SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Education for Retirement Security Act of 2002''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Improving financial literacy is a critical and complex task for Americans of all ages. (2) Low levels of savings and high levels of personal and real estate debt are serious problems for many households nearing retirement. (3) Only 53 percent of working Americans have any form of pension coverage. Three out of four women aged 65 or over receive no income from employer-provided pensions. (4) The more limited timeframe that mid-life and older individuals and families have to assess the realities of their individual circumstances, to recover from counter-productive choices and decisionmaking processes, and to benefit from more informed financial practices, has immediate impact and near term consequences for Americans nearing or of retirement age. (5) Research indicates that there are now 4 basic sources of retirement income security. Those sources are social security benefits, pensions and savings, healthcare insurance coverage, and, for an increasing number of older individuals, necessary earnings from working during one's ``retirement'' years. (6) The $5,000,000,000,000 loss in stock market equity values since 2000 has had a significantly negative effect on mid-life and older individuals and on their pension plans and retirement accounts, affecting both individuals with plans to retire and those who are already in retirement. (7) Although today's older individuals are generally thought to be doing well, nearly \1/5\ (18 percent) of such individuals were living below 125 percent of the poverty line during a year of national prosperity, 1995. (8) Over the next 30 years, the number of older individuals in the United States is expected to double, from 35,000,000 to nearly 75,000,000, and long-term care costs are expected to skyrocket. (9) Financial exploitation is the largest single category of abuse against older individuals and this population comprises more than \1/2\ of all telemarketing victims in the United States. (10) The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse has reported that incidents of identity theft targeting individuals over the age of 60 increased from 1,821 victims in 2000 to 5,802 victims in 2001, a threefold increase. SEC. 3. GRANT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE FINANCIAL AND RETIREMENT LITERACY AND REDUCE FINANCIAL ABUSE AND FRAUD AMONG MID-LIFE AND OLDER AMERICANS. (a) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants to eligible entities to provide financial education programs to mid-life and older individuals who reside in local communities in order to-- (1) enhance financial and retirement knowledge among such individuals; and (2) reduce financial abuse and fraud, including telemarketing, mortgage, and pension fraud, among such individuals. (b) Eligible Entities.--An entity is eligible to receive a grant under this section if such entity is-- (1) a State agency or area agency on aging; or (2) a nonprofit organization with a proven record of providing-- (A) services to mid-life and older individuals; (B) consumer awareness programs; or (C) supportive services to low-income families. (c) Application.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary in such form and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a plan for continuing the programs provided with grant funds under this section after the grant expires. (d) Limitation on Administrative Costs.--A recipient of a grant under this section may not use more than 4 percent of the total amount of the grant in each fiscal year for the administrative costs of carrying out the programs provided with grant funds under this section. (e) Evaluation and Report.-- (1) Establishment of performance measures.--The Secretary shall develop measures to evaluate the programs provided with grant funds under this section. (2) Evaluation according to performance measures.--Applying the performance measures developed under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall evaluate the programs provided with grant funds under this section in order to-- (A) judge the performance and effectiveness of such programs; (B) identify which programs represent the best practices of entities developing such programs for mid- life and older individuals; and (C) identify which programs may be replicated. (3) Annual reports.--For each fiscal year in which a grant is awarded under this section, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress containing a description of the status of the grant program under this section, a description of the programs provided with grant funds under this section, and the results of the evaluation of such programs under paragraph (2). SEC. 4. NATIONAL TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (a) Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to award a grant to 1 or more eligible entities to-- (1) create and make available instructional materials and information that promote financial education; and (2) provide training and other related assistance regarding the establishment of financial education programs to eligible entities awarded a grant under section 3. (b) Eligible Entities.--An entity is eligible to receive a grant under this section if such entity is a national nonprofit organization with substantial experience in the field of financial education. (c) Application.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary in such form and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (d) Basis and Term.--The Secretary shall award a grant under this section on a competitive, merit basis for a term of 5 years. SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Financial education.--The term ``financial education'' means education that promotes an understanding of consumer, economic, and personal finance concepts, including saving for retirement, long-term care, and estate planning and education on predatory lending and financial abuse schemes. (2) Mid-life individual.--The term ``mid-life individual'' means an individual aged 45 to 64 years. (3) Older individual.--The term ``older individual'' means an individual aged 65 or older. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act, $100,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2003 through 2007. (b) Limitation on Funds for Evaluation and Report.--The Secretary may not use more than $200,000 of the amounts appropriated under subsection (a) for each fiscal year to carry out section 3(e). (c) Limitation on Funds for Training and Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may not use less than 5 percent or more than 10 percent of amounts appropriated under subsection (a) for each fiscal year to carry out section 4.

Summary: Education for Retirement Security Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible entities to provide financial education programs to mid-life and older individuals who reside in local communities in order to: (1) enhance financial and retirement knowledge among them; and (2) reduce financial abuse and fraud, including telemarketing, mortgage, and pension fraud, among them.Authorizes the Secretary to award a grant to one or more eligible entities to: (1) create and make available instructional materials and information that promote financial education; and (2) provide training and other related assistance regarding the establishment of financial education programs.


SECTION 1. ADJUSTMENTS TO RATES OF BASIC PAY OF PREVAILING RATE EMPLOYEES. (a) Limitation on Adjustments.-- (1) Prevailing rate employees of agencies.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and except as otherwise provided in this section, a prevailing rate employee described in section 5342(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code, may not be paid-- (A) during the period beginning on January 1, 2014, and ending on the normal effective date of the applicable wage survey adjustment that is to take effect in fiscal year 2014, in an amount that exceeds the rate payable for the applicable grade and step of the applicable wage schedule in accordance with such section; and (B) during the period beginning on the day after the end of the period described in subparagraph (A) and ending on September 30, 2014, in an amount that exceeds, as a result of a wage survey adjustment, the rate payable under subparagraph (A) by more than the sum of-- (i) the percentage adjustment taking effect in fiscal year 2014 under section 5303 of title 5, United States Code, in the rates of pay under the General Schedule; and (ii) the difference between the overall average percentage of the locality-based comparability payments taking effect in fiscal year 2014 under section 5304 of such title (whether by adjustment or otherwise), and the overall average percentage of such payments which was effective in the previous fiscal year under such section. (2) Other prevailing rate employees.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no prevailing rate employee described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 5342(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code, and no employee covered by section 5348 of such title, may be paid during the periods for which paragraph (1) is in effect at a rate that exceeds the rates that would be payable under paragraph (1) were paragraph (1) applicable to such employee. (3) Employees paid from new schedules.--For the purposes of this subsection, the rates payable to an employee who is covered by this subsection and who is paid from a schedule not in existence on September 30, 2013, shall be determined under regulations prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management. (4) Rates of premium pay.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, rates of premium pay for employees subject to this subsection may not be changed from the rates in effect on September 30, 2013, except to the extent determined by the Office of Personnel Management to be consistent with the purpose of this subsection. (5) Period covered.--This subsection shall apply with respect to pay for service performed on or after the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning after December 31, 2013. (6) Treatment under other laws.--For the purpose of administering any provision of law (including any rule or regulation that provides premium pay, retirement, life insurance, or any other employee benefit) that requires any deduction or contribution, or that imposes any requirement or limitation on the basis of a rate of salary or basic pay, the rate of salary or basic pay payable after the application of this subsection shall be treated as the rate of salary or basic pay. (7) Limitations.--Nothing in this subsection shall be considered to permit or require the payment to any employee covered by this subsection at a rate in excess of the rate that would be payable were this subsection not in effect. (8) Exceptions.--The Office of Personnel Management may provide for exceptions to the limitations imposed by this subsection if the Office determines that such exceptions are necessary to ensure the recruitment or retention of qualified employees. (b) Comparability of Adjustments.-- (1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), effective as of the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning after December 31, 2013, the percentage increase in rates of basic pay for the statutory pay systems under sections 5344 and 5348 of title 5, United States Code, that takes place in fiscal year 2014 shall be not less than the percentage increase received by employees in the same pay locality whose rates of basic pay are adjusted under sections 5303 and 5304 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Pay localities.--For the purposes of this subsection, prevailing rate employees in localities where there are no employees whose pay is increased pursuant to sections 5303 and 5304 of title 5, United States Code, and prevailing rate employees described in section 5343(a)(5) of title 5, United States Code, shall be considered to be located in the pay locality designated as ``Rest of United States'' under section 5304 of title 5, United States Code.

