SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Lebanon and Syria Liberation Act''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. TITLE I--STRENGTHENING OF INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS AGAINST SYRIA Sec. 101. Declarations of policy. Sec. 102. Codification of existing sanctions. Sec. 103. Sanctions against certain persons. Sec. 104. Sanctions against certain foreign countries. Sec. 105. Diplomatic efforts. Sec. 106. Report on assistance to, and commerce with, Syria. TITLE II--ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT DEMOCRACY IN SYRIA AND SOVEREIGNTY AND DEMOCRACY IN LEBANON Sec. 201. Declarations of policy. Sec. 202. Assistance to support a transition to democracy in Syria and restoration of sovereign democratic governance in Lebanon. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means-- (A) the Committee on International Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate. (2) Person.--The term ``person'' means any United States or foreign individual, partnership, corporation, or other form of association, or any of their successor entities, parents or subsidiaries. (3) Syria.--The term ``Syria'' includes any agency or instrumentality of Syria. (4) United states assistance.--The term ``United States assistance'' means-- (A) any assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2251 et seq.), other than urgent humanitarian assistance or medicine; (B) sales and assistance under the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.); (C) financing by the Commodity Credit Corporation for export sales of agricultural commodities; and (D) financing under the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635 et seq.). TITLE I--STRENGTHENING OF INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS AGAINST SYRIA SEC. 101. DECLARATIONS OF POLICY. Congress makes the following declarations of policy: (1) The actions of the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic, including its support for terrorism, its development of long-range missiles and weapons of mass destruction programs and capabilities, its continued occupation of the Lebanese Republic in violation of its international obligations, its support for, and facilitation of, all terrorist activities inside of Iraq, and its massive, systematic, and extraordinary violations of human rights of both the Syrian and Lebanese people, are a threat to the national security interests of the United States and international peace. (2) The policy of the United States shall be to deny Syria the ability to carry out the following: (A) To finance, provide safe-haven, or otherwise support terrorist organizations. (B) To develop biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles. (C) To continue to occupy and otherwise interfere in the affairs of the Government of Lebanon in contravention of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 520 (1982), and 1559 (2004), and other pertinent obligations. (D) To continue to oppress the people of Syria. (3) The President should advocate for, and should instruct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to propose and seek within the United Nations Security Council, a mandatory international embargo against the Government of Syria, pursuant to Article 41 of the Charter of the United Nations. (4) Any effort by a country that is a recipient of United States foreign assistance to facilitate, directly or indirectly, the development of Syria's nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons capabilities, long-range ballistic missile development programs, or to help make operational any nuclear facility in Syria will have a detrimental impact on United States assistance to such country. SEC. 102. CODIFICATION OF EXISTING SANCTIONS. United States sanctions, controls, and regulations relating to Syria and persons who are determined to be facilitating the Government of Syria, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, shall remain in effect until the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that-- (1) a government exists in Syria that-- (A) has ceased any and all support for terrorism; (B) has permanently dismantled Syria's biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons programs and has committed to combat the proliferation of such weapons; (C) has withdrawn from Lebanon and respects the boundaries and sovereignty of all neighboring countries; and (D) upholds and defends human rights and civil liberties; and (2) sovereignty has been restored to Lebanon and there exists a freely-elected, internationally recognized democratic government in Lebanon. SEC. 103. SANCTIONS AGAINST CERTAIN PERSONS. (a) Prohibition.--If any person knowingly transfers or retransfers goods or technology so as to contribute to the efforts by Syria to acquire or develop destabilizing numbers and types of advanced conventional weapons, or to acquire, develop, produce, or stockpile biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles, then the sanctions described in subsection (b) shall be imposed. (b) Sanctions.--The sanctions to be imposed pursuant to subsection (a) are as follows: (1) Procurement sanction.--The United States Government shall not procure, or enter into any contract for the procurement of, any goods or services from the sanctioned person. (2) Export sanction.--The United States Government shall not issue any license for any export by or to the sanctioned person. (3) Import sanction.--The President shall ban the importation of any article that is a product of the sanctioned person. SEC. 104. SANCTIONS AGAINST CERTAIN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. (a) Prohibition.--If the President determines that the government of any foreign country knowingly transfers or retransfers goods or technology, or provides assistance, so as to contribute to the efforts by Syria to acquire or develop destabilizing numbers and types of advanced conventional weapons, or to acquire, develop, produce, or stockpile biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles, then two or more of the sanctions described in subsection (b), and the sanctions described in subsection (c), shall be imposed. (b) Sanctions.--The sanctions referred to in subsection (a) are as follows: (1) Suspension of united states assistance.--The United States Government shall suspend United States assistance to the sanctioned country. (2) Export sanction.--The United States Government shall not issue any license for any export by or to the sanctioned country. (3) Import sanction.--The President shall ban the importation of any article that is a product of the sanctioned country. (4) International financial institution assistance.--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) to oppose and vote against the extension by such institution of any financial or technical assistance to the sanctioned country. (5) Suspension of codevelopment or coproduction agreements.--The United States shall suspend compliance with its obligations under any memorandum of understanding with the sanctioned country for the codevelopment or coproduction of any item on the United States Munitions List (established under section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778)), including any obligation for implementation of the memorandum of understanding through the sale to the sanctioned country of technical data or assistance or the licensing for export to the sanctioned country of any component part. (6) United states munitions list.--No item on the United States Munitions List (established pursuant to section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act) may be exported to the sanctioned country. (c) Suspension of Military and Dual-Use Technical Exchange Agreements.--The United States shall suspend compliance with its obligations under any technical exchange agreement involving military and dual-use technology between the United States and the sanctioned country that does not directly contribute to the security of the United States, and no military or dual-use technology may be exported from the United States to the sanctioned country pursuant to that agreement during that period. SEC. 105. DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS. (a) Bilateral Efforts.--It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should ensure that United States diplomatic personnel abroad understand and, in their contacts with foreign officials, are communicating the reasons for United States policy and sanctions against the Government of Syria, and are urging foreign governments to cooperate more effectively with the Government of the United States. (b) United Nations System.--The President shall direct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, United Nations organizations and entities, and United Nations affiliated agencies and bodies, to continue to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose Syria's membership and candidacy for leadership posts in such institutions, and engage in diplomatic efforts to secure multilateral support for such efforts. (c) United Nations Commission on Human Rights.--The President shall take the necessary steps to secure support for a resolution at the United Nations Commission on Human Rights holding the the Government of Syria accountable for its systematic violations of human rights of Syrian and Lebanese citizens and calling for the appointment of a United Nations Special Rapporteur to investigate these human rights violations. (d) International Financial Institutions.--The President 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) to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose any loan or other assistance to Syria and to oppose Syria's membership in the institution. (e) International Atomic Energy Agency.--The President shall instruct the United States Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to seek the adoption of a resolution calling on Syria to declare all nuclear related facilities, immediately and unconditionally suspend any activity which could be used to develop nuclear weapons capability, and provide full access to IAEA inspectors to its nuclear-related facilities. (f) United States and Regional Contact Groups.--The President shall seek to establish contact groups with relevant countries in the Middle East to provide forums in which United States officials who are responsible for counter-proliferation efforts are able to meet, at least twice each year, with their counterpart from such countries to-- (1) discuss the global threats presented by Iranian nuclear proliferation and sponsorship of international terrorism; and (2) develop strategies to effectively address these threats. SEC. 106. REPORT ON ASSISTANCE TO, AND COMMERCE WITH, SYRIA. (a) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis thereafter, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on assistance to, and commerce with, Syria by other foreign countries during the preceding 12-month period. (b) Contents.--Each report required by subsection (a) shall, for the period covered by the report, contain the following information, to the extent such information is available: (1) A description of all bilateral assistance provided to Syria by other foreign countries, including humanitarian assistance. (2) A description of Syria's commerce with foreign countries, including an identification of Syria's trading partners and the extent of such trade. (3) A description of the joint ventures completed, or under consideration, by foreign nationals and business firms involving facilities in Syria, including an identification of the location of the facilities involved and a description of the terms of agreement of the joint ventures and the names of the parties that are involved. (4) A determination of the amount of debt of the Government of Syria that is owed to each foreign country, including-- (A) the amount of debt exchanged, forgiven, or reduced under the terms of each investment or operation in Syria involving foreign nationals; and (B) the amount of debt owed to the foreign country that has been exchanged, forgiven, or reduced in return for a grant by the Syrian Government of an equity interest in a property, investment, or operation of the Syrian Government or of a Syrian national. (5) A description of the steps taken to assure that raw materials and semifinished or finished goods produced by facilities in Syria involving foreign nationals do not enter the United States market, either directly or through third countries or parties. (6) An identification of countries and entities that provide, or have provided, arms or military supplies from Syria or that otherwise have entered into agreements with Syria that could have a military application, including-- (A) a description of the military supplies, equipment, or other material sold, bartered, or exchanged between Syria and such countries; (B) a listing of the goods, services, credits, or other consideration received by Syria in exchange for military supplies, equipment, or material; and (C) the terms or conditions of any such agreement. (c) Form.