SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Managed Care Integrity Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. LIMITATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES AND PROFITS OF MANAGED CARE ENTITIES. (a) Application to Managed Care Entities.-- (1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each health benefits plan offered by a managed care entity shall ensure that, with respect to a contract year, the actuarial value of the aggregate benefits provided under the plan during such year to enrollees is not less than 85 percent of the aggregate amount of payments received from, or on behalf of, such enrollees for such year. (2) Waiver of requirements.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services may waive the requirement of paragraph (1) for a 12-month period with respect to a managed care entity if the Secretary determines, based on the recommendations of the agency responsible for licensing such entity (or the health care plans of such entity) in a State, that-- (i) the solvency of the entity is in jeopardy; or (ii) compliance with the requirement would cause the entity to fail to meet the solvency requirements required for licensure in the State. (B) Renewals.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services may renew a waiver under subparagraph (A), except that the no waiver may be granted for a period in excess of 24 months in any 36-month period. (3) Administrative costs.-- (A) Limitation.--For purposes of this subsection, the costs associated with the management and operation of a managed care plan (including the costs of compensation and personnel fringe benefits, interest expenses, costs of occupancy of a facility, and marketing costs) shall not be included in determining the actuarial value of the aggregate benefits provided under the plan. (B) Regulations.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall promulgate regulations to define ``costs associated with the management and operation of a manages care plan'' for purposes of subparagraph (A). (4) Definition.--For purposes of this subsection, the term ``managed care entity'' shall include-- (A) managed care entities providing health care coverage for individuals under a group health plan or individual health insurance coverage; (B) medicaid managed care organizations as defined in section 1903(m)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(m)(1)(A)); (C) managed care entities that provide health care coverage for individuals under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code; and (D) managed care entities that provide health care coverage for members of the armed forces and their families under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code. (5) Effective date.--Paragraph (1) shall apply to contract years beginning on or after January 1, 2002. (6) Enforcement.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall develop formal investigation and compliance procedures with respect to complaints received by the Secretary concerning the failure of a health benefits plan to comply with the provisions of this subsection. Under such procedures-- (A) the Secretary shall provide the plan with the reasonable opportunity to develop and implement a corrective action plan to correct the deficiencies that were the basis of the complaint received by the Secretary; and (B) the Secretary shall provide the plan with reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing (including the right to appeal an initial decision) prior to applying the sanctions described in subsection (c). (b) Medicare+Choice Organizations.-- (1) In general.--Section 1852 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-22) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(l) Requirement Relating to the Provision of Benefits.-- ``(1) In general.--Each Medicare+Choice plan offered by a Medicare+Choice organization shall ensure that, with respect to a contract year, the actuarial value of the aggregate benefits provided under the plan during such year to Medicare+Choice eligible individuals enrolled in the plan is not less than 85 percent of the aggregate amount of payments received from, or on behalf of, such individuals for such year. ``(2) Waiver of requirement.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary may waive the requirement under paragraph (1) for a 12-month period with respect to a Medicare+Choice plan offered by a Medicare+Choice organization, if the Secretary determines, based, except for an organization with a waiver under section 1855(a)(2), on the recommendations of the agency responsible for licensing such plan in a State, that-- ``(i) the solvency of the Medicare+Choice organization is in jeopardy; or ``(ii) compliance with the requirement would cause the Medicare+Choice organization to fail to meet the solvency requirements required for licensure in the State or under this part. ``(B) Renewals.--The Secretary may renew a waiver under subparagraph (A), except that no waiver may be granted for a period in excess of 24 months in any 36- month period. ``(3) Administrative costs.-- ``(A) Limitation.--For purposes of this subsection, the costs associated with the management and operation of a Medicare+Choice plan (including the costs of compensation and personnel fringe benefits, interest expenses, costs of occupancy of a facility, and marketing costs) shall not be included in determining the actuarial value of the aggregate benefits provided under the plan. ``(B) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate regulations to define `costs associated with the management and operation of a manages care plan' for purposes of subparagraph (A). ``(4) Enforcement.--The Secretary may terminate a contract with a Medicare+Choice organization under section 1857 in accordance with formal investigation and compliance procedures established by the Secretary under which-- ``(A) the Secretary provides the organization with the reasonable opportunity to develop and implement a corrective action plan to correct the deficiencies that were the basis of the Secretary's determination under this paragraph; and ``(B) the Secretary provides the organization with reasonable notice and opportunity for hearing (including the right to appeal an initial decision) before terminating the contract.''. (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to contract years beginning on or after January 1, 2002. (c) Sanctions.-- (1) In general.--If the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that a health benefits plan or a Medicare+Choice organization fails substantially to comply with the provision of this Act or section 1852(l) of the Social Security Act the Secretary may provide, in addition to any other remedies authorized by law, for any of the remedies described in paragraph (2). (2) Remedies.--The remedies described in this paragraph are-- (A) civil money penalties of not more than $25,000 for each determination under paragraph (1) or, with respect to such a determination involving misrepresentation or falsifying information, of not more than $100,000 for each such determination; and (B) with respect to Medicare+Choice organizations-- (i) suspension of enrollment of individuals under part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act after the date the Secretary notifies the organization of a determination under paragraph (1) and until the Secretary is satisfied that the basis for such determination has been corrected and is not likely to recur; or (ii) suspension of payment to the organization under such part for individuals enrolled after the date the Secretary notifies the organization of a determination under paragraph (1) and until the Secretary is satisfied that the basis for such determination has been corrected and is not likely to recur.

Summary: Managed Care Integrity Act of 2001 - Requires health benefits plans offered by managed care entities to ensure that the actuarial value of the aggregate plan benefits is at least 85 percent of the aggregate amount of payments received from, or on behalf of, plan enrollees. Waives such requirement for a limited period if an entity's solvency is in jeopardy or compliance would cause the entity's failure to meet State solvency requirements. Includes Medicaid managed care organizations and managed care entities providing health care coverage for Federal employees and members of the armed forces within the definition of "managed care entity."Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop related investigation and compliance procedures.Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to apply the requirements of this Act to Medicare+Choice organizations.Sets forth noncompliance remedies.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Desert Community Lands Act''. SEC. 2. CONVEYANCE FOR APPLE VALLEY OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE RECREATION AREA. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (2) Town.--The term ``Town'' means the town of Apple Valley, California. (b) Conveyance of Federal Land to Town.-- (1) Conveyance required.--At the request of the Town, not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall convey to the Town, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the surface estate of the approximately 4,630 acres of land generally depicted as ``Proposed Conveyance Area'' on the map entitled ``Conveyance to Town of Apple Valley'' and dated June 1, 2015. Such land shall be known and designated as the ``Apple Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area''. (2) Existing rights and mineral estate.--The conveyance under this subsection-- (A) is subject to valid existing rights; and (B) does not include the mineral estate. (c) Use of Conveyed Land.-- (1) In general.--The land conveyed under subsection (b) may be used by the Town for any public purpose authorized in paragraph (2), consistent with the Act of June 14, 1926 (commonly known as the Recreation and Public Purposes Act; 43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.). (2) Authorized purposes.--The purposes of the conveyance under subsection (b) are to allow the Town to use the conveyed land to provide-- (A) a suitable location for the establishment of a centralized off-road vehicle recreation park; (B) the public with opportunities for off-road vehicle recreation, including a location for races, competitive events, training and other commercial services that directly support a centralized off-road vehicle recreation area and Town park; and (C) a designated area and facilities that would discourage unauthorized use of off-highway vehicles in areas that have been identified by the Federal Government, the State of California, or San Bernardino County as containing environmentally sensitive land. (3) Disposal prohibited.--The land conveyed under subsection (b) may not be disposed of by the Town without the approval of the Secretary. SEC. 3. CONVEYANCE TO CITY OF TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA. (a) Conveyance Required.--At the request of the city of Twentynine Palms, California, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall convey to the city of Twentynine Palms, California, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the surface estate of the land generally depicted as ``Proposed Conveyance to Twentynine Palms'' on the map entitled ``Proposed Conveyance to Twentynine Palms'' and dated September 18, 2015. (b) Existing Rights and Mineral Estate.--The conveyance under this section-- (1) is subject to valid existing rights; and (2) does not include the mineral estate. SEC. 4. CONVEYANCE TO CITY OF BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA. (a) Conveyance Required.--At the request of the city of Barstow, California, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall convey to the city of Barstow, California, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the surface estate of the land generally depicted as ``Proposed Conveyance'' on the map entitled ``Proposed Conveyance to the City of Barstow'' and dated January 13, 2017. (b) Existing Rights and Mineral Estate.--The conveyance under this section-- (1) is subject to valid existing rights; and (2) does not include the mineral estate. SEC. 5. CONVEYANCE TO CITY OF VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA. (a) Conveyance Required.--At the request of the city of Victorville, California, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall convey to the city of Victorville, California, without consideration, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the surface estate of the land generally depicted as ``Proposed Conveyance'' on the map entitled ``Proposed Conveyance to the City of Victorville'' and dated April 25, 2017. (b) Existing Rights and Mineral Estate.--The conveyance under this subsection-- (1) is subject to valid existing rights; (2) does not include the mineral estate; and (3) is subject to the reservation of a permanent easement and right of way for flood control, utility, pipeline, or telecommunications facilities located within the strips of land described in the right of way grant from the United States Department of the Interior to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Serial Number R 06259, dated March 2, 1965, and the easement from J. Harley Long to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, dated February 4, 1957, and recorded in Book 4192, Official Records at page 42, San Bernardino County Records. These easements include the right, at any time and from time to time, to construct, reconstruct, maintain, operate, replace, remove, repair, renew, and enlarge facilities for public utility purposes, the right to trim and cut down trees and brush that the public utility may deem to be a hazard to its facilities, and the requirement that the strips of land be kept open and free of buildings, structures, and wells of any kind.