Summary: Prohibits any prevailing rate employee in a federal agency, between January 1 and September 30, 2014, from being paid an amount exceeding specified limits resulting from an applicable wage survey adjustment. Prohibits the percentage increase in wages paid to a prevailing wage employee in FY2014 from being less than the percentage increase in the basic pay of other federal employees in the same pay locality.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Phone Bill Fairness Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) Customer bills for telecommunications services are unreasonably complicated, and many Americans are unable to understand the nature of services provided to them and the charges for which they are responsible. (2) One of the purposes of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-104) was to unleash competitive and market forces for telecommunications services. (3) Unless customers can understand their telecommunications bills they cannot take advantage of the newly competitive market for telecommunications services. (4) Confusing telecommunications bills allow a small minority of providers of telecommunications services to commit fraud more easily. The best defense against telecommunications fraud is a well informed consumer. Consumers cannot be well informed when their telecommunications bills are incomprehensible. (5) Certain providers of telecommunications services have established new, specific charges on customer bills commonly known as ``line-item charges''. (6) These line-item charges have proliferated and are often described with inaccurate and confusing names. (7) These line-item charges have generated significant confusion among customers regarding the nature and scope of universal service and of the fees associated with universal service. (8) The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners adopted a resolution in February 1998 supporting action by the Federal Communications Commission to require interstate telecommunications carriers to provide accurate customer notice regarding the implementation and purpose of end-user charges for telecommunications services. (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to require the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission to protect and empower consumers of telecommunications services by assuring that telecommunications bills, including line-item charges, issued by telecommunications carriers nationwide are both accurate and comprehensible. SEC. 3. INVESTIGATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER BILLING PRACTICES. (a) Investigation.-- (1) Requirement.--The Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission shall jointly conduct an investigation of the billing practices of telecommunications carriers. (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether the bills sent by telecommunications carriers to their customers accurately assess and correctly characterize the services received and fees charged for such services, including any fees imposed as line-item charges. (b) Determinations.--In carrying out the investigation under subsection (a), the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission shall determine the following: (1) The prevalence of incomprehensible or confusing telecommunications bills. (2) The most frequent causes for confusion on telecommunications bills. (3) Whether or not any best practices exist, which, if utilized as an industry standard, would reduce confusion and improve comprehension of telecommunications bills. (4) Whether or not telecommunications bills that impose fees through line-item charges characterize correctly the nature and basis of such fees, including, in particular, whether or not such fees are required by the Federal Government or State governments. (c) Review of Records.-- (1) Authority.--For purposes of the investigation under subsection (a), the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission may obtain from any telecommunications carrier any record of such carrier that is relevant to the investigation, including any record supporting such carrier's basis for setting fee levels or percentages. (2) Use.--The Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission may use records obtained under this subsection only for purposes of the investigation. (d) Disciplinary Actions.-- (1) In general.--If the Federal Communications Commission or the Federal Trade Commission determines as a result of the investigation under subsection (a) that the bills sent by a telecommunications carrier to its customers do not accurately assess or correctly characterize any service or fee contained in such bills, the Federal Communications Commission or the Federal Trade Commission, as the case may be, may take such action against such carrier as such Commission is authorized to take under law. (2) Characterization of fees.--If the Federal Communications Commission or the Federal Trade Commission determines as a result of the investigation under subsection (a) that a telecommunications carrier has characterized a fee on bills sent to its customers as mandated or otherwise required by the Federal Government or a State and that such characterization is incorrect, the Federal Communications Commission or the Federal Trade Commission, as the case may be, may require the carrier to discontinue such characterization. (3) Additional actions.--If the Federal Communications Commission or the Federal Trade Commission determines that such Commission does not have authority under law to take actions under paragraph (1) that would be appropriate in light of a determination described in paragraph (1), the Federal Communications Commission or the Federal Trade Commission, as the case may be, shall notify Congress of the determination under this paragraph in the report under subsection (e). (e) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commissions shall jointly submit to Congress a report on the results of the investigation under subsection (a). The report shall include the determination, if any, of either Commission under subsection (d)(3) and any recommendations for further legislative action that such Commissions consider appropriate. SEC. 4. TREATMENT OF MISLEADING TELECOMMUNICATIONS BILLS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RATE PLANS. (a) Federal Trade Commission.--The Federal Trade Commission shall treat any telecommunications billing practice or telecommunications rate plan that the Commission determines to be intentionally misleading as an unfair business practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.). (b) Federal Communications Commission.--The Federal Communications Commission shall, upon finding that any holder of a license under the Commission has repeatedly and intentionally engaged in a telephone billing practice, or has repeatedly and intentionally utilized a telephone rate plan, that is misleading, treat such holder as acting against the public interest for purposes of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.). SEC. 5. REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL BILLS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES. (a) Average Per Minute Rate Calculation.--Each telecommunications carrier shall display on the first page of each customer bill for telecommunications services the average per-minute charge of telecommunications services of such customer for the billing period covered by such bill. (b) Calling Patterns.--Each telecommunications carrier shall display on the first page of each customer bill for telecommunications services the percentage of the total number of telephone calls of such customer for the billing period covered by such bill as follows: (1) That began on a weekday. (2) That began on a weekend. (3) That began from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (4) That began from 8:01 p.m. to 7:59 a.m. (5) That were billed to a calling card. (c) Average Per-Minute Charge Defined.--In this section, the term ``average per-minute charge'', in the case of a bill of a customer for a billing period, means-- (1) the sum of-- (A) the aggregate amount of monthly or other recurring charges, if any, for telecommunications services imposed on the customer by the bill for the billing period; and (B) the total amount of all per-minute charges for telecommunications services imposed on the customer by the bill for the billing period; divided by (2) the total number of minutes of telecommunications services provided to the customer during the billing period and covered by the bill. SEC. 6. REQUIREMENTS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS IMPOSING CERTAIN CHARGES FOR SERVICES. (a) Billing Requirements.--Any telecommunications carrier shall include on the bills for telecommunications services sent to its customers the following: (1) An accurate name and description of any covered charge. (2) The recipient or class of recipients of the monies collected through each such charge. (3) A statement whether each such charge is required by law or collected pursuant to a requirement imposed by a governmental entity under its discretionary authority. (4) A specific explanation of any reduction in charges or fees to customers, and the class of telephone customer that such reduction, that are related to each such charge. (b) Universal Service Contributions and Receipts.--Not later than January 31 each year, each telecommunications carrier required to contribute to universal service during the previous year under section 254(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254(d)) shall submit to the Federal Communications Commission a report on following: (1) The total contributions of the carrier to the universal service fund during the previous year. (2) The total receipts from customers during such year designed to recover contributions to the fund. (c) Action on Universal Service Contributions and Receipts Data.-- (1) Review.--The Federal Communications Commission shall review the reports submitted to the Commission under subsection (b) in order to determine whether or not the amount of the contributions of a telecommunications carrier to the universal service fund in any year is equal to the amount of the receipts of the telecommunications carrier from its customers in such year for purposes of contributions to the fund. (2) Additional contributions.--If the Commission determines as a result of a review under paragraph (1) that the amount of the receipts of a telecommunications carrier from its customers in a year for purposes of contributions to the universal service fund exceeded the amount contributed by the carrier in such year to the fund, the Commission shall have the authority to require the carrier to deposit in the fund an amount equal to the amount of such excess. (d) Covered Charges.--For purposes of subsection (a), a covered charge shall include any charge on a bill for telecommunications services that is separate from a per-minute rate charge, including a universal service charge, a subscriber line charge, and a presubscribed interexchange carrier charge. SEC. 7. TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER DEFINED. In this Act, the term ``telecommunications carrier'' has the meaning given that term in section 3(44) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 153(44)).