--The report submitted under subsection (a) shall be in unclassified form but may include a classified annex. TITLE II--ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT DEMOCRACY IN SYRIA AND SOVEREIGNTY AND DEMOCRACY IN LEBANON SEC. 201. DECLARATIONS OF POLICY. (a) Syria.--It shall be the policy of the United States to support independent human rights and pro-democracy forces in Syria to promote the emergence of a democratic government that-- (1) will denounce and combat terrorism; (2) will dismantle its biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons programs and commit to combat the proliferation of such weapons; (3) will respect the boundaries and sovereignty of its neighbors and live in peace and security with all the countries in the region; and (4) will uphold and defend the human rights and civil liberties of its citizens. (b) Lebanon.--It shall be the policy of the United States to initiate efforts to restore Lebanese sovereignty, including the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all Syrian personnel from Lebanon, and to support Lebanese civil society and pro-democracy forces in restoring a freely-elected, internationally recognized democratic government in Lebanon. SEC. 202. ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT A TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY IN SYRIA AND RESTORATION OF SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN LEBANON. (a) Authorization.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President is authorized to provide assistance and other support for individuals and independent nongovernmental organizations to support a transition to a freely-elected, internationally recognized democratic government in Syria and the restoration of sovereign, democratic rule in Lebanon. (b) Activities Supported.--Assistance provided under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be used to carry out the following activities: (1) Democracy-building and civil society efforts in Syria and Lebanon, including the provision of assistance to organizations certified by the President to be independent democratic organizations, victims of political repression and their families, and prisoners of conscience and their families. (2) Radio and television broadcasting to Syria and Lebanon to support democracy-building and civil society efforts in Syria and Lebanon. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the President to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006 and each subsequent fiscal year.

Summary: Lebanon and Syria Liberation Act - States that U.S. sanctions, controls, and regulations relating to Syria shall remain in effect until the President certifies that: (1) Syria has ceased support for terrorism, has dismantled biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons programs and has committed to combat their proliferation, has withdrawn from Lebanon and respects the boundaries and sovereignty of all neighboring countries, and upholds human rights and civil liberties; and (2) sovereignty has been restored to Lebanon. Imposes specified trade, assistance, and military sanctions, as appropriate, on persons or countries that transfer goods or technology so as to contribute to Syria's biological, chemical, nuclear, or advanced conventional weapons programs. Sets forth diplomatic measures intended to achieve such nonproliferation. Directs the President to provide assistance to support a democratic transition in Syria and the restoration of sovereign, democratic rule in Lebanon. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The Atchafalaya Basin area of Louisiana, designated by the Louisiana Legislature as the ``Atchafalaya Trace State Heritage Area'' and consisting of the area described in section 5(b), is an area in which natural, scenic, cultural, and historic resources form a cohesive and nationally distinctive landscape arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography. (2) The significance of the area is enhanced by the continued use of the area by people whose traditions have helped shape the landscape. (3) There is a national interest in conserving, restoring, promoting, and interpreting the benefits of the area for the residents of, and visitors to, the area. (4) The area represents an assemblage of rich and varied resources forming a unique aspect of the heritage of the United States. (5) The area reflects a complex mixture of people and their origins, traditions, customs, beliefs, and folkways of interest to the public. (6) The land and water of the area offer outstanding recreational opportunities, educational experiences, and potential for interpretation and scientific research. (7) Local governments of the area support the establishment of a national heritage area. SEC. 3. PURPOSES. The purposes of this Act are-- (1) to conserve, restore, promote, and interpret the significant resource values and functions of the Atchafalaya Basin area and advance sustainable economic development of the area; (2) to foster a close working relationship with all levels of government, the private sector, and the local communities in the area so as to enable those communities to conserve their heritage while continuing to pursue economic opportunities; and (3) to establish, in partnership with the State, local communities, preservation organizations, private corporations, and landowners in the Heritage Area, the Atchafalaya Trace State Heritage Area, as eligible parishes designated by the Louisiana Legislature, as the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Heritage area.--The term ``Heritage Area'' means the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area established by section 5(a). (2) Local coordinating entity.--The term ``local coordinating entity'' means the local coordinating entity for the Heritage Area designated by section 5(c). (3) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means the management plan for the Heritage Area developed under section 7. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (5) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Louisiana. SEC. 5. ATCHAFALAYA NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA. (a) Establishment.--There is established in the State the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. (b) Boundaries.--The Heritage Area shall consist of parishes that are consistent with the tradition, purposes, goals, and culture of the Heritage Area as determined by the Secretary in consultation with the State. The Secretary shall give priority consideration to those parishes in Atchafalaya State Heritage Area. (c) Local Coordinating Entity.-- (1) In general.--The Atchafalaya Trace Commission shall be the local coordinating entity for the Heritage Area. (2) Composition.--The local coordinating entity shall be composed of 1 member appointed by the governing authority of each parish within the Heritage Area. SEC. 6. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF THE LOCAL COORDINATING ENTITY. (a) Authorities.--For the purposes of developing and implementing the management plan approved by the Secretary, the local coordinating entity may-- (1) make grants to, and enter into cooperative agreements with, the State, units of local government, and private organizations; (2) hire and compensate staff; and (3) enter into contracts for goods and services. (b) Duties.--The local coordinating entity shall-- (1) submit to the Secretary for approval a management plan; (2) implement the management plan, including providing assistance to units of government and others in-- (A) carrying out programs that recognize important resource values within the Heritage Area; (B) encouraging sustainable economic development within the Heritage Area; (C) establishing and maintaining interpretive sites within the Heritage Area; and (D) increasing public awareness and appreciation for the natural, historic, and cultural resources of the Heritage Area; (3) adopt bylaws governing the conduct of the local coordinating entity; and (4) for any year for which Federal funds are received under this Act, submit to the Secretary a report that describes, for the year-- (A) the accomplishments of the local coordinating entity; and (B) the expenses and income of the local coordinating entity. (c) Acquisition of Real Property.--No Federal funds authorized under this Act may be used to acquire real property or any interest in real property. (d) Public Meetings.--The local coordinating entity shall conduct public meetings at least quarterly. SEC. 7. MANAGEMENT PLAN. (a) In General.--The local coordinating entity shall develop a management plan for the Heritage Area that incorporates an integrated and cooperative approach to conserve, interpret, and enhance the natural, scenic, cultural, historic, and recreational resources of the Heritage Area consistent with local, State and Federal land use laws and compatible with the economic viability of the Heritage Area. (b) Consideration of Other Plans and Actions.--In developing the management plan, the local coordinating entity shall-- (1) take into consideration Federal, State, and local plans land use, laws, and plans; and (2) invite the participation of residents, public agencies, and private organizations in the Heritage Area. (c) Contents.--The management plan shall include-- (1) an inventory of the resources in the Heritage Area, including-- (A) a list of property in the Heritage Area that-- (i) relates to the purposes of the Heritage Area; and (ii) should be preserved, restored, managed, or maintained because of the significance of the property; and (B) an assessment of cultural landscapes within the Heritage Area; (2) provisions for the conservation, interpretation, and enjoyment of the resources of the Heritage Area identified in the management plan and found by the Secretary to be consistent with this Act and consistent with economic viability of the Heritage Area; (3) an interpretation plan for the Heritage Area; and (4) a program for implementation of the management plan that includes-- (A) actions that may be carried out by units of government, private organizations, and public-private partnerships to protect the resources of the Heritage Area; and (B) the identification of existing and potential sources of funding for implementing the plan. (d) Submission to Secretary for Approval.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the local coordinating entity shall submit the management plan to the Secretary for approval. (2) Effect of failure to submit.--If a management plan is not submitted to the Secretary by the date specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall not provide any additional funding under this Act until a management plan for the Heritage Area is submitted to the Secretary. (e) Approval.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after receiving the management plan submitted under subsection (d)(1), the Secretary, in consultation with the State, shall approve or disapprove the management plan. (2) Action following disapproval.-- (A) In general.--If the Secretary disapproves a management plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall-- (i) advise the local coordinating entity in writing of the reasons for the disapproval; (ii) make recommendations for revisions to the management plan; and (iii) allow the local coordinating entity to submit to the Secretary revisions to the management plan. (B) Deadline for approval of revision.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which a revision is submitted under subparagraph (A)(iii), the Secretary shall approve or disapprove the revision. (f) Revision.