deed, lease to own, or a land installment contract to sell or otherwise transfer any property that is secured by a purchased loan shall be prohibited unless the tenant or purchaser is a nonprofit organization without obtaining prior permission from the enterprise. ``(G) For all non-performing loans where a home- retention loss mitigation option is not possible and the purchaser acquires the property through foreclosure sale, 75 percent of those properties shall be-- ``(i) sold at the current fair market value to an owner-occupant; ``(ii) sold or donated to a nonprofit or local government entity that will commit to 1 of the outcomes described in clause (i) or (iii); ``(iii) for not less than the 10-year period beginning on the date on which any entity initially leases the property, and with respect to any new lease beginning within such 10-year period, leased to a tenant with an income that is not more than 100 percent of the area median income at the time the tenant initially leases the property, with monthly rents that are not more than 30 percent of the monthly household income, provided that the property owner accepts as rental payment any legal source of income, including-- ``(I) a housing voucher under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) and any form of Federal, State, or local housing assistance provided to a person or family or provided to a housing owner on behalf of a person or family, including-- ``(aa) rental vouchers; ``(bb) rental assistance; ``(cc) rental subsidies from nongovernmental organizations; and ``(dd) homeownership subsidies; ``(II) income received as a monthly benefit under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.), as a supplemental security income benefit under title XVI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1381 et seq.), or as a benefit under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231 et seq.), including any such benefit to which the individual is entitled for which payment is made to a representative payee; ``(III) income received by court order, including spousal support and child support; ``(IV) any payment from a trust, guardian, conservator, cosigner, or relative; and ``(V) any other lawful source of income or funds, including savings accounts and investments; or ``(iv) for any property that is not habitable, demolished or donated to a land bank with a cash donation to cover demolition costs. ``(5) The enterprise maintains vacant and abandoned property until such time as title is transferred to a nonprofit organization or the property is sold to a bona fide third-party purchaser. ``(b) Data and Reporting.-- ``(1) Purchaser reporting.--During the 4-year period following any auction or sale of single family non-performing residential mortgage loans under subsection (a), the Director shall require the enterprise to collect from each purchaser of such loans, including any subsequent purchaser of a loan, quarterly loan-level data regarding the treatment and outcome of the loan, including-- ``(A) loan characteristics, including loan type, remaining loan term, loan to value ratio, number of months in arrears, loss mitigation status, and foreclosure status at time of sale; ``(B) loss mitigation data, including whether loss mitigation was provided by the purchaser, debt-to- income ratio and percent payment reduction for any modified loans, foreclosures begun or completed, and performance of modified loans; ``(C) demographic data for each borrower and any co-borrower, including race, national origin, sex, ZIP Code, and census tract, and, if available, disability status and veteran status; and ``(D) other purchaser actions, including charge offs and resales of loans and dates for such actions. ``(2) Semiannual reports to congress.--The Director shall submit to Congress, and make publicly available at no cost to the public in a readily accessible format on the website of the Agency, semi-annual reports on-- ``(A) loans sold in an auction or sale under subsection (a) by each enterprise, disaggregated by pool, including-- ``(i) the number of loans and types of loans; ``(ii) mean and median delinquency and loan to value ratios at the time of the sale; ``(iii) the number and percentage of owner- occupied properties; ``(iv) the number and percentage of loans modified prior to auction or sale; ``(v) the number and percentage of loans in foreclosure proceedings at the time of auction or sale; and ``(vi) demographic and geographic data, including property locations by census tract or larger geographic location if necessary to protect personally identifiable information; ``(B) the performance of loans after an auction or sale under subsection (a), disaggregated by loan pool, including the initial purchaser, current owner, current servicer, data summarizing any alternatives to foreclosure offered and enacted, and data summarizing the data collected under subparagraph (A); and ``(C) the results of a fair lending analysis conducted based on the data in subparagraphs (A) and (B) to identify any discriminatory impacts or outcomes associated with the auctions or sales. ``(c) Penalties for Noncompliance.--The enterprises may-- ``(1) forcibly retain loans or properties, without providing compensation, from purchasers that do not meet the requirements under subsection (a)(4); and ``(2) enact additional penalties for purchasers described in paragraph (1) that the Director determines have repeatedly not complied with the requirements under subsection (a)(5), including monetary penalties and prohibition from participating in sales under this section. ``(d) Regulations.--The Director shall issue regulations defining the terms of permissible auctions or sales in accordance with the requirements in this section.''. <all>

Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2022

A bill to provide requirements for the bulk auction or group sale of certain non-performing loans, and for other purposes.

Preserving Homes and Communities Act of 2022

Sen. Reed, Jack

D

RI

H.R.5327

Education

Masks Off Act This bill directs the Department of Education to make grants to parents of eligible students for certain education-related expenses. Eligible student refers to a student who (1) is served by a local educational agency that required students to wear face masks during in-person instruction for the 2021-2022 school year, and (2) is from a household with a household income that is less than 250% of the reduced-price lunch rate income. Grant funds may be used for tuition and fees for private elementary or secondary schools, private tutoring, home school expenses, or educational materials.

To direct the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program to make grants to the parents of students served by local educational agencies that require students to wear face masks during in-person instruction, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Masks Off Act''. SEC. 2. OPPORTUNITY GRANT PROGRAM. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a grant program (to be known as the ``Opportunity Grant Program'') to make grants to parents of eligible students for the purposes described in subsection (d). (b) Application.-- (1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a parent of an eligible student shall submit to the Secretary an application demonstrating-- (A) the household income of such eligible student; and (B) with respect to school year 2021-2022, that the local educational agency serving such eligible student has required that students wear face masks during in- person instruction. (2) Other requirements.--The Secretary shall accept applications under paragraph (1) on an annual rolling basis and make such application available as a standardized form in electronic and written format. (c) Amount of Grants.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, each parent of an eligible student who the Secretary determines qualifies for a grant under this section shall receive a grant under this section in an amount that-- (1) in the case of an eligible student with a household income less than or equal to 100 percent of the reduced price lunch rate income, is equal to 100 percent of the per-pupil funding with respect to the local educational agency serving such eligible student, as determined by the Secretary; (2) in the case of an eligible student with a household income greater than 100 percent but less than or equal to 150 percent of the reduced price lunch rate income, is equal to 90 percent of the per-pupil funding with respect to the local educational agency serving such eligible student, as determined by the Secretary; (3) in the case of an eligible student with a household income greater than 150 percent but less than or equal to 200 percent of the reduced price lunch rate income, is equal to 80 percent of the per-pupil funding with respect to the local educational agency serving such eligible student, as determined by the Secretary; and (4) in the case of an eligible student with a household income greater than 200 percent but less than or equal to 250 percent of the reduced price lunch rate income, is equal to 70 percent of the per-pupil funding with respect to the local educational agency serving such eligible student, as determined by the Secretary. (d) Use of Funds.--Any amounts made available to a parent under this section may be used-- (1) with respect to an eligible student, to pay the tuition and fees for a private elementary school or a private secondary school; (2) for private tutoring (including through a learning pod or microschool); (3) for the home school expenses of such eligible student; (4) to purchase educational materials, including instruction materials and textbooks for such eligible student; (5) for purchasing electronic devices to facilitate the education of such eligible student; or (6) for such other purposes as the Secretary determines appropriate. (e) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed-- (1) to impact any aspect of private, religious, or home education providers; (2) to exclude private, religious, or home education providers from receiving funds pursuant to a grant under this section; or (3) to require a qualified educational service provider to alter any creed, practice, admissions policy, or curriculum in order to receive funds pursuant to a grant under this section. (f) Renewal.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall renew opportunity grants for parents of eligible students with an approved application under paragraph (2). (2) Application.--To be eligible to receive a renewal under this subsection, a parent of an eligible student shall submit to the Secretary an application demonstrating the information described in subsection (b)(1). (3) Adjustment.--The Secretary shall adjust the grant amount to account for any change in household income of the eligible student but may not provide less than the amount described in subsection (c)(4). (g) Funding.--From any amounts appropriated under title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Secretary shall use 10 percent of such amounts to carry out this section and award opportunity grants to parents with approved applications in accordance with this section. (h) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Eligible student.--The term ``eligible student'' means a student-- (A) served by a local educational agency that, with respect to school year 2021-2022, required students to wear face masks during in-person instruction; and (B) from a household with a household income that is less than 250 percent of the reduced price lunch rate income. (2) ESEA terms.--The terms ``local educational agency'', ``parent'', and ``Secretary'' have the meanings given such terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). (3) Household income.--The term ``household income'' has the meaning given such term in section 36B(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 36B(d)(2)). (4) Reduced price lunch rate income.--The term ``reduced price lunch rate income'' means 185 percent of the applicable family size income levels contained in the nonfarm income poverty guidelines prescribed by the Office of Management and Budget, as adjusted annually in accordance with subparagraph (B) of section 9(b)(1) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1758(b)(1)). <all>

Masks Off Act

To direct the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program to make grants to the parents of students served by local educational agencies that require students to wear face masks during in-person instruction, and for other purposes.

Masks Off Act

Rep. Bishop, Dan

R

NC

H.R.5808

Social Welfare

New Parents Act of 2021 This bill allows parents to use a portion of their Social Security benefits for up to three months of paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child. To receive the parental leave benefit, parents must choose to either increase their retirement age or temporarily receive a reduction in Social Security benefits upon retirement, as specified.

To amend title II of the Social Security Act to make available parental leave benefits to parents following the birth or adoption of a child, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``New Parents Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. PARENTAL LEAVE BENEFITS. Title II of the Social Security Act is amended by inserting after section 218 the following: ``SEC. 219. PARENTAL LEAVE BENEFITS. ``(a) In General.--Every individual-- ``(1) who has-- ``(A) not less than 8 quarters of coverage, 4 of which are credited to calendar quarters during the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the 1st month of the benefit period described in subsection (c) occurs; or ``(B) not less than 12 quarters of coverage; and ``(2) who has filed an application for a parental leave benefit with respect to a qualified child of the individual, shall be entitled to a parental leave benefit with respect to such qualified child. ``(b) Benefit Amount.--Such individual's parental leave benefit shall be an amount equal to the product of-- ``(1) the number of benefit months (not to exceed 3) selected by the individual in the individual's application for a parental leave benefit, multiplied by ``(2) an amount equal to the primary insurance amount for the individual that would be determined under section 215 if-- ``(A) the individual had attained age 62 in the first month of the individual's benefit period; and ``(B) the individual had become entitled to an old- age insurance benefit under section 202 beginning with such month. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, the elapsed years referred to in section 215(b)(2)(B)(iii) shall not include the year in which the individual's benefit period begins, or any year thereafter. ``(c) Payment of Benefit.-- ``(1) Selection of number of benefit months.--In filing an application for a parental leave benefit under this section, an individual shall select the number of months (not to exceed 3) for which the individual will receive a monthly payment under such parental leave benefit (in this section referred to as `benefit months'). ``(2) Election of benefit months.--Not later than 14 days before the start of any month in the benefit period of an individual entitled to a parental leave benefit, the individual may elect to treat such month as a benefit month. The number of months in such benefit period treated as benefit months shall equal the number selected in the individual's benefit application, and the Commissioner may designate any month as a benefit month in any case in which an individual does not elect to treat a sufficient number of months as benefit months before the end of the benefit period. ``(3) Amount of monthly payment.--The amount of a monthly payment made in any benefit month within a benefit period to an individual entitled to a parental leave benefit shall be an amount equal to-- ``(A) the amount of the parental leave benefit determined for the individual under subsection (b); divided by ``(B) the number of benefit months selected by the individual pursuant to paragraph (1) with respect to such benefit. ``(4) Definition of benefit period.--For purposes of this section, the term `benefit period' means, with respect to an individual entitled to a parental leave benefit with respect to a qualified child, the 1-year period beginning with the month after the month in which the birth or adoption of the qualified child occurs. ``(d) Benefit Application.-- ``(1) In general.--The Commissioner shall ensure that the application for a parental leave benefit-- ``(A) includes a notice, clearly written in language that is easily understandable to the reader, explaining that-- ``(i) failure to submit such proof or documentation as the Commissioner may require to demonstrate that the applicant is the parent of the qualified child shall be subject to criminal and civil penalties; ``(ii) the full cost to the Trust Funds of any amount received by an individual as a parental leave benefit must be repaid through reductions to old-age insurance benefits payable to the individual in subsequent months, or by other means; and ``(iii) entitlement to a parental leave benefit has no effect on the determination of an individual's entitlement to leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; and ``(B) requires an attestation by the individual submitting the application that-- ``(i) the individual expects to be the parent of a qualified child throughout the benefit period with respect to such application; ``(ii) the individual intends to use the benefit to finance spending more time with the qualified child at home and away from employment during the benefit period; and ``(iii) the individual consents to the terms and conditions specified in the notice described in subparagraph (A). ``(2) Option to file simultaneous applications.--The Commissioner of Social Security may establish an option under which an individual may file an application for a parental leave benefit under this section with respect to a qualified child at the same time the individual submits an application for a Social Security account number for such qualified child. ``(3) Online availability.--The Commissioner of Social Security shall, as soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this section, permit an individual to apply for a parental leave benefit through an internet website or other electronic media. ``(e) Fraud Prevention.-- ``(1) In general.--The Commissioner of Social Security shall establish procedures to ensure the prevention of fraud with respect to applications for parental leave benefits under this section, including procedures for the submission of such proof or documentation as the Commissioner may require to verify the information contained in such an application. ``(2) Enforcement.--In any case in which an individual willfully, knowingly, and with intent to deceive the Commissioner of Social Security fails to comply with the procedures established under paragraph (1), the Commissioner may impose on such individual, in addition to any other penalties that may be prescribed by law-- ``(A) a civil monetary penalty of not more than $7,500 for each such failure; and ``(B) an assessment, in lieu of any damages sustained by the United States because of such failure, of not more than twice the amount of the cost to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund of any parental leave benefit paid to the individual. ``(f) Benefit Repayment.-- ``(1) In general.--An individual who is paid a parental leave benefit under this section shall repay the full cost of such benefit to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund (as such amount is determined by the Commissioner) in accordance with this subsection. ``(2) Old-age insurance benefit offset.-- ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), in the case of any individual described in paragraph (1) who becomes entitled to an old-age insurance benefit, deductions shall be made from each monthly payment of such benefit (not to exceed the first 60 such monthly payments) in such amounts, subject to subparagraph (B), as the Commissioner of Social Security shall determine necessary to fully recover the cost to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund of any parental leave benefit paid to the individual as of the month in which the individual becomes entitled to an old-age insurance benefit. ``(B) Notification.--Not later than the beginning of each calendar year, the Commissioner of Social Security shall notify each individual whose old-age insurance benefits are subject to a deduction under subparagraph (A) during such calendar year of the amount of the deduction that will be applied to each monthly payment of such benefits during the calendar year. ``(3) Alternative increase of retirement age.-- ``(A) In general.--In the case of any individual described in paragraph (1) who becomes entitled to an old-age insurance benefit, such individual may elect, at the time of application for such benefit, to be subject to a retirement age increase in accordance with this paragraph. Such election shall be irrevocable, and an individual who makes such an election shall not be subject to a deduction under paragraph (2) for any month. ``(B) Retirement age increase.--Notwithstanding section 216(l)(1), with respect to an individual who makes an election under subparagraph (A), the retirement age of such individual shall be deemed to be-- ``(i) the retirement age determined with respect to the individual under such section; plus ``(ii) the additional number of months the Commissioner of Social Security shall determine necessary to result in the full recovery of the cost to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund of any parental leave benefit paid to the individual and not yet repaid pursuant to paragraph (2) as of the month in which the individual becomes entitled to an old-age insurance benefit. ``(4) Other recovery methods.--In any case in which the Commissioner of Social Security determines that the cost to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund of a parental leave benefit paid to an individual cannot be fully recovered pursuant to paragraph (2) or (3)-- ``(A) such benefit shall be deemed, upon the making of such determination, to be a payment of more than the correct amount for purposes of section 204; and ``(B) the Commissioner may recover such amounts by means of any method available to the Commissioner under such section. ``(5) Projection of repayment amount.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this section, the Commissioner shall establish a system to make available through an internet website or other electronic media to each individual who is paid a parental leave benefit under this section, beginning with the first month beginning after the individual's benefit period the projected amount of the deduction to be made from each of the first 60 monthly payments of old-age insurance benefits under paragraph (2), or if the individual so elects, the additional number of months by which the individual's retirement age would be increased under paragraph (3), in order to fully repay the cost to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund of any parental leave benefit paid to the individual, and a description of the assumptions used by the Commissioner in making such projection. ``(g) Relationship With State Law; Employer Benefits.-- ``(1) In general.--This section does not preempt or supersede any provision of State or local law that authorizes a State or political subdivision to provide paid parental or family medical leave benefits similar to the benefits provided under this section. ``(2) Greater benefits allowed.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to diminish the obligation of an employer to comply with any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefit program or plan that provides greater benefits for leave or other leave rights to individuals than the benefits for leave or leave rights established under this Act. ``(h) Sunset.--No application for parental leave benefits under this section may be filed in any calendar year if the OASDI trust fund ratio (as defined in section 215(i)) for such calendar year or for the year following such calendar year is projected, based on the intermediate projections in the most recent (as of January 1 of such calendar year) annual report issued under section 201(c)(2), to be less than 20 percent. ``(i) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) the term `qualified child' means, with respect to an individual for a benefit period, a biological child or legally adopted child of the individual (as determined by the Commissioner of Social Security) who-- ``(A) will not attain 18 years of age before the end of such benefit period; and ``(B) will be residing with, and under the care of, the individual during the benefit period as determined by the Commissioner.''. SEC. 3. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. (a) Nonpayment Provisions.--Section 202 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402) is amended-- (1) in subsection (n)(1)(A), by striking ``under this section or section 223'' and inserting ``under this section, section 219, or section 223''; (2) in subsection (t), in paragraphs (1) and (10), by striking ``under this section or under section 223'' each place it appears and inserting ``under this section, under section 219, or under section 223''; (3) in subsection (u)(1), by striking ``under this section or section 223'' and inserting ``under this section, section 219, or section 223''; and (4) in subsection (x)-- (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``under this section or under section 223'' and inserting ``under this section, under section 219, or under section 223''; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``under this section or section 223'' and inserting ``under this section, section 219, or section 223''. (b) Delayed Retirement Credits.--Section 202(w) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(w)) is amended by inserting after ``age 70'' each place it appears the following: ``(or, in the case of an individual whose retirement age is increased under section 219(f)(3), age 70 plus the number of months by which the individual's retirement age is so increased)''. (c) Voluntary Suspension of Benefits.--Section 202(z)(1)(A)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(z)(1)(A)(ii)) is amended by striking ``the age of 70'' and inserting ``age 70 (or, in the case of an individual whose retirement age is increased under section 219(f)(3), age 70 plus the number of months by which the individual's retirement age is so increased)''. (d) Number of Benefit Computation Years.--Section 215(b)(2)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(b)(2)(A)) is amended-- (1) in clause (i), by striking ``, and'' and inserting a semicolon; (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by inserting after clause (ii) the following: ``(iii) in the case of an individual who is entitled to a parental leave benefit under section 219, by the number of years equal to one-fifth of such individual's elapsed years (disregarding any resulting fractional part of a year), but not by more than 5 years.''. SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to applications for parental leave benefits filed after 2023. <all>

New Parents Act of 2021

To amend title II of the Social Security Act to make available parental leave benefits to parents following the birth or adoption of a child, and for other purposes.

New Parents Act of 2021

Rep. Wagner, Ann

R

MO

H.R.917

Animals

Kangaroo Protection Act of 2021 This bill establishes new federal crimes related to commercial activities involving kangaroos and kangaroo products. Specifically, the bill prohibits A violator is subject to civil and criminal penalties. Additionally, a kangaroo or kangaroo product used in a violation is subject to forfeiture.

To prohibit the sale of kangaroo products, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Kangaroo Protection Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITED ACTS WITH RESPECT TO KANGAROOS. (a) In General.--Chapter 3 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 50. PROHIBITED ACTS WITH RESPECT TO KANGAROOS. ``(a) In General.--No person may knowingly-- ``(1) bring into the United States for commercial purposes, possess with the intent to sell, or sell a kangaroo (as defined by subsection (h)); or ``(2) introduce into interstate commerce, manufacture for introduction into interstate commerce, sell, trade, or advertise in interstate commerce, offer to sell, or transport or distribute in interstate commerce, any kangaroo product (as defined by subsection (h)). ``(b) Criminal Penalties.--Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be subject to a criminal penalty of not more than-- ``(1) one year in prison for each prohibited action under subsection (a); or ``(2) $10,000 for each prohibited action under subsection (a). ``(c) Civil Penalty.--Any person who violates any provision of this section may be assessed a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each prohibited action under subsection (a). ``(d) Forfeiture.--Any kangaroo or kangaroo product (as defined by subsection (h)) found to be used by a person in violation of subsection (a), shall be subject to forfeiture to the United States. ``(e) Regulations.--The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Agriculture, or any other agency the Secretary of the Interior determines necessary for consultation, may issue regulations appropriate to carry out this Act. ``(f) Enforcement.--The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Agriculture, or any other agency the Secretary of the Interior determines necessary for consultation, shall enforce this Act or any regulation implemented pursuant to this Act. ``(g) Citizen Suit.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (3), any person may commence a civil suit on their own behalf-- ``(A) to enjoin any person, including the United States and any other governmental instrumentality or agency (to the extent permitted by the eleventh amendment to the Constitution), who is alleged to be in violation of any provision of this section or regulation issued under the authority thereof; or ``(B) against the Secretary of the Interior where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary to perform any act or duty under this section which is not discretionary with the Secretary. ``(2) The district courts shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the parties, to enforce any such provision or regulation, or to order the Secretary of the Interior to perform such act or duty, as the case may be. ``(3)(A) No action may be commenced under paragraph (1)(A) of this section-- ``(i) prior to sixty days after written notice of the violation has been given to the Secretary, and to any alleged violator of any such provision or regulation; ``(ii) if the United States has commenced action to impose a civil penalty pursuant to this section; or ``(iii) if the United States has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a criminal action in a court of the United States or a State to redress a violation of any such provision or regulation. ``(B) No action may be commenced under subparagraph (1)(B) of this section prior to sixty days after written notice has been given to the Secretary. ``(4)(A) Any suit under this subsection may be brought in the judicial district in which the violation occurs. ``(B) In any such suit under this subsection in which the United States is not a party, the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary of the Interior, may intervene on behalf of the United States as a matter of right. ``(5) The court, in issuing any final order in any suit brought pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, may award costs of litigation (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to any party, whenever the court determines such award is appropriate. ``(6) Any injunctive relief provided under this subsection shall not restrict any right which any person (or class of persons) may have under any statute or common law to seek enforcement of any standard or limitation or to seek any other relief (including relief against the Secretary or a State agency). ``(h) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Kangaroo.--The term `kangaroo' means any dead animal of the species or a part of any dead animal of the species Osphranter rufus (commonly known as the `red kangaroo'), Macropus giganteus (commonly known as the `eastern grey kangaroo'), Macropus fuliginosus (commonly known as the `western grey kangaroo'), or Osphranter robustus (commonly known as the `common wallaroo kangaroo'). ``(2) Kangaroo product.--The term `kangaroo product' means any item that is composed in whole or in part of a kangaroo. ``(3) Person.--The term `person' includes any individual, partnership, association, corporation, trust, or any officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government or of any State or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. ``(4) United states.--The term `United States', when used in a geographical context, means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, and territories and possessions of the United States.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of chapter 3 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 49 the following: ``50. Prohibited acts with respect to kangaroos.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. <all>

Kangaroo Protection Act of 2021

To prohibit the sale of kangaroo products, and for other purposes.

Kangaroo Protection Act of 2021

Rep. Carbajal, Salud O.

D

CA

H.R.4527

Armed Forces and National Security

Oath of Exit Act This bill establishes a separation oath for members of the Armed Forces who are voluntarily separating from military service.