Summary: Desert Community Lands Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to convey, without consideration, to the town of Apple Valley in California the surface estate of specified land, to be known and designated as the Apple Valley Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. The conveyed land may be used by the town to provide: (1) a suitable location for the establishment of a centralized, off-road vehicle recreation park; (2) the public with opportunities for off-road vehicle recreation; and (3) a designated area and facilities that would discourage unauthorized use of off-highway vehicles in areas that have been identified by the federal government, the state of California, or San Bernardino County, California, to contain environmentally sensitive land. Such land may not be disposed of by the town without Interior's approval. Interior may develop a special management plan for the recreation area to enhance the safe use of off-highway vehicles for recreational purposes. Interior shall convey, without consideration, the surface estate of specified lands to the cities of Twentynine Palms, Barstow, and Victorville in California. All land conveyances under this bill are subject to valid existing rights and do not include the mineral estate in the lands conveyed.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Projects Authorization Act of 2006''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Feasible.--The term ``feasible'' means a project for which-- (A) the planning and environmental studies, together with supporting materials and documentation, have been prepared consistent with Bureau of Reclamation procedures for projects under consideration for financial assistance under the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (title XVI of Public Law 102-575, as amended, and section 103(d)(3)(F) of the Water Supply, Reliability, and Environmental Improvement Act (Public Law 108-361); and (B) the planning and environmental studies, together with supporting materials and documentation, demonstrate that the project meets the requirements of section 1604 of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (title XVI of Public Law 102-575), as amended. (2) Financially capable project sponsor.--The term ``financially capable project sponsor'' means a non-Federal project sponsor that is capable of providing-- (A) the non-Federal share of the project costs; and (B) 100 percent of the operations and maintenance costs of the project. (3) Non-federal project sponsor.--The term ``non-Federal project sponsor'' means a State, regional, or local authority or other qualifying entity, such as a water conservation district, water conservancy district, or rural water district or association. (4) Technically and financially viable project.--The term ``technically and financially viable project'' means a project that-- (A) is a technically viable project; and (B) has a financially capable project sponsor. (5) Technically viable project.--The term ``technically viable project'' means a project that-- (A) meets generally acceptable engineering, public health, and environmental standards; and (B) has obtained or is expected to obtain approval of all Federal, State, and local permits necessary for implementation of the project. SEC. 3. BAY AREA REGIONAL WATER RECYCLING PROGRAM PROJECTS. (a) Feasible and Viable.--The Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program projects described in the amendments made by section 4(a) are hereby-- (1) determined to be feasible and eligible for financial assistance under the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (Public Law 102-575, title XVI; 43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.); and (2) confirmed as technically and financially viable projects. (b) Statutory Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the applicability of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, or any other Federal or State law, with regard to the Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program projects described in the amendments made by section 4(a). SEC. 4. PROJECT AUTHORIZATIONS. (a) In General.--The Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (Public Law 102-575, title XVI; 43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 16XX. CITY OF PALO ALTO WATER REUSE PROJECT. ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City of Palo Alto, California, is authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water distribution systems. ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the project. ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section. ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000. ``(e) Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out any provisions of this section shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this section. ``SEC. 16XX. PITTSBURG RECYCLED WATER PROJECT. ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City of Pittsburg, California, and the Delta Diablo Sanitation District, is authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities. ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the project. ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section. ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,300,000. ``(e) Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out any provisions of this section shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this section. ``SEC. 16XX. ANTIOCH RECYCLED WATER PROJECT. ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City of Antioch, California, and the Delta Diablo Sanitation District, is authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities. ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the project. ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section. ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,250,000. ``(e) Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out any provisions of this section shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this section. ``SEC. 16XX. PACIFICA RECYCLED WATER PROJECT. ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City of Pacifica, California, and the North Coast County Water District, is authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities. ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the project. ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section. ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,400,000. ``(e) Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out any provisions of this section shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this section. ``SEC. 16XX. REDWOOD CITY RECYCLED WATER PROJECT. ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City of Redwood City, California, is authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system facilities. ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the project. ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section. ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,100,000. ``(e) Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out any provisions of this section shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this section. ``SEC. 16XX. SOUTH SANTA CLARA COUNTY RECYCLED WATER PROJECT. ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the City of Gilroy, California, and the Santa Clara Valley Water District, is authorized to participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water system distribution facilities. ``(b) Cost Share.--The Federal share of the cost of the project authorized by this section shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the project. ``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the project authorized by this section. ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $7,000,000. ``(e) Sunset.--The authority of the Secretary to carry out any provisions of this section shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this section.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--The table of sections in section 2 of Public Law 102-575 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 16xx the following: ``Sec. 16xx. Palo Alto Water Reuse Project. ``Sec. 16xx. Pittsburg Recycled Water Project. ``Sec. 16xx. Antioch Recycled Water Project. ``Sec. 16xx. Pacifica Recycled Water Project. ``Sec. 16xx. Redwood City Recycled Water Project. ``Sec. 16xx. South Santa Clara County Recycled Water Project.''.