-- (1) In general.--After approval by the Secretary of a management plan, the local coordinating entity shall periodically-- (A) review the management plan; and (B) submit to the Secretary, for review and approval by the Secretary, the recommendations of the local coordinating entity for any revisions to the management plan that the local coordinating entity considers to be appropriate. (2) Expenditure of funds.--Funds made available under this Act shall be used only to implement the approved management plan. SEC. 8. REQUIREMENTS FOR INCLUSION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY. (a) Notification and Consent of Property Owners Required.--No privately owned property shall be preserved, conserved, or promoted by the management plan for the Heritage Area until the owner of that private property has been notified in writing by the management entity and has given written consent to the management entity for such preservation, conservation, or promotion. (b) Landowner Withdraw.--Any owner of private property included within the boundary of the Heritage Area shall have that private property immediately removed from the boundary by submitting a written request to the management entity. SEC. 9. PRIVATE PROPERTY PROTECTION. (a) Access to Private Property.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to-- (1) require any private property owner to allow public access (including Federal, State, or local government access) to such private property; or (2) modify any provision of Federal, State, or local law with regard to public access to or use of private property. (b) Liability.--Designation of the Heritage Area shall not be considered to create any liability, or to have any effect on any liability under any other law, of any private property owner with respect to any persons injured on that private property. (c) Participation of Private Property Owners in Heritage Area.-- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require the owner of any private property located within the boundaries of the Heritage Area to participate in or be associated with the Heritage Area. SEC. 10. EFFECT OF ACT. Nothing in this Act-- (1) grants any Federal agency regulatory authority over any interest in the Heritage Area, unless cooperatively agreed to by all involved parties; (2) modifies, enlarges, or diminishes any authority of the Federal, or State, or local government to regulate any use of land as provided for by law (including regulations) in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act; (3) grants any power of zoning or land use to the local coordinating entity; (4) imposes any environmental, occupational, safety, or other rule, standard, or permitting process that is different from those in effect on the date of enactment of this Act that would be applicable had the Heritage Area not been established; (5) imposes any change in Federal environmental quality standards; (6) abridges, restricts, or alters any applicable rule, standard, or review procedure for permitting of facilities within or adjacent to the Heritage Area; or (7) affects the continuing use and operation, where located on the date of enactment of this Act, of any public or private facility, including any public utility or common carrier. SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $10,000,000, of which not more than $1,000,000 shall be made available for any fiscal year.

Summary: Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area in Louisiana. Designates the Atchafalaya Trace Commission as the local coordinating entity of the Heritage Area. Prohibits the use of Federal funds authorized under this Act to acquire real property. Requires the Commission to develop and implement a management plan, subject to the Secretary of the Interior's approval, that incorporates an integrated and cooperative approach to conserve, interpret, and enhance the resources of the Heritage Area. Establishes a procedure for the voluntary inclusion of private property in the Heritage Area.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Social Security Family Relief Act''. SEC. 2. CONTINUATION OF BENEFITS THROUGH MONTH OF BENEFICIARY'S DEATH. (a) Old-Age Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(a)) is amended by striking ``the month preceding'' in the matter following subparagraph (B). (b) Wife's Insurance Benefits.-- (1) In general.--Section 202(b)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(b)(1)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``and ending with the month'' in the matter immediately following clause (ii) and inserting ``and ending with the month in which she dies or (if earlier) with the month''; (B) by striking subparagraph (E); and (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (K) as subparagraphs (E) through (J). (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 202(b)(5)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(b)(5)(B)) is amended by striking ``(E), (F), (H), or (J)'' and inserting ``(E), (G), or (I)''. (c) Husband's Insurance Benefits.-- (1) In general.--Section 202(c)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(c)(1)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``and ending with the month'' in the matter immediately following clause (ii) and inserting ``and ending with the month in which he dies or (if earlier) with the month''; (B) by striking subparagraph (E); and (C) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (K) as subparagraphs (E) through (J), respectively. (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 202(c)(5)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(c)(5)(B)) is amended by striking ``(E), (F), (H), or (J)'' and inserting ``(E), (G), or (I)'', respectively. (d) Child's Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(d)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(d)(1)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and ending with the month'' in the matter immediately preceding subparagraph (D) and inserting ``and ending with the month in which such child dies or (if earlier) with the month''; and (2) by striking ``dies, or'' in subparagraph (D). (e) Widow's Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(e)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(e)(1)) is amended by striking ``ending with the month preceding the first month in which any of the following occurs: she remarries, dies,'' in the matter following subparagraph (F) and inserting ``ending with the month in which she dies or (if earlier) with the month preceding the first month in which she remarries or''. (f) Widower's Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(f)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(f)(1)) is amended by striking ``ending with the month preceding the first month in which any of the following occurs: he remarries, dies,'' in the matter following subparagraph (F) and inserting ``ending with the month in which he dies or (if earlier) with the month preceding the first month in which he remarries''. (g) Mother's and Father's Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(g)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(g)(1)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``with the month in which he or she dies or (if earlier)'' after ``and ending'' in the matter following subparagraph (F); and (2) by striking ``he or she remarries, or he or she dies'' and inserting ``or he or she remarries''. (h) Parent's Insurance Benefits.--Section 202(h)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(h)(1)) is amended by striking ``ending with the month preceding the first month in which any of the following occurs: such parent dies, marries,'' in the matter following subparagraph (E) and inserting ``ending with the month in which such parent dies or (if earlier) with the month preceding the first month in which such parent marries, or such parent''. (i) Disability Insurance Benefits.--Section 223(a)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 423(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``ending with the month preceding whichever of the following months is the earliest: the month in which he dies,'' in the matter following subparagraph (D) and inserting the following: ``ending with the month in which he dies or (if earlier) with the month preceding the earlier of'' and by striking the comma after ``216(l))''. (j) Benefits at Age 72 for Certain Uninsured Individuals.--Section 228(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 428(a)) is amended by striking ``the month preceding'' in the matter following paragraph (4). SEC. 3. COMPUTATION AND PAYMENT OF LAST MONTHLY PAYMENT. (a) Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Benefits.--Section 202 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``Last Payment of Monthly Insurance Benefit Terminated by Death ``(y) The amount of any individual's monthly insurance benefit under this section paid for the month in which the individual dies shall be an amount equal to-- ``(1) the amount of such benefit (as determined without regard to this subsection), multiplied by ``(2) a fraction-- ``(A) the numerator of which is the number of days in such month preceding the date of such individual's death, and ``(B) the denominator of which is the number of days in such month, rounded, if not a multiple of $1, to the next lower multiple of $1. This subsection shall apply with respect to such benefit after all other adjustments with respect to such benefit provided by this title have been made. Payment of such benefit for such month shall be made as provided in section 204(d).''. (b) Disability Insurance Benefits.--Section 223 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 423) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``Last Payment of Benefit Terminated by Death ``(j) The amount of any individual's monthly benefit under this section paid for the month in which the individual dies shall be an amount equal to-- ``(1) the amount of such benefit (as determined without regard to this subsection), multiplied by ``(2) a fraction-- ``(A) the numerator of which is the number of days in such month preceding the date of such individual's death, and ``(B) the denominator of which is the number of days in such month, rounded, if not a multiple of $1, to the next lower multiple of $1. This subsection shall apply with respect to such benefit after all other adjustments with respect to such benefit provided by this title have been made. Payment of such benefit for such month shall be made as provided in section 204(d).''. (c) Benefits at Age 72 for Certain Uninsured Individuals.--Section 228 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 428) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``Last Payment of Benefit Terminated by Death ``(i) The amount of any individual's monthly benefit under this section paid for the month in which the individual dies shall be an amount equal to-- ``(1) the amount of such benefit (as determined without regard to this subsection), multiplied by ``(2) a fraction-- ``(A) the numerator of which is the number of days in such month preceding the date of such individual's death, and ``(B) the denominator of which is the number of days in such month, rounded, if not a multiple of $1, to the next lower multiple of $1. This subsection shall apply with respect to such benefit after all other adjustments with respect to such benefit provided by this title have been made. Payment of such benefit for such month shall be made as provided in section 204(d).''. SEC. 4. DISREGARD OF BENEFIT FOR MONTH OF DEATH UNDER FAMILY MAXIMUM PROVISIONS. Section 203(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 403(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(10) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, in applying the preceding provisions of this subsection (and determining maximum family benefits under column V of the table in or deemed to be in section 215(a) as in effect in December 1978) with respect to the month in which the insured individual's death occurs, the benefit payable to such individual for that month shall be disregarded.''. SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to deaths occurring after the month in which this Act is enacted.