To amend title 10, United States Code, to establish a separation oath for members of the Armed Forces who are separating from military service. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Oath of Exit Act''. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF SEPARATION OATH FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) The United States Armed Forces is the largest, all- volunteer military force in the world, yet less than one percent of the American population serves in the Armed Forces. (2) Each branch of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard) instills in its members a sense of duty and obligation to the United States, their branch of service, and their comrades-in-arms. (3) The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that approximately 20 veterans of the Armed Forces commit suicide each day, and a veteran's risk of suicide is 21 percent higher than an adult who has not served in the Armed Forces. (4) The Department of Veterans Affairs is aggressively undertaking measures to prevent these tragic outcomes, yet suicide rates among veterans remain unacceptably high. (5) Upon enlistment or appointment in the Armed Forces, a new member is obligated to take an oath of office or oath of enlistment. (6) Most members of the Armed Forces view this oath not as an imposition, but as a promise that they are bound to fulfill. (b) Establishment of Separation Oath.--Section 502 of title 10, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``The oath'' and inserting ``An oath established by this section''; (2) by redesignating subsection (b), as amended, as subsection (c); and (3) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b): ``(b) Separation Oath.--Prior to retirement or other separation from the armed forces, other than separation pursuant to the sentence of a court-martial, a member of an armed force may take the following oath: ```I, __________, recognizing that my oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, has involved me and my fellow members in experiences that few persons, other than our peers, can understand, do solemnly swear (or affirm) to continue to be the keeper of my brothers- and sisters-in-arms and protector of the United States and the Constitution; to preserve the values I have learned; to maintain my body and my mind; to give help to, and seek help from, my fellow veterans; and to not bring harm to myself or others. I take this oath freely and without purpose of evasion, so help me God.'''. (c) Clerical Amendments.-- (1) Section heading.--The heading of section 502 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 502. Enlistment oath and separation oath: who may administer''. (2) Table of sections.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 31 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 502 and inserting the following new item: ``502. Enlistment oath and separation oath: who may administer.''. <all>

Oath of Exit Act

To amend title 10, United States Code, to establish a separation oath for members of the Armed Forces who are separating from military service.

Oath of Exit Act

Rep. Mast, Brian J.

R

FL

H.R.5921

Commerce

Filter Bubble Transparency Act This bill establishes requirements for large online platforms that use algorithms applying artificial intelligence or machine learning to user-specific data to determine the manner in which content is displayed to users. Specifically, if an online platform applies such techniques to user-specific data that is not expressly provided by the user, the platform must (1) notify users that the platform uses such data, and (2) make a version of the platform available that uses only user-specific data that has been expressly provided by the user and which enables users to switch between the two platforms. These requirements do not apply to search engines operated by downstream providers with fewer than 1,000 employees and that have an agreement to access an index of web pages from an upstream provider. However, the bill requires such upstream providers to make their algorithm available to downstream providers as part of such an agreement.

To require that internet platforms give users the option to engage with a platform without being manipulated by algorithms driven by user- specific data. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Filter Bubble Transparency Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Algorithmic ranking system.--The term ``algorithmic ranking system'' means a computational process, including one derived from algorithmic decision making, machine learning, statistical analysis, or other data processing or artificial intelligence techniques, used to determine the order or manner that a set of information is provided to a user on a covered internet platform, including the ranking of search results, the provision of content recommendations, the display of social media posts, or any other method of automated content selection. (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal Trade Commission. (3) Connected device.--The term ``connected device'' means a physical object that-- (A) is capable of connecting to the internet, either directly or indirectly through a network, to communicate information at the direction of an individual; and (B) has computer processing capabilities for collecting, sending, receiving, or analyzing data. (4) Covered internet platform.-- (A) In general.--The term ``covered internet platform'' means any public-facing website, internet application, or mobile application, including a social network site, video sharing service, search engine, or content aggregation service. (B) Exclusions.--Such term shall not include a platform that-- (i) is wholly owned, controlled, and operated by a person that-- (I) for the most recent 6-month period, did not employ more than 500 employees; (II) for the most recent 3-year period, averaged less than $50,000,000 in annual gross receipts; and (III) collects or processes on an annual basis the personal data of less than 1,000,000 individuals; or (ii) is operated for the sole purpose of conducting research that is not made for profit either directly or indirectly. (5) Input-transparent algorithm.-- (A) In general.--The term ``input-transparent algorithm'' means an algorithmic ranking system that does not use the user-specific data of a user to determine the order or manner that information is furnished to such user on a covered internet platform, unless the user-specific data is expressly provided to the platform by the user for such purpose. (B) Inclusion of age-appropriate content filters.-- Such term shall include an algorithmic ranking system that uses user-specific data to determine whether a user is old enough to access age-restricted content on a covered internet platform, provided that the system otherwise meets the requirements of subparagraph (A). (C) Data provided for express purpose of interaction with platform.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), user-specific data that is provided by a user for the express purpose of determining the order or manner that information is furnished to a user on a covered internet platform-- (i) shall include user-supplied search terms, filters, speech patterns (if provided for the purpose of enabling the platform to accept spoken input or selecting the language in which the user interacts with the platform), saved preferences, and the user's current geographical location; (ii) shall include data supplied to the platform by the user that expresses the user's desire that information be furnished to them, such as the social media profiles the user follows, the video channels the user subscribes to, or other sources of content on the platform the user follows; (iii) shall not include the history of the user's connected device, including the user's history of web searches and browsing, geographical locations, physical activity, device interaction, and financial transactions; and (iv) shall not include inferences about the user or the user's connected device, without regard to whether such inferences are based on data described in clause (i). (6) Opaque algorithm.-- (A) In general.--The term ``opaque algorithm'' means an algorithmic ranking system that determines the order or manner that information is furnished to a user on a covered internet platform based, in whole or part, on user-specific data that was not expressly provided by the user to the platform for such purpose. (B) Exception for age-appropriate content filters.--Such term shall not include an algorithmic ranking system used by a covered internet platform if-- (i) the only user-specific data (including inferences about the user) that the system uses is information relating to the age of the user; and (ii) such information is only used to restrict a user's access to content on the basis that the individual is not old enough to access such content. (7) Search syndication contract; upstream provider; downstream provider.-- (A) Search syndication contract.--The term ``search syndication contract'' means a contract or subcontract for the sale, license, or other right to access an index of web pages on the internet for the purpose of operating an internet search engine. (B) Upstream provider.--The term ``upstream provider'' means, with respect to a search syndication contract, the person that grants access to an index of web pages on the internet to a downstream provider under the contract. (C) Downstream provider.--The term ``downstream provider'' means, with respect to a search syndication contract, the person that receives access to an index of web pages on the internet from an upstream provider under such contract. (8) User-specific data.--The term ``user-specific data'' means information relating to an individual or a specific connected device that would not necessarily be true of every individual or device. SEC. 3. REQUIREMENT TO ALLOW USERS TO SEE UNMANIPULATED CONTENT ON INTERNET PLATFORMS. (a) In General.--Beginning on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, it shall be unlawful-- (1) for any person to operate a covered internet platform that uses an opaque algorithm unless the person complies with the requirements of subsection (b); or (2) for any upstream provider to grant access to an index of web pages on the internet under a search syndication contract that does not comply with the requirements of subsection (c). (b) Opaque Algorithm Requirements.-- (1) In general.--The requirements of this subsection with respect to a person that operates a covered internet platform that uses an opaque algorithm are the following: (A) The person provides notice to users of the platform that the platform uses an opaque algorithm that makes inferences based on user-specific data to select the content the user sees. Such notice shall be presented in a clear, conspicuous manner on the platform whenever the user interacts with an opaque algorithm for the first time, and may be a one-time notice that can be dismissed by the user. (B) The person makes available a version of the platform that uses an input-transparent algorithm and enables users to easily switch between the version of the platform that uses an opaque algorithm and the version of the platform that uses the input-transparent algorithm by selecting a prominently placed icon, which shall be displayed wherever the user interacts with an opaque algorithm. (2) Nonapplication to certain downstream providers.-- Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to an internet search engine if-- (A) the search engine is operated by a downstream provider with fewer than 1,000 employees; and (B) the search engine uses an index of web pages on the internet to which such provider received access under a search syndication contract. (c) Search Syndication Contract Requirement.--The requirements of this subsection with respect to a search syndication contract are that-- (1) as part of the contract, the upstream provider makes available to the downstream provider the same input-transparent algorithm used by the upstream provider for purposes of complying with subsection (b)(1)(B); and (2) the upstream provider does not impose any additional costs, degraded quality, reduced speed, or other constraint on the functioning of such algorithm when used by the downstream provider to operate an internet search engine relative to the performance of such algorithm when used by the upstream provider to operate an internet search engine. SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT BY FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION. (a) Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices.--A violation of this Act by an operator of a covered internet platform shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or deceptive act or practice prescribed under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)). (b) Powers of Commission.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), the Federal Trade Commission shall enforce this Act in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this Act. (2) Privileges and immunities.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), any person who violates this Act shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.). (3) Common carriers and nonprofit organizations.-- Notwithstanding section 4, 5(a)(2), or 6 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 44, 45(a)(2), 46) or any jurisdictional limitation of the Commission, the Commission shall also enforce this Act, in the same manner provided in paragraphs (1) and (2) of this paragraph, with respect to-- (A) common carriers subject to the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) and Acts amendatory thereof and supplementary thereto; and (B) organizations not organized to carry on business for their own profit or that of their members. (4) Authority preserved.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the authority of the Commission under any other provision of law. <all>

Filter Bubble Transparency Act

To require that internet platforms give users the option to engage with a platform without being manipulated by algorithms driven by user-specific data.

Filter Bubble Transparency Act

Rep. Buck, Ken

R

CO

S.824

Government Operations and Politics

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 17 East Main Street in Herington, Kansas, as the ``Captain Emil J. Kapaun Post Office Building''. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. CAPTAIN EMIL J. KAPAUN POST OFFICE BUILDING. (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 17 East Main Street in Herington, Kansas, shall be known and designated as the ``Captain Emil J. Kapaun Post Office Building''. (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``Captain Emil J. Kapaun Post Office Building''. <all>

A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 17 East Main Street in Herington, Kansas, as the "Captain Emil J. Kapaun Post Office Building".

A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 17 East Main Street in Herington, Kansas, as the "Captain Emil J. Kapaun Post Office Building".

Official Titles - Senate Official Title as Introduced A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 17 East Main Street in Herington, Kansas, as the "Captain Emil J. Kapaun Post Office Building".

Sen. Moran, Jerry

R

KS

H.R.7249

Health

Anna Westin Legacy Act of 2022 This bill requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to maintain the National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED). The bill specifies required activities for NCEED, including providing training for frontline health care providers and other professionals.

To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide education and training on eating disorders for health care providers and communities, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Anna Westin Legacy Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. MAINTAINING EDUCATION AND TRAINING ON EATING DISORDERS. Subpart 3 of part B of title V of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb-31 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 520N. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR EATING DISORDERS FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING ON EATING DISORDERS. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary, shall maintain, by competitive grant or contract, a Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (referred to in this section as the `Center') to improve the identification of, interventions for, and treatment of eating disorders in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate. ``(b) Subgrants and Subcontracts.--The Center shall coordinate and implement the activities under subsection (c), in whole or in part, by awarding competitive subgrants or subcontracts-- ``(1) across geographical regions; and ``(2) in a manner that is not duplicative. ``(c) Activities.--The Center-- ``(1) shall-- ``(A) provide training and technical assistance for frontline health care providers and frontline community professionals to carry out screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for individuals experiencing, or at risk for, eating disorders; ``(B) in carrying out subparagraph (A), develop adaptive training models for frontline health care providers and frontline community professionals to carry out screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for children and marginalized populations experiencing, or at risk for, eating disorders; ``(C) provide technical assistance to other centers of excellence, technical assistance centers, and psychiatric consultation lines of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or the Health Resources and Services Administration on eating disorder identification, intervention, and referral for treatment; and ``(D) coordinate with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to disseminate training to frontline health care providers and frontline community professionals; and ``(2) may-- ``(A) coordinate with electronic health record systems for the integration of protocols pertaining to screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for individuals experiencing, or at risk for, eating disorders; ``(B) develop adaptive training models for frontline health care providers and frontline community professionals to carry out screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for Members of the Armed Forces and veterans experiencing, or at risk for, eating disorders; and ``(C) consult with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on prevention, identification, intervention for, and treatment of eating disorders. ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027.''. <all>

Anna Westin Legacy Act of 2022

To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide education and training on eating disorders for health care providers and communities, and for other purposes.

Anna Westin Legacy Act of 2022

Rep. Matsui, Doris O.

D

CA

H.R.7404

Emergency Management

The Real Emergencies Act This bill denies the President authority to declare a national emergency, an emergency or major disaster, or a public health emergency on the premise of climate change.

To clarify the authority of the President to declare certain national emergencies under the National Emergencies Act, certain major disasters or emergencies under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, or public health emergencies under the Public Health Service Act on the premise of climate change, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``The Real Emergencies Act''. SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY TO DECLARATION OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY, MAJOR DISASTER, EMERGENCY, AND PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY. (a) National Emergency.--The President may not declare a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) on the premise of climate change. (b) Major Disaster; Emergency.--The President may not declare an emergency or major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) on the premise of climate change. (c) Public Health Emergency.--The President may not declare a public health emergency under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) on the premise of climate change. (d) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to imply the authority of the President before the date of enactment of this Act to declare a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), emergency or major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), or public health emergency under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) on the premise of climate change. <all>

The Real Emergencies Act

To clarify the authority of the President to declare certain national emergencies under the National Emergencies Act, certain major disasters or emergencies under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, or public health emergencies under the Public Health Service Act on the premise of climate change, and for other purposes.

The Real Emergencies Act

Rep. McKinley, David B.

R

WV

H.R.1633

Education

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Inclusion Act of 2021 This bill allows the first 60 monthly payments made by a borrower under a graduated repayment or extended repayment plan to become qualifying payments under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. However, the borrower must transfer to an eligible repayment plan, such as an income-based or standard repayment plan, for the remaining 60 monthly payments made under the PSLF program.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow certain payments made by public service employees to qualify for public service repayment, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Public Service Loan Forgiveness Inclusion Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. QUALIFYING PAYMENTS. (a) In General.--Section 455(m) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(m)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)(A) by inserting ``subject to paragraph (5),'' before ``has made''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(5) First 60 monthly payments.-- ``(A) In general.--For the purpose of meeting the requirement under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), the first 60 monthly payments may be payments under a repayment plan under subsection (d)(1) or (g). ``(B) Applicability.--This paragraph shall apply to borrowers who on or after the date of the enactment of this paragraph have made less than 120 monthly payments under paragraph (1)(A).''. (b) Notification to Borrowers.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall-- (1) inform each borrower of a loan made under part D of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq.) of-- (A) paragraph (5) of section 455(m) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(m)), as amended by this Act; and (B) the effect of such paragraph on loan cancellation under such section 455(m) (20 U.S.C. 1087e(m)); and (2) provide information to such borrowers on how to change repayment plans. <all>

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Inclusion Act of 2021

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow certain payments made by public service employees to qualify for public service repayment, and for other purposes.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Inclusion Act of 2021

Rep. Foster, Bill

D

IL

H.R.7988

Government Operations and Politics

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 79125 Corporate Centre Drive in La Quinta, California, as the ``Corporal Hunter Lopez Memorial Post Office Building''. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. CORPORAL HUNTER LOPEZ MEMORIAL POST OFFICE BUILDING. (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 79125 Corporate Centre Drive in La Quinta, California, shall be known and designated as the ``Corporal Hunter Lopez Memorial Post Office Building''. (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``Corporal Hunter Lopez Memorial Post Office Building''. Passed the House of Representatives December 12, 2022. Attest: CHERYL L. JOHNSON, Clerk. By Kevin F. McCumber, Deputy Clerk.

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 79125 Corporate Centre Drive in La Quinta, California, as the "Corporal Hunter Lopez Memorial Post Office Building".

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 79125 Corporate Centre Drive in La Quinta, California, as the "Corporal Hunter Lopez Memorial Post Office Building".

Official Titles - House of Representatives Official Title as Introduced To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 79125 Corporate Centre Drive in La Quinta, California, as the "Corporal Hunter Lopez Memorial Post Office Building".

Rep. Ruiz, Raul

D

CA

H.R.3241

Public Lands and Natural Resources

This bill makes technical amendments related to title 54 (National Park Service and Related Programs), which was enacted as a new positive law title in December 2014.