Summary: Requires the FTC to treat any telecommunications billing practice or rate plan determined to be intentionally misleading as an unfair business practice for purposes of the Federal Trade Commission Act. Requires the FCC, upon a finding that any holder of an FCC license has repeatedly and intentionally engaged in a telephone billing practice or utilized a rate plan that is misleading, to treat such holder as acting against public interest for purposes of the Communications Act of 1934. Requires each carrier to display on the first page of each customer bill: (1) the average per-minute charge of telecommunications services for the billing period; and (2) the percentage of the total number of telephone calls of such customer that took place on a weekday, weekend, daytime, or nighttime, and the percentage that were billed to a calling card. Requires customer bills to include: (1) an accurate name and description of any covered charge and the recipient of monies collected through such charge; (2) a statement of whether each such charge is required by law or by a governmental entity under its discretionary authority; and (3) an explanation of any reduction in charges or fees. Directs each carrier required to contribute to universal services during the previous year to report to the FCC on their total contributions during the previous year and the total receipts from customers to recover such contributions. Directs the FCC to review such reports to determine whether such amounts are equal and, if not, to require such carrier to deposit an equal amount.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act of 2006''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Tuberculosis is one of the greatest infectious causes of death of adults worldwide, killing nearly 2,000,000 people per year--one person every 15 seconds. (2) One-third of the world's population is infected with the tuberculosis bacterium and an estimated 9,000,000 individuals develop active tuberculosis each year. (3) Tuberculosis is the leading killer among individuals who are HIV-positive due to their weakened immune systems, and it is estimated that one-third of people with HIV infection have tuberculosis. (4) Today, tuberculosis is a leading killer of women of reproductive age. (5) There are 22 countries that account for 80 percent of the world's burden of tuberculosis. The People's Republic of China and India account for 35 percent of all estimated new tuberculosis cases each year. (6) Driven by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, incidence rates of tuberculosis in Africa have more than doubled on average since 1990, making it the only region in the world in which tuberculosis rates are not currently stabilized or declining. The problem is so pervasive that in August 2005, African Health Ministers and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared tuberculosis to be an emergency in Africa. (7) The wide extent of drug resistance, including multi- drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), in Eastern Europe and other parts of the world represents a critical challenge to the global control of tuberculosis. Drug resistance surveillance reports have confirmed the serious scale and spread of tuberculosis in Eastern Europe with tuberculosis strains often resistant to all first line drugs and also to some second line drugs. (8) With more than 50 percent of tuberculosis cases in the United States attributable to foreign-born individuals and with the increase in international travel, commerce, and migration, elimination of tuberculosis in the United States depends on efforts to control the disease in developing countries. Recent research has shown that to invest in tuberculosis control abroad, where treatment and program costs are significantly cheaper than in the United States, would be a cost-effective strategy to reduce tuberculosis-related morbidity and mortality domestically. (9) The threat that tuberculosis poses for Americans derives from the global spread of tuberculosis and the emergence and spread of strains of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, which is far more deadly, and more difficult and costly to treat. (10) DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short-course) is one of the most cost-effective health interventions available today and is a core component of the new Stop TB Strategy. (11) The Stop TB Strategy, developed by the World Health Organization, builds on the success of DOTS and ongoing challenges so as to serve all those in need and reach targets for prevalence, mortality, and incidence reduction. The Stop TB Strategy includes six components: (A) Pursuing high-quality expansion and enhancement of DOTS coverage. (B) Implementing tuberculosis and HIV collaborative activities, preventing, and controlling multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, and addressing other special challenges. (C) Contributing to the strengthening of health systems. (D) Engaging all health care providers, including promotion of the International Standards for Tuberculosis Care. (E) Empowering individuals with tuberculosis and communities. (F) Enabling and promoting research to develop new diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, and program-based operational research relating to tuberculosis. (12) The Global Plan to Stop TB 2006-2015: Actions for Life is a comprehensive plan developed by the Stop TB Partnership that sets out the actions necessary to achieve the millennium development goal of cutting tuberculosis deaths and disease burden in half by 2015 and thus eliminate tuberculosis as a global health problem by 2050. (13) While innovations such as the Global Tuberculosis Drug Facility have enabled low-income countries to treat a standard case of tuberculosis with drugs that cost as little as $16 for a full six-month course of treatment, there are still millions of individuals with no access to effective treatment. (14) As the global resource investment in fighting tuberculosis increases, partner nations and international institutions must commit to a corresponding increase in the technical and program assistance necessary to ensure that the most effective and efficient tuberculosis treatments are provided. (15) The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is an important global partnership established to combat these three infectious diseases that together kill millions of people a year. Expansion of effective tuberculosis treatment programs constitutes a major component of Global Fund investment, along with integrated efforts to address HIV and tuberculosis in areas of high prevalence. (16) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively involved with global tuberculosis control efforts since the global tuberculosis epidemic directly impacts tuberculosis in the United States, and because Congress has strongly urged the CDC each year to increase its involvement with international tuberculosis control efforts. (17) The CDC is assisting countries with a high burden of tuberculosis to-- (A) implement the World Health Organization- recommended control strategies by improving the capacity to diagnose and cure individuals with tuberculosis; (B) improve the capacity to diagnose, treat, and prevent tuberculosis in HIV-infected individuals and individuals with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis; and (C) conduct programmatically-relevant operational research to identify and evaluate new diagnostics, treatment regimes, and interventions to control tuberculosis. SEC. 3. ASSISTANCE TO COMBAT TUBERCULOSIS. (a) Policy.--Section 104B(b) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151b-3(b)) is amended to read as follows: ``(b) Policy.--It is a major objective of the foreign assistance program of the United States to control tuberculosis. In all countries in which the United States Agency for International Development has established development programs, the following goals in the battle against tuberculosis should be achieved by not later than December 31, 2015: ``(1) Reduce by half the tuberculosis death and disease burden from the 1990 baseline. ``(2) Sustain or exceed the detection of at least 70 percent of cases of tuberculosis infection and the cure of at least 85 percent of those cases detected.''. (b) Authorization.--Section 104B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151b-3(c)) is amended by striking ``is authorized to'' and inserting ``shall''. (c) Priority to Stop TB Strategy.--Section 104B(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151b-3(e)) is amended-- (1) in the heading, to read as follows: ``Priority to Stop TB Strategy.--''; (2) in the first sentence, by striking ``In furnishing'' and all that follows through ``, including funding'' and inserting the following: ``(1) Priority.--In furnishing assistance under subsection (c), the President shall give priority to-- ``(A) activities described in the Stop TB Strategy, including expansion and enhancement of DOTS coverage, treatment for individuals infected with both tuberculosis and HIV and treatment for individuals with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), strengthening of health systems, use of the International Standards for Tuberculosis Care by all providers, empowering individuals with tuberculosis, and enabling and promoting research to develop new diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines, and program-based operational research relating to tuberculosis; and ``(B) funding''; and (3) in the second sentence-- (A) by striking ``In order to'' and all that follows through ``not less than'' and inserting the following: ``(2) Availability of amounts.--In order to meet the requirements of paragraph (1), the President-- ``(A) shall ensure that not less than''; (B) by striking ``for Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) coverage and treatment of multi- drug resistant tuberculosis using DOTS-Plus,'' and inserting ``to implement the Stop TB Strategy; and''; and (C) by striking ``including'' and all that follows and inserting the following: ``(B) should ensure that not less than $15,000,000 of the amount made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year is used to make a contribution to the Global Tuberculosis Drug Facility.''. (d) Assistance for WHO and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership.-- Section 104B of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151b-3) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection: ``(f) Assistance for WHO and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership.--In carrying out this section, the President, acting through the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, is authorized to provide increased resources to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership to improve the capacity of countries with high rates of tuberculosis and other affected countries to implement the Stop TB Strategy.''. (e) Definitions.--Section 104B(g) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as redesignated by subsection (d)(1), is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end before the period the following: ``, including low cost and effective diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of tuberculosis, as well as a reliable drug supply, and a management strategy for public health systems, with health system strengthening, promotion of the use of the International Standards for Tuberculosis Care by all care providers, bacteriology under an external quality assessment framework, short-course chemotherapy, and sound reporting and recording systems''; and (2) by adding after paragraph (5) the following new paragraph: ``(6) Stop tb strategy.--The term `Stop TB Strategy' means the strategy described in the Global Plan to Stop TB 2006-2015: Actions for Life, a comprehensive plan developed by the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership that sets out the actions necessary to achieve the millennium development goal of cutting tuberculosis deaths and disease burden in half by 2015.''. (f) Annual Report.--Section 104A(e)(2)(C)(iii) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151b-2(e)(2)(C)(iii)) is amended by adding at the end before the semicolon the following: ``, including the percentage of such United States foreign assistance provided for diagnosis and treatment of individuals with tuberculosis in countries with the highest rates of tuberculosis, as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO)''. (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the President not less than $225,000,000 for fiscal year 2007 and not less than $260,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 to carry out section 104B of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151b-3), as amended by subsections (a) through (e) of this section. SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR GLOBAL TUBERCULOSIS ACTIVITIES OF THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. For the purpose of carrying out global tuberculosis activities through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are authorized to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2007 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008. Such authorization of appropriations is in addition to other authorizations of appropriations that are available for such purposes. Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under this section shall remain available until expended.