Summary: Provides that such individual's benefit shall be payable for such month only in proportion to the number of days preceding the date of death. Provides for disregard of such benefits for the month of death in determining maximum family benefits.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Neighborhoods from Oil Pollution Act of 2011''. SEC. 2. OIL STORAGE AND PROCESSING FACILITIES. Section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1321) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(s) Oil Storage and Processing Facilities.-- ``(1) Closure.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of the Protecting Neighborhoods from Oil Pollution Act of 2011, the Administrator shall issue final regulations requiring an owner or operator of an oil storage or processing facility to permanently close the oil storage or processing facility if one or both of the following conditions apply: ``(A) The oil storage or processing facility is located within 1 mile of 100 or more residential units, and 2 or more covered discharges occur at the oil storage or processing facility within any 10-year period. ``(B) The oil storage or processing facility is the source of groundwater contamination affecting 100 or more residential units. ``(2) Regulations.--The Administrator shall include in regulations issued under paragraph (1) the following: ``(A) A definition of the term `permanently close', to include requirements that-- ``(i) all liquid and sludge are removed from each container and connecting line associated with the oil storage or processing facility; ``(ii) all connecting lines and piping associated with the oil storage or processing facility are disconnected from each such container and blanked off, all valves (except for ventilation valves) are closed and locked, and conspicuous signs are posted on each such container stating that it is a permanently closed container and noting the date of closure; and ``(iii) all other applicable Federal laws and regulations are followed with respect to clean up and remediation of any other contamination at, or originating from, the oil storage or processing facility. ``(B) Any additional closure and post-closure requirements the Administrator determines appropriate. ``(C) A requirement that closure of an oil storage or processing facility be completed by one of the following deadlines, as applicable: ``(i) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Protecting Neighborhoods from Oil Pollution Act of 2011, in the case of an oil storage or processing facility at which 2 or more covered discharges have occurred on or before such date of enactment. ``(ii) Not later than 1 year after the date on which a second covered discharge occurs at the oil storage or processing facility within any 10-year period, in the case of any oil storage or processing facility not described in clause (i). ``(iii) Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Administrator determines that the oil storage or processing facility is the source of groundwater contamination affecting 100 or more residential units. ``(D) Any other requirements the Administrator determines appropriate. ``(3) Prohibited exemptions.--The Administrator may not include in regulations issued under paragraph (1) exemptions to any of the requirements of this subsection for covered discharges resulting from an act of God, an act of war, or negligence on the part of the United States Government. ``(4) Waiver and extension authority.--The Administrator may waive the requirement for closure of an oil storage or processing facility under this subsection, or grant an extension of the deadline for such closure, if the Administrator determines that the owner or operator of the facility has taken or is taking all practicable steps to remediate the condition requiring closure under paragraph (1). ``(5) Health and welfare authority.--A condition requiring closure under paragraph (1) shall be considered to be-- ``(A) a substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the United States for the purposes of subsections (c) and (e); and ``(B) an imminent and substantial endangerment to the health of persons or to the welfare of persons for the purposes of section 504. ``(6) Definitions.--For the purposes of this subsection, the following definitions apply: ``(A) Covered discharge.--The term `covered discharge' means a discharge of oil greater than 40 gallons from any source. ``(B) Oil storage or processing facility.--The term `oil storage or processing facility' means any structure, group of structures, equipment, or device, including any associated property, that is used for producing, storing, handling, transferring, processing, or transporting oil. ``(7) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to restrict any other Federal or State authority regarding the remediation of, or other response to, a covered discharge.''.

Summary: Protecting Neighborhoods from Oil Pollution Act of 2011 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue final regulations requiring an owner or operator to permanently close any oil storage or processing facility that: (1) is located within one mile of 100 or more residential units if two or more discharges of more than 40 gallons of oil occur at such facility within any 10-year period, or (2) is the source of groundwater contamination affecting 100 or more residential units. Requires such closures to be completed by specified deadlines. Requires such regulations to define "permanently close" to require: (1) all liquid and sludge to be removed from each container and connecting line associated with such facilities; (2) all such connecting lines and piping to be disconnected from such containers and blanked off, all valves (except for ventilation valves) to be closed and locked, and conspicuous signs to be posted on each container stating that it is a permanently closed container and noting the date of closure; and (3) other applicable laws to be followed with respect to clean up and remediation of any other contamination at, or originating from, such facilities. Prohibits the Administrator from including in such regulations exemptions to any of the requirements of this Act for discharges resulting from an act of God, an act of war, or U.S. negligence. Authorizes the Administrator to waive the requirement for closure of such facilities or grant an extension of the closure deadline if the Administrator determines that such owners or operators have taken or are taking all practicable steps to remediate the condition requiring closure. Requires such conditions requiring closure to be considered to be: (1) a substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the United States for the purposes of federal removal authority and civil enforcement, or (2) an imminent and substantial endangerment to the health of persons or to the welfare of persons for the purposes of emergency powers.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses Act'' or the ``VET TEC Act''. SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HIGH TECHNOLOGY PILOT PROGRAM. (a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall provide eligible veterans with the opportunity to enroll in high technology programs of education. (b) Eligibility.--For purposes of the pilot program under this section, an eligible veteran is a veteran who is entitled to educational assistance under the laws administered by the Secretary. (c) Contracts.-- (1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out subsection (a), by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into contracts with multiple qualified providers of high technology programs of education for the provision of such programs to eligible veterans under the pilot program. (2) Payment of contractors.--A contract under this subsection shall provide that the Secretary shall pay to a provider-- (A) 25 percent of the cost of providing the program of education upon the enrollment of an eligible veteran in the program; (B) 25 percent of such cost upon the completion of the program by the veteran; and (C) 50 percent of such cost upon the employment of the veteran following completion of the program. (3) Qualified providers.--For purposes of the pilot program, a provider of a high technology program of education is qualified if the provider has been operational for at least two years. (4) Tuition reimbursement.--In entering into contracts to carry out the pilot program, the Secretary shall give preference to a qualified provider that offers tuition reimbursement for any student who-- (A) completes a program of education offered by the provider; and (B) does not find full-time meaningful employment within the 180-day period beginning on the date the student completes the program. (d) Housing Stipend.--The Secretary shall pay to each eligible veteran who is enrolled in a high technology program of education under the pilot program on a full-time basis a monthly housing stipend equal to the product-- (1) of-- (A) in the case of a veteran pursuing resident training, the monthly amount of the basic allowance for housing payable under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, for a member with dependents in pay grade E-5 residing in the military housing area that encompasses all or the majority portion of the ZIP code area in which is located the institution at which the individual is enrolled; or (B) in the case of a veteran pursuing a program of education through distance learning, a monthly amount equal to 50 percent of the amount payable under subparagraph (A), multiplied by (2) the lesser of-- (A) 1.0; or (B) the number of course hours borne by the individual in pursuit of the program of education involved, divided by the minimum number of course hours required for full-time pursuit of such program of education, rounded to the nearest multiple of 10. (e) High Technology Program of Education Defined.--In this section, the term ``high technology program of education'' means a program of education that-- (1) is offered by an entity other than an institution of higher learning; (2) does not lead to a degree; and (3) provides instruction in computer programming, computer software, media application, data processing, or information sciences. (f) Reports.-- (1) Secretary of veterans affairs.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program under this section. (2) Comptroller general.-- (A) Interim report.--Not later than three years after the date on which the Secretary first enters into a contract under this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the interim assessment of the Comptroller General. Such report shall include the recommendations of the Comptroller General for improving the pilot program and an assessment of each of the following: (i) The technology experience of the directors and instructors of the providers of high technology programs of education under the pilot program. (ii) Whether the providers cooperated with the technology industry to create the curriculum for the program of education. (iii) Whether the providers use an open source curriculum for the program of education. (iv) The admittance rate into the pilot program. (v) The job placement rate for veterans who completed a program of education under the pilot program. (vi) The average salary of veterans who completed a program of education under the pilot program and were subsequently employed. (vii) The average age of veterans who participated in the pilot program. (B) Final report.--Not later than five years after the date on which the Secretary first enters into a contract under this section, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a final report on the pilot program. Such report shall include the recommendation of the Comptroller General with respect to whether the program should be extended and an assessment of each of the following: (i) Each item described in clauses (i) through (vii) of subparagraph (A). (ii) The percentage of veterans who completed a program of education under the pilot program who were subsequently employed for a period of six months or longer. (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $15,000,000 for each fiscal year during which the Secretary carries out a pilot program under this section. (h) Termination.--The authority to carry out a pilot program under this section shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date on which the Secretary first enters into a contract under this section.