To make improvements in the enactment of title 54, United States Code, into a positive law title and to improve the Code. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Table of contents. Sec. 2. Purpose. Sec. 3. Title 15, United States Code. Sec. 4. Title 16, United States Code. Sec. 5. Title 43, United States Code. Sec. 6. Amendments to Public Law 113-287 and Title 54, United States Code. Sec. 7. Transitional and savings provisions. Sec. 8. Repeals. SEC. 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is to make improvements in the enactment of title 54, United States Code, into a positive law title and to improve the Code. SEC. 3. TITLE 15, UNITED STATES CODE. Section 107(a)(3)(D) of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act (15 U.S.C. 720e(a)(3)(D)) is amended by striking ``the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.);'' and inserting ``division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code;''. SEC. 4. TITLE 16, UNITED STATES CODE. Section 815(4) of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3125(4)) is amended by striking ``section 100101(b)(1)'' and inserting ``section 100101(a)''. SEC. 5. TITLE 43, UNITED STATES CODE. Section 4(b) of the Abandoned Shipwreck Act of 1987 (43 U.S.C. 2103(b)) is amended by striking ``title I of the National Historic Preservation Act,'' and inserting ``chapter 3029 of title 54, United States Code,''. SEC. 6. AMENDMENTS TO PUBLIC LAW 113-287 AND TITLE 54, UNITED STATES CODE. (a) Section 7 of Public Law 113-287.--Effective December 19, 2014, the Schedule of Laws Repealed in section 7 of Public Law 113-287 (128 Stat. 3273) is amended as follows: (1) National historic preservation act.--The item relating to section 401 of the National Historic Preservation Act (Public Law 89-665, 16 U.S.C. 470x) (128 Stat. 3276) is stricken and that section is revived to read as if that item had not been enacted. (2) Public Law 91-383.--The item relating to section 3 of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-2) (128 Stat. 3277) is amended to read as follows and subsection (g) (words after 1st sentence) is revived to read as if that item had been enacted as follows: ``Schedule of Laws Repealed ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States Code Former ``Act Section Classification ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ``3 (less (g) (words after 1a-2 (less(g) (words after ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (3) Urban park and recreation recovery act.--The items relating to title X, Sec. Sec. 1004 through 1015 of the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-625, 92 Stat. 3538) (128 Stat. 3277) are amended to read as follows: ``Schedule of Laws Repealed ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States Code Former ``Act Section Classification ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ``Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 title X, Sec. 1004 16 U.S.C. 2503 ``title X, Sec. 1005 16 U.S.C. 2504 ``title X, Sec. 1006 16 U.S.C. 2505 ``title X, Sec. 1007 16 U.S.C. 2506 ``title X, Sec. 1008 16 U.S.C. 2507 ``title X, Sec. 1009 16 U.S.C. 2508 ``title X, Sec. 1010 16 U.S.C. 2509 ``title X, Sec. 1011 16 U.S.C. 2510 ``title X, Sec. 1012 16 U.S.C. 2511 ``title X, Sec. 1013 16 U.S.C. 2512 ``title X, Sec. 1014 16 U.S.C. 2513 ``title X, Sec. 1015 16 U.S.C. 2514.'' ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (b) Section 100507.--The heading for subsection (h)(3) of section 100507 of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking ``(b), (c), and (g)'' and inserting ``(b), (c), and (g)''. (c) Section 100903.--The heading for subsection (a) of section 100903 of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking ``General'' and inserting ``General.''. (d) Chapter 1013.--Chapter 1013 of title 54, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by amending section 101331 to read as follows: ``Sec. 101331. Purposes; definitions ``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this subchapter are-- ``(1) to develop where necessary an adequate supply of quality housing units for field employees of the Service in a reasonable timeframe; ``(2) to expand the alternatives available for construction and repair of essential Government housing; ``(3) to rely on the private sector to finance or supply housing in carryout out this subchapter, to the maximum extent possible, to reduce the need for Federal appropriations; ``(4) to ensure that adequate funds are available to provide for long-term maintenance needs of field employee housing; and ``(5) to eliminate unnecessary Government housing and locate such housing as is required in a manner such that primary resource values are not impaired. ``(b) Definitions.--In this subchapter: ``(1) Field employee.--The term `field employee' means-- ``(A) an employee of the Service who is exclusively assigned by the Service to perform duties at a field unit, and the members of the employee's family; and ``(B) any other individual who is authorized to occupy Federal Government quarters under section 5911 of title 5, and for whom there is no feasible alternative to the provision of Federal Government housing, and the members of the individual's family. ``(2) Primary resource values.--The term `primary resource values' means resources that are specifically mentioned in the enabling legislation for that field unit or other resource value recognized under Federal statute. ``(3) Quarters.--The term `quarters' means quarters owned or leased by the Federal Government. ``(4) Seasonal quarters.---The term `seasonal quarters' means quarters typically occupied by field employees who are hired on assignments of 6 months or less.''; and (2) in the chapter table of contents, by amending the item relating to section 101331 to read as follows: ``101331. Purposes; definitions.''. (e) Chapter 1015.--Chapter 1015 of title 54, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by redesignating sections 101521 through 101524 as sections 101522 through 101525; (2) by inserting before section 101522, as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following: ``Sec. 101521. Purpose ``The purpose of this subchapter is to make the System more accessible in a manner consistent with the preservation of parks and the conservation of energy by encouraging the use of transportation modes other than personal motor vehicles for access to and in System units with minimum disruption to nearby communities through authorization of a pilot transportation program.''; (3) in section 101522(b)(2)(B), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking ``Acquistion'' and inserting ``Acquisition''; (4) in section 101524(a), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking ``101521'' and inserting ``101522''; and (5) in the chapter table of contents-- (A) by redesignating the items relating to sections 101521 through 101524 as items relating to sections 101522 through 101525; and (B) by inserting before the item relating to section 101522, as redesignated by subparagraph (A), the following: ``101521. Purpose.''. (f) Section 101913.--The heading for paragraph (4)(C) of section 101913 of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking ``mimimum'' and inserting ``minimum''. (g) Section 102302.--The heading for subsection (d) of section 102302 of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Responsbilities'' and inserting ``Responsibilities''. (h) Chapter 2003.--Chapter 2003 of title 54, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by amending section 200301 to read as follows: ``Sec. 200301. Purposes; definitions ``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this chapter are-- ``(1) to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring accessibility to all citizens of the United States and visitors who are lawfully present in the United States such quality and quantity of outdoor recreation resources as may be available and are necessary and desirable for individual active participation in that recreation; and ``(2) to strengthen the health and vitality of the citizens of the United States by-- ``(A) providing funds for and authorizing Federal assistance to the States in planning, acquisition, and development of needed land and water areas and facilities; and ``(B) providing funds for the Federal acquisition and development of certain land and other areas. ``(b) Definitions.--In this chapter: ``(1) Fund.--The term `Fund' means the Land and Water Conservation Fund established under section 200302 of this title. ``(2) State.--The term `State' means a State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.''; (2) in section 200310(a), by striking ``section 9503(c)(3)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9503(c)(3)(B))'' and inserting ``section 9503(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9503(c)(3)(A))''; and (3) in the chapter table of contents, by amending the item relating to section 200301 to read as follows: ``200301. Purposes; definitions.''. (i) Chapter 2005.--Chapter 2005 of title 54, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by amending section 200501 to read as follows: ``Sec. 200501. Purposes; complement to existing Federal programs; definitions ``(a) Purposes.-- The purposes of this chapter are-- ``(1) to authorize the Secretary to establish an urban park and recreation recovery program that would provide Federal grants to economically hard-pressed communities specifically for the rehabilitation of critically needed recreation areas, facilities, and development of improved recreation programs; ``(2) to improve recreation facilities and expand recreation services in urban areas with a high incidence of crime and to help deter crime through the expansion of recreation opportunities for at-risk youth; and ``(3) to increase the security of urban parks and to promote collaboration between local agencies involved in parks and recreation, law enforcement, youth social services, and juvenile justice system. ``(b) Complement Existing Federal Programs.--The urban park and recreation recovery program is intended to complement existing Federal programs such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund and Community Development Grant Programs by encouraging and stimulating local governments to revitalize their park and recreation systems and to make long-term commitments to continuing maintenance of these systems. The assistance shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary considers appropriate and in the public interest to carry out the purposes of this chapter. ``(c) Definitions.-- In this chapter: ``(1) At-risk youth recreation grant.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `at-risk youth recreation grant' means a grant in a neighborhood or community with a high prevalence of crime, particularly violent crime or crime committed by youthful offenders. ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `at-risk youth recreation grant' includes-- ``(i) a rehabilitation grant; ``(ii) an innovation grant; and ``(iii) a matching grant for continuing program support for a program of demonstrated value or success in providing constructive alternatives to youth at risk for engaging in criminal behavior, including a grant for operating, or coordinating, a recreation program or service. ``(C) Additional uses of rehabilitation grant.--In addition to the purposes specified in paragraph (8), a rehabilitation grant that serves as an at-risk youth recreation grant may be used for the provision of lighting, emergency phones, or any other capital improvement that will improve the security of an urban park. ``(2) General purpose local government.--The term `general purpose local government' means-- ``(A) a city, county, town, township, village, or other general purpose political subdivision of a State; and ``(B) the District of Columbia. ``(3) Innovation grant.--The term `innovation grant' means a matching grant to a local government to cover costs of personnel, facilities, equipment, supplies, or services designed to demonstrate innovative and cost-effective ways to augment park and recreation opportunities at the neighborhood level and to address common problems related to facility operations and improved delivery of recreation service, not including routine operation and maintenance activities. ``(4) Maintenance.--The term `maintenance' means all commonly accepted practices necessary to keep recreation areas and facilities operating in a state of good repair and to protect them from deterioration resulting from normal wear and tear. ``(5) Private, nonprofit agency.--The term `private, nonprofit agency' means a community-based, nonprofit organization, corporation, or association organized for purposes of providing recreational, conservation, and educational services directly to urban residents on a neighborhood or communitywide basis through voluntary donations, voluntary labor, or public or private grants. ``(6) Recovery action program grant.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `recovery action program grant' means a matching grant to a local government for development of local park and recreation recovery action programs to meet the requirements of this chapter. ``(B) Use.--A recovery action program grant shall be used for resource and needs assessment, coordination, citizen involvement and planning, and program development activities to-- ``(i) encourage public definition of goals; and ``(ii) develop priorities and strategies for overall recreation system recovery. ``(7) Recreation area or facility.--The term `recreation area or facility' means an indoor or outdoor park, building, site, or other facility that is dedicated to recreation purposes and administered by a public or private nonprofit agency to serve the recreation needs of community residents. Emphasis shall be on public facilities readily accessible to residential neighborhoods, including multiple-use community centers that have recreation as 1 of their primary purposes, but excluding major sports arenas, exhibition areas, and conference halls used primarily for commercial sports, spectator, or display activities. ``(8) Rehabilitation grant.--The term `rehabilitation grant' means a matching capital grant to a local government for rebuilding, remodeling, expanding, or developing an existing outdoor or indoor recreation area or facility, including improvements in park landscapes, buildings, and support facilities, but excluding routine maintenance and upkeep activities. ``(9) Special purpose local government.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `special purpose local government' means a local or regional special district, public-purpose corporation, or other limited political subdivision of a State. ``(B) Inclusions.--The term `special purpose local government' includes-- ``(i) a park authority; ``(ii) a park, conservation, water, or sanitary district; and ``(iii) a school district. ``(10) State.--The term `State' means a State, an instrumentality of a State approved by the Governor of the State, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.''; (2) in section 200503(c), by striking ``transferree'' and inserting ``transferee''; and (3) in the chapter table of contents, by amending the item relating to section 200501 to read as follows: ``200501. Purposes; complement to existing Federal programs; definitions.''. (j) Section 302302.--The heading for subsection (a) of section 302302 of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Occcur'' and inserting ``Occur''. (k) Section 302701.--Section 302701(e) of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Preservations'' and inserting ``Preservation''. (l) Section 302902.--The heading for paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of section 302902 of title 54, United States Code is amended by striking ``In general'' and inserting ``In general''. (m) Section 302908.--Section 302908(a) of title 54, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``the'' before ``Government of Palau''. (n) Chapter 3083.--Chapter 3083 of title 54, United States Code is amended-- (1) by redesignating sections 308301 through 308304 as sections 308302 through 308305; (2) by inserting before section 308302, as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following: ``Sec. 308301. Purposes ``The purposes of this chapter are-- ``(1) to recognize the importance of the Underground Railroad, the sacrifices made by those who used the Underground Railroad in search of freedom from tyranny and oppression, and the sacrifices made by the people who helped them; and ``(2) to authorize the Service to coordinate and facilitate Federal and non-Federal activities to commemorate, honor, and interpret the history of the Underground Railroad, its significance as a crucial element in the evolution of the national civil rights movement, and its relevance in fostering the spirit of racial harmony and national reconciliation.''; (3) in section 308302, as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking ``308302'' and inserting ``308303''; (4) in section 308305(a), as redesignated by paragraph (1)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``308302'' and inserting ``308303''; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking `308303'' and inserting ``308304''; and (5) in the chapter table of contents-- (A) by redesignating the items relating to sections 308301 through 308304 as items relating to sections 308302 through 308305; and (B) by inserting before the item relating to section 308302, as redesignated by subparagraph (A), the following: ``308301. Purposes.''. (o) Section 308704.--Section 308704(a)(1) of title 54, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``subsection (c) of this section or'' after ``sold under''. (p) Section 309101.--The heading for subsection (d) of section 309101 of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Acquistion'' and inserting ``Acquisition''. (q) Chapter 3111.--Chapter 3111 of title 54, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by amending section 311101 to read as follows: ``Sec. 311101. Purpose; definitions ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to authorize the Preserve America Program, including-- ``(1) the Preserve America grant program in the Department of the Interior; ``(2) the recognition programs administered by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; and ``(3) the related efforts of Federal agencies, working in partnership with State, tribal, and local governments and the private sector, to support and promote the preservation of historic resources. ``(b) Definitions.--In this chapter: ``(1) Council.--The term `Council' means the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. ``(2) Heritage tourism.--The term `heritage tourism' means the conduct of activities to attract and accommodate visitors to a site or area based on the unique or special aspects of the history, landscape (including trail systems), and culture of the site or area. ``(3) Program.--The term `program' means the Preserve America Program established under section 311102(a)''; and (2) in the chapter table of contents, by amending the item relating to section 311101 to read as follows: ``311101. Purpose; definitions.''. (r) Section 312304.--The heading for paragraph (4) of subsection (b) of section 312304 of title 54, United States Code, is amended by striking ``commisison'' and inserting ``commission''. SEC. 7. TRANSITIONAL AND SAVINGS PROVISIONS (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Restated provision.--The term ``restated provision'' means a provision of law that is enacted by section 6. (2) Source provision.--The term ``source provision'' means a provision of law that is replaced by a restated provision. (b) Cutoff Date.--The restated provisions replace certain provisions of law enacted on or before May 6, 2021. If a law enacted after that date amends or repeals a source provision, that law is deemed to amend or repeal, as the case may be, the corresponding restated provision. If a law enacted after that date is otherwise inconsistent with a restated provision or a provision of this Act, that law supersedes the restated provision or provision of this Act to the extent of the inconsistency. (c) Original Date of Enactment Unchanged.--A restated provision is deemed to have been enacted on the date of enactment of the source provision. (d) References to Restated Provisions.--A reference to a restated provision is deemed to refer to the corresponding source provision. (e) References to Source Provisions.--A reference to a source provision, including a reference in a regulation, order, or other law, is deemed to refer to the corresponding restated provision. (f) Regulations, Orders, and Other Administrative Actions.--A regulation, order, or other administrative action in effect under a source provision continues in effect under the corresponding restated 54 provision. (g) Actions Taken and Offenses Committed.--An action taken or an offense committed under a source provision is deemed to have been taken or committed under the corresponding restated provision. (h) Legislative Construction.--An inference of legislative construction is not to be drawn by reason of a restated provision's location in the United States Code or by reason of the heading used for the restated provision. SEC. 8. REPEALS. The following provisions of law are repealed, except with respect to rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, or proceedings that were begun before December 19, 2014: Schedule of Laws Repealed ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- United States Code Former Act Section Classification ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Act of May 15, 1896 (ch. 182)..................... 1 16 U.S.C. 411 2 16 U.S.C. 412 Act of March 3, 1897 (ch. 372).................... 1 16 U.S.C. 413 2 16 U.S.C. 414 4 16 U.S.C. 416 5 16 U.S.C. 413, 414, 416 Act of August 24, 1912 (ch. 355 (last paragraph 1 16 U.S.C. 421 under heading ``national military parks'' at 37 Stat. 442)....................................... Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (Pub. title I, Sec. 1(b) 16 U.S.C. 460l-4 L. 88-578)....................................... Public Law 95-344................................. title III, Sec. 301(b) 16 U.S.C. 2301(b) Urban Park and Recreation Recovery Act of 1978 title X, Sec. 1003 16 U.S.C. 2502 (Pub. L. 95-625)................................. National Park System Visitor Facilities Fund Act 1 16 U.S.C. 19gg note (Pub. L. 97-433)................................. 2 16 U.S.C. 19aa note 3 16 U.S.C. 19bb note 4 16 U.S.C. 19cc note 5 16 U.S.C. 19dd note 6 16 U.S.C. 19ee note 7 16 U.S.C. 19ff note 8 16 U.S.C. 19gg note Omnibus Parks and Public Land Management Act of div. I, title VIII, Sec. 16 U.S.C. 17o(1) 1996 (Pub. L. 104-333)........................... 814(a)(1) div. I, title VIII, Sec. 16 U.S.C. 1f 814(g)(4, (5)) National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom 2(b) 16 U.S.C. 469l(b) Act of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-203).................... Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (Pub. title VII, Sec. 7302(a) 16 U.S.C. 469n(a) L. 111-11)....................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Passed the House of Representatives June 23, 2021. Attest: CHERYL L. JOHNSON, Clerk.

To make improvements in the enactment of title 54, United States Code, into a positive law title and to improve the Code.

To make improvements in the enactment of title 54, United States Code, into a positive law title and to improve the Code.

Official Titles - House of Representatives Official Title as Introduced To make improvements in the enactment of title 54, United States Code, into a positive law title and to improve the Code.

Rep. Bush, Cori

D

MO

H.R.7429

Finance and Financial Sector

Russian Digital Asset Sanctions Compliance Act of 2022 This bill allows additional sanctions against Russia and creates specified reporting requirements regarding digital assets. Specifically, the President must periodically identify foreign persons who facilitate evasion of Russian sanctions using digital assets. The bill authorizes sanctions against such persons. The bill requires a U.S. taxpayer engaged in offshore digital asset transactions greater than $10,000 to file an annual Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The bill allows the Department of the Treasury to prohibit U.S. digital asset trading platforms and transaction facilitators from transacting with Russian digital asset addresses. Additionally, Treasury must report on its progress in implementing the bill and must annually identify foreign digital asset trading platforms that are a high risk for sanctions evasion, money laundering, and other illicit activities.

To impose sanctions with respect to the use of cryptocurrency to facilitate transactions by Russian persons subject to sanctions, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Russian Digital Asset Sanctions Compliance Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Appropriate congressional committees and leadership.-- The term ``appropriate congressional committees and leadership'' means-- (A) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the majority and minority leaders of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Financial Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the speaker, the majority leader, and the minority leader of the House of Representatives. (2) Digital assets.--The term ``digital assets'' means any digital representation of value, financial assets and instruments, or claims that are used to make payments or investments, or to transmit or exchange funds or the equivalent thereof, that are issued or represented in digital form through the use of distributed ledger technology. (3) Digital asset trading platform.--The term ``digital asset trading platform'' means a person, or group of persons, that operates as an exchange or other trading facility for the purchase, sale, lending, or borrowing of digital assets. (4) Digital asset transaction facilitator.--The term ``digital asset transaction facilitator'' means-- (A) any person, or group of persons, that significantly and materially facilitates the purchase, sale, lending, borrowing, exchange, custody, holding, validation, or creation of digital assets on the account of others, including any communication protocol, decentralized finance technology, smart contract, or other software, including open-source computer code-- (i) deployed through the use of distributed ledger or any similar technology; and (ii) that provides a mechanism for multiple users to purchase, sell, lend, borrow, or trade digital assets; and (B) any person, or group of persons, that the Secretary of the Treasury otherwise determines to be significantly and materially facilitating digital assets transactions in violation of sanctions. (5) Foreign person.--The term ``foreign person'' means an individual or entity that is not a United States person. (6) United states person.--The term ``United States person'' means-- (A) an individual who is a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States; or (B) an entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States, including a foreign branch of such an entity. SEC. 3. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE USE OF DIGITAL ASSETS TO FACILITATE TRANSACTIONS BY RUSSIAN PERSONS SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS. (a) Report Required.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter as necessary, the President shall submit to Congress a report identifying any foreign person that-- (1) operates a digital asset trading platform or is a digital asset transaction facilitator; and (2)(A) has significantly and materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of any person with respect to which sanctions have been imposed by the United States relating to the Russian Federation, including by facilitating transactions that evade such sanctions; or (B) is owned or controlled by, or acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of any person with respect to which sanctions have been imposed by the United States relating to the Russian Federation. (b) Imposition of Sanctions.--The President may exercise all of the powers granted to the President under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to the extent necessary to block and prohibit all transactions in property and interests in property of a foreign person identified in a report submitted under subsection (a) if such property and interests in property are in the United States, come within the United States, or are or come within the possession or control of a United States person. (c) Implementation; Penalties.-- (1) Implementation.--The President may exercise all authorities provided under sections 203 and 205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to carry out this section. (2) Penalties.--A person that violates, attempts to violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of this section or any regulation, license, or order issued to carry out this section shall be subject to the penalties set forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) to the same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act described in subsection (a) of that section. (d) National Security Waiver.--The President may waive the imposition of sanctions under this section with respect to a person if the President-- (1) determines that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States; and (2) submits to Congress a notification of the waiver and the reasons for the waiver. (e) Exceptions.-- (1) Exception for intelligence activities.--This section shall not apply with respect to activities subject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3091 et seq.) or any authorized intelligence activities of the United States. (2) Exception relating to importation of goods.-- (A) In general.--The authority to block and prohibit all transactions in all property and interests in property under subsection (b) shall not include the authority or a requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of goods. (B) Good.--In this paragraph, the term ``good'' means any article, natural or manmade substance, material, supply or manufactured product, including inspection and test equipment, and excluding technical data. SEC. 4. DISCRETIONARY PROHIBITION OF TRANSACTIONS. The Secretary of the Treasury may require that no digital asset trading platform or digital asset transaction facilitator that does business in the United States transact with, or fulfill transactions of, digital asset addresses that are known to be, or could reasonably be known to be, affiliated with persons headquartered or domiciled in the Russian Federation if the Secretary-- (1) determines that exercising such authority is important to the national interest of the United States; and (2) not later than 90 days after exercising the authority described in paragraph (1), submits to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership a report on the basis for any determination under that paragraph. SEC. 5. TRANSACTION REPORTING. Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network shall require United States persons engaged in a transaction with a value greater than $10,000 in digital assets through 1 or more accounts outside of the United States to file a report described in section 1010.350 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, using the form described in that section, in accordance with section 5314 of title 31, United States Code. SEC. 6. REPORTS. (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership a report on the progress of the Department of the Treasury in carrying out this Act, including any resources needed by the Department to improve implementation and progress in coordinating with governments of countries that are allies or partners of the United States. (b) Other Reports.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every year thereafter, the Secretary of the Treasury shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership and make publicly available a report identifying the digital asset trading platforms that the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury determines to be high risk for sanctions evasion, money laundering, or other illicit activities. Any exchange included in the report may petition the Office of Foreign Assets Control for removal, which shall be granted upon demonstrating that the exchange is taking steps sufficient to comply with applicable United States law. <all>

Russian Digital Asset Sanctions Compliance Act of 2022

To impose sanctions with respect to the use of cryptocurrency to facilitate transactions by Russian persons subject to sanctions, and for other purposes.

Russian Digital Asset Sanctions Compliance Act of 2022

Rep. Sherman, Brad

D

CA

S.3583

Transportation and Public Works

Rural Outdoor Investment Act This bill directs the Department of Commerce to make grants to eligible recipients for outdoor recreation projects to spur economic development, with a focus on rural communities. Commerce shall develop a partnership agreement to provide for the development of, among other things, basic training, including in-person or modular training sessions, for small businesses and rural communities.

To amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide grants for outdoor recreation projects to spur economic development, with a focus on rural communities, and to provide training for rural communities on funding opportunities for outdoor recreation, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Rural Outdoor Investment Act''. SEC. 2. OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANTS. Title II of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after section 207 (42 U.S.C. 3147) the following: ``SEC. 208. OUTDOOR RECREATION GRANTS. ``(a) Definition of Outdoor Recreation.--In this section, the term `outdoor recreation' means all recreational activities undertaken for pleasure that-- ``(1) generally involve some level of intentional physical exertion; and ``(2) occur in nature-based environments outdoors. ``(b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall make grants to eligible recipients for outdoor recreation projects to spur economic development, with a focus on rural communities. ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026-- ``(1) $30,000,000 for grants under section 201 for outdoor recreation projects to spur economic development, with a focus on rural communities; ``(2) $5,000,000 for grants under section 203 for outdoor recreation projects to spur economic development, with a focus on rural communities; and ``(3) $2,500,000 for grants under section 207 for outdoor recreation projects to spur economic development, with a focus on rural communities.''. SEC. 3. TRAINING FOR RURAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUTDOOR RECREATION. Beginning not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, in consultation with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration and the Secretary of Agriculture, shall develop a partnership agreement-- (1) to provide for the development of-- (A) basic training, including in-person or modular training sessions, for small business concerns (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) and rural communities relating to existing funding opportunities for outdoor recreation, including funding opportunities for-- (i) business development; (ii) community planning; (iii) infrastructure investment; (iv) community capacity building; and (v) marketing and communications; (B) informational materials relating to existing funding opportunities described in subparagraph (A); and (C) opportunities to coordinate among Federal departments and agencies to share the basic training and informational materials developed under subparagraphs (A) and (B) with those departments and agencies and relevant nongovernmental organizations; (2) to provide the basic training and informational materials developed under paragraph (1)-- (A) through electronic formats, including internet- based webinars; and (B) at physical locations, including offices of the rural development mission area; and (3) to make the basic training and informational materials developed under paragraph (1) available to rural business development entities that partner with programs of the rural development mission area, including institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, business incubators, and business accelerators. SEC. 4. RECREATION ECONOMY FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES. (a) Definition of Program.--In this section, the term ``program'' means the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities planning assistance program sponsored by the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Under Secretary for Rural Development, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service. (b) Partnerships.--To build on the program, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Under Secretary for Rural Development, in partnership with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall develop partnerships to connect the program to-- (1) the Economic Development Administration and the Small Business Administration; and (2) the basic training and informational materials described in section 3. (c) Grants.--The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Under Secretary for Rural Development, in partnership with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall carry out a competitive grant program to assist entities otherwise eligible to receive assistance under the program in carrying out an action plan developed under the program. (d) Consultation.-- (1) In general.--On request of a regional commission described in paragraph (2), the entities carrying out the program shall consult with the requesting regional commission in carrying out the program. (2) Regional commissions described.--A regional commission referred to in paragraph (1) is any of the following: (A) The Appalachian Regional Commission established by section 14301(a) of title 40, United States Code. (B) The Delta Regional Authority established under subtitle F of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009aa et seq.). (C) The Denali Commission established under the Denali Commission Act of 1998 (42 U.S.C. 3121 note; title III of division C of Public Law 105-277). (D) The Northern Border Regional Commission established by section 15301(a)(3) of title 40, United States Code. (E) The Northern Great Plains Regional Authority established under subtitle G of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 2009bb et seq.). (F) The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission established by section 15301(a)(1) of title 40, United States Code. (G) The Southwest Border Regional Commission established by section 15301(a)(2) of title 40, United States Code. (e) Authorization of Appropriations.-- (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program $12,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (2) Grants.--Beginning with fiscal year 2023, of the funds made available under paragraph (1) for each fiscal year, not less than 50 percent shall be used to carry out the grant program under subsection (c). <all>

Rural Outdoor Investment Act

A bill to amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide grants for outdoor recreation projects to spur economic development, with a focus on rural communities, and to provide training for rural communities on funding opportunities for outdoor recreation, and for other purposes.

Rural Outdoor Investment Act

Sen. Bennet, Michael F.

D

CO

H.R.6035

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act This bill extends until May 8, 2038, the authority of the Department of the Interior to provide financial assistance to the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area in Illinois.

To amend the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 to extend the authorization of financial assistance with respect to the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act''. SEC. 2. ABRAHAM LINCOLN NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA. Section 451 of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-229) is amended by striking ``the date that is 15 years after the date of the enactment of this subtitle'' and inserting ``May 8, 2038''. <all>

Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act

To amend the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 to extend the authorization of financial assistance with respect to the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.

Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act

Rep. LaHood, Darin

R

IL

S.5336

Health

PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 research, health care provider education, and other activities focused on preventing and treating preterm birth.

To reauthorize the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. RESEARCH RELATING TO PRETERM LABOR AND DELIVERY AND THE CARE, TREATMENT, AND OUTCOMES OF PRETERM AND LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS. Section 2(e) of the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act (42 U.S.C. 247b-4f(e)) is amended by striking ``2019 through 2023'' and inserting ``2024 through 2028''. SEC. 3. PUBLIC AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDER EDUCATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES. Section 399Q(c) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g- 5(c)) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2024 through 2028''. <all>

PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2022

A bill to reauthorize the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act.

PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2022

Sen. Bennet, Michael F.

D

CO

S.4608

Taxation

Virtual Currency Tax Fairness Act This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, a limited amount of gain from the sale or exchange of virtual currency, unless such sale or exchange is for cash or cash equivalents, property used in the active conduct of a trade or business, or property held for the production of income. The exclusion does not apply if the total value of the sale or exchange exceeds $50, or the total gain exceeds $50 (both amounts adjusted annually for inflation). The bill defines virtual currency as a digital representation of value that functions as a unit of account, a store of value, or a medium of exchange, and is not a representation of the U.S. dollar or any foreign currency.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income de minimis gains from certain sales or exchanges of virtual currency, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Virtual Currency Tax Fairness Act''. SEC. 2. VIRTUAL CURRENCY. (a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 139I the following new section: ``SEC. 139J. DE MINIMIS GAIN FROM SALE OR EXCHANGE OF VIRTUAL CURRENCY. ``(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), gross income shall not include gain from the sale or exchange of virtual currency, unless the sale or exchange is for-- ``(1) cash or cash equivalents, ``(2) any property used by the taxpayer in the active conduct of a trade or business, or ``(3) any property held by the taxpayer for the production of income (as described in section 212(2)). ``(b) Limitation.-- ``(1) In general.--Subsection (a) shall not apply in the case of any sale or exchange for which-- ``(A) the total value of such sale or exchange exceeds $50, or ``(B) the total gain which would otherwise be recognized with respect to such sale or exchange exceeds $50. ``(2) Aggregation rule.--For purposes of this subsection, all sales or exchanges which are part of the same transaction (or a series of related transactions) shall be treated as one sale or exchange. ``(c) Virtual Currency.--For purposes of this section, the term `virtual currency' means a digital representation of value which-- ``(1) functions as a unit of account, a store of value, or a medium of exchange, and ``(2) is not a representation of the United States dollar or any foreign currency. ``(d) Inflation Adjustment.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2023, the dollar amount in subsection (b)(1) shall be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(1) such dollar amount, multiplied by ``(2) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 2022' for `calendar year 2016' in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof. Any increase determined under the preceding sentence shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 139I the following new item: ``Sec. 139J. De minimis gain from sale or exchange of virtual currency.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to transactions entered into after December 31, 2022. <all>

Virtual Currency Tax Fairness Act

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income de minimis gains from certain sales or exchanges of virtual currency, and for other purposes.

Virtual Currency Tax Fairness Act

Sen. Toomey, Patrick

R

PA

S.427

Commerce

Promoting Responsibility Over Moderation In the Social-media Environment Act or the PROMISE Act This bill requires interactive computer services (e.g., social media companies) to establish and publicly disclose policies for moderating content on their services. This includes the categories of information that are not permitted on the service, the process by which information posted on the service is moderated, and how the service provider notifies users that information has been moderated. These moderation policies are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.