Summary: Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act of 2006 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require (currently, authorizes) the President to furnish assistance for tuberculosis (TB) prevention, treatment, and elimination. Gives priority to activities described in the Stop TB Strategy (as defined by this Act). Revises related fund use provisions. Authorizes the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to provide increased resources to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership to improve the capacity of countries with high TB rates and other affected countries to implement the Stop TB Strategy. Authorizes appropriations for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) TB activities.


OF CLAIMS. (a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided for in this section, the time for the commencement of a health care lawsuit shall be 3 years after the date of manifestation of injury or 1 year after the claimant discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury, whichever occurs first. (b) General Exception.--The time for the commencement of a health care lawsuit shall not exceed 3 years after the date of manifestation of injury unless the tolling of time was delayed as a result of-- (1) fraud; (2) intentional concealment; or (3) the presence of a foreign body, which has no therapeutic or diagnostic purpose or effect, in the person of the injured person. (c) Minors.--An action by a minor shall be commenced within 3 years from the date of the alleged manifestation of injury except that if such minor is under the full age of 6 years, such action shall be commenced within 3 years of the manifestation of injury, or prior to the eighth birthday of the minor, whichever provides a longer period. Such time limitation shall be tolled for minors for any period during which a parent or guardian and a health care provider or health care organization have committed fraud or collusion in the failure to bring an action on behalf of the injured minor. SEC. 5. COMPENSATING PATIENT INJURY. (a) Unlimited Amount of Damages for Actual Economic Losses in HEALTH Care Lawsuits.--In any health care lawsuit, nothing in this Act shall limit the recovery by a claimant of the full amount of the available economic damages, notwithstanding the limitation contained in subsection (b). (b) Additional Noneconomic Damages.--In any health care lawsuit, the amount of noneconomic damages recovered, if otherwise available under applicable Federal or State law, may be as much as $250,000, regardless of the number of parties against whom the action is brought or the number of separate claims or actions brought with respect to the same occurrence. (c) No Discount of Award for Noneconomic Damages.--In any health care lawsuit-- (1) an award for future noneconomic damages shall not be discounted to present value; (2) the jury shall not be informed about the maximum award for noneconomic damages under subsection (b); (3) an award for noneconomic damages in excess of $250,000 shall be reduced either before the entry of judgment, or by amendment of the judgment after entry of judgment, and such reduction shall be made before accounting for any other reduction in damages required by law; and (4) if separate awards are rendered for past and future noneconomic damages and the combined awards exceed $250,000, the future noneconomic damages shall be reduced first. (d) Fair Share Rule.--In any health care lawsuit, each party shall be liable for that party's several share of any damages only and not for the share of any other person. Each party shall be liable only for the amount of damages allocated to such party in direct proportion to such party's percentage of responsibility. A separate judgment shall be rendered against each such party for the amount allocated to such party. For purposes of this section, the trier of fact shall determine the proportion of responsibility of each party for the claimant's harm. SEC. 6. MAXIMIZING PATIENT RECOVERY. (a) Court Supervision of Share of Damages Actually Paid to Claimants.-- (1) In general.--In any health care lawsuit, the court shall supervise the arrangements for payment of damages to protect against conflicts of interest that may have the effect of reducing the amount of damages awarded that are actually paid to claimants. (2) Contingency fees.-- (A) In general.--In any health care lawsuit in which the attorney for a party claims a financial stake in the outcome by virtue of a contingent fee, the court shall have the power to restrict the payment of a claimant's damage recovery to such attorney, and to redirect such damages to the claimant based upon the interests of justice and principles of equity. (B) Limitation.--The total of all contingent fees for representing all claimants in a health care lawsuit shall not exceed the following limits: (i) 40 percent of the first $50,000 recovered by the claimant(s). (ii) 33\1/3\ percent of the next $50,000 recovered by the claimant(s). (iii) 25 percent of the next $500,000 recovered by the claimant(s). (iv) 15 percent of any amount by which the recovery by the claimant(s) is in excess of $600,000. (b) Applicability.-- (1) In general.--The limitations in subsection (a) shall apply whether the recovery is by judgment, settlement, mediation, arbitration, or any other form of alternative dispute resolution. (2) Minors.--In a health care lawsuit involving a minor or incompetent person, a court retains the authority to authorize or approve a fee that is less than the maximum permitted under this section. (c) Expert Witnesses.-- (1) Requirement.--No individual shall be qualified to testify as an expert witness concerning issues of negligence in any health care lawsuit against a defendant unless such individual-- (A) except as required under paragraph (2), is a health care professional who-- (i) is appropriately credentialed or licensed in 1 or more States to deliver health care services; and (ii) typically treats the diagnosis or condition or provides the type of treatment under review; and (B) can demonstrate by competent evidence that, as a result of training, education, knowledge, and experience in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease or injury which is the subject matter of the lawsuit against the defendant, the individual was substantially familiar with applicable standards of care and practice as they relate to the act or omission which is the subject of the lawsuit on the date of the incident. (2) Physician review.--In a health care lawsuit, if the claim of the plaintiff involved treatment that is recommended or provided by a physician (allopathic or osteopathic), an individual shall not be qualified to be an expert witness under this subsection with respect to issues of negligence concerning such treatment unless such individual is a physician. (3) Specialties and subspecialties.--With respect to a lawsuit described in paragraph (1), a court shall not permit an expert in one medical specialty or subspecialty to testify against a defendant in another medical specialty or subspecialty unless, in addition to a showing of substantial familiarity in accordance with paragraph (1)(B), there is a showing that the standards of care and practice in the two specialty or subspecialty fields are similar. (4) Limitation.--The limitations in this subsection shall not apply to expert witnesses testifying as to the degree or permanency of medical or physical impairment. SEC. 7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS. (a) In General.--The amount of any damages received by a claimant in any health care lawsuit shall be reduced by the court by the amount of any collateral source benefits to which the claimant is entitled, less any insurance premiums or other payments made by the claimant (or by the spouse, parent, child, or legal guardian of the claimant) to obtain or secure such benefits. (b) Preservation of Current Law.