Summary: Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program Projects Authorization Act of 2006 - Deems the Bay Area Regional Water Recycling Program projects authorized by this Act to be feasible and eligible for financial assistance under the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act. Confirms such projects as technically and financially viable. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of recycled water distribution systems or recycled water system facilities in cooperation with: (1) Palo Alto, California; (2) Pittsburg, California, and the Delta Diablo Sanitation District; (3) Antioch, California, and the Delta Diablo Sanitation District; (4) Pacifica, California, and the North Coast County Water District; (5) Redwood City, California; and (6) Gilroy, California, and the Santa Clara Valley Water District. Limits the federal share to 25% of each project's cost. Terminates the Secretary's authority to carry out this Act 10 years after its enactment.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Alcohol Advertising Accountability Act of 1996''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress makes the following findings: (1) In 1995, the Department of Health and Human Services found that there is a significant underage drinking problem and estimated that there are 11 million drinkers of alcoholic beverages who are under the age of 21. Of that number, 2 million are heavy drinkers of such beverages. (2) In 1995, the proportion of students having 5 or more drinks in a row during the 2 week period preceding the Monitoring the Future Survey were 15 percent for 8th graders, 24 percent for 10th graders, and 30 percent for 12th graders. (3) The median age at which children begin drinking alcoholic beverages is just over 13 years. 67 percent of students in the 8th grade have tried an alcoholic beverage. (4) A 1995 survey found that 50 percent of the teenagers who were asked said that alcohol is a more serious problem among today's youth than illicit drugs. (5) In 1993, nearly 10 percent (over 110,000) of the clients admitted to State-funded alcohol treatment programs were under the age of 21. (6) Alcoholic beverage companies spent $2 billion to advertise and promote their products in 1995. The budget of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism for the same year was $176 million. (7) According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, viewing beer ads on television may predispose young people to drinking beer. Children who are more aware of beer advertisements hold more favorable beliefs about drinking beer and intend to drink beer more frequently as adults. (8) Almost half of all adults think that alcohol industry advertising greatly influences underage youth to drink alcoholic beverages, another one-third think industry advertising has some influence. SEC. 3. REPORT OF SECRETARY ON ALCOHOL ADVERTISING. (a) Action by the Secretary.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall report annually to the Congress on alcohol advertising, its profile and its effects. To assist the Secretary in gathering information for such report, the Secretary shall establish a panel made up of such individuals as the Secretary, in the Secretary's discretion, may select from individuals in the Department of Health and Human Services or any other Federal agency. (b) Panel Function.--The panel established by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under subsection (a) shall review alcohol advertising in all media, including broadcast and cable television, other electronic means, and print and outdoor advertising and review promotional activities undertaken to promote the sale of alcoholic beverages. The Secretary shall convene at least 2 public hearings before the panel established under subsection (a) each year and shall have the panel conduct a hearing in each of the regional offices of the Department of Health and Human Services over the 5-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Report Content.--The report of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under subsection (a) shall be developed on the basis of the work conducted by the panel established under subsection (a) and shall include-- (1) an identification of-- (A) the media used by alcohol advertising to reach children, (B) the total expenditures for alcoholic beverage advertising in each media and in promotions, (C) the extent to which media program audiences are under the age of 21, (D) an identification of the types and themes of alcohol advertising in all media (especially in broadcast) and other electronic means, (E) any graphics, slogans, children's characters, and techniques that are used and that appeal to youth, and (F) the extent to which other promotional efforts used to market alcoholic beverages which appear in clothing, sporting events, contests, and concerts appeal to individuals under the age of 21; (2) a determination of the extent to which young people are exposed to alcohol advertising and promotions of alcoholic beverages; (3) an evaluation of the relationship between alcohol advertising practices and underage drinking, drunk driving, and related public health problems; and (4) an evaluation of alcohol industry sponsored campaigns addressing public service and prevention messages for underage drinking, drunk driving, and other alcohol-related topics. (d) Recommendations.--The report of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under subsection (a) shall also include such recommendations for legislation as the Secretary determines are appropriate.

Summary: Alcohol Advertising Accountability Act of 1996 - Mandates: (1) an annual report to the Congress on alcohol advertising, its profile, and its effects, along with recommendations for legislation; and (2) establishment of a panel to assist in gathering information for the report.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Mortgage Cancellation Relief Act of 2004''. SEC. 2. EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME FOR CERTAIN FORGIVEN MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS. (a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 108(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to exclusion from gross income) is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (D) and inserting ``, or'', and by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph: ``(E) in the case of an individual, the indebtedness discharged is qualified residential indebtedness.''. (b) Qualified Residential Indebtedness Shortfall.--Section 108 of such Code (relating to discharge of indebtedness) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Special Rules for Qualified Residential Indebtedness.-- ``(1) Limitations.-- ``(A) In general.--The amount excluded under subparagraph (E) of subsection (a)(1) with respect to any qualified residential indebtedness shall not exceed the excess (if any) of-- ``(i) the outstanding principal amount of such indebtedness (immediately before the discharge), over ``(ii) the sum of-- ``(I) the amount realized from the sale of the real property securing such indebtedness reduced by the cost of such sale, and ``(II) the outstanding principal amount of any other indebtedness secured by such property. ``(B) Overall limitation.--The amount excluded under subparagraph (E) of subsection (a)(1) with respect to any qualified residential indebtedness shall not exceed $50,000. ``(2) Qualified residential indebtedness.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified residential indebtedness' means indebtedness which-- ``(i) was incurred or assumed by the taxpayer in connection with real property used by the taxpayer as a principal residence (within the meaning of section 121) and is secured by such real property, ``(ii) is incurred or assumed to acquire, construct, reconstruct, or substantially improve such real property, and ``(iii) with respect to which such taxpayer makes an election to have this paragraph apply. ``(B) Refinanced indebtedness.--Such term shall include indebtedness resulting from the refinancing of indebtedness under subparagraph (A)(ii), but only to the extent the refinanced indebtedness does not exceed the amount of the indebtedness being refinanced. ``(C) Exceptions.--Such term shall not include qualified farm indebtedness or qualified real property business indebtedness. ``(3) Regulations.--The Secretary may by regulation provide for the disallowance of an exclusion under this section by reason of subparagraph (E) of subsection (a)(1) in cases where the failure to repay the indebtedness is due to the bad faith of the taxpayer.''. (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Paragraph (2) of section 108(a) of such Code is amended-- (A) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``and (D)'' and inserting ``(D), and (E)'', and (B) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows: ``(B) Insolvency exclusion takes precedence over qualified farm exclusion, qualified real property business exclusion, and qualified residential shortfall exclusion.--Subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) of paragraph (1) shall not apply to a discharge to the extent the taxpayer is insolvent.''. (2) Paragraph (1) of section 108(b) of such Code is amended by striking ``or (C)'' and inserting ``(C), or (E)''. (3) Subsection (b) of section 121 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) Special rule relating to discharge of indebtedness.-- The amount of gain which (but for this paragraph) would be excluded from gross income under subsection (a) with respect to a principal residence shall be reduced by any amount excluded from the gross income of the taxpayer under section 108(a)(1)(E) with respect to such residence.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to discharges after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Mortgage Cancellation Relief Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income amounts up to $50,000 attributable to the discharge of certain residential mortgage obligations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Reducing Special Education Through Prevention Act''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT. (a) In General.--Part D of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Subpart 3--Grants To Improve School-Based Early Intervention Services for Children With Emotional Disturbances ``SEC. 691. FINDINGS; PURPOSE. ``(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: ``(1) During 2002-2001 approximately 472,932 children between the ages of 6 and 21 who were receiving special education and related services were identified as having emotional disturbances--a 21.8 percent increase from the number of such children so identified during 1990-1991. These children with emotional disturbances represent 7.7 percent of the total number of children with disabilities and approximately 1 percent of the general population of the United States. ``(2) It is estimated that up to 19 percent of the total number of students in elementary and secondary schools in the United States exhibit symptoms of emotional disturbance or symptoms of other mental health conditions, but only 1 percent of such students are properly identified as such and receive necessary services. These students fail more classes, miss more days of school, have lower grades, are more frequently retained at the same grade level for more than 1 school year, drop out from school more frequently, and have lower graduation rates than do other students with disabilities. ``(3) At the Conference on Children's Mental Health in September 2000, the Surgeon General stated that `[c]hildren and families are suffering because of missed opportunities for prevention and early identification [of children with emotional disturbances], fragmented services, and low priorities for resources'. ``(4) Goal Number 3 of the Conference on Children's Mental Health Report is to improve the assessment and recognition of the mental health needs of children, including through the following actions: ``(A) Encourage early identification of mental health needs in existing preschool, childcare, education, health, welfare, juvenile justice, and substance abuse treatment systems. ``(B) Promote cost-effective, proactive systems of behavior support at the school level. These systems of behavior support should emphasize universal, primary prevention methods that recognize the unique differences of all children and youth, but should include selective individual student support for those students with more intense and long-term needs. ``(5) Improving outcomes for children with emotional disturbances depends not only on improving the learning opportunities of such children, but also on promoting effective coordination among schools, families, and systems that provide services for such children, such as the social services, health, mental health, child welfare, and juvenile justice systems. Positive results of such coordination include increased retention in school, improved educational outcomes, and the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development of such children. ``(6) Increased academic performance, improved attendance, increased engagement in academic activities, and fewer disruptions to the learning environment are a few of the many positive outcomes documented when systems that provide services for children with emotional disturbances include a continuum of services such as prevention, early intervention at the first indication of a mental health problem or behavioral difficulty of a child, and treatment of severe and chronic mental health problems. ``(7) Surveys of school administrators indicate that behavioral problems, lack of discipline, safety of students, and violence in schools are among top concerns with respect to public education today. Teachers spend inordinate amounts of time and energy during the school day managing student misbehavior and conflict--time and energy that could be spent on teaching and learning. ``(8) Effective early intervention strategies to reduce the number of children who have, or who are at risk of developing, emotional disturbances currently exist. As the National Academy of Sciences concluded in its 2002 report ``Minority Students in Special and Gifted Education'', early intervention for children at risk of behavorial problems ``has been demonstrated to be considerably greater than the effectiveness of later, postfailure intervention''. ``(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this subpart is to develop and implement strategies to reduce the number of children who have, or who are at risk of developing, emotional disturbances that require the provision of special education and related services under this Act. ``SEC. 692. AUTHORIZATION. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to make grants for a three-year period to State educational agencies and local educational agencies to develop and implement effective strategies to reduce the number of children who have, or who are at risk of developing, emotional disturbances that require the provision of special education and related services under this Act. ``(b) Priority.--In making grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give priority to State educational agencies and local educational agencies that agree to provide additional annual reports to the Secretary in accordance with section 697 after completion of the term of the grant. ``SEC. 693. APPLICATION. ``(a) In General.--A State educational agency or local educational agency that desires to receive a grant under this subpart shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and including such information as the Secretary may require. ``(b) Contents.--The application shall include the following: ``(1) A description of a plan, developed in consultation with families of children who will be eligible to participate in activities carried out under this subpart, teachers, and mental health and related service providers, to carry out activities under the grant. ``(2) A description of prevention and early intervention services provided to date in schools with respect to which activities under a grant under this subpart are proposed to be carried out. ``(3) A description of the outcome measures that will be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of activities carried out to achieve the purpose of this subpart and to comply with the requirements of paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 694(b). ``(4) A description of the funding structure of amounts received under a grant under this subpart, including a detailed description for compliance with the matching requirement under section 695. ``(5) Assurances that activities carried out under this subpart will be culturally competent. ``(6) Assurances that amounts received under a grant under this subpart will be used to supplement and not supplant amounts from other sources to carry out activities consistent with the purpose of this subpart. ``SEC. 694. USE OF AMOUNTS. ``(a) In General.--A State educational agency or local educational agency, as the case may be, that receives a grant under this subpart may use amounts received under the grant to carry out activities that are consistent with the purpose of this subpart, including the following activities: ``(1) Universal, primary prevention strategies at the school level to reduce the number of children who have, or who are at risk of developing, emotional disturbances that require the provision of special education and related services under this Act. ``(2) Early intervention services and individual support for children who have, or who are at risk of developing, emotional disturbances and who are not currently provided services pursuant to part B of this Act. ``(3) Effective coordination among schools, families, and systems that provide services for such children, such as the social services, health, mental health, child welfare, and juvenile justice systems. ``(4) Training of staff and professional development with respect to prevention and early intervention strategies. ``(b) Additional Requirements.--In carrying out the activities described in subsection (a), the agency shall-- ``(1) coordinate such activities with appropriate social services providers, health (including mental health) providers, child welfare organizations, and juvenile justice organizations; ``(2) ensure that a sufficient number of children are provided services in order to produce results that are measurable and reliable under evaluations of such activities conducted pursuant to section 698; ``(3) ensure that not more than 5 percent of the amount of a grant is used for administrative expenses, including expenses related to the collection of data; ``(4) ensure that such activities do not adversely affect school attendance, dropout rates, classroom behavior, academic achievement, or the general welfare of students who receive special education and related services; ``(5) ensure that such activities do not result in increased segregation of students receiving special education classes from students in the general education program or curriculum of the school; and ``(6) ensure that such activities are culturally competent and are evidenced-based. ``SEC. 695. MATCHING REQUIREMENT. ``The Secretary may not make a grant to a State educational agency or local educational agency under this subpart unless the agency agrees that, with respect to the costs to be incurred in carrying out the activities for which the grant was awarded, the agency will make available non-Federal contributions in an amount equal to not less than 35 percent of such costs for the first year of the grant, 50 percent of such costs for the second year of the grant, and 65 percent of such costs for the third year of the grant. ``SEC. 696. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. The Secretary may reserve not more than 10 percent of the amount made available to carry out this subpart for a fiscal year for administrative expenses in carrying out this subpart, including expenses relating to the evaluation conducted under section 698. ``SEC. 697. REPORTS TO SECRETARY. ``A State educational agency or local educational agency that receives a grant under this subpart shall submit annually to the Secretary a report that contains such information as the Secretary may reasonably require, including a description of the collection of data by the agency to ensure compliance with the requirements of this subpart (particularly the requirements contained in paragraphs (4) and (5) of section 694(b)). ``SEC. 698. EVALUATIONS. ``The Secretary shall, directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, conduct evaluations of activities established and carried out under grants made under this subpart. ``SEC. 699. REPORTS TO CONGRESS. ``The Secretary shall submit annually to Congress a report that contains the following: ``(1) A summary and analysis of the data in the reports submitted to the Secretary under section 697. ``(2) A summary of the evaluations conducted under section 698. ``SEC. 699A. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2003 through 2007.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``subpart 3--grants to improve school-based early intervention services for children with emotional disturbances ``Sec. 691. Findings; purpose. ``Sec. 692. Authorization. ``Sec. 693. Application. ``Sec. 694. Use of amounts. ``Sec. 695. Matching requirement. ``Sec. 696. Administrative expenses. ``Sec. 697. Reports to Secretary. ``Sec. 698. Evaluations. ``Sec. 699. Reports to Congress. ``Sec. 699A. Authorization of appropriations.

Summary: Reducing Special Education Through Prevention Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to establish a program of grants to improve school-based early intervention services for children with emotional disturbances.Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make program grants to State or local educational agencies to develop and implement strategies to reduce the number of children who have, or who are at risk of developing, emotional disturbances that require special education and related services under IDEA. Includes among authorized activities: (1) universal, primary prevention strategies at the school level; (2) early intervention services and individual support for such children who are not currently served under IDEA; (3) coordination among schools, families, and other service provider systems; and (4) staff training and professional development.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. NULLIFICATION OF RULES AND NOTICES. (a) Final Rule.--The final rule of the Department of Housing and Urban Development entitled ``Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing'', published in the Federal Register on July 16, 2015 (80 Fed. Reg. 42272; Docket No. FR-5173-F-04), and any successor rule that is substantially similar to such final rule shall have no force or effect. (b) Notice.--The notice of the Department of Housing and Urban Development relating to the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Assessment Tool, published in the Federal Register on December 31, 2015 (80 Fed. Reg. 81840; Docket No. FR-5173-N-07), and any successor notice or rule substantially similar to such notice shall have no force or effect. SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal funds may be used to design, build, maintain, utilize, or provide access to a Federal database of geospatial information on community racial disparities or disparities in access to affordable housing. SEC. 4. FEDERALISM CONSULTATION AND REPORT. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall jointly consult with State officials, local government officials, and officials of public housing agencies to develop recommendations, consistent with applicable rulings of the Supreme Court of the United States, to further the purposes and policies of the Fair Housing Act. (b) Consultation Requirements.--In developing the recommendations required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall-- (1) provide State officials, local government officials, and officials of public housing agencies with notice and an opportunity to participate in the consultation process required under subsection (a); (2) seek to consult with State officials, local government officials, and officials of public housing agencies that represent a broad cross-section of regional, economic, and geographic perspectives in the United States; (3) emphasize the importance of collaboration with and among the State officials, local government officials, and officials of public housing agencies; (4) allow for meaningful and timely input by State officials, local government officials, and officials of public housing agencies; (5) promote transparency in the consultation process required under subsection (a); and (6) explore with State officials, local government officials, and officials of public housing agencies whether Federal objectives under the Fair Housing Act can be attained by means other than through new regulations. (c) Reports.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a draft report describing the recommendations developed pursuant to subsection (a). (2) Consensus requirement.--The Secretary may include a recommendation in the draft report only if consensus has been reached with regard to the recommendation among the Secretary, the State officials, local government officials, and officials of public housing agencies consulted pursuant to subsection (a). (3) Failure to reach consensus.--If the Secretary, State officials, local government officials, and officials of public housing agencies consulted under subsection (a) fail to reach consensus on a regulatory proposal, the draft report shall identify that consensus was not reached and shall describe-- (A) the areas and issues with regard to which consensus was reached; (B) the areas and issues of continuing disagreement that resulted in the failure to reach consensus; and (C) the reasons for the continuing disagreements. (4) Public review and comment period.--The Secretary shall make the draft report available for public review and comment for a period of not fewer than 180 days. (5) Final report.--The Secretary shall, in consultation with the State officials, local government officials, and officials of public housing agencies, address any comments received pursuant to paragraph (4) and shall prepare a final report describing the final results of the consultation process under subsection (a). (d) Submission of Final Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall make publicly available online the final report prepared pursuant to subsection (c)(5). (e) Definitions.--In this Act, the following definitions apply: (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. (2) Local government official.--The term ``local government official'' means an elected or professional official of a local government or an official of a regional or national organization representing local governments or officials. (3) State official.--The term ``State official'' means an elected or professional official of a State government or an official of a regional or national organization representing State governments or officials. (4) Public housing agency.--The term ``public housing agency'' has the meaning given such term in section 3(b) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)).