To require covered entities to implement and disclose information moderation policies, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting Responsibility Over Moderation In the Social-media Environment Act'' or the ``PROMISE Act''. SEC. 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is to ensure that users of a covered entity have the necessary information regarding such entity's policy on moderating information provided by a user or other information content provider. Access to such a policy enables users to make informed choices regarding the use or purchase of services provided by the covered entity and promotes a competitive marketplace for such services. SEC. 3. INFORMATION MODERATION POLICIES. (a) Requirement.-- (1) In general.--A covered entity-- (A) shall implement and operate in accordance with an information moderation policy (as described in paragraph (2)); (B) shall disclose such information moderation policy in a publicly available and easily accessible manner; and (C) shall not make a deceptive policy statement with respect to such information moderation policy. (2) Information moderation policy.--The information moderation policy described in this paragraph is a policy that accurately describes, in plain, easy to understand language, information regarding the business practices of a covered entity with respect to the standards, processes, and policies of the covered entity on moderating information provided by a user or other information content provider, including-- (A) any category of information that-- (i) the covered entity does not permit on its service; or (ii) is subject to moderation by users or providers of such covered entity; (B) the process which a user or provider of the covered entity utilizes to moderate information posted, published, or otherwise displayed on the service; and (C) the notification process, if any, which the covered entity uses to inform a user-- (i) that such user's information has been moderated; (ii) of the rationale justifying the moderation decision; and (iii) of the user's options for redress, if any. (b) Enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission.-- (1) Unfair or deceptive acts or practices.--A violation of subsection (a) shall constitute an unfair or deceptive act or practice in commerce in violation of section 5(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45(a)). (2) Powers of commission.--Subject to paragraphs (4) and (5), the Commission shall enforce subsection (a) in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this section. Any person who violates subsection (a) shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in such Act. (3) Regulations.--The Commission shall prescribe, in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, such regulations as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, including regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to administer and carry out the purposes and objectives of this section. (4) Presumption of materiality.--With respect to a violation of subsection (a), there shall be a rebuttable presumption that a deceptive policy statement is material and likely to cause injury. (5) Application to common carriers.--Notwithstanding the definition of the term ``Acts to regulate commerce'' in section 4 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 44) and the exception provided by section 5(a)(2) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 45(a)(2)) for common carriers, the Commission shall enforce subsection (a), in the same manner provided in paragraphs (1) through (4), with respect to covered entities that are common carriers for purposes of such section 5(a)(2). (c) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal Trade Commission. (2) Covered entity.--The term ``covered entity'' means an entity that-- (A) is an interactive computer service; (B) is engaged in interstate or foreign commerce; and (C) moderates information provided by a user or other information content provider. (3) Deceptive policy statement.--The term ``deceptive policy statement'' means an oral or written representation, omission, or practice made by an officer, director, or other authorized agent of a covered entity regarding such covered entity's information moderation policy that-- (A) misleads or is likely to mislead a reasonable individual regarding the covered entity's service; and (B) affects or is likely to affect a reasonable individual's choice to use or use of the covered entity's service. (4) Information content provider.--The term ``information content provider'' has the meaning given such term in section 230(f) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 230(f)). (5) Interactive computer service.--The term ``interactive computer service'' has the meaning given such term in section 230(f) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 230(f)). (6) Moderate.--With respect to information provided by a user or other information content provider, the term ``moderate'' means-- (A) to remove or otherwise restrict access to or the availability of such information; (B) to edit or otherwise alter such information; or (C) to post, publish, or otherwise display a warning, fact-check notice, or other label in conjunction with such information. <all>

PROMISE Act

A bill to require covered entities to implement and disclose information moderation policies, and for other purposes.

PROMISE Act Promoting Responsibility Over Moderation In the Social-media Environment Act

Sen. Lee, Mike

R

UT

H.R.2816

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Legacy Roads and Trails Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish the Forest Service Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Program. Specifically, under the program, the Forest Service, taking into account predicted changes in weather and hydrology related to global climate change, shall In implementing the program, the Forest Service shall give priority to projects that protect or restore The Forest Service shall identify the minimum road system needed for each unit of the National Forest System. USDA shall review, and may revise, an identification of the minimum road system in accordance with federal regulations relating to the administration of the forest transportation system.

To provide for the Forest Service Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Program. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Legacy Roads and Trails Act''. SEC. 2. FOREST SERVICE LEGACY ROADS AND TRAILS REMEDIATION PROGRAM. Public Law 88-657 (16 U.S.C. 532 et seq.) (commonly known as the ``Forest Roads and Trails Act'') is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 8. FOREST SERVICE LEGACY ROADS AND TRAILS REMEDIATION PROGRAM. ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish the Forest Service Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Program (referred to in this section as `the Program'). ``(b) Administration.--The Program shall be administered by the Secretary, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service. ``(c) Activities.--In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall, taking into account predicted changes in weather and hydrology related to global climate change-- ``(1) carry out storm damage risk reduction, including deferred maintenance, repairs, road and trail relocation, and associated activities on National Forest System roads, National Forest System trails, and tunnels and bridges under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service; ``(2) restore waterways and natural migration for fish and other aquatic species by removing, repairing, or replacing culverts or other infrastructure from such waterways; and ``(3) decommission National Forest System roads and unauthorized roads and trails under National Forest System jurisdiction in accordance with subsections (f) and (g). ``(d) Priority.--In implementing the Program, the Secretary shall give priority to projects that protect or restore-- ``(1) water quality and watershed function; ``(2) a watershed that supplies a public drinking water system; ``(3) the habitat of a threatened, endangered, or sensitive fish or wildlife species, or species of conservation concern; or ``(4) a watershed for which the Secretary has completed a watershed protection and restoration action plan pursuant to section 304 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 6543). ``(e) National Forest System.--Except with respect to a project carried out on a watershed for which the Secretary has a cooperative agreement under section 323 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999 (16 U.S.C. 1011a), each project carried out under this section shall be on a National Forest System road, National Forest System trail, or unauthorized roads and trails under National Forest System jurisdiction. ``(f) Identification of Minimum Road Systems.--Not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall identify at the scale of a National Forest System unit or greater, the minimum road system and unneeded roads in accordance with section 212.5(b) of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this section). ``(g) Unneeded National Forest System Roads.--As soon as practicable after identifying a road as unneeded under subsection (f), the Secretary shall-- ``(1) decommission such road; or ``(2) convert such road to a system trail. ``(h) Review; Revision.--The Secretary shall review, and may revise, an identification made under subsection (f) in accordance with part 212, subpart A of title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this section). ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2030.''. <all>

Legacy Roads and Trails Act

To provide for the Forest Service Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Program.

Legacy Roads and Trails Act

Rep. Schrier, Kim

D

WA

S.1488

Armed Forces and National Security

Military Hunger Prevention Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to pay a basic needs allowance to certain low-income members of the Armed Forces. Specifically, those eligible for the basic needs allowance are members who (1) have completed initial entry training, (2) have a gross household income that did not exceed an amount equal to 130% of the federal poverty guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and (3) do not elect to decline the allowance. In situations where a household contains two or more eligible members, the bill specifies that only one allowance may be paid per year to one member they jointly elect. The amount of the allowance must be the aggregate amount equal to 130% of the HHS federal poverty guidelines minus the gross household income of the covered member during the preceding year divided by 12. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) of DOD must notify, in writing, individuals determined to be eligible for the allowance. The notice must include information regarding financial management and assistance programs administered by DOD for which the individuals are also eligible. Individuals who seek to receive the allowance must submit specified information to DFAS.

To amend title 37, United States Code, to establish a basic needs allowance for low-income regular members of the Armed Forces. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Military Hunger Prevention Act''. SEC. 2. BASIC NEEDS ALLOWANCE FOR LOW-INCOME REGULAR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. (a) In General.--Chapter 7 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 402a the following new section: ``Sec. 402b. Basic needs allowance for low-income regular members of the armed forces ``(a) Allowance Required.--(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall pay to each covered member a basic needs allowance in the amount determined for such member under subsection (b). ``(2) In the event a household contains two or more covered members entitled to receive the allowance under this section in a given year, only one allowance may be paid for that year to a covered member among such covered members whom such covered members shall jointly elect. ``(b) Amount of Allowance for a Covered Member.--(1) The amount of the monthly allowance payable to a covered member under subsection (a) for a year shall be the aggregate amount equal to-- ``(A) the aggregate amount equal to-- ``(i) 130 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services for the location and number of persons in the household of the covered member for such year; minus ``(ii) the gross household income of the covered member during the preceding year; and ``(B) divided by 12. ``(2) The monthly allowance payable to a covered member for a year shall be payable for each of the 12 months following-- ``(A) in the case of an individual whom the Director of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service first notifies in a given year under subsection (c)(3)(A), March of such year; or ``(B) in the case of an individual whom the Director of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service first notifies in a given year under subsection (c)(3)(B), September of such year. ``(c) Notice of Eligibility.--(1)(A) Not later than June 30 and December 31 each year, the Director of the Defense Finance and Accounting Service shall notify, in writing, each individual whom the Director determines will be a covered member during the following year, regarding the potential entitlement of that individual to the allowance described in subsection (a) for that following year. ``(B) The preliminary notice under subparagraph (A) shall include information regarding financial management and assistance programs administered by the Secretary of Defense for which a covered member is eligible. ``(2) Not later than January 31 each year, each individual who seeks to receive the allowance for such year (whether or not subject to a notice for such year under paragraph (1)) shall submit to the Director such information as the Director shall require for purposes of this section in order to determine whether or not such individual is a covered member for such year. ``(3) The Director shall notify, in writing, each individual the Director determines will be a covered member in the following year not later than-- ``(A) February 28 of each year; and ``(B) August 31 of each year. ``(d) Election Not To Receive Allowance.--(1) A covered member otherwise entitled to receive the allowance under subsection (a) for a year may elect, in writing, not to receive the allowance for such year. Any election under this subsection shall be effective only for the year for which made. Any election for a year under this subsection is irrevocable. ``(2) A covered member who does not submit information described in subsection (c)(2) for a year as otherwise required by that subsection shall be deemed to have elected not to receive the allowance for such year. ``(e) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) The term `covered member' means a regular member of the armed forces-- ``(A) who has completed initial entry training; ``(B) whose gross household income during the most recent year did not exceed an amount equal to 130 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services for the location and number of persons in the household of the covered member for such year; and ``(C) who does not elect under subsection (d) not to receive the allowance for such year. ``(2) The term `gross household income' of a covered member for a year for purposes of paragraph (1)(B) does not include any basic allowance for housing received by the covered member (and any dependents of the covered member in the household of the covered member) during such year under section 403 of this title. ``(f) Regulations.--The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations for the administration of this section. Subject to subsection (e)(2), such regulations shall specify the income to be included in, and excluded from, the gross household income of individuals for purposes of this section.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 7 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 402a the following new item: ``402b. Basic needs allowance for low-income regular members of the armed forces.''. <all>

Military Hunger Prevention Act

A bill to amend title 37, United States Code, to establish a basic needs allowance for low-income regular members of the Armed Forces.

Military Hunger Prevention Act

Sen. Duckworth, Tammy

D

IL

S.4805

Armed Forces and National Security

Securing American Acquisitions, Readiness, and Military Stockpiles Act of 2022 or the Securing American ARMS Act of 2022 This bill provides that acquisition procedures other than competitive procedures may be used to (1) replenish United States stockpiles with like defense articles when stockpiles are diminished as a result of the response to an armed attack by a foreign adversary against a U.S. ally or partner, or (2) contract for the movement or delivery of defense articles transferred to such ally or partner through the President's drawdown authorities in connection with such response, provided that the United States is not a party to the hostilities. The head of the applicable agency must provide the congressional defense committees written notification of the use of such procedures within one week after such use.

To provide for emergency acquisition authority in the event of armed attack against a United States ally or partner by a foreign adversary of the United States. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Securing American Acquisitions, Readiness, and Military Stockpiles Act of 2022'' or the ``Securing American ARMS Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. EMERGENCY ACQUISITION AUTHORITY. Section 3204 of title 10, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (6), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a semicolon; (B) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(8) the head of the agency-- ``(A) determines that the use of procedures other than competitive procedures is necessary to-- ``(i) replenish United States stockpiles with like defense articles when those stockpiles are diminished as a result of the United States providing defense articles in response to an armed attack, by a foreign adversary of the United States (as that term is defined in section 8(c) of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 (47 U.S.C. 1607(c))) against-- ``(I) a United States ally (as that term is defined in section 201(d) of the Act of December 2, 1942, entitled, `To provide benefits for the injury, disability, death, or enemy detention of employees of contractors with the United States, and for other purposes' (56 Stat. 1028, chapter 668; 42 U.S.C. 1711(d))); or ``(II) a United States partner; or ``(ii) to contract for the movement or delivery of defense articles transferred to such ally or partner through the President's drawdown authorities in connection with such response; provided that the United States is not a party to the hostilities; and ``(B) submits to the congressional defense committees written notification of the use of such procedures within one week after such use.''; and (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``and (7)'' and inserting ``(7), and (8)''. <all>

Securing American ARMS Act of 2022

A bill to provide for emergency acquisition authority in the event of armed attack against a United States ally or partner by a foreign adversary of the United States.

Securing American ARMS Act of 2022 Securing American Acquisitions, Readiness, and Military Stockpiles Act of 2022

Sen. Cornyn, John

R

TX

S.4733

Energy

Use it or Lose It Act This bill modifies requirements for certain oil and gas leases and related drilling permits. For example, it requires prospective leaseholders to, as a condition of participating in certain oil and gas lease sales, certify that they have diligently developed any prior leases and relinquished any undeveloped leases.

To amend the Mineral Leasing Act to provide for certain reforms to the process relating to applications for permits to drill and the eligibility requirements for prospective bidders in lease sales, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Use it or Lose It Act''. SEC. 2. ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN LEASE SALES. Section 17(h) of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 226(h)) is amended by striking the subsection designation and all that follows through ``The Secretary'' and inserting the following: ``(h) Limitations.-- ``(1) Required certification.--A prospective lessee shall not be eligible to participate in a lease sale or otherwise acquire a new lease under this section until the date on which the prospective lessee, in accordance with procedures developed by the Secretary of the Interior, certifies to the Secretary of the Interior that the prospective lessee-- ``(A) has diligently developed all other leases issued to the prospective bidder under this section by not later than the expiration of the applicable primary lease term, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior; ``(B) has relinquished any other leases issued to the prospective bidder under this section that have not been diligently developed by the prospective bidder by not later than the expiration of the applicable primary lease term, as determined by the Secretary; and ``(C) has complied with any other certifications that the Secretary of the Interior may reasonably require. ``(2) National forest system land.--The Secretary''. SEC. 3. APPLICATIONS FOR PERMITS TO DRILL. Section 17(p) of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 226(p)) is amended adding at the end the following: ``(4) Priority for issuing applications for permits to drill.--For purposes of considering applications for permits to drill submitted to the Secretary of the Interior under this subsection, the Secretary of the Interior shall give priority to any applicant that has-- ``(A) demonstrated, to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Interior, an ability and willingness to commit to climate mitigation and other forms of environmental mitigation with respect to the proposed activities, including-- ``(i) binding commitments to plug and reclaim inactive wells; and ``(ii) a willingness to relinquish leases in sensitive areas, particularly areas that were subsequently closed to, or withdrawn from, leasing; ``(B) provided production estimates for the proposed drilling activities; or ``(C) demonstrated previous success with respect to completing wells. ``(5) Expiration of unused applications for permits to drill; extensions.-- ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), an application for a permit to drill that is approved under this subsection after the date of enactment of this paragraph that is considered to be unused, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, shall expire on the date that is 1 year after the date of the approval of the application for a permit to drill. ``(B) Extensions.--The Secretary of the Interior-- ``(i) may extend, not more than 1 time, the expiration date of an unused approved application for a permit to drill that would otherwise expire under subparagraph (A) for a period of not more than 180 days; and ``(ii) may not extend the expiration date of an approved application for a permit to drill that was approved before the date of enactment of this paragraph that is considered to be unused, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior. ``(C) Disqualification of certain applicants.-- Beginning on the date of enactment of this paragraph, an applicant for a permit to drill that has a higher than average number of unused approved applications for permits to drill under this subsection, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, shall not be eligible for a new application for a permit to drill under this subsection unless the Secretary of the Interior determines that-- ``(i) the applicant has relinquished a sufficient number of unused approved applications for permits to drill; or ``(ii) the applicant has converted a sufficient number of unused approved applications for permits to drill of the applicant to `in use' status.''. <all>

Use it or Lose It Act

A bill to amend the Mineral Leasing Act to provide for certain reforms to the process relating to applications for permits to drill and the eligibility requirements for prospective bidders in lease sales, and for other purposes.

Use it or Lose It Act

Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine

D

NV

S.4074

International Affairs

Preventing Future Pandemics Act of 2022 This bill addresses issues related to the commercial trade in live wildlife for human consumption in other countries. For example, the bill requires the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to work with foreign governments, multilateral organizations, and nongovernmental organizations to carry out activities to (1) close wildlife markets and prevent associated commercial trade in live wildlife, (2) improve regulatory oversight and eliminate practices that contribute to zoonotic spillover and emerging pathogens, and (3) offer alternative livelihood and worker training programs to individuals and communities currently engaged in the commercial trade in live wildlife for human consumption.

To prevent future pandemics, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Preventing Future Pandemics Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means-- (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; (B) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; (C) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and (D) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. (2) Commercial trade in live wildlife.--The term ``commercial trade in live wildlife''-- (A) means commercial trade in live wildlife for human consumption as food or medicine, whether the animals originated in the wild or in a captive environment; and (B) does not include-- (i) fish; (ii) invertebrates; (iii) amphibians and reptiles; and (iv) the meat of ruminant game species-- (I) traded in markets in countries with effective implementation and enforcement of scientifically based, nationally implemented policies and legislation for processing, trans-port, trade, and marketing; and (II) sold after being slaughtered and processed under sanitary conditions. (3) One health.--The term ``One Health'' means a collaborative, multi-sectoral, and transdisciplinary approach working at the local, regional, national, and global levels with the goal of achieving optimal health outcomes that recognizes the interconnection between-- (A) people, animals, both wild and domestic, and plants; and (B) the environment shared by such people, animals, and plants. (4) Wildlife market.--The term ``wildlife market''-- (A) means a commercial market or subsection of a commercial market-- (i) where live mammalian or avian wildlife is held, slaughtered, or sold for human consumption as food or medicine whether the animals originated in the wild or in a captive environment; and (ii) that delivers a product in communities where alternative nutritional or protein sources are readily available and affordable; and (B) does not include-- (i) markets in areas where no other practical alternative sources of protein or meat exists, such as wildlife markets in rural areas on which indigenous people and rural local communities rely to feed them-selves and their families; and (ii) processors of dead wild game and fish. SEC. 3. COUNTRY-DRIVEN APPROACH TO END THE COMMERCIAL TRADE IN LIVE WILDLIFE AND ASSOCIATED WILDLIFE MARKETS. (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the completion of the first report required under section 6, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Interior, and after consideration of the results of best available scientific findings of practices and behaviors occurring at the source of zoonoses spillover and spread, shall publicly release a list of countries the governments of which express willingness to end the domestic and international commercial trade in live wildlife and associated wildlife markets for human consumption, as defined for purposes of this Act-- (1) immediately; (2) after a transitional period; and (3) aspirationally, over a long-term period. (b) Global Health Security Zoonosis Plans.--The Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall work bilaterally with the governments of the countries listed pursuant to subsection (a) to establish Global Health Security Zoonoses Plans that-- (1) outline actions to address novel pathogens of zoonotic origin that have the potential to become epidemics or pandemics; (2) identify incentives and strengthened policies; and (3) provide technical support to communities, policy makers, civil society, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to-- (A) end the domestic and international commercial trade in live wildlife and associated wildlife markets for human consumption immediately, during a transitional period, or aspirationally; and (B) improve the biosecurity and sanitation conditions in markets. (c) Updates.--The list of countries required by subsection (a), the corresponding Global Health Security Zoonosis plans established pursuant to subsection (b), and any actions taken under such plans to end the commercial trade in live wildlife and associated wildlife markets for human consumption immediately, during a transitional period, or aspirationally, shall be reviewed, updated, and publicly released annually by the Secretary and Administrator, following review of the most recent scientific data. SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that global institutions, including the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Organisation for Animal Health, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Environment Programme, together with leading intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, veterinary and medical colleges, the Department of State, and the United States Agency for International Development, should-- (1) promote the paradigm of One Health as an effective and integrated way to address the complexity of emerging disease threats; and (2) support improved community health, biodiversity conservation, forest conservation and management, sustainable agriculture, and the safety of livestock, domestic animals, and wildlife in developing countries, particularly in tropical landscapes where there is an elevated risk of zoonotic disease spill over. SEC. 5. STATEMENT OF POLICY. It is the policy of the United States to-- (1) support the availability of scalable and sustainable alternative sources of protein and nutrition for local communities, where appropriate, in order to minimize human reliance on the commercial trade in live wildlife for human consumption; (2) support foreign governments to-- (A) reduce commercial trade in live wildlife for human consumption; (B) transition from the commercial trade in live wildlife for human consumption to sustainably produced alternate protein and nutritional sources; (C) establish and effectively manage and protect natural habitat, including protected and conserved areas and the lands of Indigenous peoples and local communities, particularly in countries with tropical forest hotspots for emerging diseases; (D) strengthen veterinary and agricultural extension capacity to improve sanitation along the value chain and biosecurity of live animal markets; and (E) strengthen public health capacity, particularly in countries where there is a high risk of emerging zoonotic viruses and other infectious diseases; (3) respect the rights and needs of indigenous peoples and local communities dependent on such wildlife for nutritional needs and food security; and (4) facilitate international cooperation by working with international partners through intergovernmental, international, and nongovernmental organizations such as the United Nations to-- (A) lead a resolution at the United Nations Security Council or General Assembly and World Health Assembly outlining the danger to human and animal health from emerging zoonotic infectious diseases, with recommendations for implementing the closure of wildlife markets and prevention of the commercial trade in live wildlife for human consumption, except where the consumption of wildlife is necessary for local food security or where such actions would significantly disrupt a readily available and irreplaceable food supply; (B) raise awareness and build stakeholder engagement networks, including civil society, the private sector, and local and regional governments on the dangerous potential of wildlife markets as a source of zoonotic diseases and reduce demand for the consumption of wildlife through evidence-based behavior change programs, while ensuring that existing wildlife habitat is not encroached upon or destroyed as part of this process; (C) encourage and support alternative forms of sustainable food production, farming, and shifts to sustainable sources of protein and nutrition instead of terrestrial wildlife, where able and appropriate, and reduce consumer demand for terrestrial and freshwater wildlife through enhanced local and national food systems, especially in areas where wildlife markets play a significant role in meeting subsistence needs while ensuring that existing wildlife habitat is not encroached upon or destroyed as part of this process; and (D) strive to increase biosecurity and hygienic standards implemented in farms, gathering centers, transport, and market systems around the globe, especially those specializing in the provision of products intended for human consumption. SEC. 6. PREVENTION OF FUTURE ZOONOTIC SPILLOVER EVENT. (a) In General.--The Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in consultation with the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the heads of other relevant departments and agencies, shall work with foreign governments, multilateral entities, intergovernmental organizations, international partners, private sector partners, and nongovernmental organizations to carry out activities supporting the following objectives, recognizing that multiple interventions will likely be necessary to make an impact, and that interventions will need to be tailored to the situation to-- (1) pursuant to section 3, close wildlife markets and prevent associated commercial trade in live wildlife, placing a priority focus on countries with significant markets for live wildlife for human consumption, high-volume commercial trade and associated markets, trade in and across urban centers, and trade for luxury consumption or where there is no dietary necessity-- (A) through existing treaties, conventions, and agreements; (B) by amending existing protocols or agreements; (C) by pursuing new protocols; or (D) by other means of international coordination; (2) improve regulatory oversight and reduce commercial trade in live wildlife and eliminate practices identified to contribute to zoonotic spillover and emerging pathogens; (3) prevent commercial trade in live wildlife through programs that combat wildlife trafficking and poaching, including-- (A) providing assistance to improve law enforcement; (B) detecting and deterring the illegal import, transit, sale, and export of wildlife; (C) strengthening such programs to assist countries through legal reform; (D) improving information sharing and enhancing capabilities of participating foreign governments; (E) supporting efforts to change behavior and reduce demand for such wildlife products; (F) leveraging United States private sector technologies and expertise to scale and enhance enforcement responses to detect and prevent such trade; and (G) strengthening collaboration with key private sector entities in the transportation industry to prevent and report the transport of such wildlife and wildlife products; (4) leverage strong United States bilateral relationships to support new and existing inter-Ministerial collaborations or Task Forces that can serve as regional One Health models; (5) build local agricultural and food safety capacity by leveraging expertise from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and institutions of higher education with agricultural or natural resource expertise; (6) work through international organizations to help develop a set of objective risk-based metrics that provide a cross-country comparable measure of the level of risk posed by wildlife trade and marketing and can be used to track progress nations make in reducing risks, identify where resources should be focused, and potentially leverage a peer influence effect; (7) increase efforts to prevent the degradation and fragmentation of forests and other intact ecosystems to minimize interactions between wildlife and human and livestock populations that could contribute to spillover events and zoonotic disease transmission, including by providing assistance or supporting policies to, for example-- (A) conserve, protect, and restore the integrity of such ecosystems; (B) support the rights and needs of Indigenous People and local communities and their ability to continue their effective stewardship of their traditional lands and territories; (C) support the establishment and effective management of protected areas, prioritizing highly intact areas; and (D) prevent activities that result in the destruction, degradation, fragmentation, or conversion of intact forests and other intact ecosystems and biodiversity strongholds, including by governments, private sector entities, and multilateral development financial institutions; (8) offer appropriate alternative livelihood and worker training programs and enterprise development to wildlife traders, wildlife breeders, and local communities whose members are engaged in the commercial trade in live wildlife for human consumption; (9) ensure that the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities are respected and their authority to exercise these rights is protected; (10) strengthen global capacity for prevention, prediction, and detection of novel and existing zoonoses with pandemic potential, including the support of innovative technologies in coordination with the United States Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other relevant departments and agencies; and (11) support the development of One Health systems at the local, regional, national, and global levels in coordination with the United States Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other relevant departments and agencies, particularly in emerging infectious disease hotspots, through a collaborative, multisectoral, and transdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnections among people, animals, plants, and their shared environment to achieve equitable and sustainable health outcomes. (b) Activities May Include.-- (1) Global cooperation.--The United States Government, working through the United Nations and its components, as well as international organization such as Interpol, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the World Organisation for Animal Health, and in furtherance of the policies described in section 5, shall-- (A) collaborate with other member States, issue declarations, statements, and communiques urging countries to close wildlife markets, and prevent commercial trade in live wildlife for human consumption; and (B) urge increased enforcement of existing laws to end wildlife trafficking. (2) International coalitions.--The Secretary of State shall seek to build new, and support existing, international coalitions focused on closing wildlife markets and preventing commercial trade in live wildlife for human consumption, with a focus on the following efforts: (A) Providing assistance and advice to other governments in the adoption of legislation and regulations to close wildlife markets and associated trade over such timeframe and in such manner as to minimize the increase of wildlife trafficking and poaching. (B) Creating economic and enforcement pressure for the immediate shut down of uncontrolled, unsanitary, or illicit wildlife markets and their supply chains to prevent their operation. (C) Providing assistance and guidance to other governments on measures to prohibit the import, export, and domestic commercial trade in live wildlife for the purpose of human consumption. (D) Implementing risk reduction interventions and control options to address zoonotic spillover along the supply chain for the wildlife market system. (E) Engaging and receiving guidance from key stakeholders at the ministerial, local government, and civil society level, including Indigenous Peoples, in countries that will be impacted by this Act and where wildlife markets and associated wildlife trade are the predominant source of meat or protein, in order to mitigate the impact of any international efforts on food security, nutrition, local customs, conservation methods, or cultural norms. (c) United States Agency for International Development.-- (1) Sustainable food systems funding.-- (A) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to any other amounts provided for such purposes, there is authorized to be appropriated such sums as necessary for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2032 to the United States Agency for International Development to reduce demand for consumption of wildlife from wildlife markets and support shifts to diversified alternative and sustainably produced sources of nutritious food and protein in communities that rely upon the consumption of wildlife for food security, while ensuring that existing wildlife habitat is not encroached upon or destroyed as part of this process, using a multisectoral approach and including support for demonstration programs. (B) Activities.--The Bureau for Development, Democracy and Innovation (DDI), the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security (RFS), and the Bureau for Global Health (GH) of the United States Agency for International Development shall, in partnership with United States and international institutions of higher education and nongovernmental organizations, co-develop approaches focused on safe, sustainable food systems that support and incentivize the replacement of terrestrial wildlife in diets, while ensuring that existing wildlife habitat is not encroached upon or destroyed as part of this process. (2) Addressing threats and causes of zoonotic disease outbreaks.--The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, shall increase activities in United States Agency for International Development programs related to conserving biodiversity, combating wildlife trafficking, sustainable landscapes, global health, food security, and resilience in order to address the threats and causes of zoonotic disease outbreaks, including through-- (A) education; (B) capacity building; (C) strengthening human, livestock, and wildlife health monitoring systems of pathogens of zoonotic origin to support early detection and reporting of novel and known pathogens for emergence of zoonotic disease and strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration to align risk reduction approaches in consultation with the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (D) improved domestic and wild animal disease monitoring and control at production and market levels; (E) development of alternative livelihood opportunities where possible; (F) preventing degradation and fragmentation of forests and other intact ecosystems and restoring the integrity of such ecosystems, particularly in tropical countries, to prevent the creation of new pathways for zoonotic pathogen transmission that arise from interactions among wildlife, humans, and livestock populations; (G) minimizing interactions between domestic livestock and wild animals in markets and captive production; (H) supporting shifts from wildlife markets to diversified, safe, affordable, and accessible alternative sources of protein and nutrition through enhanced local and national food systems while ensuring that existing wildlife habitat is not encroached upon or destroyed as part of this process; (I) improving community health, forest management practices, and safety of livestock production in tropical landscapes, particularly in hotspots for zoonotic spillover and emerging infectious diseases; (J) preventing degradation and fragmentation of forests and other intact ecosystems, particularly in tropical countries, to minimize interactions between wildlife, human, and livestock populations that could contribute to spillover events and zoonotic disease transmission, including by providing assistance or supporting policies to-- (i) conserve, protect, and restore the integrity of such ecosystems; and (ii) support the rights of Indigenous People and local communities and their ability to continue their effective steward ship of their intact traditional lands and territories; (K) supporting development and use of multi-data sourced predictive models and decisionmaking tools to identify areas of highest probability of zoonotic spillover and to determine cost-effective monitoring and mitigation approaches; and (L) other relevant activities described in this section that are within the mandate of the United States Agency for International Development. (d) Staffing Requirements.--The Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, in collaboration with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other Federal entities as appropriate, is authorized to hire additional personnel-- (1) to undertake programs aimed at reducing the risks of endemic and emerging infectious diseases and exposure to antimicrobial resistant pathogens; (2) to provide administrative support and resources to ensure effective and efficient coordination of funding opportunities and sharing of expertise from relevant United States Agency for International Development bureaus and programs, including emerging pandemic threats; (3) to award funding to on-the-ground projects; (4) to provide project oversight to ensure accountability and transparency in all phases of the award process; and (5) to undertake additional activities under this Act. (e) Reporting Requirements.-- (1) Department of state and united states agency for international development.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until 2030, the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report-- (i) describing-- (I) the actions taken pursuant to this Act and the provision of United States technical assistance; (II) the impact and effectiveness of international cooperation on shutting down wildlife markets; (III) partnerships developed with other institutions of higher learning and nongovernmental organizations; and (IV) the impact and effectiveness of international cooperation on preventing the import, export, and domestic commercial trade in live wildlife for the purpose of human use as food or medicine, while accounting for the differentiated needs of vulnerable populations who depend upon such wildlife as a predominant source of meat or protein; (ii) identifying-- (I) foreign countries that continue to enable the operation of wildlife markets as defined by this Act and the associated trade of wildlife products for human use as food or medicine that feeds such markets; (II) recommendations for incentivizing or enforcing compliance with laws and policies to close wildlife markets pursuant to section 3 and uncontrolled, unsanitary, or illicit wildlife markets and end the associated commercial trade in live wildlife for human use as food or medicine, which may include visa restrictions and other diplomatic or economic tools; and (III) summarizing additional personnel hired with funding authorized under this Act, including the number hired in each bureau. (B) Initial report.--The first report submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include, in addition to the elements described in such subparagraph, a summary of existing research and findings related to the risk live wildlife markets pose to human health through the emergence or reemergence of pathogens and activities to reduce the risk of zoonotic spillover. (C) Form.--The report required under this paragraph shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. SEC. 7. LAW ENFORCEMENT ATTACHE DEPLOYMENT. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall require the Chief of Law Enforcement of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to hire, train, and deploy not fewer than 50 new United States Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement attaches, and appropriate additional support staff, at 1 or more United States embassies, consulates, commands, or other facilities-- (1) in 1 or more countries designated as a focus country or a country of concern in the most recent report submitted under section 201 of the Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Act of 2016 (16 U.S.C. 7621); and (2) in such additional countries or regions, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior, that are known or suspected to be a source of illegal trade of species listed-- (A) as a threatened species or an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or (B) under appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, done at Washington March 3, 1973 (27 UST 1087; TIAS 8249). (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2032. SEC. 8. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS. Nothing in this Act shall restrict or otherwise prohibit-- (1) legal and regulated hunting, fishing, or trapping activities for subsistence, sport, or recreation; or (2) the lawful domestic and international transport of legally harvested fish or wildlife trophies. <all>