Summary: Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses Act or the VET TEC Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a five-year pilot program to provide eligible veterans with the opportunity to enroll in high technology programs of education. An "eligible veteran" is one who is entitled to educational assistance under the laws administered by the VA. A "high technology program of education" is one that is offered by an entity other than an institution of higher learning, does not lead to a degree, and provides instruction in computer programming, computer software, media application, data processing, or information sciences. The VA shall enter into contracts with multiple qualified providers of such programs, under which the VA shall pay: (1) 25% of the cost of providing the program upon the enrollment of an eligible veteran, (2) 25% of such cost when the veteran completes the program, and (3) 50% of such cost upon the veteran's employment following completion. The VA shall give preference to a qualified provider that offers tuition reimbursement for any student who completes the program and does not find full-time meaningful employment within 180 days. The VA shall pay a monthly housing stipend to each eligible veteran enrolled full-time in such a program.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Retailers and Entertainers Lacey Implementation and Enforcement Fairness Act'' or the ``RELIEF Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Amendments to the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 were enacted as part of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-246). (2) The 2008 amendments were intended to level the playing field for American businesses engaged in the responsible harvest, shipment, manufacture, and trade of plants and plant products whose prices had been undercut by a black market fueled by irresponsible and illegal taking of protected plants around the globe. (3) The 2008 amendments were overly broad and their enforcement as enacted could criminalize actions of a good- faith owner, purchaser, or retailer of a plant or plant product, subjecting them to penalties that include forfeiture, fines, and imprisonment. (4) Sanctions for violating the 2008 amendments should be proportional to the act in violation. An individual who is not in the commercial shipping business should not be held to the same standard of compliance under that Act. (5) Individuals fear that they risk incurring those penalties by merely owning or traveling with a vintage musical instrument, antique furniture, or another wood product. (6) The Department of the Interior and Department of Justice have stated ``people who unknowingly possess a musical instrument or other object containing wood that was illegally taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of law and who, in the exercise of due care would not have known that it was illegal, do not have criminal exposure.''. (7) It is necessary to clarify the 2008 amendments so that legally harvested new plant products can enter the market place. (8) Declaration requirements for plant products imported or manufactured prior to May 22, 2008, are unreasonable since the sourcing of plant products was not previously required by law. (9) Federal law enforcement officials should not engage in overzealous enforcement action under the 2008 amendments. (10) It is important to ensure that the appropriate agencies have the necessary funding to implement the current phases of the declaration requirement before considering any future phases. (11) The appropriate agencies have the responsibility of providing a publicly accessible database so that everyone can be notified of the foreign laws of countries as they apply to the importation of plants. SEC. 3. TREATMENT OF PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS UNDER LACEY ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1981. (a) Limitation on Application of Act to Certain Plants and Plant Products.--The Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) is amended by redesignating section 9 as section 10, and by inserting after section 8 the following: ``SEC. 9. LIMITATION ON APPLICATION TO CERTAIN PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS. ``This Act does not apply with respect to-- ``(1) any plant that was imported into the United States before May 22, 2008; or ``(2) any finished plant or plant product the assembly and processing of which was completed before May 22, 2008.''. (b) Limitations on Application of Plant Declaration Requirement.-- Section 3(f) of such Act (16 U.S.C. 3372(f)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``that is entered for consumption (as that term is defined in part 141.0a of title 19, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of the Retailers and Entertainers Lacey Implementation and Enforcement Fairness Act)'' after ``plant''; and (2) in paragraph (3)-- (A) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``Paragraphs (1)''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(B)(i) In the case of a plant product that is derived from a tree, a declaration under paragraph (1) or (2) is not required to include information referred to in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of that paragraph unless the plant product is solid wood. ``(ii) The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service shall issue regulations that define the term `solid wood' for purposes of this subparagraph.''. (c) Application of Civil Forfeiture Laws.--Section 5(d) of such Act (16 U.S.C. 3374(d)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``Civil''; (2) by inserting ``, except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection'' before the period at the end; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Subsection (d)(4) of section 983 of such chapter, and the second sentence of subsection (a)(1)(F) of such section, shall not apply to plants or plant products. ``(3) This section is the sole authority for civil seizure or forfeiture actions alleging, or predicated upon, a violation of section 3.''. SEC. 4. LIMITATION ON APPLICATION OF FOREIGN LAWS. (a) Prohibited Acts.--Section 3(a) of such Act (16 U.S.C. 3372(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2)(B), in clause (ii) and in clause (iii), by striking ``foreign law'' and inserting ``foreign law that is directed at the protection, conservation, and management of plants''; and (2) in paragraph (3)(B), in clause (ii) and in clause (iii), by striking ``foreign law'' and inserting ``foreign law that is directed at the protection, conservation, and management of plants''. (b) Civil Penalties.--Section 4(a)(1) of such Act (16 U.S.C. 3373(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``foreign law'' and inserting ``foreign law that is directed at the protection, conservation, and management of plants''. SEC. 5. REVIEW AND REPORT. Section 3(f) of such Act (16 U.S.C. 3372(f)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``Not later than two years after the date of enactment of this subsection,'' and inserting ``Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of the Retailers and Entertainers Lacey Implementation and Enforcement Fairness Act,''; and (2) in paragraph (5)-- (A) by striking ``Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary completes the review under paragraph (4), the Secretary'' and inserting ``Not later than 180 days after the date the Secretary completes the review under paragraph (4), the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service''; (B) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon at the end of subparagraph (B); (C) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting ``; and''; and (D) by adding at the end the following: ``(D) an evaluation of the feasibility of creating and maintaining a publicly available database of laws of foreign countries from which plants are exported.''.