Summary: Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act of 2017 This bill nullifies: the final Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rule entitled "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing" and any successor rule substantially similar to it, and the notice relating to the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Assessment Tool and any successor notice or rule substantially similar to it. No federal funds may be used to design, build, maintain, utilize, or provide access to a federal database of geospatial information on community racial disparities or disparities in access to affordable housing. HUD is required to: (1) consult with state, local government, and public housing agency officials to develop recommendations, consistent with applicable rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court, to further the Fair Housing Act's purposes and policies; and (2) make a final report publicly available online within 12 months after enactment of this bill.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) the United States and the territories of the United States contain 169 hazardous volcanoes; (2) since 1980, eruptions have claimed many lives and cost billions of dollars in property damage in the United States; (3) ash eruptions pose a hazard to high-flying jet aircraft, including the more than 20,000 passengers who travel on jets over Alaska every day; (4) in 1989, an eruption of Redoubt Volcano, Alaska, caused in-flight failure of all 4 engines of a passenger Boeing 747 aircraft; (5) international flights over the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the intense domestic air traffic of the Pacific Northwest also face potential engine failure in the event of an eruption; (6) mudflows from ice-clad Cascade volcanoes of the States of Washington, Oregon, and California pose a serious hazard to cities and transportation arteries in the Pacific Northwest; (7) lava flows, toxic gas emissions, and explosions impact residents and visitors to Hawaii and have the potential to cause catastrophic property damage; (8) frequent seismic unrest requires careful monitoring in the Mammoth Lakes area of California and Yellowstone National Park in the States of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho; (9) modern technology, in the form of geophysical monitoring networks on the ground and the use of near-real time satellite data, makes possible warnings before eruptions, giving emergency response agencies and the public time to prepare, which minimizes potential damage to property and loss of life; (10) the efficacy of monitoring is being demonstrated by the forecast and subsequent tracking of explosive eruptions of Redoubt Volcano by the Alaska Volcano Observatory, a partnership of the United States Geological Survey, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys; (11) the United States Geological Survey and the university and State partners of the United States Geological Survey operate-- (A) the Alaska Volcano Observatory located in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska; (B) the Cascades Volcano Observatory located in Vancouver, Washington; (C) the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory located in Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii; (D) the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory located in Yellowstone National Park in the State of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho; and (E) the Long Valley Observatory, located in Mammoth Lakes and Menlo Park, California; and (12) a detailed survey of the volcanoes in the United States and the monitoring status of those volcanoes has revealed a serious monitoring gap, leaving the United States exposed to preventable damage from large volcanic eruptions. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey. (2) System.--The term ``System'' means the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System established under section 4(a)(1). SEC. 4. NATIONAL VOLCANO EARLY WARNING AND MONITORING SYSTEM. (a) Establishment.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish within the United States Geological Survey a program, to be known as the ``National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System'', to monitor, warn, and protect citizens of the United States from undue and avoidable harm from volcanic activity. (2) Purposes.--The purposes of the System are-- (A) to organize, modernize, standardize, and stabilize the monitoring systems of the volcano observatories in the United States; and (B) to unify the monitoring systems of volcano observatories in the United States into a single interoperative system. (3) Objective.--The objective of the System is to monitor all the volcanoes in the United States at a level commensurate with the threat posed by the volcanoes by-- (A) upgrading existing networks on monitored volcanoes; and (B) installing new networks on unmonitored volcanoes. (b) System Components.-- (1) In general.--The System shall include-- (A) a national volcano watch office that is operational 24 hours a day and 7 days a week; (B) a national volcano data center; and (C) an external grants program to support research in volcano monitoring science and technology. (2) Modernization activities.--Modernization activities under the System shall include the comprehensive application of emerging technologies, including digital broadband seismometers, real-time continuous global positioning systems, radar satellite interferometry, and spectrometry to measure gas emission. (c) Management.-- (1) Management plan.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a 5-year management plan for establishing and operating the System. (B) Inclusions.--The management plan submitted under subparagraph (A) shall include-- (i) annual cost estimates for modernization activities and operation of the System; (ii) annual milestones, standards, and performance goals; and (iii) recommendations for, and progress towards, establishing new, or enhancing existing, partnerships to leverage resources. (2) Advisory committee.--The Secretary shall establish an advisory committee to assist the Secretary in implementing the System, to be comprised of representatives of relevant agencies and members of the scientific community appointed by the Secretary. (3) Partnerships.--The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with universities and State agencies designating the universities and agencies as volcano observatory partners for the System. (4) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate the activities under this Act with the heads of relevant Federal agencies, including-- (A) the Secretary of Transportation; (B) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration; (C) the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (D) the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Administration. (d) Annual Report.--Annually, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that describes the activities carried out under this Act. SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this Act $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 and each fiscal year thereafter.