Preventing Future Pandemics Act of 2022

A bill to prevent future pandemics, and for other purposes.

Preventing Future Pandemics Act of 2022

Sen. Cornyn, John

R

TX

H.R.7534

Housing and Community Development

Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a grant program for state, tribal and local governments; metropolitan planning organizations; and certain nonprofits (or consortia of nonprofits) to carry out activities to mitigate heat in urban areas. HUD must coordinate with the Environmental Protection Agency on the program.

To require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish an excess urban heat mitigation grant program, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Heat stress is a leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, with over 600 people killed in the United States by extreme heat every year, and many more experiencing respiratory problems and heat-related illness. (2) Urban areas are likely to experience higher temperatures than surrounding areas due to manmade factors such as low solar reflectance, low tree cover, high building density, high impervious surface cover, and waste heat emissions. (3) Underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by extreme heat. In the United States, low-income census blocks have 15.2 percent less tree cover and an average land surface temperature that is 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter than high-income blocks. (4) Studies show that in 97 percent of the largest urbanized areas in the United States, people of color live in census tracts with higher surface urban heat island intensity than non-Hispanic Whites, indicating that heat exposure is unequally distributed by race. (5) Urban heat is not only a public health threat but an economic one, as rising heat leads to increased roadway maintenance costs, higher residential and commercial summer energy costs, and lost labor productivity, as well as the cost to patients and health care infrastructure for heat-related hospitalizations and emergency department visits. (6) Excess urban heat causes increased energy consumption, elevated emission of air pollutants and greenhouse gasses, and impaired water quality. (7) Heat waves are expected not only to occur more frequently in the United States but will also be of longer duration, lasting 10 to 20 days longer by the end of the century. (8) Solutions exist that communities can implement now to mitigate the challenge of urban heat. One example is the planting of urban trees to offset or reverse the urban heat island effect. Studies in multiple United States cities have shown that urban trees can offset projected increases in heat- related mortality in 2050 by 40 to 99 percent. SEC. 3. URBAN HEAT MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in coordination with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, establish an urban heat mitigation grant program to provide amounts to eligible entities for use in association with eligible projects. (b) Eligible Project.--Eligible projects in this grant program are those designed to mitigate heat in urban areas, either by working to combat the causes of higher temperatures, or mitigating the impacts thereof. These may include-- (1) cool pavements; (2) cool roofs; (3) tree planting and maintenance with, wherever possible, preference for-- (A) native tree species; and (B) tree species with high shade production and carbon sequestration; (4) green roofs; (5) bus stop shelters; (6) shade structures; (7) cooling centers with, wherever possible, preference for-- (A) cooling centers that collaborate with existing community centers and spaces; (B) cooling centers with year-round accessibility, and (C) cooling centers that incorporate holistic resilience hubs and community efforts; (8) outreach to communities about resources available under this section; and (9) local heat mitigation education efforts. (c) Set-Aside.--Not less than 50 percent of the amount of financial assistance provided under this Act in any fiscal year shall be provided to eligible entities to implement projects in low-income communities and Environmental Justice communities as defined in this Act. (d) Technical Assistance.-- (1) In general.--Not more than 3 percent of any amounts appropriated under this Act may be used to provide technical assistance to eligible entities applying for assistance under this Act. (2) Preference.--Technical assistance shall be provided with a preference for eligible entities applying with an intent to serve Environmental Justice communities. (3) Inclusions.--Technical assistance may include-- (A) assistance developing a complete application; (B) financial analysis and budget development; (C) support for project integration; (D) assessment of project readiness; and (E) implementation of technical assistance activities once a grant is received. (e) Application.--To be considered for a grant under this Act, an eligible entity shall submit an application at such time and in such manner as required by the Secretary in guidance issued not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and including-- (1) how the entity will use grant funds; (2) how the eligible projects funded would combat extreme heat or excess urban heat effects and improve quality of life for impacted communities; (3) a robust engagement plan that outlines how the entity will meaningfully engage with the communities in which their eligible projects take place throughout project implementation. Such plan should demonstrate how the entity plans to-- (A) foster meaningful, reciprocal relationships with community-based organizations; (B) engage in respectful, good-faith consultation with diverse community stakeholders; and (C) empower members of the community to participate in decision making; and (4) how the entity will address the intersection between human health, environment, and built environment. (f) Matching Requirement.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided under paragraph (2), the Federal share of the cost of an eligible project carried out with amounts from the urban heat mitigation grant program shall be 80 percent. (2) Waiver.--The Secretary may increase the Federal share requirement described in paragraph (1) from 80 percent to 100 percent for projects carried out by an eligible entity that demonstrates economic hardship, as determined by the Secretary. (g) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to applicants that are low-income communities and Environmental Justice communities. (h) Reporting Requirement.--The Secretary shall, each year, submit a report to the Congress that identifies what eligible entities have received grants under this Act and the geographic and economic distribution of such entities. (i) Oversight.-- (1) In general.--In order to ensure the effectiveness of projects that receive grants under this Act, the Secretary shall use not more than 5 percent of any amounts appropriated under this Act to establish an oversight board to help select grant recipients and review the progress made by grantees on a yearly basis. (2) Evaluation.--The board established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall develop and apply a rubric to evaluate how well grant projects are doing in reaching their objective to combat the causes and effects of excess urban heat, and will serve in an advisory capacity to the Secretary. (3) Membership.--Members of the board established pursuant to paragraph (1) may include the following: (A) Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, particularly from the Heat Island Reduction Program. (B) Representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services, particularly from the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity. (C) Representatives from the Department of Energy, particularly from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. (D) Representatives from nonprofits with proven leadership in urban heat mitigation or environmental justice, as determined by the Secretary. Such representatives will have to certify that they do not have a direct or financial stake in any projects being considered that are administered under this grant program. (E) Representatives from academia and research studying the effects of and mitigation of excess urban heat, environmental justice, or related areas. Such representatives will have to certify that they do not have a direct or financial stake in any projects being considered that are administered under this grant program. (j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act, $30,000,000 in fiscal years 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030. SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means-- (A) a State; (B) a metropolitan planning organization; (C) a unit of local government; (D) a Tribal government; (E) a nonprofit organization working in coordination with an entity in this list; and (F) a consortium of nonprofit organizations. (2) Environmental justice.--The term ``environmental justice'' means the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, culture, national origin, income, and educational levels with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of protective environmental laws, regulations, and policies. (3) Environmental justice communities.--The term ``environmental justice communities'' means minority, low- income, tribal, or indigenous populations or geographic locations in the United States that potentially experience disproportionate environmental harms and risks. This disproportionality can be as a result of greater vulnerability to environmental hazards, lack of opportunity for public participation, or other factors. Increased vulnerability may be attributable to an accumulation of negative or lack of positive environmental, health, economic, or social conditions within these populations or places. The term describes situations where multiple factors, including both environmental and socio- economic stressors, may act cumulatively to affect health and the environment and contribute to persistent environmental health disparities. (4) Excess urban heat effect.--The term ``excess urban heat effect'' refers to the phenomenon of local urban warming, resulting from manmade factors such as low solar reflectance, low tree cover, high building density, high impervious surface cover, and waste heat emissions. (5) Extreme heat.--The term ``extreme heat'' means a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, with temperatures well above climatological normals for a given location and season. (6) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit organization'' has the meaning given in section 501(c)(3) of title 26, United States Code, and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such title. (7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. (8) State.--The term ``State'' has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of title 23, United States Code. (9) Tribal government.--The term ``Tribal government'' means the recognized governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, community, component band, or component reservation, individually identified (including parenthetically) in the list published most recently as of the date of enactment of this Act pursuant to section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994. (10) Urban areas.--The term ``urban areas'' has the meaning given the term in section 101(a)(33) of title 23, United States Code. <all>

Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2022

To require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish an excess urban heat mitigation grant program, and for other purposes.

Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2022

Rep. Gallego, Ruben

D

AZ

H.R.257

Taxation

Incentives for our Nation's Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies or the INVEST Act This bill allows the work opportunity tax credit to be used for the hiring of a specified veteran who works in a field of renewable energy. A specified veteran means any veteran who is certified as (1) having received a credential or certification from the Department of Defense of a military occupational specialty or skill in a field of renewable energy or with respect to advanced manufacturing, machinist or welding, or engineering; (2) having completed a vocational degree in a field of renewable energy; or (3) having completed a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification with the United States Green Building Council. The Department of the Treasury shall compensate specified U.S. possessions for their losses resulting from this bill.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide the work opportunity tax credit with respect to the hiring of veterans in the field of renewable energy. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Incentives for our Nation's Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies Act'' or as the ``INVEST Act''. SEC. 2. WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT FOR VETERANS HIRED IN THE FIELD OF RENEWABLE ENERGY. (a) In General.--Section 51(d)(14) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows: ``(14) Certain veterans hired in the field of renewable energy.-- ``(A) In general.--For purposes of this subpart, an individual shall be treated as a member of a targeted group if such individual is a specified veteran, but qualified wages with respect to such individual shall include only wages attributable to services rendered in a field of renewable energy. ``(B) Specified veteran.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `specified veteran' means any veteran (as defined in paragraph (3)) who is certified by the designated local agency as-- ``(i) having received a credential or certification from the Department of Defense of military occupational specialty or skill in a field of renewable energy or with respect to advanced manufacturing, machinist or welding, or engineering, ``(ii) having completed a vocational degree in a field of renewable energy during the 1- year period ending on the hiring date, or ``(iii) having completed a LEED certification with the United States Green Building Council. ``(C) Renewable energy.--For purposes of this paragraph, renewable energy means resources that rely on fuel sources that restore themselves over short periods of time and do not diminish, including the Sun, wind, moving water, organic plant and waste material, and the Earth's heat.''. (b) Treatment of Possessions.-- (1) Payments to possessions.-- (A) Mirror code possessions.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to each possession of the United States with a mirror code tax system amounts equal to the loss to that possession by reason of the amendment made by this section. Such amounts shall be determined by the Secretary of the Treasury based on information provided by the government of the respective possession of the United States. (B) Other possessions.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to each possession of the United States which does not have a mirror code tax system the amount estimated by the Secretary of the Treasury as being equal to the loss to that possession that would have occurred by reason of the amendment made by this section if a mirror code tax system had been in effect in such possession. The preceding sentence shall not apply with respect to any possession of the United States unless such possession establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the possession has implemented (or, at the discretion of the Secretary, will implement) an income tax benefit which is substantially equivalent to the income tax credit in effect after the amendments made by this section. (2) Coordination with credit allowed against united states income taxes.--The credit allowed against United States income taxes for any taxable year under the amendment made by this section to section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to any person with respect to any qualified veteran shall be reduced by the amount of any credit (or other tax benefit described in paragraph (1)(B)) allowed to such person against income taxes imposed by the possession of the United States by reason of this subsection with respect to such qualified veteran for such taxable year. (3) Definitions and special rules.-- (A) Possession of the united states.--For purposes of this subsection, the term ``possession of the United States'' includes American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. (B) Mirror code tax system.--For purposes of this subsection, the term ``mirror code tax system'' means, with respect to any possession of the United States, the income tax system of such possession if the income tax liability of the residents of such possession under such system is determined by reference to the income tax laws of the United States as if such possession were the United States. (C) Treatment of payments.--For purposes of section 1324(b)(2) of title 31, United States Code, the payments under this subsection shall be treated in the same manner as a refund due from credit provisions described in such section. (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply to individuals who begin work for the employer after December 31, 2020. <all>

INVEST Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide the work opportunity tax credit with respect to the hiring of veterans in the field of renewable energy.

INVEST Act Incentives for our Nation’s Veterans in Energy Sustainability Technologies Act

Rep. Lee, Barbara

D

CA

S.1994

Transportation and Public Works

Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act This bill allows a foreign-built vessel that transports passengers between U.S. ports and places to obtain an endorsement that entitles the vessel to engage in coastwise trade. To obtain the endorsement under current law, a vessel that transports passengers between domestic locations generally must be built in the United States.

To enable passenger vessels that were not built in the United States to receive coastwise endorsement, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act''. SEC. 2. COASTWISE ENDORSEMENT FOR PASSENGER VESSELS. (a) In General.--Section 12112(a)(2)(B) of title 46, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in clause (ii), by striking ``; or'' and inserting a semicolon; (2) in clause (iii), by striking ``; and'' and inserting ``; or''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(iv) is a vessel that transports passengers between ports or places in the United States to which the coastwise laws apply, either directly or via a foreign port; and''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 12121 of title 46, United States Code, is repealed. (c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in the amendments made by this section shall be construed to exempt a vessel that transports passengers between ports or places in the United States to which the coastwise laws apply, either directly or via a foreign port, from any applicable law of the United States except as explicitly provided in such amendments. <all>

Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act

A bill to enable passenger vessels that were not built in the United States to receive coastwise endorsement, and for other purposes.

Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act

Sen. Lee, Mike

R

UT

S.1769

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 Rim of the Valley Unit. The Rim of the Valley 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 addition of the Rim of the Valley Unit to the recreation area shall not affect the operation, maintenance, or modification of water resource facilities or public utilities within the unit.