--Where a payor of collateral source benefits has a right of recovery by reimbursement or subrogation and such right is permitted under Federal or State law, subsection (a) shall not apply. (c) Application of Provision.--This section shall apply to any health care lawsuit that is settled or resolved by a fact finder. SEC. 8. PUNITIVE DAMAGES. (a) Punitive Damages Permitted.-- (1) In general.--Punitive damages may, if otherwise available under applicable State or Federal law, be awarded against any person in a health care lawsuit only if it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that such person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant, or that such person deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury that such person knew the claimant was substantially certain to suffer. (2) Filing of lawsuit.--No demand for punitive damages shall be included in a health care lawsuit as initially filed. A court may allow a claimant to file an amended pleading for punitive damages only upon a motion by the claimant and after a finding by the court, upon review of supporting and opposing affidavits or after a hearing, after weighing the evidence, that the claimant has established by a substantial probability that the claimant will prevail on the claim for punitive damages. (3) Separate proceeding.--At the request of any party in a health care lawsuit, the trier of fact shall consider in a separate proceeding-- (A) whether punitive damages are to be awarded and the amount of such award; and (B) the amount of punitive damages following a determination of punitive liability. If a separate proceeding is requested, evidence relevant only to the claim for punitive damages, as determined by applicable State law, shall be inadmissible in any proceeding to determine whether compensatory damages are to be awarded. (4) Limitation where no compensatory damages are awarded.-- In any health care lawsuit where no judgment for compensatory damages is rendered against a person, no punitive damages may be awarded with respect to the claim in such lawsuit against such person. (b) Determining Amount of Punitive Damages.-- (1) Factors considered.--In determining the amount of punitive damages under this section, the trier of fact shall consider only the following: (A) the severity of the harm caused by the conduct of such party; (B) the duration of the conduct or any concealment of it by such party; (C) the profitability of the conduct to such party; (D) the number of products sold or medical procedures rendered for compensation, as the case may be, by such party, of the kind causing the harm complained of by the claimant; (E) any criminal penalties imposed on such party, as a result of the conduct complained of by the claimant; and (F) the amount of any civil fines assessed against such party as a result of the conduct complained of by the claimant. (2) Maximum award.--The amount of punitive damages awarded in a health care lawsuit may not exceed an amount equal to two times the amount of economic damages awarded in the lawsuit or $250,000, whichever is greater. The jury shall not be informed of the limitation under the preceding sentence. (c) Liability of Health Care Providers.--A health care provider who prescribes, or who dispenses pursuant to a prescription, a drug or device (including blood products) approved by the Food and Drug Administration shall not be named as a party to a product liability lawsuit invoking such drug or device and shall not be liable to a claimant in a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or product seller of such drug or device. SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF PAYMENT OF FUTURE DAMAGES TO CLAIMANTS IN HEALTH CARE LAWSUITS. (a) In General.--In any health care lawsuit, if an award of future damages, without reduction to present value, equaling or exceeding $50,000 is made against a party with sufficient insurance or other assets to fund a periodic payment of such a judgment, the court shall, at the request of any party, enter a judgment ordering that the future damages be paid by periodic payments in accordance with the Uniform Periodic Payment of Judgments Act promulgated by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. (b) Applicability.--This section applies to all actions which have not been first set for trial or retrial before the effective date of this Act. SEC. 10. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS. (a) Vaccine Injury.-- (1) In general.--To the extent that title XXI of the Public Health Service Act establishes a Federal rule of law applicable to a civil action brought for a vaccine-related injury or death-- (A) this Act shall not affect the application of the rule of law to such an action; and (B) any rule of law prescribed by this Act in conflict with a rule of law of such title XXI shall not apply to such action. (2) Exception.--If there is an aspect of a civil action brought for a vaccine-related injury or death to which a Federal rule of law under title XXI of the Public Health Service Act does not apply, then this Act or otherwise applicable law (as determined under this Act) will apply to such aspect of such action. (b) Other Federal Law.--Except as provided in this section, nothing in this Act shall be deemed to affect any defense available to a defendant in a health care lawsuit or action under any other provision of Federal law. SEC. 11. STATE FLEXIBILITY AND PROTECTION OF STATES' RIGHTS. (a) HEALTH Care Lawsuits.--The provisions governing health care lawsuits set forth in this Act shall preempt, subject to subsections (b) and (c), State law to the extent that State law prevents the application of any provisions of law established by or under this Act. The provisions governing health care lawsuits set forth in this Act supersede chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, to the extent that such chapter-- (1) provides for a greater amount of damages or contingent fees, a longer period in which a health care lawsuit may be commenced, or a reduced applicability or scope of periodic payment of future damages, than provided in this Act; or (2) prohibits the introduction of evidence regarding collateral source benefits. (b) Preemption of Certain State Laws.--The provisions of this Act shall preempt any constitutional provision, statute, or rule of State law, whether enacted prior to, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act, that-- (1) prohibits the application of any limitation on the amount of compensatory, punitive, or total damages in a health care lawsuit; or (2) provides for a greater amount of compensatory, punitive, or total damages in a health care lawsuit than those provided for under this Act. (c) Protection of State's Rights and Other Laws.-- (1) In general.--Any issue that is not governed by a provision of law established by or under this Act (including the State standards of negligence) shall be governed by otherwise applicable Federal or State law. (2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to-- (A) preempt or supersede any Federal or State law that imposes greater procedural or substantive protections (such as a shorter statute of limitations) for a health care provider, health care organization, or the manufacturer, distributor, supplier, marketer, promoter, or seller of a medical product from liability, loss, or damages than those provided by this Act; (B) create a cause of action that is not otherwise available under Federal or State law; or (C) affect the scope of preemption of any other Federal law. SEC. 12. APPLICABILITY; EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall apply to any health care lawsuit brought in a Federal or State court, or subject to an alternative dispute resolution system, that is initiated on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, except that any health care lawsuit arising from an injury occurring prior to the date of enactment of this Act shall be governed by the applicable statute of limitations provisions in effect at the time the injury occurred.