Summary: Retailers and Entertainers Lacey Implementation and Enforcement Fairness Act or the RELIEF Act - (Sec. 3) Amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to: (1) make such Act inapplicable to any plant that was imported into the United States before May 22, 2008, or any finished plant or plant product the assembly and processing of which was completed before such date; (2) limit the application of plant importation declaration requirements to plants that are entered for consumption; and (3) exclude from declaration requirements a plant product that is derived from a tree unless the product is solid wood (requires the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to issue regulations that define the term "solid wood" for such purpose). Provides that: (1) civil forfeiture provisions that prohibit any person from asserting an ownership interest in contraband or other property that it is illegal to possess, or that prohibit the federal government from being required to return contraband or other property that the person from whom the property was seized may not legally possess, shall not apply to plants or plant products; and (2) civil forfeiture provisions of such Act are the sole authority for civil seizure or forfeiture actions alleging, or predicated upon, a violation of such Act. (Sec. 4) Prohibits any person from importing, exporting, transporting, selling, receiving, acquiring, or purchasing in interstate or foreign commerce, or any person within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States from possessing, a plant taken, possessed, transported, or sold: (1) without the payment of appropriate royalties, taxes, or stumpage fees required for the plant by any law or regulation of any state or any foreign law that is directed at the protection, conservation, and management of plants; and (2) in violation of any limitation under any law or regulation of any state, or under foreign law, governing the export or transshipment of plants and that is directed at the protection, conservation, and management of plants Limits the application of a civil penalty under such Act for violations of foreign laws to violations of foreign laws that are directed at the protection, conservation, and management of plants. Requires the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as program responsibilities are vested pursuant to the provisions of Reorganization Plan Numbered 4 of 1970, to review the implementation of plant declarations with 180 days. Requires the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (currently, the Secretary of Commerce) to report on plant declaration requirements, including an evaluation of the feasibility of creating a publicly available database of laws of foreign countries from which plants are exported.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area Designation Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) Frank Moore has committed his life to family, friends, his country, and fly fishing; (2) Frank Moore is a World War II veteran who stormed the beaches of Normandy along with 150,000 troops during the D-Day Allied invasion and was awarded the Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor for his bravery; (3) Frank Moore returned home after the war, started a family, and pursued his passion of fishing on the winding rivers in Oregon; (4) as the proprietor of the Steamboat Inn along the North Umpqua River in Oregon for nearly 20 years, Frank Moore, along with his wife Jeanne, shared his love of fishing, the flowing river, and the great outdoors, with visitors from all over the United States and the world; (5) Frank Moore has spent most of his life fishing the vast rivers of Oregon, during which time he has contributed significantly to efforts to conserve fish habitats and protect river health, including serving on the State of Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission; (6) Frank Moore has been recognized for his conservation work with the National Wildlife Federation Conservationist of the Year award, the Wild Steelhead Coalition Conservation Award, and his 2010 induction into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame; and (7) in honor of the many accomplishments of Frank Moore, both on and off the river, approximately 99,653 acres of Forest Service land in the State of Oregon should be designated as the ``Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area''. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Map.--The term ``Map'' means the map entitled ``Frank Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area Designation Act'' and dated June 23, 2016. (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service. (3) Special management area.--The term ``Special Management Area'' means the Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area designated by section 4(a). (4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Oregon. SEC. 4. FRANK AND JEANNE MOORE WILD STEELHEAD SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREA, OREGON. (a) Designation.--The approximately 99,653 acres of Forest Service land in the State, as generally depicted on the Map, is designated as the ``Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area''. (b) Map; Legal Description.-- (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare a map and legal description of the Special Management Area. (2) Force of law.--The map and legal description prepared under paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect as if included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct clerical and typographical errors in the map and legal description. (3) Availability.--The map and legal description prepared under paragraph (1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the Forest Service. (c) Administration.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Special Management Area shall be administered by the Secretary-- (1) in accordance with all laws (including regulations) applicable to the National Forest System; and (2) in a manner that-- (A) conserves and enhances the natural character, scientific use, and the botanical, recreational, ecological, fish and wildlife, scenic, drinking water, and cultural values of the Special Management Area; (B) maintains and seeks to enhance the wild salmonid habitat of the Special Management Area; (C) maintains or enhances the watershed as a thermal refuge for wild salmonids; and (D) preserves opportunities for recreation, including primitive recreation. (d) Fish and Wildlife.--Nothing in this section affects the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the State with respect to fish and wildlife in the State. (e) Adjacent Management.--Nothing in this section-- (1) creates any protective perimeter or buffer zone around the Special Management Area; or (2) modifies the applicable travel management plan for the Special Management Area. (f) Wildfire Management.--Nothing in this section prohibits the Secretary, in cooperation with other Federal, State, and local agencies, as appropriate, from conducting wildland fire operations in the Special Management Area, consistent with the purposes of this Act, including the use of aircraft, machinery, mechanized equipment, fire breaks, backfires, and retardant. (g) Vegetation Management.--Nothing in this section prohibits the Secretary from conducting vegetation management projects within the Special Management Area in a manner consistent with-- (1) the purposes described in subsection (c); and (2) the applicable forest plan. (h) Protection of Tribal Rights.--Nothing in this section diminishes any treaty rights of an Indian tribe. (i) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Federal land within the boundaries of the Special Management Area river segments designated by subsection (a) is withdrawn from all forms of-- (1) entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; (2) location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and (3) disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.

Summary: . Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area Designation Act (Sec. 4) This bill designates approximately 99,653 acres of Forest Service land in Oregon as the "Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area." The special management area shall be administered by the Forest Service to: conserve and enhance the natural character, scientific use, and the botanical, recreational, ecological, fish and wildlife, scenic, drinking water, and cultural values of the special management area; maintain and seek to enhance the wild salmonid habitat of the special management area; maintain or enhance the watershed as a thermal refuge for wild salmonids; and preserve opportunities for recreation, including primitive recreation. The bill withdraws the federal land within the boundaries of the special management area's river segments from: entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and disposition under all laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Preserve Access to Care in the Home (PATCH) Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) Home health services are a vital component of the benefits that are provided to beneficiaries under the medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act. (2) Home health services under the medicare program enable homebound individuals who are at great risk for costly institutionalized care to stay in their own homes and communities. (3) Implementation of the home health interim payment system under the medicare program has inadvertently exacerbated payment disparities for home health services between regions, penalizing efficient, low-cost home health agencies in rural areas and providing insufficient compensation for the care of higher acuity, medically complex patients. (4) The frequency and volume of prepayment medical reviews, including requests for medical records, and other administrative changes imposed upon home health agencies, particularly those agencies that are located in rural areas, has had a devastating effect on smaller care agencies. (5) The combination of insufficient payments and new administrative changes has precipitated the closure of nearly 2,000 home health agencies and branch offices and has forced many surviving agencies to shrink their service areas or limit the types of patients they may serve, resulting in restricted access to home health services in many areas. (6) The scheduled additional 15 percent across the board reduction in home health payments under the medicare program will severely compromise existing access to home health services, particularly in low-cost rural areas. (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are as follows: (1) To ensure access to care for patients with high medical needs by establishing a process for home health agencies to exclude high acuity, medically complex patients from the per- beneficiary limits under the interim payment system for home health services and instead receive cost-based reimbursement for services provided such patients. (2) To eliminate the 15 percent across the board reduction in home health payments under the medicare program. (3) To bring relief from certain administrative requirements to home health agencies with-- (A) strong, established compliance records; and (B) a history of claim denial rates of less than 5 percent. SEC. 3. ELIMINATION OF AUTOMATIC 15 PERCENT REDUCTION IN HOME HEALTH PAYMENTS. (a) Contingency Reduction.--Section 4603 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (42 U.S.C. 1395fff note) (as amended by section 5101(c)(3) of the Tax and Trade Relief Extension Act of 1998 (contained in division J of Public Law 105-277)) is amended by striking subsection (e). (b) Prospective Payment System.--Section 1895(b)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395fff(b)(3)(A)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``Initial basis.--'' and all that follows through ``Under such system'', and inserting ``Initial basis.