To adjust the boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the Rim of the Valley Corridor, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, <DELETED>SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.</DELETED> <DELETED> This Act may be cited as the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act''.</DELETED> <DELETED>SEC. 2. FINDINGS.</DELETED> <DELETED> Congress finds that--</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area was authorized as a unit of the National Park System on November 10, 1978;</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) the Santa Monica Mountains and the Rim of the Valley Corridor include--</DELETED> <DELETED> (A) nationally significant resources, including--</DELETED> <DELETED> (i) outstanding examples of geologic history, including the evolution of the Transverse Ranges Province;</DELETED> <DELETED> (ii) a diversity of well-preserved marine and terrestrial paleontological resources; and</DELETED> <DELETED> (iii) high biodiversity, including outstanding examples of native grasslands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, dry coniferous forests, and alluvian fan sage scrub; and</DELETED> <DELETED> (B) nationally significant cultural resources that represent a wide range of themes relating to human use and settlement in the region, including--</DELETED> <DELETED> (i) high concentrations of archeological resources that provide insight into more than 10,000 years of Tribal history; and</DELETED> <DELETED> (ii) landmarks that represent topics such as architecture, recreation, and space exploration; and</DELETED> <DELETED> (3) expanding the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area would provide new opportunities for the National Park Service to serve a broad range of urban communities, including many communities that are--</DELETED> <DELETED> (A) underrepresented in units of the National Park System; and</DELETED> <DELETED> (B) underserved by State and local parks.</DELETED> <DELETED>SEC. 3. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT; LAND ACQUISITION; ADMINISTRATION.</DELETED> <DELETED> (a) Boundary Adjustment.--Section 507(c)(1) of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 460kk(c)(1)) is amended, in the first sentence, by striking ```Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Santa Monica Mountains Zone, California, Boundary Map', numbered 80,047-C and dated August 2001'' and inserting ```Rim of the Valley Unit--Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area' and dated October 2017''.</DELETED> <DELETED> (b) Rim of the Valley Unit.--Section 507 of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 460kk) is amended by adding at the end the following:</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(u) Rim of the Valley Unit.--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(A) State.--The term `State' means the State of California.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(B) Unit.--The term `Unit' means the Rim of the Valley Unit included within the boundaries of the recreation area, as depicted on the map described in subsection (c)(1).</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(C) Utility facility.--The term `utility facility' means--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(i) electric substations, communication facilities, towers, poles, and lines;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(ii) ground wires;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(iii) communications circuits;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(iv) other utility structures; and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(v) related infrastructure.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(D) Water resource facility.--The term `water resource facility' means--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(i) irrigation and pumping facilities;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(ii) dams and reservoirs;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(iii) flood control facilities;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(iv) water conservation works, including debris protection facilities, sediment placement sites, rain gauges, and stream gauges;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(v) water quality, recycled water, and pumping facilities;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(vi) conveyance distribution systems;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(vii) water treatment facilities;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(viii) aqueducts;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(ix) canals;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(x) ditches;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(xi) pipelines;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(xii) wells;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(xiii) hydropower projects;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(xiv) transmission facilities; and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(xv) other ancillary facilities, groundwater recharge facilities, water conservation, water filtration plants, and other water diversion, conservation, groundwater recharge, storage, and carriage structures.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(2) Boundaries.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall update the general management plan for the recreation area developed under subsection (t) to reflect the boundaries designated on the map referred to in subsection (c)(1) to include the area known as the `Rim of the Valley Unit'.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(3) Administration.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary shall administer the Unit and any land or interest in land acquired by the United States located within the boundaries of the Unit--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(A) as part of the recreation area; and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(B) in accordance with--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(i) this section; and</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(ii) applicable laws (including regulations).</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(4) Acquisition of land.--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may acquire non-Federal land within the boundaries of the Unit only through exchange, donation, or purchase from a willing seller.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(B) Use of eminent domain.--Nothing in this subsection authorizes the use of eminent domain to acquire land or interests in land within the boundaries of the Unit.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(5) Outside activities.--The fact that certain activities or land uses can be seen or heard from within the Unit shall not preclude the activities or land uses outside the boundary of the Unit.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(6) Effect of subsection.--Nothing in this subsection or the application of the applicable management plan to the Unit--</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(A) modifies any provision of Federal, State, or local law with respect to public access to, or use of, non-Federal land;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(B) creates any liability, or affects any liability under any other law, of any private property owner or other owner of non-Federal land with respect to any person injured on private property or other non- Federal land;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(C) affects the ownership, management, or other rights relating to any non-Federal land (including any interest in any non-Federal land);</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(D) requires any unit of local government to participate in any program administered by the Secretary;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(E) alters, modifies, or diminishes any right, responsibility, power, authority, jurisdiction, or entitlement of the State, any political subdivision of the State, or any State or local agency under existing Federal, State, or local law (including regulations);</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(F) requires the creation of protective perimeters or buffer zones around the Unit;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(G) requires or promotes the use of, or encourages trespass on, land, facilities, or rights-of- way owned by non-Federal entities, including water resource facilities and public utilities, without the written consent of the owner of the land;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(H) affects the operation, maintenance, modification, construction, or expansion of any water resource facility or utility facility located within or adjacent to the Unit;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(I) terminates the fee title to land, or the customary operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement activities on or under the land, granted to public agencies that are authorized under Federal or State law;</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(J) interferes with, obstructs, hinders, or delays the exercise of any right to, or access to any water resource facility or other facility or property necessary or useful to access any water right to operate any public water or utility system; or</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(K) requires initiation or reinitiation of consultation with the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under, or the application of provisions of, the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), or division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code, relating to any action or activity affecting water, water rights, water management, or water resource facilities within the Unit.</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(7) Utility facilities; water resource facilities.--A utility facility or water resource facility shall conduct activities in a manner that reasonably avoids or reduces the impact of the activities on the resources of the Unit.''.</DELETED> SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act''. SEC. 2. BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT. (a) Boundary Adjustment.--Section 507(c) of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 460kk(c)) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following: ``(1) Boundary.-- ``(A) In general.--The recreation area shall consist of-- ``(i) the land, water, and interests in land and water generally depicted as the recreation area on the map entitled `Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Santa Monica Mountains Zone, California, Boundary Map', numbered 80,047-C, and dated August 2001; and ``(ii) the land, water, and interests in land and water, as generally depicted as `Proposed Addition' on the map entitled `Rim of the Valley Unit--Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area', numbered 638/ 179670C, and dated July 12, 2022. ``(B) Availability of maps.--The maps described in subparagraph (A) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service. ``(C) Revisions.--After advising the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives, in writing, of the proposed revision, the Secretary may make minor revisions to the boundaries of the recreation area by publication of a revised drawing or other boundary description in the Federal Register.''. SEC. 3. ADMINISTRATION. Any land or interest in land acquired by the Secretary of the Interior within the Rim of the Valley Unit shall be administered as part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (referred to in this Act as the ``National Recreation Area'') in accordance with the laws (including regulations) applicable to the National Recreation Area. SEC. 4. UTILITIES AND WATER RESOURCE FACILITIES. The addition of the Rim of the Valley Unit to the National Recreation Area shall not affect the operation, maintenance, or modification of water resource facilities or public utilities within the Rim of the Valley Unit, except that any utility or water resource facility activities in the Rim of the Valley Unit shall be conducted in a manner that reasonably avoids or reduces the impact of the activities on resources of the Rim of the Valley Unit. Calendar No. 532 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 1769 [Report No. 117-181] _______________________________________________________________________

Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act

A bill to adjust the boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the Rim of the Valley Corridor, and for other purposes.

Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act

Sen. Feinstein, Dianne

D

CA

H.R.6749

Education

Clean Slate through Repayment Act of 2022 This bill provides for the removal of any adverse credit history related to a defaulted federal student loan from a borrower's credit history once the borrower has repaid in full the amount due on the loan.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to remove the record of default on a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under title IV from a borrower's credit history upon repayment of the full amount due on such loan. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Clean Slate through Repayment Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. REMOVAL OF RECORD OF DEFAULT. Part G of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1088 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 495. REMOVAL OF RECORD OF DEFAULT. ``Upon repaying in full the amount due on a defaulted loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this title, the Secretary, guaranty agency, or other holder of the loan shall request any consumer reporting agency to which the Secretary, guaranty agency, or holder, as applicable, reported the default of the loan, to remove any adverse item of information relating to such loan from the borrower's credit history.''. <all>

Clean Slate through Repayment Act of 2022

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to remove the record of default on a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under title IV from a borrower's credit history upon repayment of the full amount due on such loan.

Clean Slate through Repayment Act of 2022

Rep. Ross, Deborah K.

D

NC

H.R.7378

Health

This bill permanently allows state Medicaid programs to receive federal payment for substance-use disorder services that are provided at institutions for mental diseases (IMDs) for individuals aged 21 to 64. The bill also extends the maximum length of stay over a 12-month period from 30 days to 45 days. In addition, the bill provides statutory authority for a 2018 letter from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that provided for Medicaid demonstration programs for IMD mental health services for adults and children; the bill similarly increases the average length of stay under such programs to 45 days.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to make permanent the State plan amendment option to provide medical assistance for certain individuals who are patients in certain institutions for mental diseases, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. LIFTING THE IMD EXCLUSION FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER AND SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS. (a) Making Permanent State Plan Amendment Option To Provide Medical Assistance for Certain Individuals Who Are Patients in Certain Institutions for Mental Diseases.--Section 1915(l)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396n(l)(1)) is amended by striking ``With respect to calendar quarters beginning during the period beginning October 1, 2019, and ending September 30, 2023,'' and inserting ``With respect to calendar quarters beginning on or after October 1, 2019,''. (b) Lengths of Stay.--Section 1915(l)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396n(l)(2)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``30 days'' and inserting ``45 days''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as precluding a State from using other authorities, including section 1115, that apply with respect to medical assistance under the State plan under this title, or waiver of such plan, for delivering care in certain institutions for mental diseases with more than 16 beds concurrently with this paragraph and allowing for stays in such institutions for mental diseases equal to the combined total lengths of stays permitted under the respective authorities so long as all requirements for such authorities are met.''. (c) Codification of State Medicaid Director Letter #18-011.-- Beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the State Medicaid Director Letter #18-011 shall have the force and effect of law, except that in applying such letter, with respect to a State, the State mental health director (or such other similar actor) may allow for up to 45 days for the Statewide average length of stay described in such letter. <all>

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to make permanent the State plan amendment option to provide medical assistance for certain individuals who are patients in certain institutions for mental diseases, and for other purposes.

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to make permanent the State plan amendment option to provide medical assistance for certain individuals who are patients in certain institutions for mental diseases, and for other purposes.

Official Titles - House of Representatives Official Title as Introduced To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to make permanent the State plan amendment option to provide medical assistance for certain individuals who are patients in certain institutions for mental diseases, and for other purposes.

Rep. Burgess, Michael C.

R

TX

H.R.5934

Agriculture and Food

Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2021 This bill modifies the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to add requirements for supporting individuals impacted by a substance use disorder. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Agriculture to

To amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to support women, infants, and children impacted by substance use disorder, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM. (a) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.--Section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``drug abuse'' and inserting ``substance use disorder''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (8), by striking ``drug abuse'' and inserting ``substance use disorder''; and (B) in paragraph (16)-- (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``Drug abuse education'' and inserting ``Substance use disorder education''; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``dangers of drug abuse'' and inserting ``harm of substance use on pregnancy and lactation''; and (iii) in subparagraph (B)-- (I) by striking ``are suspected drug abusers'' and inserting ``may have a substance use disorder''; (II) by striking ``drug abuse clinics,''; and (III) by striking ``drug abuse professionals'' and inserting ``resources''; (3) in subsection (e)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) by striking ``drug abuse'' each place it appears and inserting ``substance use disorder''; and (ii) by striking ``effects of drug'' and inserting ``effects of a substance use disorder''; and (B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``substance abuse'' and inserting ``substance use disorder''; (4) in subsection (f)-- (A) in paragraph (1)(C)(ix), by striking ``drugs'' and inserting ``illicit or other harmful substances''; and (B) in paragraph (13), by striking ``drug abuse education'' and inserting ``substance use disorder education''; (5) in subsection (k)(1)-- (A) by striking ``1 member'' and inserting ``one member''; and (B) by striking ``drug abuse'' and inserting ``substance use disorder''; and (6) by redesignating subsections (l) through (q) as subsections (m) through (r), respectively, and by inserting after subsection (k) the following: ``(l) Activities To Support WIC-Eligible Individuals Impacted by Substance Use Disorder.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall-- ``(A) develop and disseminate nutrition education materials for individuals eligible for the program; and ``(B) conduct outreach to individuals who are potentially eligible for the program and who are impacted by a substance use disorder. ``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of this subsection is to ensure that individuals participating in the program who are impacted by a substance use disorder receive accurate nutrition education from trained staff in an effective and unbiased manner. ``(3) Nutrition education materials.--The Secretary shall collaborate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop appropriate evidence-based nutrition education materials for individuals impacted by a substance use disorder, including-- ``(A) nutrition education materials for individuals with substance use disorder during pregnancy and in the postpartum period; and ``(B) nutrition education materials for infants impacted by prenatal substance exposure and neonatal abstinence syndrome. ``(4) Nutrition education clearinghouse.--The Secretary shall make available to all State agencies through an online clearinghouse any nutrition education and training materials related to nutrition for individuals impacted by a substance use disorder or neonatal abstinence syndrome that have been produced by the Secretary or the Secretary of Health and Human Services (or produced by a State agency and approved by the Secretary), including educational materials developed under paragraph (15) of section 515(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290bb-21(b)) and guidance issued under section 1005 of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a note). ``(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, to remain available until expended.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 17(q) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(q)), as redesignated by subsection (a) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``subsection (o)(1)(A)'' and inserting ``subsection (p)(1)(A)''; and (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``subsection (o)(1)(A)'' and inserting ``subsection (p)(1)(A)''. <all>

Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2021

To amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to support women, infants, and children impacted by substance use disorder, and for other purposes.

Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2021

Rep. Manning, Kathy E.

D

NC

H.R.4737

Crime and Law Enforcement

Foreign Extortion Prevention Act This bill establishes a federal criminal offense involving bribery by foreign officials. Specifically, the bill makes it a crime for foreign officials to demand or accept anything of value personally or for another person or a nongovernmental entity to influence the performance of an official act or otherwise confer an improper advantage. The bill explicitly grants extraterritorial jurisdiction over the offense. A violation is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to 15 years, or both. Finally, the bill establishes a Victims of Kleptocracy Fund in the Treasury and directs fines and penalties for violations to be deposited into the fund for anti-corruption initiatives.

To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit a foreign official from demanding a bribe, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Foreign Extortion Prevention Act''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION OF DEMAND FOR BRIBE. Section 201 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following: ``(4) The term `foreign official' means-- ``(A) any official or employee of a foreign government or any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof; ``(B) any official or employee of a public international organization; ``(C) any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any such government or department, agency, or instrumentality, or for or on behalf of any such public international organization; or ``(D) any person acting in an unofficial capacity for or on behalf of and with authorization from any such government or department, agency, or instrumentality, or for or on behalf of and with authorization from any such public international organization. ``(5) The term `public international organization' means-- ``(A) an organization that is designated by Executive order pursuant to section 1 of the International Organizations Immunities Act (22 U.S.C. 288); or ``(B) any other international organization that is designated by the President by Executive order for the purposes of this section, effective as of the date of publication of such order in the Federal Register.''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(f)(1) In General.--It shall be unlawful for any foreign official or person selected to be a foreign official to corruptly demand, seek, receive, accept, or agree to receive or accept, directly or indirectly, anything of value personally or for any other person or non- governmental entity, in or affecting interstate commerce, in return for-- ``(A) being influenced in the performance of any official act; ``(B) being induced to do or omit to do any act in violation of the official duty of such official or person; or ``(C) conferring any improper advantage, in connection with obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing business to, any person. ``(2) Penalties.--Any person who violates paragraph (1) of this section shall be fined not more than $250,000 or three times the monetary equivalent of the thing of value, or imprisoned for not more than fifteen years, or both. ``(3) Transfer.--Except for costs related to the administration and enforcement of the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act, all fines and penalties imposed against a person under paragraph (2) of this section, whether pursuant to a criminal prosecution, enforcement proceeding, deferred prosecution agreement, non-prosecution agreement, a declination to prosecute or enforce, a civil penalty, or any other resolution, shall be deposited in the Victims of Kleptocracy Fund established under subsection (l) of this section. ``(4) Jurisdiction.--An offense under paragraph (1) of this section shall be subject to extraterritorial Federal jurisdiction. ``(5) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act, and annually thereafter, the Attorney General shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, and post on the publicly available website of the Department of Justice, a report-- ``(A) providing an overview of the scale and nature of bribery involving foreign officials, including an analysis of where these crimes are most likely to be committed; ``(B) focusing, in part, on demands by foreign officials for bribes from United States domiciled or incorporated entities, and the efforts of foreign governments to prosecute such cases; ``(C) addressing United States diplomatic efforts to protect United States domiciled or incorporated entities from foreign bribery, and the effectiveness of those efforts in protecting such entities; ``(D) summarizing major actions taken under this section in the previous year, including, but not limited to, enforcement actions taken and penalties imposed; ``(E) evaluating the effectiveness of the Department of Justice in enforcing this section; ``(F) detailing what resources or legislative action the Department of Justice need to ensure adequate enforcement of this section; and ``(G) studying the efficacy of mutual legal assistance treaties and how they can be improved or built upon in multilateral fora, including the identification of legal and policy issues that are delaying prompt responses. ``(6) Annual publication of mutual legal assistance treaty data.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act, and annually thereafter, the Attorney General shall publish on the website of the Department of Justice-- ``(A) the number of requests for mutual legal assistance made to the Department of Justice from foreign governments during the preceding year; ``(B) the number of requests for mutual legal assistance returned for noncompliance during the preceding year; ``(C) the reason or reasons each request for mutual legal assistance returned for noncompliance was so returned; ``(D) the number of requests for mutual legal assistance processed by the Department of Justice during the preceding year; ``(E) the median length of time taken to process a request for mutual legal assistance by the Department of Justice; ``(F) the number of requests for mutual legal assistance that have been pending or not completely fulfilled within six months of receipt and the number of requests for mutual legal assistance that have been pending or not completely fulfilled within one year or longer of receipt; and ``(G) the number of outreach efforts by the Department of Justice to explain how foreign countries can receive mutual legal assistance. ``(7) Victims of kleptocracy fund.--There is established in the United States Treasury a fund to be known as the `Victims of Kleptocracy Fund'. Amounts deposited into the Victims of Kleptocracy Fund pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection or other law shall be available to the Attorney General, without fiscal year limitation or need for subsequent appropriation, only for the purposes of-- ``(A) the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program; ``(B) the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative; ``(C) the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training; and ``(D) the Office of International Affairs, including for the hiring of personnel to speed processing of requests for mutual legal assistance. ``(8) Construction.--This subsection shall not be construed as encompassing conduct that would violate section 30A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78dd-1) or section 104 or 104A of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (15 U.S.C. 78dd-2; 15 U.S.C. 78dd-3) whether pursuant to a theory of direct liability, conspiracy, complicity, or otherwise.''. <all>

Foreign Extortion Prevention Act

To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit a foreign official from demanding a bribe, and for other purposes.

Foreign Extortion Prevention Act

Rep. Jackson Lee, Sheila

D

TX

H.J.Res.39

Law

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution requiring the Supreme Court to be composed of not more than nine Justices.

117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. J. RES. 39 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court be composed of not more than nine justices. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 13, 2021 Mr. Gallagher (for himself, Mr. Jacobs of New York, Mr. Brooks, Mr. Budd, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Buck, and Mr. Rouzer) submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary _______________________________________________________________________ JOINT RESOLUTION Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court be composed of not more than nine justices. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification: ``Article-- ``Section 1. The Supreme Court shall be composed of not more than nine justices. ``Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.''. <all>

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court be composed of not more than nine justices.

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court be composed of not more than nine justices.

Official Titles - House of Representatives Official Title as Introduced Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to require that the Supreme Court be composed of not more than nine justices.

Rep. Gallagher, Mike

R

WI

H.R.282

Law

Territorial Judgeship Retirement Equity Act of 2021 This bill lowers the age and service requirements for a district court judge in Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands to receive a retirement annuity and be eligible to serve as a senior judge. Under the bill, a district court judge in one of these territories may receive a retirement annuity after having served for at least 10 years and reaching 50 years of age, along with meeting other requirements. A retiring judge may serve as a senior judge if the judge (1) has served for at least 15 years, or (2) has served for at least 10 years and is at least 65 years old. Current law generally requires a higher age and, in certain cases, a longer length of service before a district court judge in one of these territories may receive an annuity and obtain senior status. The bill also lowers various requirements for such a district court judge to receive an annuity if the judge retired, or was removed, due to a disability.

To amend certain retirement provisions for judges serving in territorial district courts, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Territorial Judgeship Retirement Equity Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. RETIREMENT FOR JUDGES IN TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS. (a) Judges in Territories and Possessions.--Section 373 of title 28, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking subsection (a) and redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (a); (2) in subsection (a), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking ``The age and service requirements for retirement under subsection (a) of this section'' and inserting ``In General--A judge of the District Court of Guam, the District Court of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the District Court of the Virgin Islands who retires from office after attaining the age and meeting the service requirements (whether continuous or otherwise) of this subsection shall during the remainder of the judge's lifetime receive an annuity equal to the salary the judge is receiving at the time the judge retires. The age and service requirements for retirement under this subsection''; (3) by inserting after subsection (a), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following new subsection: ``(b) Special Rule for Retirement for Judges in Territories and Possessions.-- ``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a judge of the District Court of Guam, the District Court of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the District Court of the Virgin Islands, who is not reappointed following the expiration of the term of office of such judge, and who retires upon the completion of such term shall, upon attaining the age of fifty years and during the remainder of the judge's lifetime, receive an annuity equal to the salary the judge is receiving at the time the judge retires, if-- ``(A) such judge has served a term of ten years as a judge on a court identified in this subsection; and ``(B) such judge advised the President, in writing, that they are willing to accept reappointment as a judge on the court on which the judge is serving-- ``(i) not earlier than nine months and not later than six months before the date that is ten years after the date on which the judge was appointed to the court on which the judge is serving; and ``(ii) not later than sixty days after each Congress is convened following the Congress that is in session at the time of the initial notification required under clause (i). A judge or former judge who is receiving an annuity pursuant to this subsection and who thereafter accepts compensation for civil office or employment by the Government of the United States (other than the performance of judicial duties pursuant to recall under subsection (c)) or in the practice of law represents (or supervises or directs the representation of) a client in making any civil claim against the United States or any agency thereof shall forfeit all rights to an annuity under this subsection for the period in which such compensation is received or legal representation is undertaken. ``(2) Application date.-- ``(A) In general.--A judge of the District Court of Guam, the District Court of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the District Court of the Virgin Islands, in active service, shall be subject to the requirements of this subsection beginning on January 1, 2019. ``(B) Exception to advice requirement.--A judge of the District Court of Guam, the District Court of the Northern Mariana Islands, or the District Court of the Virgin Islands, in active service on January 1, 2019, shall be deemed to have met the advice requirement under paragraph (1)(B).''; (4) in subsection (c)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by inserting ``Requirements for Senior Judge''; (B) in paragraph (1)-- (i) by striking ``Any'' and inserting ``A''; and (ii) by striking ``this section may elect to become a senior judge of the court upon which he served before retiring.'' and inserting ``subsection (a) or (b), with 15 years or more of judicial service (whether continuous or otherwise), may elect to become a senior judge of the court upon which the judge served before retiring. Any judge or former judge who is receiving an annuity pursuant to subsection (b), with less than 15 years of judicial service (whether continuous or otherwise), may elect to become a senior judge of the court upon which the judge served before retiring upon attaining the age of sixty-five years.''; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``he'' and inserting ``the judge''; (D) in paragraph (3), by striking ``he'' and inserting ``the senior judge''; (E) in paragraph (4)-- (i) by striking ``Any'' and inserting ``A''; and (ii) by striking ``subsection (a) of this section'' and inserting ``subsection (a) or (b)''; and (F) in paragraph (5), by striking ``Any'' and inserting ``A''; (5) in subsection (d), by striking ``Any'' and inserting ``Employment of Senior Judge--A''; (6) in subsection (f), by striking ``Service'' and inserting ``Computation of Aggregate Judicial Service-- Service''; (7) in subsection (e)-- (A) by striking ``Any'' and inserting ``Mental or Physical Disability--A''; (B) by striking ``who is removed by the President of the United States'' and inserting ``who has served at least five years (whether continuous or otherwise) and who retires or is removed from office''; (C) by striking ``or who is not reappointed (as judge of such court),''; (D) by striking ``, upon attaining the age of sixty-five years or upon relinquishing office if he is then beyond the age of sixty-five years, (1) if his judicial service, continuous or otherwise, aggregates fifteen years or more, to receive during the remainder of his life an annuity equal to the salary he received when he left office, or (2) if his judicial service, continuous or otherwise, aggregated less than fifteen years but not less than ten years,''; (E) by striking ``his life an annuity equal to that proportion of such salary which the aggregate number of his years of his judicial service bears to fifteen.'' and inserting ``the judge's lifetime--''; and (F) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(1) an annuity equal to 50 percent of the salary payable to a judge on a court identified in this subsection in regular active service, if before retirement or removal such judge served less than 10 years; or ``(2) an annuity equal to the salary payable to a judge on a court identified in this subsection in regular active service, if before retirement or removal such judge served at least 10 years.''; and (8) in subsection (g)-- (A) by striking ``Any retired judge'' and inserting ``Cost of Living Adjustment--A retired judge''; (B) by striking ``under subsection (a)'' and inserting ``under subsection (a) or (b), with at least 15 years of judicial service (whether continuous or otherwise), or is entitled to receive an annuity under subsection (e)''; (C) by striking ``him'' and inserting ``such judge''; and (D) by striking ``95'' and inserting ``100''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. <all>

Territorial Judgeship Retirement Equity Act of 2021

To amend certain retirement provisions for judges serving in territorial district courts, and for other purposes.

Territorial Judgeship Retirement Equity Act of 2021

Del. San Nicolas, Michael F. Q.

D

GU

H.R.6304

Labor and Employment

Stop Federal Vaccine Mandates for Employees Act This bill prohibits the Occupational Safety and Health Administration from issuing any emergency temporary standard that requires an employee to receive a drug, vaccine, or other biological product.

To amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to prohibit any emergency temporary standard that includes a vaccine or drug mandate. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Stop Federal Vaccine Mandates for Employees Act''. SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON EMERGENCY TEMPORARY STANDARDS. Section 6(c)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 655(c)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``No such emergency standard under this subsection may require any drug (as defined in section 201(g)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) or vaccine or other biological product (as defined in section 351(i)(1) of the Public Health Service Act) to be administered to any employee.''. <all>

Stop Federal Vaccine Mandates for Employees Act

To amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to prohibit any emergency temporary standard that includes a vaccine or drug mandate.

Stop Federal Vaccine Mandates for Employees Act

Rep. Hartzler, Vicky

R

MO

S.3528

Government Operations and Politics

Ban Corporate PACs Act This bill prohibits for-profit corporations from establishing or operating a separate segregated political fund (commonly known as a political action committee or PAC). Existing funds must terminate not later than one year after the date of enactment of this bill.