Summary: Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-Cost, Timely Healthcare Act of 2005 or the HEALTH Act of 2005 - Sets forth provisions regulating lawsuits for health care liability claims concerning the provisions of health care goods or services or any medical product affecting interstate commerce. Sets a statute of limitations of three years after the date of manifestation of injury or one year after the claimant discovers the injury, with certain exceptions. Provides that nothing in this Act limits recovery of the full amount of available economic damages. Limits noneconomic damages to $250,000. Makes each party liable only for the amount of damages directly proportional to such party's percentage of responsibility. Allows the court to restrict the payment of attorney contingency fees. Limits the fees to a decreasing percentage based on the increasing value of the amount awarded. Prescribes qualifications for expert witnesses. Requires the court to reduce damages received by the amount of collateral source benefits to which a claimant is entitled, unless the payor of such benefits has the right to reimbursement or subrogation under Federal or State law. Authorizes the award of punitive damages only where: (1) it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that a person acted with malicious intent to injure the claimant or deliberately failed to avoid unnecessary injury such person knew the claimant was substantially certain to suffer; and (2) compensatory damages are awarded. Limits punitive damages to the greater of two times the amount of economic damages or $250,000. Prohibits a health care provider from being named as a party in a product liability or class action lawsuit for prescribing or dispensing an Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription drug or device. Provides for periodic payments of future damage awards.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Alaska Adjacent Zone Safe Oil Transport and Revenue Sharing Act''. SEC. 2. PRODUCTION OF OIL FROM CERTAIN ARCTIC OFFSHORE LEASES. Section 5 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1334) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(k) Oil Transportation in Arctic Waters.--The Secretary shall-- ``(1) require that oil produced from Federal leases in Arctic waters in the Chukchi Sea planning area, Beaufort Sea planning area, or Hope Basin planning area be transported by pipeline to onshore facilities; and ``(2) provide for, and issue appropriate permits for, the transportation of oil from Federal leases in Arctic waters in preproduction phases (including exploration) by means other than pipeline.''. SEC. 3. REVENUE SHARING FROM AREAS IN ALASKA ADJACENT ZONE. Section 18 of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1344) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(i) Revenue Sharing From Areas in Alaska Adjacent Zone.-- ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection: ``(A) Coastal political subdivision.--The term `coastal political subdivision' means a county- equivalent subdivision of the State all or part of which-- ``(i) lies within the coastal zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)); and ``(ii) the closest point of which is not more than 300 statute miles from the geographical center of any leased tract. ``(B) Distance.--The term `distance' means minimum great circle distance. ``(C) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian tribe' means an Alaska Native entity recognized and eligible to receive services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the headquarters of which is located within 300 miles of the geographical center of a leased tract. ``(D) Leased tract.--The term `leased tract' means a tract leased under this Act for the purpose of drilling for, developing, and producing oil or natural gas resources. ``(E) Renewable energy.--The term `renewable energy' means solar, wind, ocean, current, wave, tidal, or geothermal energy. ``(F) State.--The term `State' means the State of Alaska. ``(2) Revenue sharing.--Subject to paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), effective beginning on the date of enactment of this subsection, the State shall, without further appropriation or action, receive 37.5 percent of all revenues derived from all rentals, royalties, bonus bids, and other sums due and payable to the United States from energy development in any area of the Alaska Adjacent Zone, including from all sources of renewable energy leased, developed, or produced in any area in the Alaska Adjacent Zone. ``(3) Allocation among coastal political subdivisions of the state.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall pay 25 percent of any allocable share of the State, as determined under paragraph (2), directly to coastal political subdivisions. ``(B) Allocation.-- ``(i) In general.--For each leased tract used to calculate the allocation of the State, the Secretary shall pay the coastal political subdivisions within 300 miles of the geographical center of the leased tract based on the relative distance of the coastal political subdivisions from the leased tract in accordance with this subparagraph. ``(ii) Distances.--For each coastal political subdivision, the Secretary shall determine the distance between the point on the coastal political subdivision coastline closest to the geographical center of the leased tract and the geographical center of the tract. ``(iii) Payments.--The Secretary shall divide and allocate the qualified outer Continental Shelf revenues derived from the leased tract among coastal political subdivisions in amounts that are inversely proportional to the applicable distances determined under clause (ii). ``(4) Allocation among regional corporations.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall pay 25 percent of any allocable share of the State, as determined under this subsection, directly to certain Regional Corporations established under section 7(a) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1606(a)). ``(B) Allocation.-- ``(i) In general.--For each leased tract used to calculate the allocation of the State, the Secretary shall pay the Regional Corporations, after determining those Native villages within the region of the Regional Corporation which are within 300 miles of the geographical center of the leased tract based on the relative distance of such villages from the leased tract, in accordance with this paragraph. ``(ii) Distances.--For each such village, the Secretary shall determine the distance between the point in the village closest to the geographical center of the leased tract and the geographical center of the tract. ``(iii) Payments.--The Secretary shall divide and allocate the qualified outer Continental Shelf revenues derived from the leased tract among the qualifying Regional Corporations in amounts that are inversely proportional to the distances of all of the Native villages within each qualifying region. ``(iv) Revenues.--All revenues received by each Regional Corporation under clause (iii) shall be-- ``(I) treated by the Regional Corporation as revenue subject to the distribution requirements of section 7(i)(1)(A) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1606(i)(1)(A)); and ``(II) divided annually by the Regional Corporation among all 12 Regional Corporations in accordance with section 7(i) of that Act. ``(v) Further distribution to village corporations.--A Regional Corporation receiving revenues under clause (iii) or (iv)(II) shall further distribute 50 percent of the revenues received to the Village Corporations in the region and the class of stockholders who are not residents of those villages in accordance with section 7(j) of that Act (43 U.S.C. 1606(j)). ``(5) Allocation among indian tribes.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall pay 10 percent of any allocable share of the State, as determined under this subsection, directly to Indian tribes. ``(B) Allocation.-- ``(i) In general.--For each leased tract used to calculate the allocation of the State, the Secretary shall pay Indian tribes based on the relative distance of the headquarters of the Indian tribes from the leased tract, in accordance with this subparagraph. ``(ii) Distances.--For each Indian tribe, the Secretary shall determine the distance between the location of the headquarters of the Indian tribe and the geographical center of the tract. ``(iii) Payments.--The Secretary shall divide and allocate the qualified outer Continental Shelf revenues derived from the leased tract among the Indian tribes in amounts that are inversely proportional to the distances described in clause (ii). ``(6) Conservation royalty.--After making distributions under paragraph (2) and section 31, the Secretary shall, without further appropriation or action, distribute a conservation royalty equal to 15 percent of Federal royalty revenues derived from an area leased under this subsection from all areas leased under this subsection for any year, into the land and water conservation fund established under section 2 of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-5) to provide financial assistance to States under section 6 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 460l-8). ``(7) Deficit reduction.--After making distributions in accordance with paragraph (2) and in accordance with section 31, the Secretary shall, without further appropriation or action, distribute an amount equal to 7.5 percent of Federal royalty revenues derived from an area leased under this subsection from all areas leased under this subsection for any year, into direct Federal deficit reduction.''. SEC. 4. IMPOSITION OF EXCISE TAX ON BITUMEN TRANSPORTED INTO THE UNITED STATES. (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 4612 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and natural gasoline'' and inserting ``, natural gasoline, and bitumen'', and (2) by inserting at the end the following new paragraph: ``(10) Bitumen.--The term `bitumen' includes diluted bitumen, bituminous mixtures, or any oil manufactured from bitumen or a bituminous mixture.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to oil and petroleum products received or entered after December 31, 2013.