-- Under such system''; (2) in the matter preceding clause (ii), by striking ``but if the reduction in limits described in clause (ii) had been in effect''; and (3) by striking clause (ii). SEC. 4. OUTLIER PAYMENTS FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES. (a) Waiver of Applicable Home Health Payment Limits for Outliers.-- (1) In general.--Section 1861(v)(1)(L) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(v)(1)(L)) (as amended by section 5101 of the Tax and Trade Relief Extension Act of 1998 (contained in Division J of Public Law 105-277) is amended-- (A) by redesignating clause (ix) as clause (x); and (B) by inserting after clause (viii) the following: ``(ix)(I) Notwithstanding the applicable limit under this subparagraph, in the case of a provider that demonstrates to the Secretary that with respect to an individual to whom the provider furnished home health services appropriate to the individual's condition (as determined by the Secretary) at a reasonable cost (as determined by the Secretary), and that such reasonable cost significantly exceeded such applicable limit because of unusual variations in the type or amount of medically necessary care required to treat the individual, the Secretary, upon application by the provider, shall pay to such provider for such individual such reasonable cost. ``(II) The Secretary shall establish such criteria as is required for payment under this clause, including a description of the type of patient, patient condition, unusual variations, and home health service that qualifies for such payment. ``(III) In making determinations under subclause (I), the Secretary shall use data from the cost report, or from other data collected by the Secretary, of the provider for such year. ``(IV) A provider may make an application for payment under this clause for a fiscal year no earlier than the end of the cost reporting period beginning in such fiscal year. ``(V) In the case of an application for payment under this clause that is approved by the Secretary, a home health agency may elect to receive payment on a quarterly basis.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on September 30, 1999, and apply with respect to each application for payment of reasonable costs for outliers submitted by any home health agency for cost reporting periods ending on or after such date. SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION OF THE DEFINITION OF HOMEBOUND. (a) In General.--The last sentence of sections 1814(a) and 1835(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395f(a); 1395n(a)) are each amended-- (1) by striking ``leave home,'' and inserting ``leave home and''; and (2) by striking ``, and that absences'' and all that follows before the period. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply to items and services provided on or after the date of enactment of this Act. SEC. 6. REVIEW OF CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY HOME HEALTH AGENCIES. (a) In General.--Section 1816(c)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395h(c)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(D)(i) Each agreement under this section shall provide that if the average finalized denial rate of claims submitted by a home health agency (determined for the 3 most recent cost reporting periods ending before the date of such determination) is less than 5 percent-- ``(I) no prepayment medical review, including requests for medical records and focused medical reviews, may be conducted with respect to a claim submitted by such agency (absent probable cause that the particular claim is invalid) during the agency's next succeeding cost reporting period; and ``(II) post-payment review of claims submitted by the agency during the agency's next succeeding cost reporting period shall not exceed 10 percent of the dollar value of all of the services provided by the agency for which a claim for reimbursement is filed under this title during such period. ``(ii) For purposes of clause (i), the finalized denial rate of claims submitted by a home health agency for any cost reporting period is equal to the percentage determined by dividing-- ``(I) the dollar value of all of the services provided by the agency for which-- ``(aa) a claim for reimbursement is filed under this title during such period; and ``(bb) a denial for such claim has become final after all rights to request reconsideration or to appeal have been exhausted, by ``(II) the dollar value of all of the services provided by the agency for which a claim for reimbursement is-- ``(aa) filed under this title during such period; and ``(bb) reviewed by the Secretary or an agency or organization with an agreement under this section.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act and shall apply to agreements entered into or renewed on or after such date. SEC. 7. RESTORATION OF PERIODIC INTERIM PAYMENTS FOR HOME HEALTH AGENCIES. Section 4603(b) of Public Law 105-33 is repealed. SEC. 8. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PPS FOR HOME HEALTH SERVICES. It is the sense of the Congress that the Secretary of Health and Human Services should-- (1) ensure that the prospective payment system for home health services under section 1895 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395fff) provides for appropriate payment of services that are provided to beneficiaries; (2) ensure that reimbursement rates under such system-- (A) include incentives to provide services efficiently to all beneficiaries; and (B) do not create unintentional incentives to discriminate against beneficiaries with medically complex conditions; (3) ensure that the establishment of the case mix adjustment for such services under subsection (b)(4) of such section-- (A) does not penalize agencies that serve beneficiaries with medically complex conditions; (B) provides some predictive value and accounts for a fair portion of the variation in costs associated with providing services to beneficiaries; and (C) takes into account such variables as the health status, age, and socioeconomic status of beneficiaries; (4) establish a nationally uniform process to ensure that fiscal intermediaries have the training and ability to provide timely and accurate coverage and payment information to home health agencies under the medicare program under title XVIII of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.); (5) assess the costs to home health agencies of implementing new regulations and interpretations associated with the prospective payment system for home health services and consider the impact of such costs on the ability of such agencies to provide home health services to beneficiaries; and (6) provide periodic updates to Congress and home health agencies regarding the progress by the Secretary of implementing the prospective payment system for home health services.

Summary: Amends SSA title XVIII to: (1) create outlier provisions for home health services; (2) revise the definition of homebound; and (3) restructure the review process for claims submitted by home health agencies. Amends BBA '97 for the stated purpose of restoring periodic interim payments for home health agencies. Expresses the sense of the Senate that the Secretary of Health and Human Services should: (1) ensure that the prospective payment system (PPS) for home health services provides for appropriate payment of services provided to beneficiaries at rates that include incentives to provide services efficiently to all beneficiaries and do not create unintentional incentives to discriminate against beneficiaries with complex medical conditions; (2) ensure that the establishment of the case mix adjustment for such services does not penalize agencies that serve such beneficiaries, provides some predictive value, and accounts for appropriate variables, such as age and health status; (3) establish a nationally uniform process to ensure that fiscal intermediaries have the training and ability to provide timely and accurate coverage and payment information to Medicare home health agencies; (4) assess home health agency regulatory costs associated with the PPS for home health services and consider the cost impact on the agency's ability to provide such services; and (5) provide periodic updates to Congress and home health agencies on the Secretary's progress in implementing such PPS.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Education Flexibility Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) According to the ``National Survey of Veterans, Active Duty Service Members, Demobilized National Guard and Reserve Members, Family Members, and Surviving Spouses Final Report'', commissioned by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in 2010, 20.6 percent of eligible veterans--approximately 2,621,753 veterans--were unable to use their GI bill educational benefits because their period of eligibility expired. (2) The time limitations for using GI bill educational benefits do not reflect the realities of the modern economy of the United States. After leaving the service, many veterans postpone further education to join the workforce and support their families or are faced with lengthy rehabilitations from service-related injuries. (3) Access to education and job retraining has proved the arbiter of success in today's economy, and if the United States is to lower the unemployment rate among the veteran population, the United States must provide veterans unfettered access to educational benefits. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to remove the delimiting dates and retroactively restore the Department of Veterans Affairs Educational benefits within the Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB-AD), and Post-9/11 GI Bill. SEC. 3. ELIMINATION OF TIME LIMITATION FOR USE OF ELIGIBILITY AND ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. (a) Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty.-- (1) In general.--Section 3031 of chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 3031. Extension of entitlement to educational assistance expiring during a quarter or semester or after a major portion of a course is complete ``(a) Educational Institutions Operating on Quarter or Semester System.--If an individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter is enrolled under this chapter in an educational institution regularly operated on the quarter or semester system and the period of such individual's entitlement under this chapter would, under section 3013, expire during a quarter or semester, such period shall be extended to the end of such quarter or semester. ``(b) Other Educational Institutions.--If an individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter is enrolled under this chapter in an educational institution not regularly operated on the quarter or semester system and the period of such individual's entitlement under this chapter would, under section 3013, expire after a major portion of the course is completed, such period shall be extended to the end of the course or for 12 weeks, whichever is the lesser period of extension.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item relating to section 3031 and inserting the following new item: ``3031. Extension of entitlement to educational assistance expiring during a quarter or semester or after a major portion of a course is complete.''. (3) Conforming amendments.--Chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in section 3018C(e)(3)(B)-- (i) by striking ``(i) The Secretary'' and inserting ``The Secretary''; and (ii) by striking clause (ii); and (B) in section 3020-- (i) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``Subject to the time limitation for use of entitlement under section 3031 of this title, an'' and inserting ``An''; and (ii) in subsection (h), by striking ``Notwithstanding section 3031 of this title, a'' and inserting ``A''. (b) Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program.-- (1) In general.--Section 3232 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (A) by striking subsections (a) and (b); and (B) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (a) and (b), respectively. (2) Conforming amendment.