To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit the authority of corporations to establish and operate separate segregated funds utilized for political purposes, including the establishment or operation of a political committee, to nonprofit corporations, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Ban Corporate PACs Act''. SEC. 2. LIMITING AUTHORITY OF CORPORATIONS TO ESTABLISH OR OPERATE SEPARATE SEGREGATED FUNDS FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES TO NONPROFIT CORPORATIONS. (a) Limitation.-- (1) In general.--Section 316(b)(2)(C) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30118(b)(2)(C)) is amended by striking ``a corporation'' and inserting ``a nonprofit corporation''. (2) Definition.--Section 316(b) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30118(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(8) For purposes of this section, the term `nonprofit corporation' means a corporation described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code, other than a corporation which is ineligible to be exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code if it establishes a separate segregated fund under this subsection.''. (b) Permitting Solicitation of Contributions Only From Executive and Administrative Personnel.--Section 316(b) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30118(b)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (4)(A)(i), by striking ``its stockholders and their families and''; (2) in paragraph (4)(B)-- (A) by striking ``a corporation'' the first place it appears and inserting ``a nonprofit corporation''; (B) by striking ``any stockholder, executive or administrative personnel,'' and inserting ``any executive or administrative personnel''; and (C) by striking ``stockholders, executive or administrative personnel,'' and inserting ``executive or administrative personnel''; (3) in paragraph (4)(D)-- (A) by striking ``stockholders and''; (B) by striking ``such stockholders or personnel'' and inserting ``such personnel''; and (C) by striking ``such stockholders and personnel'' and inserting ``such personnel''; and (4) in paragraph (5), by striking ``stockholders and''. (c) Treatment of Government Contractors.--Section 317(b) of such Act (52 U.S.C. 30119(b)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``any corporation'' and inserting ``any nonprofit corporation''; and (2) by striking ``a corporation'' and inserting ``a nonprofit corporation''. SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE; TRANSITION FOR EXISTING FUNDS AND COMMITTEES. (a) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Transition for Existing Funds and Committees.--In the case of a separate segregate fund established and operating under section 316(b)(2)(C) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30118(b)(2)(C)) as of the date of the enactment of this Act which is not a fund of a nonprofit corporation as defined in section 316(b)(8) of such Act (as added by section 2(a)(2)), the fund shall terminate and disburse its entire balance not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act. <all>

Ban Corporate PACs Act

A bill to amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to limit the authority of corporations to establish and operate separate segregated funds utilized for political purposes, including the establishment or operation of a political committee, to nonprofit corporations, and for other purposes.

Ban Corporate PACs Act

Sen. Kelly, Mark

D

AZ

S.1376

Taxation

Protect America's Paper for Recycling Act This bill modifies the tax credit for producing electricity from renewable resources to revise the definition of municipal solid waste. The bill specifies that municipal solid waste does not include paper that is commonly recycled and that has been segregated from other solid waste, or solid waste that is collected as part of a system that does not provide for the separate collection of paper that is commonly recycled from residential solid waste. The bill includes exceptions for incidental and residual waste. In the case of a facility that produces electricity both from municipal solid waste and other solid waste that is not a qualified energy resource (1) the facility is a qualified facility if it otherwise meets the requirements for qualified facilities, and (2) the credit only applies to the portion of the electricity produced from municipal solid waste.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the definition of municipal solid waste. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protect America's Paper for Recycling Act''. SEC. 2. MODIFICATION TO DEFINITION OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE. (a) In General.--Paragraph (6) of section 45(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows: ``(6) Municipal solid waste.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `municipal solid waste' has the meaning given the term `solid waste' under section 1004(27) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6903(27)), except that such term does not include-- ``(i) paper which is commonly recycled and which has been segregated from other solid waste (as so defined), or ``(ii) solid waste (as so defined) which is collected as part of a system which does not provide for the separate collection of paper which is commonly recycled from residential solid waste (as defined in section 246.101 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations). ``(B) Special rule with respect to incidental and residual waste.--Subparagraph (A)(ii) shall not apply to-- ``(i) solid waste (as so defined) which only contains an incidental amount of commonly recycled paper, and ``(ii) solid waste (as so defined) which is residual waste generated at a materials recovery facility that receives and processes only paper and other recyclable materials containing no more than an incidental amount of non-recyclable solid waste. ``(C) No effect on existing processes.--Nothing in subparagraph (A) shall be interpreted to require a State or a political subdivision of a State, directly or indirectly, to change the systems, processes, or equipment it uses to collect, treat, dispose, or otherwise use municipal solid waste, within the meaning of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6903 et seq.), nor require a change to the regulations that implement subtitle D of such Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.).''. (b) Rules With Respect to Electricity Produced From Solid Waste.-- Subsection (e) of section 45 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(12) Source of municipal solid waste feedstock.--In the case of a qualified facility that produces electricity both from municipal solid waste and other solid waste that is not a qualified energy resource-- ``(A) such facility shall be considered a qualified facility if it otherwise meets the requirements of subsection (d), and ``(B) subsection (a) shall only apply to that portion of the electricity produced from municipal solid waste.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. <all>

Protect America's Paper for Recycling Act

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the definition of municipal solid waste.

Protect America's Paper for Recycling Act

Sen. Stabenow, Debbie

D

MI

H.R.3823

Taxation

Protecting Individual Sovereignty Through Our Laws Act or the PISTOL Act This bill modifies the definition of rifle for purposes of the National Firearms Act to exclude from such definition a pistol equipped with a rear brace or rear attachment designed to assist the shooter in controlling the pistol. The bill also directs the Department of Justice to amend applicable regulations governing pistols to provide that the presence or absence of rear mounted braces or attachments that can assist a user in controlling the pistol shall not cause a firearm to be considered a pistol.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to update the definition of rifles, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Individual Sovereignty Through Our Laws Act'' or the ``PISTOL Act''. SEC. 2. UPDATED RIFLE DEFINITION UNDER NATIONAL FIREARMS ACT. Section 5845(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows: ``(c) Rifle.--The term `rifle' means a weapon originally designed or redesigned, made or remade, and originally intended by its maker or manufacturer to be fired from the shoulder and designed or redesigned and made or remade to use the energy of the explosive in a fixed cartridge to fire only a single projectile through a rifled bore for each single pull of the trigger, and shall include any such weapon which may be readily restored to fire a fixed cartridge. For purposes of the preceding sentence, such term shall not include a pistol equipped with a rear brace or rear attachment which can be used to assist the shooter in controlling the pistol, even if such brace or attachment can also be placed against the shoulder.''. SEC. 3. UPDATED PISTOL DEFINITION UNDER CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS. Within 60 days of the date of the enactment of this section, the Attorney General shall amend subpart B of part 479 of subchapter B of chapter II of title 27, Code of Federal Regulations to clarify that a pistol has the following definition: ``Pistol. A concealable weapon originally designed, made, and intended to fire a projectile (bullet) from one or more barrels when held by a user, and having (a) a chamber(s) that is an integral part of, or permanently aligned with, a bore(s); and (b) one or more short stocks designed to be gripped by the user with said stocks at an angle to and extending below the line of the bore(s). The presence or absence of rear mounted braces or attachments which can assist a user in controlling the pistol shall not cause a firearm that otherwise meets this definition from being considered a pistol.'' <all>

PISTOL Act

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to update the definition of rifles, and for other purposes.

PISTOL Act Protecting Individual Sovereignty Through Our Laws Act

Rep. Good, Bob

R

VA

H.R.6957

Government Operations and Politics

Pipeline to Service Act This bill requires the Office of Personnel Management to establish a program for entering partnerships with institutions of higher education to recruit and hire students for positions in the federal government. The bill also (1) doubles the number of Presidential Management Fellows Program participants for FY2022-FY2027, and (2) requires federal agencies to pay interns a stipend of $15 per hour of work.

To expand opportunities for employment of recent graduates in Federal Government positions, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be called the ``Pipeline to Service Act''. SEC. 2. EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT. (a) OPM Program To Recruit Students for Federal Employment.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall establish a program under which the Office enters into partnerships with institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) to recruit and hire students to positions in the Federal Government. (2) Contents.--The program established under subsection (a) shall be in such form and manner as the Director may prescribe, but at a minimum shall-- (A) advise students on courses of study; (B) provide professional development workshops to students; (C) assist students in searching for Federal jobs on the website USAJobs.gov. (D) provide students training on preparing resumes for applying to Federal positions; (E) make an effort to recruit students from communities that are historically underrepresented in Federal employment; and (F) provide students training on how to be competitive when applying for Federal internships and the Pathways Program. (b) Increase in Presidential Management Fellows Program Positions.--During each of fiscal years 2022 through 2027, the Presidential Management Fellows Program carried out by the Office of Personnel Management shall have a total number of Program positions at executive agencies equal to 200 percent of the number of such positions established on the date of enactment of this Act. (c) Intern Hourly Pay Rate.--Any individual who is an intern in the Federal Government, including any intern in a Federal internship program described under section 3111a of title 5, United States Code, shall be paid a stipend of $15 for each hour that the individual is working as an intern. <all>

To expand opportunities for employment of recent graduates in Federal Government positions, and for other purposes.

To expand opportunities for employment of recent graduates in Federal Government positions, and for other purposes.

Official Titles - House of Representatives Official Title as Introduced To expand opportunities for employment of recent graduates in Federal Government positions, and for other purposes.

Rep. Kim, Andy

D

NJ

H.R.691

Labor and Employment

Expanding Opportunity through Pre-Apprenticeships Act This bill requires the Office of Apprenticeship (OA) within the Department of Labor to create a plan to expand participation in pre-apprenticeship programs for underrepresented populations and individuals with barriers to employment, and requires Labor to award related grants to certain eligible entities (e.g., community-based organizations, pre-apprenticeship sponsors, and employers for an in-demand industry or occupation). Specifically, the bill

To expand opportunities for pre-apprenticeship programs. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Expanding Opportunity through Pre- Apprenticeships Act''. SEC. 2. PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM STANDARDS. (a) In General.--In this Act, a ``pre-apprenticeship program'' means a program-- (1) designed to-- (A) assist individuals who do not meet minimum qualifications for an apprenticeship program; and (B) prepare such individuals to enter and succeed in such an apprenticeship program, including by providing the skills and competency attainment needed to enter the apprenticeship program; and (2) that meets the requirements described in subsections (b) and (c). (b) Requirements.--The program-- (1) is carried out in partnership with at least one sponsor of an apprenticeship program; (2) demonstrates the existence of an active advisory partnership with an industry or sector partnership to inform the training and education services necessary for a pre- apprenticeship program; (3) demonstrates evidence of sufficient openings in an apprenticeship program at the completion of a pre- apprenticeship program to support a transition from a pre- apprenticeship to an apprenticeship; (4) has strategies in place with apprenticeship programs that will increase employment opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment and create a diverse talent pipeline, such that, upon completion of a pre-apprenticeship program, they will meet the entry requirements for success in such programs; (5) has plans in place, either directly or through partnerships, to provide supportive services to pre- apprentices, to support the recruitment, retention, and completion of the program; (6) provides hands-on training to participants, when possible, that does not supplant the work of a full-time, paid employee but accurately simulates the occupational conditions of a partnering apprenticeship program, with proper supervision and safety protocols; and (7) provides a certificate of completion by the State apprenticeship agency, awarded to each individual who completes the program requirements set forth by the plan sponsor. (c) Written Plan Requirements.--The program includes a written plan developed by the sponsor that-- (1) provides for work-based learning in which an industry or sector partnership and a related instruction provider collaborate to provide training that will introduce participants to the skills, competencies, and materials used in one or more apprenticeable occupations; (2) is based on and aligned with national, State, regional, or local industry standards for high-skill, high-wage, or in- demand industry sectors or occupations and the requirements of the related apprenticeship program; (3) ensures all individuals have an equal opportunity to participate in the program, as required by section 30 of title 29, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act), and that the program will provide adequate and safe equipment, environments, and facilities for training and supervision, free from discrimination (including harassment and retaliation); (4) ensures the program has remote instruction contingency plans, if feasible, including providing educational technology that aids in regular and substantive interactions between pre- apprentice and classroom instructor; (5) provides training and professional development for instructors and staff to use technology and services, including for remote instruction; (6) to the extent appropriate and practicable includes enabling an individual to attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, and at least 1 recognized postsecondary credential; and (7) includes activities designed for career exposure, career planning, and career awareness. SEC. 3. EVALUATION. (a) Performance Data Collection.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Labor shall collect data on-- (1) the performance of each pre-apprenticeship program using the disaggregated indicators of performance in section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3141(b)(2)(A)(i)), including participants who are people of color, women, veterans, those who have been impacted by the youth or adult criminal justice system, and individuals with barriers to employment between the ages of 16 and 24; (2) how each such program spends resources; and (3) the diversity and equal opportunity in apprenticeships programs. (b) Research and Plan for Expansion of Participation of Certain Populations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship, shall use the collected data to conduct research in State labor markets, in partnership with State apprenticeship agencies, to create a plan, on the basis of such research, to expand participation in registered pre-apprenticeship programs by nontraditional populations or individuals with barriers to employment such as youth, women, people of color, long-term unemployed, individuals with disabilities, individuals with substance abuse issues, individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, and veterans. SEC. 4. GRANTS. (a) In General.--From the amounts appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary of Labor shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities. (b) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that serve a high number or high percentage of individuals who are from nontraditional apprenticeship populations (with priority given to women, people of color, veterans, those who have been impacted by the juvenile or adult criminal justice system, and individuals with barriers to employment between the ages of 16 and 24). (c) Application.--To receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary determines may be necessary. (d) Limitation on Use of Funds.--No less than 5 percent of the funds awarded under this section shall be used to provide direct financial assistance to pre-apprentices to support financial needs to enter, remain enrolled in, and complete the apprenticeship program including, related costs of training, supplies, food and nutrition, housing, transportation, child care, mental health and substance abuse services, or other targeted costs deemed allowable by the Secretary. (e) Eligible Entities Defined.--In this section, an ``eligible entity'' includes-- (1) a community-based organization; (2) a pre-apprenticeship sponsor; (3) an employer for an in-demand industry sector or occupation; (4) a joint labor-management training program; or (5) a partnership among community-based organizations, public education entities, and apprenticeships. (f) Uses of Funds.--A grant awarded under this section to an eligible entity may be used to carry out one or more of the following: (1) To provide technical assistance to pre-apprentices to help navigate supportive services and other Federal assistance programs (such as the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.)) to enter and remain enrolled in apprenticeship programs. (2) To conduct and improve outreach to nontraditional apprenticeship population. (3) To participate in pre-apprenticeship programs. (4) To facilitate a successful transition between pre- apprenticeship programs and apprenticeship programs. SEC. 5. ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Apprenticeship program.--The term ``apprenticeship program'' means an apprenticeship program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the ``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664, chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.), including any requirement, standard, or rule promulgated under such Act, as such requirement, standard, or rule was in effect on December 30, 2019. (2) Nontraditional apprenticeship population.--The term ``nontraditional apprenticeship population'' means a group of individuals (such as a group of individuals from the same gender or race) the members of which comprise fewer than 25 percent of the individuals participating in a program under the national apprenticeship system. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Labor. (4) WIOA terms.--The terms ``community-based organization'', ``in-demand industry sectors or occupations'', ``individual with a barrier to employment'', ``recognized postsecondary credential'', and ``supportive services'' have the meanings given the terms in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102). <all>

Expanding Opportunity through Pre-Apprenticeships Act

To expand opportunities for pre-apprenticeship programs.

Expanding Opportunity through Pre-Apprenticeships Act

Rep. Cárdenas, Tony

D

CA

H.R.5026

Armed Forces and National Security

Panama Canal Zone Veterans Act of 2021 This bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified conditions associated with active duty service in or near the Panama Canal Zone (zone) from January 1, 1958, through the latter of December 31, 1999, or the date on which the last service member departed from duty in the zone. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. The presumption of service-connection applies to illnesses listed in the bill (e.g., Hodgkin's disease) or those that (1) have a positive association with exposure to an herbicide agent that is known or presumed to be associated with service in the zone during the specified time period, and (2) become manifest in a veteran who served in the zone during the specified time period and was exposed to an herbicide agent during such service. The Department of Veterans Affairs must prescribe regulations providing for a presumption of service-connection whenever there is a determination that a positive association exists between the exposure to an herbicide agent known or presumed to be associated with service in or near the zone and the occurrence of an illness in humans.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a presumption of service connection for illnesses associated with service in the Armed Forces in the Panama Canal Zone, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Panama Canal Zone Veterans Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. PRESUMPTION OF SERVICE CONNECTION. (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 1119. Presumption of service connection for illnesses associated with service in the Panama Canal Zone ``(a) In General.--(1) For purposes of section 1110 of this title, and subject to section 1113 of this title, each illness, if any, described in paragraph (2) shall be considered to have been incurred in or aggravated by service referred to in that paragraph, notwithstanding that there is no record of evidence of such illness during the period of such service. ``(2) An illness referred to in paragraph (1) is any illness-- ``(A) that-- ``(i) is described in paragraph (3); or ``(ii) the Secretary determines in regulations prescribed under this section warrants a presumption of service connection by reason of having a positive association with exposure to an herbicide agent known or presumed to be associated with service in the Armed Forces in or near the Panama Canal Zone during the covered period; and ``(B) that becomes manifest within the period, if any, prescribed in such regulations in a veteran who served on active duty in or near the Panama Canal Zone during the covered period and by reason of such service was exposed to such agent. ``(3) An illness described in this paragraph is any of the following: ``(A) Chronic B-cell leukemia. ``(B) Hodgkin's disease. ``(C) Multiple myeloma. ``(D) Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. ``(E) Prostate cancer. ``(F) Respiratory cancers (including lung cancer). ``(G) Soft-tissue sarcoma (other than osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, or mesothelioma). ``(H) AL amyloidosis. ``(I) Chloracne and any other type of acneiform disease the Secretary determines is similar. ``(J) Diabetes mellitus type 2. ``(K) Ischemic heart disease. ``(L) Parkinson's disease. ``(M) Early onset peripheral neuropathy. ``(N) Porphyria cutanea tarda. ``(O) Bladder cancer. ``(P) Hypothyroidism. ``(b) Regulations.--(1) Whenever the Secretary makes a determination described in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall prescribe regulations providing that a presumption of service connection is warranted for the illness covered by that determination for purposes of this section. ``(2) A determination described in this paragraph is a determination based on sound medical and scientific evidence that a positive association exists between-- ``(A) the exposure of humans to a herbicide agent known or presumed to be associated with service in or near the Panama Canal Zone; and ``(B) the occurrence of a diagnosed or undiagnosed illness in humans. ``(3) In making determinations for purposes of paragraph (2), the Secretary shall-- ``(A) take into account all sound medical and scientific information and analyses available to the Secretary; ``(B) in evaluating any report, information, or analysis, take into consideration whether the results are statistically significant, are capable of replication, and withstand peer review; and ``(C) consider an association between the occurrence of an illness in humans and exposure to an herbicide agent to be positive for purposes if the credible evidence for the association is equal to or outweighs the credible evidence against the association. ``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section: ``(1) The term `covered period' means the period beginning on January 1, 1958, and ending on the latter of the following dates, as determined by the Secretary: ``(A) December 31, 1999. ``(B) The date on which the last member of the Armed Forces departed from official duty in the Panama Canal Zone. ``(2) The term `herbicide agent' means a chemical in an herbicide, including Agent Purple and Agent Orange.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1118 the following new item: ``1119. Presumption of service connection for illnesses associated with service in the Panama Canal Zone.''. <all>

Panama Canal Zone Veterans Act of 2021

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a presumption of service connection for illnesses associated with service in the Armed Forces in the Panama Canal Zone, and for other purposes.

Panama Canal Zone Veterans Act of 2021

Rep. Newman, Marie

D

IL

S.4452

Government Operations and Politics

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 825 West 65th Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the ``Charles W. Lindberg Post Office''. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. CHARLES W. LINDBERG POST OFFICE. (a) Designation.--The facility of the United States Postal Service located at 825 West 65th Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota, shall be known and designated as the ``Charles W. Lindberg Post Office''. (b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the facility referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to the ``Charles W. Lindberg Post Office''. <all>

A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 825 West 65th Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the "Charles W. Lindberg Post Office".

A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 825 West 65th Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the "Charles W. Lindberg Post Office".

Official Titles - Senate Official Title as Introduced A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 825 West 65th Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the "Charles W. Lindberg Post Office".

Sen. Klobuchar, Amy

D

MN

H.R.468

Transportation and Public Works

Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2021 This act makes incentive payments incurred for expedited completion of certain federally financed airport development projects an allowable project cost standard.

[117th Congress Public Law 186] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [[Page 136 STAT. 2199]] Public Law 117-186 117th Congress An Act To amend title 49, United States Code, to permit the use of incentive payments to expedite certain federally financed airport development projects. <<NOTE: Oct. 10, 2022 - [H.R. 468]>> Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2021. 49 USC 40101 note.>> SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. ALLOWABLE COST STANDARDS FOR AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. (a) In General.--Section 47110(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``(1) if the cost necessarily'' and inserting ``(1)(A) if the cost necessarily''; (2) by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(B) if the cost is an incentive payment incurred in carrying out the project described in subparagraph (A) that is to be provided to a contractor upon early completion of a project, if-- ``(i) such payment does not exceed the lesser of 5 percent of the initial construction contract amount or $1,000,000; ``(ii) the level of contractor's control of, or access to, the worksite necessary to shorten the duration of the project does not negatively impact the operation of the airport; ``(iii) the contract specifies application of the incentive structure in the event of unforeseeable, non- weather delays beyond the control of the contractor; ``(iv) nothing in any agreement with the contractor prevents the airport operator from retaining responsibility for the safety, efficiency, and capacity of the airport during the execution of the grant agreement; and ``(v) <<NOTE: Determination.>> the Secretary determines that the use of an incentive payment is likely to increase airport capacity or efficiency or result in cost savings as a result of shortening the project's duration;''. [[Page 136 STAT. 2200]] (b) Technical Correction.--Section 47110(e)(7) of title 49, United States Code, is amended in the heading by striking ``Partnership Program Airports'' and inserting ``Partnership program airports''. Approved October 10, 2022. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 468: --------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOUSE REPORTS: No. 117-40 (Comm. on Transportation and Infrastructure). CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: Vol. 167 (2021): June 15, considered and passed House. Vol. 168 (2022): Sept. 27, considered and passed Senate. <all>

Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2021

To amend title 49, United States Code, to permit the use of incentive payments to expedite certain federally financed airport development projects.

Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2021 Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2021 Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2021 Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2021

Rep. Graves, Sam

R

MO

H.R.8430

Armed Forces and National Security

Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a new risk assessment for toxic exposure for members of the Armed Forces who are assigned to work near burn pits. DOD must also establish an outreach program to inform such members regarding toxic exposure. Additionally, DOD must publish on its website a list of resources for members and veterans who experienced toxic exposure while serving as a member of the Armed Forces, dependents and caregivers of such members and veterans, and survivors of such members and veterans who received death benefits.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish an outreach program to inform members of the Armed Forces, assigned to work near burn pits, of the risks of toxic exposure, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. OUTREACH TO MEMBERS REGARDING POSSIBLE TOXIC EXPOSURE. (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish-- (1) a new risk assessment for toxic exposure for members of the Armed Forces assigned to work near burn pits; and (2) an outreach program to inform such members regarding such toxic exposure. Such program shall include information regarding benefits and support programs furnished by the Secretary (including eligibility requirements and timelines) regarding toxic exposure. (b) Promotion.--The Secretary of Defense shall promote the program to members described in subsection (a) by direct mail, email, text messaging, and social media. (c) Publication.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall publish on a website of the Department of Defense a list of resources furnished by the Secretary for-- (1) members and veterans who experienced toxic exposure in the course of serving as a member of the Armed Forces; (2) dependents and caregivers of such members and veterans; and (3) survivors of such members and veterans who receive death benefits under laws administered by the Secretary. (d) Toxic Exposure Defined.--In this section, the term ``toxic exposure'' has the meaning given such term in section 631 of the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-315; 38 U.S.C. 1116 note). <all>

Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act of 2022

To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish an outreach program to inform members of the Armed Forces, assigned to work near burn pits, of the risks of toxic exposure, and for other purposes.

Toxic Exposure Education for Servicemembers Act of 2022

Rep. Ruiz, Raul

D

CA

H.R.4313

Energy

Small Refinery Exemption Clarification Act of 2021 This bill states that a small refinery may submit a petition to the Environmental Protection Agency for an exemption from the requirements of the Renewable Fuel Program only if that refinery has received an exemption continuously since 2011. Thus, small refineries may not request extensions of exemptions if previous exemptions are already expired.

To clarify which small refineries are eligible for an exemption from the requirements of the Renewable Fuel Program, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Small Refinery Exemption Clarification Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY OF SMALL REFINERIES FOR AN EXEMPTION FROM REQUIREMENTS OF THE RENEWABLE FUEL PROGRAM. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a small refinery may petition under section 211(o)(9) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(o)(9)) for an exemption from the requirements of section 211(o)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(o)(2)) only if that refinery has continuously received an exemption from such requirements every year since 2011. <all>

Small Refinery Exemption Clarification Act of 2021

To clarify which small refineries are eligible for an exemption from the requirements of the Renewable Fuel Program, and for other purposes.