Summary: Alaska Adjacent Zone Safe Oil Transport and Revenue Sharing Act - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to direct the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) require oil produced from federal leases in certain Arctic waters, except in preproduction phases (including explorations), to be transported by pipeline to onshore facilities; and (2) provide for, and issue appropriate permits for, the transportation of oil from such leases in preproduction phases (including exploration) by means other than pipeline. Requires that the state of Alaska receive 37.5% of all revenues derived from all rentals, royalties, bonus bids and other sums payable to the United States from energy development in any area of the Alaska Adjacent Zone, including from all sources of renewable energy leased, developed, or produced in such Zone. Sets forth an allocation scheme under which the Secretary of the Interior is directed to pay: (1) 25% of any allocable state share directly to coastal political subdivisions, (2) 25% of any allocable state share to certain Regional Corporations, and (3) 10% of any allocable state share directly to Indian tribes. Instructs the Secretary to distribute: (1) 15% of certain federal royalty revenues into a specified land and water conservation fund to provide financial assistance to states, and (2) 7.5% of certain federal royalty revenues into direct federal deficit reduction. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose an excise tax on bitumen transported into the United States.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO THE NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM ACT. Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.). SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF DEAN JOHN A. KNAUSS MARINE POLICY FELLOWSHIP. (a) In General.--Section 208(b) (33 U.S.C. 1127(b)) is amended by striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall''. (b) Placements in Congress.--Such section is further amended-- (1) in the first sentence, by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--The Secretary''; and (2) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1), in the second sentence, by striking ``A fellowship'' and inserting the following: ``(2) Placement priorities.-- ``(A) In general.--In each year in which the Secretary awards a legislative fellowship under this subsection, when considering the placement of fellows, the Secretary shall prioritize placement of fellows in the following: ``(i) Positions in offices of, or with members on, committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ``(ii) Positions in offices of members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. ``(B) Equitable distribution.--In placing fellows in offices described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall ensure, to the maximum degree practicable, that placements are equitably distributed among the political parties. ``(3) Duration.--A fellowship''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect to the first calendar year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Sense of Congress Concerning Federal Hiring of Former Fellows.--It is the sense of Congress that in recognition of the competitive nature of the fellowship under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1127(b)), and of the exceptional qualifications of fellowship awardees, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, should encourage participating Federal agencies to consider opportunities for fellowship awardees at the conclusion of their fellowship for workforce positions appropriate for their education and experience. SEC. 4. MODIFICATION OF AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY OF COMMERCE TO ACCEPT DONATIONS FOR NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Section 204(c)(4)(E) (33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E)) is amended to read as follows: ``(E) accept donations of money and, notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, of voluntary and uncompensated services;''. (b) Priorities.--The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, shall establish priorities for the use of donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E)), and shall consider among those priorities the possibility of expanding the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship's placement of additional fellows in relevant legislative offices under section 208(b) of that Act (33 U.S.C. 1127(b)), in accordance with the recommendations under subsection (c) of this section. (c) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Sea Grant College Program, in consultation with the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and the Sea Grant Association, shall-- (1) develop recommendations for the optimal use of any donations accepted under section 204(c)(4)(E) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(E)); and (2) submit to Congress a report on the recommendations developed under paragraph (1). (d) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise affect any other amounts available for marine policy fellowships under section 208(b) of the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1127(b)), including amounts-- (1) accepted under section 204(c)(4)(F) of that Act (33 U.S.C. 1123(c)(4)(F)); or (2) appropriated under section 212 of that Act (33 U.S.C. 1131). SEC. 5. REPEAL OF REQUIREMENT FOR REPORT ON COORDINATION OF OCEANS AND COASTAL RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. Section 9 of the National Sea Grant College Program Act Amendments of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 857-20) is repealed. SEC. 6. REDUCTION IN FREQUENCY REQUIRED FOR NATIONAL SEA GRANT ADVISORY BOARD REPORT. Section 209(b)(2) (33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2)) is amended-- (1) in the heading, by striking ``Biennial'' and inserting ``Periodic''; and (2) in the first sentence, by striking ``The Board shall report to the Congress every two years'' and inserting ``Not less frequently than once every 3 years, the Board shall submit to Congress a report''. SEC. 7. MODIFICATION OF ELEMENTS OF NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM. Section 204(b) (33 U.S.C. 1123(b)) is amended, in the matter before paragraph (1), by inserting ``for research, education, extension, training, technology transfer, and public service'' after ``financial assistance''. SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR NATIONAL SEA GRANT COLLEGE PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Section 212(a) (33 U.S.C. 1131(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``;''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(G) $72,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; ``(H) $75,600,000 for fiscal year 2016; ``(I) $79,380,000 for fiscal year 2017; ``(J) $83,350,000 for fiscal year 2018; ``(K) $87,520,000 for fiscal year 2019; ``(L) $91,900,000 for fiscal year 2020; and ``(M) $96,500,000 for fiscal year 2021.''; (2) in the heading for paragraph (2), by inserting ``for fiscal years 2009 through 2014'' after ``Priority activities''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Priority activities for fiscal years 2015 through 2020.--In addition to the amounts authorized under paragraph (1), there is authorized to be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2020 for competitive grants for the following: ``(A) University research on the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species. ``(B) University research on oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks. ``(C) University research on the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms. ``(D) University research, education, training, and extension services and activities focused on coastal resilience and U.S. working waterfronts and other regional or national priority issues identified in the strategic plan under section 204(c)(1). ``(E) University research on sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. ``(F) Fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance, and not supplant, existing core program funding.''. (b) Modification of Limitations on Amounts for Administration.-- Paragraph (1) of section 212(b) (33 U.S.C. 1131(b)) is amended to read as follows: ``(1) Administration.-- ``(A) In general.--There may not be used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year more than 5.5 percent of the lesser of-- ``(i) the amount authorized to be appropriated under this title for the fiscal year; or ``(ii) the amount appropriated under this title for the fiscal year. ``(B) Critical staffing requirements.-- ``(i) In general.--The Director shall use the authority under subchapter VI of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, to meet any critical staffing requirement while carrying out the activities authorized in this title. ``(ii) Exception from cap.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), any costs incurred as a result of an exercise of authority as described in clause (i) shall not be considered an amount used for administration of programs under this title in a fiscal year.''. (c) Allocation of Funding.-- (1) In general.--Section 204(d)(3) (33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)) is amended-- (A) in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking ``With respect to sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes'' and inserting ``With respect to sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects''; and (B) in subparagraph (B), in the matter before clause (i), by striking ``funding among sea grant colleges and sea grant institutes'' and inserting ``funding among sea grant colleges, sea grant institutes, sea grant programs, and sea grant projects''. (2) Repeal of requirements concerning distribution of excess amounts.--Section 212 (33 U.S.C. 1131) is amended-- (A) by striking subsection (c); and (B) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively. SEC. 9. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. The National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 1121 et seq.) is amended-- (1) in section 204(d)(3)(B) (33 U.S.C. 1123(d)(3)(B)), by moving clause (vi) two ems to the right; and (2) in section 209(b)(2) (33 U.S.C. 1128(b)(2)), as amended by section 6, in the third sentence, by striking ``The Secretary shall'' and inserting the following: ``(3) Availability of resources of department of commerce.--The Secretary shall''.