--Section 3035(b)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``and from'' and all that follows through ``title''. (c) Post-9/11 GI Bill.-- (1) In general.--Section 3321 of chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 3321. Extension of entitlement to educational assistance expiring during a quarter or semester or after a major portion of a course is complete ``Section 3031 shall apply with respect to the termination of an individual's entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter in the same manner as such section applies to the termination of an individual's entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 30, except that, in the administration of such section for purposes of this chapter, the reference to section 3013 shall be deemed to be a reference to section 3312 of this title.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by striking the item relating to section 3321 and inserting the following new item: ``3321. Extension of entitlement to educational assistance expiring during a quarter or semester or after a major portion of a course is complete.''. (3) Conforming amendments.--Chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in section 3312(b), by striking ``3321(b)(2)'' and inserting ``3321''; (B) in section 3319-- (i) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``Subject to'' and all that follows through ``an'' and inserting ``An''; and (ii) in subsection (h)(5)(A), by striking ``may use'' and all that follows through ``but''. (d) Conforming Amendments for Reserve Component Programs.-- (1) Selected reserve.--Section 16133(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section 3031(f)'' and inserting ``subsections (a) and (b) of section 3031''; and (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, as such section existed on the day before the date of the enactment of the Veterans Education Flexibility Act,'' after ``title 38''. (2) Other reserve components.--Section 16164(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) The following provisions shall apply to the period of entitlement prescribed by paragraph (1): ``(A) Subsections (a) and (b) of section 3031 of title 38. ``(B) Subsection (d) of section 3031 of title 38, as such subsection existed on the day before the date of the enactment of the Veterans Education Flexibility Act.''. (e) Applicability.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to any individual who has been entitled to educational assistance under chapters 30, 32, or 33 of title 38, United States Code. For purposes of determining the number of months of entitlement to such educational assistance that an individual is entitled to, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall disregard any delimiting date eliminated by this Act that occurred before the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Veterans Education Flexibility Act This bill declares that, if an individual eligible for educational assistance under the all-volunteer force educational assistance program of the Department of Veterans Affairs is enrolled in an educational institution and the period of entitlement (10 years after discharge or release from active duty) would expire during a quarter or semester of enrollment, the period shall be extended to the end of that period (or until the earlier of the end of the course or 12 weeks in the case of an educational institution not regularly operated on a quarter or semester basis). The bill: (1) repeals the delimiting period for the use of assistance under the post-Vietnam era veterans' educational assistance program (generally 10 years after the veteran's last discharge or release from active duty), and (2) applies the assistance extension provided under the all-volunteer force educational assistance program to the post-9/11 veterans' educational assistance program.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Inventory of Assets for Communications Facilities Act of 2018''. SEC. 2. INVENTORY OF FEDERAL ASSETS. (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act-- (1) the Administrator of General Services, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, shall ensure that the database established under section 5(c) of Executive Order 13327 (69 Fed. Reg. 5895) includes an inventory of covered assets, which shall include the information provided under subsections (b) and (c); (2) the Administrator shall make such inventory available to the Assistant Secretary for purposes of paragraph (3); and (3) the Assistant Secretary shall make such inventory available to any entity that constructs or operates communications facilities or provides communications service. (b) Provision of Information by Executive Agencies.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 9 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the head of an Executive agency shall provide to the Administrator, in a manner and format to be determined by the Administrator, the information described in paragraph (2) with respect to a covered asset of such agency. (2) Information described.--The information described in this paragraph is-- (A) the location of the covered asset; (B) the type of the covered asset, such as whether the asset is a building (and the type of building), land (and the type or use of the land), right-of-way, easement, utility pole, wireless communications tower, underground utility route, or cable on which capacity is available for lease; (C) contact information for an officer or employee of the agency who may be contacted for permitting or other information about the covered asset; (D) whether the covered asset is historic property (as defined in section 300308 of title 54, United States Code); and (E) such other information as the Administrator considers appropriate. (3) Provision of updated information.-- (A) Change in information.--In the case of a change in any of the information provided to the Administrator under paragraph (1) with respect to a covered asset of an Executive agency, the head of such agency shall provide updated information to the Administrator not later than 30 days after such change. (B) Acquisition of new covered asset.--In the case of the acquisition of a covered asset by an Executive agency after the date that is 9 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the head of such agency shall provide to the Administrator the information required by paragraph (1) with respect to such asset not later than 30 days after such acquisition. (4) Exclusion of information for national security reasons.-- (A) Classified information.--The head of an Executive agency may exclude classified information from the information provided to the Administrator under this subsection. (B) Other information.--If the head of an Executive agency determines, in consultation with the Administrator, that inclusion of information (other than classified information) about a covered asset of such agency in the inventory established under subsection (a) would harm national security, the head of the agency may exclude such information from the information provided to the Administrator under this subsection. (C) Classified information defined.--In this paragraph, the term ``classified information'' means any information or material that has been determined by the Federal Government pursuant to an Executive order, statute, or regulation, to require protection against unauthorized disclosure for reasons of national security and any restricted data, as defined in section 11 y. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2014(y)). (c) Information on State and Local Assets.-- (1) Voluntary provision of information.--A State or local government may provide to the Administrator for inclusion in the inventory established under subsection (a), in a manner and format to be determined by the Administrator, information with respect to a State or local asset that would be a covered asset if under the custody and control of an Executive agency. (2) Inclusion of information.--The Administrator shall include in such inventory any information provided by a State or local government in accordance with paragraph (1) in the same manner as information provided by an Executive agency under subsection (b). (3) Provision of updated information.--In the case of a change in any of the information provided to the Administrator under paragraph (1) with respect to a State or local asset, the State or local government shall provide updated information to the Administrator not later than 30 days after such change. If a State or local government does not comply with the preceding sentence, the Administrator shall deny the State or local government access to the inventory established under subsection (a). (d) Updating of Inventory.--After the establishment of the inventory under subsection (a), the Administrator shall include in the inventory information provided under subsection (b) or (c) not later than the date that is 7 days after the Administrator receives such information. The information with respect to each covered asset or State or local asset in the inventory shall include the most recent date on which such information was added or updated. (e) Format of Location Information.--The information in the inventory established under subsection (a) about the location of a covered asset or State or local asset shall be in Geographic Information System format or another format that the Administrator considers appropriate. (f) Information Security.--The Administrator shall adopt measures to prevent unauthorized access to the information in the inventory established under subsection (a). (g) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of General Services. (2) Assistant secretary.--The term ``Assistant Secretary'' means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information. (3) Communications facility.--The term ``communications facility'' includes-- (A) any wireless or wireline infrastructure for the transmission of writing, signs, signals, data, images, pictures, or sounds of all kinds; (B) any transmitting device, tower, or support structure, and any equipment, switches, wiring, cabling, power sources, shelters, or cabinets, associated with the provision of communications services; and (C) any antenna or apparatus that-- (i) is designed for the purpose of emitting radio frequency; (ii) is designed to be operated, or is operating, from a fixed location; and (iii) is added to a tower, building, or other structure. (4) Communications service.--The term ``communications service'' means a service for the transmission of writing, signs, signals, data, images, pictures, or sounds of all kinds. (5) Covered asset.--The term ``covered asset'' means, with respect to an agency, any Federal real property (as defined in section 2(a) of Executive Order 13327 (69 Fed. Reg. 5895)) under the custody and control of such agency-- (A)(i) on which a broadband communications facility could be constructed; or (ii) that could otherwise be made available to an entity that-- (I) constructs or operates broadband communications facilities for use in connection with such construction or operation; or (II) provides broadband communications service for use in connection with such provision; and (B) that is suitable for the deployment, or use in connection with the deployment, of broadband communications facilities or broadband communications services. (6) Executive agency.--The term ``Executive agency'' has the meaning given such term in section 105 of title 5, United States Code.

Summary: Inventory of Assets for Communications Facilities Act of 2018 This bill requires the General Services Administration and the Department of Commerce to ensure the federal real property database includes an inventory of real property on which a broadband communications facility could be constructed or that is suitable for deployment of broadband communications facilities or services. Commerce must make the inventory available to any entity that constructs or operates communications facilities or provides communications services.