Small Refinery Exemption Clarification Act of 2021

Rep. Feenstra, Randy

R

IA

S.5222

Taxation

Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2022 This bill allows a new investment tax credit for 30% of the basis of any hydropower improvement property. The bill defines such property as property that, amount other things (1) adds or improves fish passage at a qualified dam (i.e., a hydroelectric dam licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or legally operating without such a license before the enactment of this bill); (2) maintains or improves the quality of the water retained or released by such a dam; (3) promotes downstream sediment transport processes and habitat maintenance for such a dam; (4) removes an obsolete river obstruction; or (5) places into service an approved remote dam (i.e., a hydroelectric dam that services certain communities and does not contribute to atmosphere pollution).

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to support upgrades at existing hydroelectric dams in order to increase clean energy production, improve the resiliency and reliability of the United States electric grid, enhance the health of the Nation's rivers and associated wildlife habitats, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2022''. SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR MAINTAINING AND ENHANCING HYDROELECTRIC FACILITIES. (a) In General.--Subpart E of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 13702 of Public Law 117-169, is amended by inserting after section 48E the following new section: ``SEC. 48F. CREDIT FOR MAINTAINING AND ENHANCING HYDROELECTRIC FACILITIES. ``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 46, the credit for maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric facilities for any taxable year is an amount equal to 30 percent of the basis of any hydropower improvement property placed in service during such taxable year. ``(b) Certain Progress Expenditure Rules Made Applicable.--Rules similar to the rules of subsections (c)(4) and (d) of section 46 (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990) shall apply for purposes of subsection (a). ``(c) Hydropower Improvement Property.--In this section, the term `hydropower improvement property' means property-- ``(1) which-- ``(A) adds or improves fish passage at a qualified dam, ``(B) maintains or improves the quality of the water retained or released by a qualified dam, ``(C) promotes downstream sediment transport processes and habitat maintenance with respect to a qualified dam, ``(D) upgrades, repairs, or reconstructs a qualified dam to meet Federal dam safety and security standards, ``(E) improves the public uses of, and access to, public waterways impacted by a qualified dam in a manner consistent with a license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or a settlement agreement reached with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission pursuant to such a license, ``(F) removes an obsolete river obstruction, or ``(G) places into service an approved remote dam, and ``(2) for which, prior to January 1, 2032, the taxpayer receives written approval with respect to any property described in paragraph (1) from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or State or local officials, as appropriate. ``(d) Other Definitions.--In this section-- ``(1) Approved remote dam.--The term `approved remote dam' means-- ``(A) a hydroelectric dam which-- ``(i) exclusively services communities not interconnected to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the Eastern Interconnection, or the Western Interconnection, ``(ii) was licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission before December 31, 2020, and ``(iii) does not contribute to atmosphere pollution, and ``(B) any qualified interconnection property (as defined in section 48(a)(8)(B)) associated with a dam described in subparagraph (A) which has a maximum net output of not greater than 20 megawatts. ``(2) Fish passage.--The term `fish passage' means, with respect to any qualified dam, any new or upgraded turbine, fishway, or other fish passage technology which improves fish migration and survival rates. ``(3) Obsolete river obstruction.--The term `obsolete river obstruction' means a qualified nonpowered dam (as defined in section 34(e)(3) of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 823e(e)(3))) no longer serving its intended purpose. ``(4) Qualified dam.--The term `qualified dam' means a hydroelectric dam that is licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or legally operating without such a license before the date of enactment of this section.''. (b) Elective Payment and Transfer of Credit.-- (1) Elective payment.--Section 6417 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 13801(a) of Public Law 117- 169, is amended-- (A) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following: ``(13) The credit for maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric facilities under section 48F.'', and (B) in subsection (d)(1)-- (i) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``(C), or (D)'' each place it appears and inserting ``(C), (D), or (E)'', (ii) by redesignating subparagraph (E) (as amended by clause (i)) as subparagraph (F), and (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following: ``(E) Election with respect to credit for maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric facilities.--If a taxpayer other than an entity described in subparagraph (A) makes an election under this subparagraph with respect to any taxable year in which such taxpayer has, after December 31, 2022, placed in service hydropower improvement property (as defined in section 48F(c)), such taxpayer shall be treated as an applicable entity for purposes of this section for such taxable year, but only with respect to the credit described in subsection (b)(13).''. (2) Transfer.--Section 6418(f)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by section 13801(b) of Public Law 117-169, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(xii) The credit for maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric facilities under section 48F.''. (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 46 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section 13702(b)(1) of Public Law 117-169, is amended-- (A) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' at the end, (B) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, and'', and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(8) the credit for maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric facilities.''. (2) Section 49(a)(1)(C) of such Code, as amended by section 13702(b)(2) of Public Law 117-169, is amended-- (A) in clause (vii), by striking ``and'' at the end, (B) in clause (viii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, and'', and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(ix) the basis of any hydropower improvement property under section 48F.''. (3) Section 50 of such Code is amended-- (A) in subsection (a)(2)(E), as amended by section 13702(b) of Public Law 117-169, by striking ``or 48E(e)'' and inserting ``48E(e), or 48F(b)'', and (B) in subsection (d)(2), as amended by section 13102(f)(5) of Public Law 117-169-- (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or any hydropower improvement property (as defined in section 48F(c))'' after ``any energy storage technology (as defined in section 48(c)(6))'', and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``energy storage technology'' each place it appears and inserting ``energy storage technology or hydropower improvement property''. (4) The table of sections for subpart E of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code, as amended by section 13702(b)(5) of Public Law 117-169, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 48E the following new item: ``Sec. 48F. Credit for maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric facilities.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2022. <all>

Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2022

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to support upgrades at existing hydroelectric dams in order to increase clean energy production, improve the resiliency and reliability of the United States electric grid, enhance the health of the Nation's rivers and associated wildlife habitats, and for other purposes.

Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2022

Sen. Cantwell, Maria

D

WA

H.R.8960

Native Americans

Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act or the BADGES for Native Communities Act This bill revises federal policies and procedures related to information sharing, reporting, and investigating cases of missing, unidentified, or murdered Indians. Among other elements, the bill requires the Department of Justice to (1) establish a grant program for specified entities (e.g., tribes) to implement changes to enhance their responses to missing person cases and death investigations of interest to tribes, and (2) work with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure that federal training resources and culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs are available to tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement officers experiencing occupational stress. The Department of the Interior must establish a five-year demonstration program for the purpose of conducting or adjudicating personnel background investigations for applicants for law enforcement positions in the BIA. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct specified studies, including a study on the evidence collection, handling, and processing procedures and practices of federal law enforcement agencies.

To require Federal law enforcement agencies to report on cases of missing or murdered Indians, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act'' or the ``BADGES for Native Communities Act''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. TITLE I--BRIDGING AGENCY DATA GAPS Sec. 101. National Missing and Unidentified Persons System Tribal facilitator. Sec. 102. Report on Indian country law enforcement personnel resources and need. TITLE II--ENSURING SAFETY FOR NATIVE COMMUNITIES Sec. 201. Demonstration program on Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement employment background checks. Sec. 202. Missing and murdered response coordination grant program. Sec. 203. GAO study on Federal law enforcement agency evidence collection, handling, and processing. Sec. 204. Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal law enforcement officer counseling resources interdepartmental coordination. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Death investigation.--The term ``death investigation'' has the meaning determined by the Attorney General. (2) Death investigation of interest to indian tribes.--The term ``death investigation of interest to Indian Tribes'' means a case involving-- (A) a death investigation into the death of an Indian; or (B) a death investigation of a person found on, in, or adjacent to Indian land or a Village. (3) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of the Office of Justice Services. (4) Federal law enforcement agency.--The term ``Federal law enforcement agency'' means the Bureau of Indian Affairs direct- service police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and any other Federal law enforcement agency that-- (A) has jurisdiction over crimes in Indian country; or (B) investigates missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes, death investigations of interest to Indian Tribes, unclaimed remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes, or unidentified remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes. (5) Indian.--The term ``Indian'' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). (6) Indian country.--The term ``Indian country'' has the meaning given the term in section 1151 of title 18, United States Code. (7) Indian land.--The term ``Indian land'' has the meaning given the term ``Indian lands'' in section 3 of the Native American Business Development, Trade Promotion, and Tourism Act of 2000 (25 U.S.C. 4302). (8) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian Tribe'' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). (9) Missing.--The term ``missing'' has the meaning determined by the Attorney General. (10) Missing persons case of interest to indian tribes.-- The term ``missing persons case of interest to Indian Tribes'' means a case involving-- (A) a missing Indian; or (B) a missing person whose last known location is believed to be on, in, or adjacent to Indian land or a Village. (11) National crime information databases.--The term ``national crime information databases'' has the meaning given the term in section 534(f)(3) of title 28, United States Code. (12) Relevant tribal organization.--The term ``relevant Tribal organization'' means, as applicable-- (A) a tribal organization or an urban Indian organization; and (B) a national or regional organization that-- (i) represents a substantial Indian constituency; and (ii) has expertise in the fields of-- (I) human trafficking of Indians; (II) human trafficking on Indian land or in a Village; (III) violence against Indian women and children; or (IV) tribal justice systems. (13) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (14) Sexual assault case of interest to indian tribes.--The term ``sexual assault case of interest to Indian Tribes'' means a case involving an allegation of a felony under chapter 109A or 110 of title 18, United States Code, committed against an Indian by another Indian or a non-Indian. (15) Tribal justice official.--The term ``tribal justice official'' has the meaning given the term in section 2 of the Indian Law Enforcement Reform Act (25 U.S.C. 2801). (16) Tribal organization.--The term ``tribal organization'' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). (17) Unclaimed remains case of interest to indian tribes.-- The term ``unclaimed remains case of interest to Indian Tribes'' means a case involving-- (A) unclaimed Indian remains; or (B) unclaimed remains found on, in, or adjacent to Indian land or a Village. (18) Unidentified remains case of interest to indian tribes.--The term ``unidentified remains case of interest to Indian Tribes'' means a case involving-- (A) unidentified Indian remains; or (B) unidentified remains found on, in, or adjacent to Indian land or a Village. (19) Urban indian organization.--The term ``urban Indian organization'' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1603). (20) Village.--The term ``Village'' means the Alaska Native Village Statistical Area covering all or any portion of a Native village (as defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602)), as depicted on the applicable Tribal Statistical Area Program Verification Map of the Bureau of the Census. TITLE I--BRIDGING AGENCY DATA GAPS SEC. 101. NATIONAL MISSING AND UNIDENTIFIED PERSONS SYSTEM TRIBAL FACILITATOR. (a) Appointment.--The Attorney General, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Justice, shall appoint 1 or more Tribal facilitators for the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. (b) Duties.--The duties of a Tribal facilitator appointed under subsection (a) shall include-- (1) coordinating the reporting of information relating to missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes, unclaimed remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes, and unidentified remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes; (2) consulting and coordinating with Indian Tribes and relevant Tribal organizations to address the reporting, documentation, and tracking of missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes, unclaimed remains cases of Interest to Indian Tribes, and unidentified remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes; (3) developing working relationships, and maintaining communication, with Indian Tribes and relevant Tribal organizations; (4) providing technical assistance and training to Indian Tribes and relevant Tribal organizations, victim service advocates, medical examiners, coroners, and tribal justice officials regarding-- (A) the gathering and reporting of information to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System; and (B) working with non-Tribal law enforcement agencies to ensure missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes, unclaimed remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes, and unidentified remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes are reported to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System; (5) coordinating with the Office of Tribal Justice, the Office of Justice Services, the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, and the National Indian Country Training Initiative, as necessary; and (6) conducting other training, information gathering, and outreach activities to improve resolution of missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes, unclaimed remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes, and unidentified remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes. (c) Reporting and Transparency.-- (1) Annual reports to congress.--During the 3-year-period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Justice, shall submit to the Committees on Indian Affairs, the Judiciary, and Appropriations of the Senate and the Committees on Natural Resources, the Judiciary, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives an annual report-- (A) describing the activities and accomplishments of the 1 or more Tribal facilitators appointed under subsection (a) during the 1-year period preceding the date of the report; and (B) summarizing-- (i) the number of missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes, unclaimed remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes, and unidentified remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes that the Tribal facilitator can identify in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System; and (ii) the percentage of missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes, unclaimed remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes, and unidentified remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes closed during the 1-year period preceding the date of the report that the Tribal facilitator can identify in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. (2) Public transparency.--Annually, the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Justice, shall publish on a website publicly accessible information-- (A) describing the activities and accomplishments of the 1 or more Tribal facilitators appointed under subsection (a) during the 1-year period preceding the date of the publication; and (B) summarizing-- (i) the number of missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes, unclaimed remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes, and unidentified remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes that the Tribal facilitator can identify in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System; and (ii) the percentage of missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes, unclaimed remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes, and unidentified remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes closed during the 1-year period preceding the date of the report that the Tribal facilitator can identify in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. SEC. 102. REPORT ON INDIAN COUNTRY LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL RESOURCES AND NEED. (a) Department of the Interior Office of Justice Services.--Section 3(c)(16) of the Indian Law Enforcement Reform Act (25 U.S.C. 2802(c)(16)) is amended by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following: ``(C) a list of the unmet-- ``(i) staffing needs of law enforcement, corrections, and court personnel, including criminal investigators, medical examiners, coroners, forensic technicians, indigent defense staff, and prosecution staff, at tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs justice agencies; ``(ii) replacement and repair needs of tribal and Bureau of Indian Affairs corrections facilities; ``(iii) infrastructure and capital needs for tribal police and court facilities, including evidence storage and processing; and ``(iv) public safety and emergency communications and technology needs; and''. (b) Department of Justice.-- (1) Definition of department of justice law enforcement agency.--In this subsection, the term ``Department of Justice law enforcement agency'' means each of-- (A) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (B) the Drug Enforcement Administration; (C) the United States Marshals Service; (D) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and (E) the Offices of the United States Attorneys. (2) Annual report.--Each fiscal year, the Attorney General shall submit to the Committees on Indian Affairs, the Judiciary, and Appropriations of the Senate and the Committees on Natural Resources, the Judiciary, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report describing for that fiscal year-- (A) the number of full-time employees of each Department of Justice law enforcement agency that are assigned to work on criminal investigations and prosecutions in Indian country; and (B) the percentage of time the full-employees spend specifically working in Indian country. (3) GAO study and report.-- (A) Study.-- (i) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date on which the first annual report is submitted under paragraph (2), the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study that examines any identified unmet staffing needs for Department of Justice law enforcement agencies tasked with work on criminal investigations and prosecutions in Indian country. (ii) Requirement.--In conducting the study required under clause (i), the Comptroller General of the United States shall take into account the results of the most recent report, as of the date of enactment of this Act, relating to Indian country investigations and prosecutions prepared by the Attorney General pursuant to section 10(b) of the Indian Law Enforcement Reform Act (25 U.S.C. 2809(b)). (B) Report.--On completion of the study under subparagraph (A), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Indian Affairs, the Judiciary, and Appropriations of the Senate and the Committees on Natural Resources, the Judiciary, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that describes the results of the study, including, as appropriate, proposals for methods by which the Department of Justice can better measure the unmet staffing needs for Department of Justice law enforcement agencies tasked with work on criminal investigations and prosecutions in Indian country. TITLE II--ENSURING SAFETY FOR NATIVE COMMUNITIES SEC. 201. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ON BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS LAW ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND CHECKS. (a) Establishment of Program.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a demonstration program for the purpose of conducting or adjudicating, in coordination with the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, personnel background investigations for applicants for law enforcement positions in the Bureau of Indian Affairs. (2) Background investigations and security clearance determinations.-- (A) BIA investigations.--As part of the demonstration program established under paragraph (1), the Secretary may carry out a background investigation, security clearance determination, or both a background investigation and a security clearance determination for an applicant for a law enforcement position in the Bureau of Indian Affairs. (B) Use of previous investigations and determinations.-- (i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), as part of the demonstration program established under paragraph (1), the Secretary, in adjudicating background investigations for applicants for law enforcement positions in the Bureau of Indian Affairs, shall consider previous background investigations for an applicant, security clearance determinations for an applicant, or both background investigations and security clearance determinations for an applicant, as the case may be, that have been conducted by a State or local government, Indian Tribe, tribal organization, or the Bureau of Indian Affairs, within the 5-year period preceding the application for employment with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. (ii) Quality.--The Secretary shall only consider previous background investigations and security clearance determinations for an applicant that have been conducted by a State or local government, Indian Tribe, or tribal organization if the Secretary can verify that those previous investigations and determinations, as the case may be, are of a comparable quality and thoroughness to investigations and determinations carried out by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of Personnel Management, or another Federal agency. (iii) Additional investigation.--If, as described in clause (i), the Secretary considers an existing background investigation, security clearance determination, or both, as the case may be, for an applicant that has been carried out by a State or local government, Indian Tribe, tribal organization, or the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Secretary-- (I) may carry out additional investigation and examination of the applicant if the Secretary determines that such additional information is needed in order to make an appropriate determination as to the character and trustworthiness of the applicant before final adjudication can be made and a security clearance can be issued; and (II) shall not initiate a new background investigation process with the National Background Investigations Bureau or other Federal agency unless that new background investigation process covers a period of time that was not covered by a previous background investigation process. (iv) Agreements.--The Secretary may enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with a State or local government, Indian Tribe, or tribal organization to develop steps to expedite the process of receiving and obtaining access to background investigation and security clearance determinations for use in the demonstration program. (3) Sunset.--The demonstration program established under this section shall terminate 5 years after the date of the commencement of the program. (b) Sufficiency.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a background investigation conducted or adjudicated by the Secretary pursuant to the demonstration program authorized in subsection (a) that results in the granting of a security clearance to an applicant for a law enforcement position in the Bureau of Indian Affairs shall be sufficient to meet the applicable requirements of the Office of Personnel Management or other Federal agency for such investigations. (c) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Indian Affairs, the Judiciary, and Appropriations of the Senate and the Committees on Natural Resources, the Judiciary, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives an annual report on the demonstration program established under subsection (a), which shall include a description of-- (1) the demonstration program and any relevant annual changes or updates to the program; (2) the number of background investigations carried out under the program; (3) the costs, including any cost savings, associated with the investigation and adjudication process under the program; (4) the processing times for the investigation and adjudication processes under the program; (5) any Memoranda of Agreement entered into with State or local government, Indian Tribe, or tribal organization; and (6) any other information that the Secretary determines to be relevant. (d) GAO Study and Report.-- (1) Initial report.--Not later than 18 months after the date on which the demonstration program commences under this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall prepare and submit to Congress an initial report on such demonstration program. (2) Final report.--Not later than 18 months after the date on which the demonstration program terminates under subsection (a)(3), the Comptroller General of the United States shall prepare and submit to Congress a final report on such demonstration program. (3) Tribal input.--In preparing the reports under this subsection, the Comptroller General of the United States shall obtain input from Indian Tribes regarding the demonstration program under this section. SEC. 202. MISSING AND MURDERED RESPONSE COORDINATION GRANT PROGRAM. (a) Establishment of Program.--The Attorney General shall establish within the Office of Justice Programs a grant program under which the Attorney General shall make grants to eligible entities described in subsection (b) to carry out eligible activities described in subsection (c). (b) Eligible Entities.-- (1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under the grant program established under subsection (a) an entity shall be-- (A) an Indian Tribe; (B) a relevant Tribal organization; (C) subject to paragraph (2), a State, in consortium with-- (i) 1 or more Indian Tribes; and (ii) relevant Tribal organizations, if any; (D) a consortium of 2 or more Indian Tribes or relevant Tribal organizations; or (E) subject to paragraph (2), a consortium of 2 or more States in consortium with-- (i) 1 or more Indian Tribes; and (ii) relevant Tribal organizations, if any. (2) State eligibility.--To be eligible under subparagraph (C) or (E) of paragraph (1), a State shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that the State-- (A)(i) reports missing persons cases in the State to the national crime information databases; or (ii) if not, has a plan to do so using a grant received under the grant program established under subsection (a); and (B) if data sharing between the State and the Indian Tribes and relevant Tribal organizations with which the State is in consortium is part of the intended use of the grant received under the grant program established under subsection (a), has entered into a memorandum of understanding with each applicable Indian Tribe and relevant Tribal organization. (c) Eligible Activities.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under the grant program established under subsection (a) may use the grant-- (1) to establish a statewide or regional center-- (A) to document and track-- (i) missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes; (ii) sexual assault cases of interest to Indian Tribes; and (iii) death investigations of interest to Indian Tribes; and (B) to input information regarding missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes, unclaimed remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes, and unidentified remains cases of interest to Indian Tribes into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System; (2) to establish a State or regional commission to respond to, and to improve coordination between Federal law enforcement agencies, and Tribal, State, and local law enforcement agencies of the investigation of, missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes, sexual assault cases of interest to Indian Tribes, and death investigations of interest to Indian Tribes; and (3) to document, develop, and disseminate resources for the coordination and improvement of the investigation of missing persons cases of interest to Indian Tribes, sexual assault cases of interest to Indian Tribes, and death investigations of interest to Indian Tribes, including to develop local or statewide rapid notification or communication systems for alerts and other information relating to those cases. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027. SEC. 203. GAO STUDY ON FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY EVIDENCE COLLECTION, HANDLING, AND PROCESSING. (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study-- (1) on the evidence collection, handling, and processing procedures and practices of the Office of Justice Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in exercising jurisdiction over crimes involving Indians or committed in Indian country; (2) on any barriers to evidence collection, handling, and processing by the agencies referred to in paragraph (1); (3) on the views of law enforcement officials at the agencies referred to in paragraph (1) and their counterparts within the Offices of the United States Attorneys concerning any relationship between-- (A) the barriers identified under paragraph (2); and (B) United States Attorneys declination rates due to insufficient evidence; and (4) that includes a survey of barriers to evidence collection, handling, and processing faced by-- (A) Tribal law enforcement agencies; and (B) State and local law enforcement agencies that exercise jurisdiction over Indian country. (b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report describing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a). SEC. 204. BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS AND TRIBAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER COUNSELING RESOURCES INTERDEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION. The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General shall coordinate with the Director-- (1) to ensure that Federal training materials and culturally appropriate mental health and wellness programs are locally or regionally available to law enforcement officers working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs or an Indian Tribe who are experiencing occupational stress; and (2) to determine whether law enforcement agencies operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Tribes are eligible to receive services under-- (A) the Law Enforcement Assistance Program of Federal Occupational Health of the Department of Health and Human Services; or (B) any other law enforcement assistance program targeted to meet the needs of law enforcement officers working for law enforcement agencies operated by the Federal Government or an Indian Tribe. <all>

BADGES for Native Communities Act

To require Federal law enforcement agencies to report on cases of missing or murdered Indians, and for other purposes.

BADGES for Native Communities Act Bridging Agency Data Gaps and Ensuring Safety for Native Communities Act

Rep. Gallego, Ruben

D

AZ

H.R.3136

Education

Zero Foreign Influence in Education Act of 2021 This bill revises certain disclosure requirements for institutions of higher education (IHEs). Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to disclose to the Department of Education (ED) any gift from or contract with a foreign source, regardless of the amount of the gift or contract. Under current law, an IHE must disclose to ED a gift or contract from a foreign source that is valued at $250,000 or more, considered alone or in combination with all other gifts from or contracts with that foreign source within a calendar year. An IHE must also report the identity of each foreign source and the name of each foreign government. Further, an IHE must report additional information when it receives a restricted or conditional gift or contract from a foreign source. Such additional information includes (1) the identity of the foreign source; (2) the identity of the specific department, college, project, or other division of the IHE that is the recipient of the gift or contract, if applicable; and (3) the intended purpose of the gift or contract.

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen the disclosure requirements for institutions of higher education related to foreign gifts and contracts. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Zero Foreign Influence in Education Act of 2021''. SEC. 2. DISCLOSURE OF FOREIGN GIFTS AND CONTRACTS. Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1011f) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``the value'' and all that follows through ``calendar year,''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``the identity of each foreign source (whether a natural person or a legal entity), and'' before ``the aggregate dollar''; and (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, and the name of each foreign government (including the name of each specific government agency or department, if applicable)'' before the period; and (3) in paragraph (1) of subsection (c)-- (A) by inserting ``the identity of the foreign source,'' before ``the amount,''; and (B) by striking ``and a description of'' and inserting ``the identity of the specific department, college, project, or other division of the institution that is the recipient (if applicable), and a description of the intended purpose and''. <all>

Zero Foreign Influence in Education Act of 2021

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to strengthen the disclosure requirements for institutions of higher education related to foreign gifts and contracts.

Zero Foreign Influence in Education Act of 2021

Rep. Brooks, Mo

R

AL