Summary: National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), to establish within USGS a National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System program to monitor volcanic activity and to warn and protect U.S. citizens from harm. Sets forth as System purposes to organize, modernize, standardize, and stabilize monitoring systems of U.S. volcano observatories and to unify monitoring systems into a single interoperative system. Sets forth as System objectives to monitor all U.S. volcanoes at a level commensurate with the threat they pose by upgrading existing networks on monitored volcanoes and installing new networks on unmonitored volcanoes. Requires the System to include: (1) a national volcano watch office that is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week; (2) a national volcano data center; and (3) an external grants program to support research in volcano monitoring science and technology. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit to Congress a five-year management plan for establishing and operating the System and an annual report; (2) establish an advisory committee; and (3) coordinate activities under this Act with the heads of relevant federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with universities and state agencies as volcano observatory partners.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act''. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONORABLE STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES FIRE SUPPRESSION DEMONSTRATION INCENTIVE PROGRAM. (a) Grants.--The Secretary of Education (in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary''), in consultation with the United States Fire Administration, shall establish a demonstration program to award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities for the purpose of installing fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in student housing and dormitories owned or controlled by such entities. (b) Eligible Entity.--For purposes of this Act, the term ``eligible entity'' means any of the following: (1) An institution of higher education (as that term is defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)), including an institution eligible to receive assistance under part A or B of title III or title V of such Act. (2) A social fraternity or sorority exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 501(a)), the active membership of which consists primarily of students in attendance at an institution of higher education (as that term is defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)). (c) Selection Priority.--In making grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that demonstrate the greatest financial need. (d) Reserved Amounts.-- (1) In general.--Of the amount made available to the Secretary for grants under this section for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall award-- (A) not less than 10 percent to eligible entities that are institutions described in subsection (b)(1) that are eligible to receive assistance under part A or B of title III or title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ; and (B) not less than 10 percent to eligible entities that are social fraternities and sororities described in subsection (b)(2). (2) Plan required.--The Secretary shall develop a plan to inform entities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) that such entities may be eligible to apply for grants under this section. (3) Insufficient applicants.--If the Secretary determines that there are an insufficient number of qualified applicants to award the reserved amounts required in accordance with paragraph (1), the Secretary shall make available the remainder of such reserved amounts for use by other eligible entities. (e) Application.--To seek a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. (f) Matching Requirement.--As a condition of receipt of a grant under subsection (a), the applicant shall provide (directly or through donations from public or private entities) non-Federal matching funds in an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the cost of the activities for which assistance is sought. (g) Supplement Not Supplant.--Funds made available under this program shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other funds that would otherwise be expended to carry out fire safety activities. (h) Limitation on Administrative Expenses.--Not more than 2 percent of a grant made under subsection (a) may be expended for administrative expenses with respect to the grant. (i) Reports.--Not later than 12 months after the date of the first award of a grant under this section and annually thereafter until completion of the program, the Secretary shall provide to the Congress a report that includes the following: (1) The number and types of eligible entities receiving assistance under this section. (2) The amounts of such assistance, the amounts and sources of non-Federal funding leveraged for activities under grants under this section, and any other relevant financial information. (3) The number and types of student housing fitted with fire suppression or prevention technologies with assistance under this section, and the number of students protected by such technologies. (4) The types of fire suppression or prevention technologies installed with assistance under this section, and the costs of such technologies. (5) Identification of Federal and State policies that present impediments to the development and installation of fire suppression or prevention technologies. (6) Any other information determined by the Secretary to be useful to evaluating the overall effectiveness of the program established under this section in improving the fire safety of student housing. (j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act such sums for each of the fiscal years 2009 through 2011. SEC. 3. ADMISSIBILITY AS EVIDENCE. (a) Prohibition.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to subsection (b), any application for assistance under this Act, any negative determination on the part of the Secretary with respect to such application, or any statement of reasons for the determination, shall not be admissible as evidence in any proceeding of any court, agency, board, or other entity. (b) Exception.--This section does not apply to the admission of an application, determination, or statement described in subsection (a) as evidence in a proceeding to enforce an agreement entered into between the Secretary and an eligible entity under section 2. Passed the House of Representatives September 23, 2008. Attest: LORRAINE C. MILLER, Clerk.

Summary: Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones College Fire Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive demonstration grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs), fraternities, and sororities for up to half the cost of installing fire sprinkler systems, or other fire suppression or prevention technologies, in student housing and dormitories owned or controlled by such entities. Gives grant priority to applicants that demonstrate the greatest financial need. Reserves the following portions of grant funds made available for each fiscal year: (1) at least 10% for historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, and IHEs that are eligible for Institutional Aid under the Higher Education Act of 1965; and (2) at least 10% for social fraternities and sororities. Prohibits the use of more than 2% of a grant for administrative expenses. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress regarding such grant program and governmental policies that impede the development and installation of fire suppression or prevention technologies. Authorizes FY2009-FY2011 appropriations for the grant program. Provides that any application for assistance under this Act, any negative determination on the part of the Secretary with respect to such application, or any statement of reasons for the determination, shall not be admissible as evidence in any proceeding of any court, agency, board, or other entity (except a proceeding to enforce an agreement entered into between the Secretary and a grantee under this Act).


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Russian Economic Restoration and Justice Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS; GOALS. (a) Findings.--The Congress finds that-- (1) the United States has spent billions of dollars to aid Russia through the provision of funds to the International Monetary Fund and other international financial institutions, and through other programs; (2) many of these funds have been siphoned off by corrupt institutions; and (3) the average Russian family has yet to see an improvement in their standard of living. (b) Goals.--It is the sense of the Congress that-- (1) the United States must find a way to more effectively support democracy and the establishment of free markets in Russia; and (2) the following principles should be applied to international financial institution assistance to Russia: (A) establish a joint Russian-United States legislative oversight commission to monitor the use of Western resources in Russia; (B) focus Western resources on programs, such as housing, that will help to develop a Russian middle class; (C) make Western resources available to reform- minded regional governments; (D) deny corrupt Moscow-based financial institutions access to Western resources; (E) reform the International Monetary Fund; (F) put the horse in front of the cart: make reforms precede--not follow--the provision of resources; (G) create a program which will link United States business leaders with their Russian counterparts in order to provide Russian businesses with a pool of resources to assist them in making the successful transition to a market-based economy; and (H) bring 15,000 Russian students to the United States to study economics, business administration, and agricultural production so that they can return to Russia to develop the human capital to support a free market system. SEC. 3. PRINCIPLES GOVERNING INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND ASSISTANCE TO RUSSIA. The Bretton Woods Agreements Act (22 U.S.C. 286-286mm) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 61. PRINCIPLES GOVERNING INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND ASSISTANCE TO RUSSIA. ``(a) Conditions and Limitations of Assistance.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States Executive Director at the Fund to use the voice and vote of the United States to urge the Fund-- ``(1) to not provide any assistance to the government of the Russian Federation or of any political subdivision of the Russian Federation, or to any other entity in the Russian Federation, until there is in effect a Russian federal law that implements the economic reforms described in subsection (b); and ``(2) to provide assistance to the Russian Federation or a political subdivision of the Russian Federation only to aid the implementation of such reforms. ``(b) Economic Reforms.--The economic reforms described in this subsection are the following: ``(1) Land reform, including private ownership of land. ``(2) Further privatization of state-owned industrial enterprises. ``(3) Tax reform, including increased collection of tax obligations. ``(4) Development of effective commercial law, including the ability of individuals to seek enforcement of contracts by an effective judicial system. ``(5) Establishment of residential mortgage financing system for middle class individuals residing in the Russian Federation. ``(6) The development of criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of regional economic reform programs in the Russian Federation, and the use of such criteria to assure that Western resources are provided to the political subdivisions of the Russian Federation on an equitable basis, taking into account the necessity to provide incentives for political subdivisions to implement viable economic reforms and to reward those that have made progress in implementing such reforms. ``(7) The development of steps to make the recipients of Western resources in the Russian Federation accountable for the use of such resources.''. SEC. 4. RUSSIAN-AMERICAN FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT COMMISSION. (a) In General.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate shall seek to enter into negotiations with the State Duma and the Federation Council of the Russian Federation for the establishment of a commission which would-- (1) be composed of 8 Members of the United States Congress and a total of 8 Deputies from the State Duma and Federation Council; (2) monitor expenditures of the funds provided to the government of the Russian Federation or a political subdivision of the Russian Federation by the United States or the international community, for the purpose of evaluating that the funds are used for only for the purposes for which provided; and (3) create a working group of financial experts tasked with developing a comprehensive program to reform, privatize, or close industrial enterprises in the Russian Federation that are bankrupt and are (or would be) not competitive under conditions of a market economy without significant government financial support. (b) Membership.--On the successful conclusion of negotiations under subsection (a), the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate are jointly authorized to appoint 8 Members of Congress to the commission established pursuant to subsection (a). SEC. 5. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS. (a) Establishment of Joint United States-Russian Business, Economics, and Agricultural Education Programs.--It is the sense of the Congress that the United States and the government of the Russian Federation should conclude an agreement under which students in the Russian Federation would enroll in colleges and universities in the United States at undergraduate and graduate levels for the purpose of developing a network of specialists in business administration, economics, and agricultural production in the Russian Federation, and students so enrolled would, on completion of their studies in the United States, be required to return to the Russian Federation and work for the federal or a regional government in Russia. (b) Linking of United States Business Leaders With Russian Federation Business Leaders.--It is the sense of the Congress that the United States and the government of the Russian Federation should create a program which would link successful United States business leaders with their counterparts in the Russian Federation, so that companies in the Russian Federation will be better able to access a pool of resources and knowledge to assist them in their transition to successfully competing in a market-based economy. SEC. 6. IMF REFORM COMMISSION. The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States Executive Director at the Fund to use the voice and vote of the United States to urge the Fund to create a commission, composed of prominent international financial experts, for the purpose of drawing up recommendations for reforming the Fund, with a view to achieving more transparency in the structures of the Fund and increasing the effectiveness of Fund programs while decreasing financial risk. SEC. 7. RUSSIAN HOUSING LOAN PROGRAM. (a) Loan Program.--There is hereby established a pilot housing loan program for the people of Russia, with such funds as may be made available, as the means by which the average Russian citizen may attain affordable home ownership. (b) Restrictions.--None of the funds under this section may be made available-- (1) for transfer to the Government of Russia; or (2) for the purposes of providing Russian military housing. (c) Establishment of Administering Corporation.-- (1) In general.--There is established a nonprofit corporation (in this section referred to as the ``Corporation''). (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the Corporation shall be to administer directly funds made available under this section. (3) Recommendations regarding the membership of board of directors.--It is the sense of the Congress that the Corporation should consist of a 13-member Board of Directors, the members of which should be appointed by the President of the United States from lists provided by the following individuals: (A) Two members from a list provided by the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. (B) One member from a list provided by the minority leader of the United States House of Representatives. (C) Two members from a list provided by the majority leader of the United States Senate. (D) One member from a list provided by the minority leader of the United States Senate. (E) Two members appointed by the President of the United States at his discretion. (F) Four members from a list provided by the President of the Russian Federation. (G) One member from a list provided by the Chairman of the Russian State Duma. (4) Recommendations regarding the chairman of the board of directors, terms of office, and authority.--It is the sense of the Congress that the President of the United States should select a Chairman of the Board of Directors from among the 13 board members, that the Chairman should serve a single 2-year term, and that the entire Board of Directors should serve a 2- year term and have the authority to select other officers and employees to carry out the purposes of the Corporation. (d) Loan Size and Type.--Since it is the intent of the housing loan program to provide loans for the average middle-income potential Russian home buyer, loans shall range between the equivalent of $10,000 to $50,000 (U.S.). This amount shall be determined by the Corporation and shall fluctuate in accordance upon market conditions. Loans shall be for a term of 10 to 30 years and may be prepaid at any time without penalty. Loan payments shall be amortized on a basis of level monthly payments. (e) Working Groups.--The Corporation shall have the authority to establish working groups comprised of Russian and American experts, for the purpose of making recommendations on topics essential to the success of the program, including, but not limited to-- (1) the preparation of the necessary legal and regulatory changes; (2) the involvement of United States housing trade and labor associations in providing materials, training, and joint venture capital; (3) ensuring adequate offsite infrastructure for new housing sites; and (4) other issues as deemed appropriate by the Corporation.

Summary: Establishes a Russian-American financial oversight commission to monitor the use of Western resources in Russia. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) there should be established joint United States-Russian business, economics, and agricultural education programs in which Russian Federation students on completion of their studies in the United States be required to return to the Russian Federation and work for the federal or regional government in Russia; and (2) the United States and the government of the Russian Federation should create a program which would link successful U.S. business leaders with their Russian Federation counterparts so that Russian Federation companies will be better able to access a pool of resources and knowledge to assist them in their transition to successfully competing in a market-based economy. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at the IMF to use the U.S. vote to urge the IMF to create a commission, composed of prominent international financial experts, to draw up recommendations for reforming the IMF, with a view to achieving more transparency in the structures of the IMF and increasing the effectiveness of its programs while decreasing financial risk. Establishes a pilot housing loan program (to be administered through a nonprofit corporation) in which the average Russian citizen may attain affordable home ownership.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Alternative Fueled Vehicles Competitiveness and Energy Security Act of 2013''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. Sec. 3. Loan guarantees for alternative fuel infrastructure. Sec. 4. Advanced technology vehicles manufacturing incentive program. Sec. 5. Conventional fuel replacement calculation and assessment. Sec. 6. Technical assistance and coordination. Sec. 7. Workforce training. Sec. 8. Reduction of engine idling and conventional fuel consumption. Sec. 9. Electric, hydrogen, and natural gas utility and oil pipeline participation. Sec. 10. Federal fleets. Sec. 11. HOV lane access extension. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Alternative fuel.--The term ``alternative fuel'' has the meaning given the term in section 301 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13211). (2) Alternative fueled vehicle.--The term ``alternative fueled vehicle'' has the meaning given the term in section 301 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13211). (3) Community college.--The term ``community college'' has the meaning given the term ``junior or community college'' in section 312 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1058). (4) Department.--The term ``Department'' means the Department of Energy. (5) Nonroad vehicle.-- (A) In general.--The term ``nonroad vehicle'' means a vehicle that is not licensed for onroad use. (B) Inclusions.--The term ``nonroad vehicle'' includes a vehicle described in subparagraph (A) that is used principally-- (i) for industrial, farming, or commercial use; (ii) for rail transportation; (iii) at an airport; or (iv) for marine purposes. (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy. SEC. 3. LOAN GUARANTEES FOR ALTERNATIVE FUEL INFRASTRUCTURE. Section 1703(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16513(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(11) Infrastructure for provision and distribution of alternative fuels.''. SEC. 4. ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY VEHICLES MANUFACTURING INCENTIVE PROGRAM. Section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17013) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as clauses (i) through (iii), respectively, and indenting appropriately; (ii) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as redesignated by clause (i)), by striking ``means an ultra efficient vehicle or a light duty vehicle that meets--'' and inserting ``means-- ``(A) an ultra efficient vehicle or a light duty vehicle that meets--''; (iii) in clause (iii) (as redesignated by clause (i)), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: ``(B) a vehicle (such as a medium-duty or heavy- duty work truck, bus, or rail transit vehicle) that-- ``(i) is used on a public street, road, highway, or transitway; ``(ii) meets each applicable emission standard that is established as of the date of the application; and ``(iii) will reduce consumption of conventional motor fuel by 25 percent or more, as compared to existing surface transportation technologies that perform a similar function, unless the Secretary determines that-- ``(I) the percentage is not achievable for a vehicle type or class; and ``(II) an alternative percentage for that vehicle type or class will result in substantial reductions in motor fuel consumption within the United States.''; (B) in paragraph (3)(B)-- (i) by striking ``equipment and'' and inserting ``equipment,''; and (ii) by inserting ``, and manufacturing process equipment'' after ``suppliers''; and (C) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following: ``(4) Qualifying components.--The term `qualifying components' means components, systems, or groups of subsystems that the Secretary determines-- ``(A) to be designed to improve fuel economy or otherwise substantially reduce consumption of conventional motor fuel; or ``(B) to contribute measurably to the overall improved fuel use of an advanced technology vehicle, including idle reduction technologies.''; (2) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``to automobile'' and inserting ``to advanced technology vehicle''; (3) in subsection (d)(1), in the first sentence, by striking ``a total of not more than $25,000,000,000 in''; (4) in subsection (h)-- (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Automobile'' and inserting ``Advanced Technology Vehicle''; and (B) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``automobiles'' each place it appears and inserting ``advanced technology vehicles''; and (5) in subsection (i), by striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2018''. SEC. 5. CONVENTIONAL FUEL REPLACEMENT CALCULATION AND ASSESSMENT. (a) Methodology.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, by rule, develop a methodology for calculating the equivalent volumes of conventional fuel displaced by use of each alternative fuel to assess the effectiveness of alternative fuel and alternative fueled vehicles in reducing oil imports. (b) National Assessment.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall-- (1) conduct a national assessment (using the methodology developed under subsection (a)) of the effectiveness of alternative fuel and alternative fueled vehicles in reducing oil imports into the United States, including as assessment of-- (A) market penetration of alternative fuel and alternative fueled vehicles in the United States; (B) successes and barriers to deployment identified by the programs established under this Act; and (C) the maximum feasible deployment of alternative fuel and alternative fueled vehicles by 2020 and 2030; and (2) report to Congress the results of the assessment. SEC. 6. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND COORDINATION. (a) Technical Assistance to State, Local, and Tribal Governments.-- (1) In general.--In carrying out this title, the Secretary shall provide, at the request of the Governor, mayor, county executive, public utility commissioner, or other appropriate official or designee, technical assistance to State, local, and tribal governments or to a public-private partnership described in paragraph (2) to assist with the deployment of alternative fuel and alternative fueled vehicles and infrastructure. (2) Public-private partnership.--Technical assistance under this section may be awarded to a public-private partnership, comprised of State, local or tribal governments and nongovernmental entities, including-- (A) electric or natural gas utilities or other alternative fuel distributors; (B) vehicle manufacturers; (C) alternative fueled vehicle or alternative fuel technology providers; (D) vehicle fleet owners; (E) transportation and freight service providers; or (F) other appropriate non-Federal entities, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Assistance.--The technical assistance described in paragraph (1) may include-- (A) coordination in the selection, location, and timing of alternative fuel recharging and refueling equipment and distribution infrastructure, including the identification of transportation corridors and specific alternative fuels that would be made available; (B) development of protocols and communication standards that facilitate vehicle refueling and recharging into electric, natural gas, and other alternative fuel distribution systems; (C) development of codes and standards for the installation of alternative fuel distribution and recharging and refueling equipment; (D) education and outreach for the deployment of alternative fuel and alternative fueled vehicles; and (E) utility rate design and integration of alternative fueled vehicles into electric and natural gas utility distribution systems. (b) Cost Sharing.--Cost sharing for assistance awarded under this section shall be consistent with section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352). (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. SEC. 7. WORKFORCE TRAINING. (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall award grants to community colleges, other institutions of higher education, and other qualified training and education institutions for the establishment or expansion of programs to provide training and education for vocational workforce development for-- (1) the manufacture and maintenance of alternative fueled vehicles; and (2) the manufacture, installation, support, and inspection of alternative fuel recharging, refueling, and distribution infrastructure. (b) Purpose.--Training funded under this section shall be intended to ensure that the workforce has the necessary skills needed to manufacture, install, and maintain alternative fuel infrastructure and alternative fueled vehicles. (c) Scope.--Training funded under this section shall include training for-- (1) electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, and other trades and contractors who will be installing, maintaining, or providing safety support for alternative fuel recharging, refueling, and distribution infrastructure; (2) building code inspection officials; (3) vehicle, engine, and powertrain dealers and mechanics; and (4) others positions as the Secretary determines necessary to successfully deploy alternative fuels and vehicles. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018. SEC. 8. REDUCTION OF ENGINE IDLING AND CONVENTIONAL FUEL CONSUMPTION. (a) Definition of Idle Reduction Technology.--Section 756(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16104(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following: ``(5) Idle reduction technology.--The term `idle reduction technology' means an advanced truck stop electrification system, auxiliary power unit, or other technology that-- ``(A)(i) is used to reduce long-duration idling; and ``(ii) allows for the main drive engine or auxiliary refrigeration engine to be shut down; or ``(B) uses an alternative fuel to reduce consumption of conventional fuel and environmental emissions.''. (b) Funding.--Section 756(b)(4)(B) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16104(b)(4)(B)) is amended in clauses (i) and (ii) by striking ``fiscal year 2008'' each place it appears and inserting ``each of fiscal years 2008 through 2018''. SEC. 9. ELECTRIC, HYDROGEN, AND NATURAL GAS UTILITY AND OIL PIPELINE PARTICIPATION. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall identify barriers and remedies in existing electric and natural gas and oil pipeline transmission and distribution systems to the distribution of alternative fuels and the deployment of alternative fuel recharging and refueling capability, at economically competitive costs of alternative fuel for consumers, including-- (1) model regulatory rate design and billing for recharging and refueling alternative fueled vehicles; (2) electric grid load management and applications that will allow batteries in plug-in electric drive vehicles to be used for grid storage, ancillary services provision, and backup power; (3) integration of plug-in electric drive vehicles with smart grid technology, including protocols and standards, necessary equipment, and information technology systems; (4) technical and economic barriers to transshipment of biofuels by oil pipelines, or distribution of hydrogen; and (5) any other barriers to installing sufficient and appropriate alternative fuel recharging and refueling infrastructure. (b) Consultation.--The Secretary shall carry out this section in consultation with-- (1) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; (2) State public utility commissions; (3) State consumer advocates; (4) electric and natural gas utility and transmission owners and operators; (5) oil pipeline owners and operators; (6) hydrogen suppliers; and (7) other affected entities. (c) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report describing actions taken to carry out this section. SEC. 10. FEDERAL FLEETS. (a) In General.--The Secretary (in consultation with the Administrator of General Services, the Secretary of Defense, the Postmaster General, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget) shall establish an interagency coordination council for the development and procurement of alternative fueled vehicles by Federal agencies. (b) Electricity and Natural Gas.--Electricity and natural gas consumed by Federal agencies to fuel alternative fueled vehicles shall be-- (1) considered an alternative fuel; and (2) accounted for under Federal fleet management reporting requirements, rather than under Federal building management reporting requirements. (c) Assessment and Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary (in consultation with the Administrator of General Services, the Secretary of Defense, the Postmaster General, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget) shall complete an assessment of Federal Government fleets (including the United States Postal Service and the Department of Defense) and submit to Congress a report that describes-- (1) for each Federal agency with a fleet of more than 200 vehicles, which types of vehicles the agency uses that would or would not be suitable for alternative fuel use either through the procurement of new alternative fueled vehicles, or the conversion to alternative fuel, taking into account the types of vehicles for which alternative fuel could provide comparable functionality and lifecycle costs; (2) the quantity of alternative fueled vehicles that could be deployed by the Federal Government in 5 years and in 10 years, assuming that the vehicles are available and are purchased when new vehicles are needed or existing vehicles are replaced; and (3) the estimated cost and benefits to the Federal Government for vehicle purchases or conversions described in this subsection. SEC. 11. HOV LANE ACCESS EXTENSION. Section 166(b)(5) of title 23, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``Before September 30, 2017, the State'' and inserting ``The State''; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``Before September 30, 2017, the State'' and inserting ``The State''.

Summary: Alternative Fueled Vehicles Competitiveness and Energy Security Act of 2013 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand the list of technology categories that are eligible for loan guarantees by including a category for infrastructure for provision and distribution of alternative fuels. Amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to: (1) redefine "advanced technology vehicle," for purposes of the advanced technology vehicles manufacturing incentive program, to include certain vehicles that will reduce consumption of conventional motor fuel by 25% or more compared to existing surface transportation technologies that perform a similar function; (2) repeal the limit on the amount of appropriations that may be used for direct loans under such program; and (3) extend funding through FY2018 for such program. Directs the Secretary to: (1) assess the effectiveness of alternative fuel and alternative fueled vehicles in reducing oil imports; (2) provide technical assistance for the deployment of alternative fuel and alternative fueled vehicles and infrastructure; and (3) award grants to provide training and education for vocational workforce development for the manufacture and maintenance of alternative fueled vehicles and the manufacture, installation, support, and inspection of alternative fuel recharging, refueling, and distribution infrastructure. Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to: (1) redefine "idle reduction technology" to include a technology that uses an alternative fuel to reduce consumption of conventional fuel and environmental emissions; and (2) extend appropriations through FY2018 to reduce extended idling from heavy-duty vehicles and locomotives. Requires the Secretary to identify barriers and remedies in electric and natural gas and oil pipeline transmission and distribution systems to the distribution of alternative fuels and the deployment of alternative fuel recharging and refueling capability at economically competitive costs for consumers. Requires the Secretary to establish an interagency coordination council for the development and procurement of alternative fueled vehicles by federal agencies. Requires electricity and natural gas consumed by federal agencies to fuel alternative fueled vehicles to be considered an alternative fuel and accounted for under federal fleet management reporting requirements, rather than under federal building management reporting requirements. Requires the Secretary to assess federal government fleets. Extends states' authority to allow inherently low-emission and energy-efficient vehicles to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.