Summary: National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2015 This bill amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to reauthorize through FY2021 the National Sea Grant College Program. The bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to award Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowships. Currently, NOAA may give fellowships. Those fellowships support graduate students in fields related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources in positions with the executive and legislative branches. NOAA must give priority placement of those fellows placed in the legislative branch in: (1) offices or committees of Congress that have jurisdiction over NOAA; and (2) offices of Members of Congress that have a demonstrated interest in ocean, coastal, or Great Lakes resources. NOAA must attempt to ensure that placements are equitably distributed among political parties. NOAA must establish priorities for the use of donations given for the National Sea Grant College Program. The bill authorizes through FY2020 grants for university research on: (1) the biology, prevention, and control of aquatic nonnative species; (2) oyster diseases, oyster restoration, and oyster-related human health risks; (3) the biology, prevention, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms; and (4) sustainable aquaculture techniques and technologies. The bill also authorizes through FY2020 grants for: (1) fishery extension activities conducted by sea grant colleges or sea grant institutes to enhance existing core program funding, and (2) priority issues identified in the National Sea Grant College Program's strategic plan.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``The Personal Exemption Fairness Act of 2010''. SEC. 2. REGIONAL COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENTS IN PERSONAL EXEMPTIONS. (a) In General.--Subsection (d) of section 151 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(5) Area cost-of-living adjustment.-- ``(A) In general.--Each of the dollar amounts otherwise in effect under paragraphs (1) and (3)(C) for any taxable year beginning after 2010 shall be multiplied by the applicable multiplier for the taxable year which applies to the statistical area in which the taxpayer's primary place of abode during the taxable year is located. ``(B) Applicable multipliers.--For purposes of this paragraph-- ``(i) In general.--Not later than December 15 of each calendar year, the Secretary shall prescribe an applicable multiplier for each statistical area of the United States which shall apply to taxable years beginning during the succeeding calendar year. ``(ii) Determination of multipliers.-- ``(I) In the case of a statistical area where the cost-of-living differential for the calendar year does not exceed 125 percent, the applicable multiplier is 1. ``(II) In the case of a statistical area not described in subclause (I), the applicable multiplier is the cost- of-living differential for the calendar year. ``(iii) Cost of living differential.--The cost-of-living differential for any statistical area for any calendar year is the percentage determined by dividing-- ``(I) the cost-of-living for such area for the preceding calendar year, by ``(II) the average cost-of-living for the United States for the preceding calendar year. ``(iv) Cost-of-living for area.-- ``(I) In general.--For each calendar year beginning after 2009, the Secretary of Labor shall determine and publish a cost-of-living index for each statistical area. ``(II) Methodology.--The cost-of- living index determined under subclause (I) for any statistical area for any calendar year shall be based on average market prices for the area for the 12- month period ending on August 31 of such calendar year. The market prices taken into account under the preceding sentence shall be selected and used under the same methodology as is used by the Secretary of Labor in developing the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. ``(v) Statistical area.--For purposes of this subsection the term `statistical area' means-- ``(I) any metropolitan statistical area as defined by the Secretary of Commerce, and ``(II) the portion of any State not within a metropolitan statistical area as so defined.''. (b) Effective Date.-- (1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010. (2) Transition rule.--Notwithstanding section 151(d)(5)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code (as added by this section), the date for prescribing applicable multipliers for taxable years beginning in calendar year 2011 shall be the date 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Personal Exemption Fairness Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require annual metropolitan statistical area cost-of-living adjustments, beginning after 2010, to the personal tax exemption amount. Directs the Secretary of Labor to determine and publish a cost-of-living index for each metropolitan statistical area.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Biometric Enhancement for Airport- Risk Reduction Act of 2008''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act, the following definitions apply: (1) Biometric identifier system.--The term ``biometric identifier system'' means a system that uses biometric identifier information to match individuals and confirm identity for transportation security and other purposes. (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Homeland Security acting through the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration). SEC. 3. BIOMETRIC IDENTIFIER SYSTEMS. (a) Study.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the working group of industry stakeholders to be established under subsection (c), shall conduct a study on how airports can transition to uniform, standards-based, and interoperable biometric identifier systems for airport workers with unescorted access to secure or sterile areas of an airport. (2) Purpose.--The purpose of the study shall be to enhance transportation security against a potential act of terrorism by an airport worker who is allowed unescorted access to secure or sterile areas of an airport. (3) Risk-based analysis.--In conducting the study, the Secretary shall conduct a risk-based analysis of selected Category X and I airports and other airports, as the Secretary determines appropriate, to identify where the implementation of biometric identifier systems could benefit airports. (4) Considerations.--In conducting the study, the Secretary shall consider the following: (A) Parallel systems.--Existing parallel biometric security systems applicable to workers with unescorted access to critical infrastructure, including-- (i) transportation security cards issued under section 70105 of title 46, United States Code; (ii) armed law enforcement travel credentials issued under section 44903(h)(6) of title 49, United States Code; and (iii) other credential programs used by the Federal Government, as the Secretary considers appropriate. (B) Efforts by transportation security administration.--Any biometric programs or proposals developed by the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration). (C) Infrastructure and technical requirements.--The architecture, modules, interfaces, and transmission of data needed to address risks associated with securing airports by providing interoperable biometric security measures and credentials for airport workers with unescorted access to secure and sterile areas of an airport. (D) Existing airport systems.--Biometric infrastructure and systems in use in secure and sterile areas of airports. (E) Incentives.--Possible incentives for airports that voluntarily seek to implement uniform, standards- based, and interoperable biometric identifier systems. (F) Associated costs.--The costs of implementing uniform, standards-based, and interoperable biometric identifier systems at airports, including-- (i) the costs to airport operators, airport workers, air carriers, and other aviation industry stakeholders; and (ii) the costs associated with ongoing operations and maintenance and modifications and enhancements needed to support changes in physical and electronic infrastructure. (G) GAO recommendations.--Any recommendations or findings developed by the Government Accountability Office relating to implementing biometric security for airport workers with unescorted access to secure and sterile areas of airports. (H) Information from other sources.-- Recommendations, guidance, and information from other sources, including government entities, organizations representing airport workers, and private individuals and organizations. (5) Report.--Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study conducted under this subsection. (b) Best Practices.-- (1) Identification of best practices.--The Secretary, in consultation with the working group of aviation industry stakeholders to be established under subsection (c), shall identify best practices for the administration of biometric credentials at airports, including best practices for each of the following processes: (A) Registration and enrollment. (B) Eligibility vetting and risk assessment. (C) Issuance. (D) Verification and use. (E) Expiration and revocation. (F) Development of a cost structure for acquisition of biometric credentials. (G) Development of redress processes for workers. (2) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall-- (A) submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that outlines the best practices identified under paragraph (1); and (B) make the report available to airport operators. (c) Aviation and Airport Security Working Group.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall convene a working group to assist the Secretary with issues pertaining to implementing and carrying out this section. (2) Membership.--The Secretary shall ensure that the membership of the working group includes aviation industry stakeholders and specifically includes individuals selected from among-- (A) the membership of the Transportation Security Administration's Aviation Security Advisory Committee; (B) individuals and organizations representing airports; (C) individuals and organizations representing airport workers, including those airport workers with unescorted access to secure and sterile areas of airports; (D) individuals and organizations representing the biometric technology sector; and (E) any other individuals and organizations that the Secretary considers appropriate. (3) Nonapplicability of faca.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to working group established under this subsection. (4) Sunset.--The working group established under this subsection shall cease operations 30 days after the date of submission of the report under subsection (a)(5) or 30 days after the date of submission of the report under subsection (b)(2), whichever is later. Passed the House of Representatives June 18, 2008. Attest: LORRAINE C. MILLER, Clerk.

Summary: Biometric Enhancement for Airport-Risk Reduction Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration (TSA)), to: (1) study and report to Congress on how airports can transition to uniform, standards-based, and interoperable biometric identifier systems for airport workers with unescorted access to secure or sterile areas of an airport; and (2) conduct a risk-based analysis of selected Category X and I airports and other airports to identify where implementation of such systems could benefit them. Defines "biometric identifier system" as a system that uses biometric identifier information to match and confirm identity of individuals for purposes of transportation security. Requires the Secretary to convene a working group to assist with issues pertaining to implementing this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Motor Carrier Safety Specialist Certification Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following: (1) The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century provides for the Secretary of Transportation to work in partnership with States and other political jurisdictions to establish programs to improve motor carrier, commercial motor vehicle, and driver safety, to support a safe and efficient transportation system by focusing resources on strategic safety investments, to promote safe for-hire and private transportation, including transportation of passengers and hazardous materials, to identify high-risk carriers and drivers, and to invest in activities likely to generate maximum reductions in the number and severity of commercial motor vehicle crashes. (2) The Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General Report on the Federal Highway Administration's Motor Carrier Safety Program found that established policies and procedures do not ensure that motor carrier safety regulations are enforced. (3) The Report also found that the Safety Status Measurement System (known as ``SafeStat''), which was implemented to identify and target motor carriers with high- risk safety records, cannot target all carriers with the worst records because its database is incomplete and inaccurate, and data input is not timely. (4) Testimony by the General Accounting Office before the House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Transportation and Related Agencies indicated that SafeStat's ability to target high-risk carriers is also limited by out-of-date census data. (5) There are no procedures in place to certify Federal, State, and private motor carrier safety specialists and no standards to ensure consistent carrier compliance reviews. (6) There are no established protocols for acceptance of data from third-party or non-Federal or non-State motor carrier safety specialists, which detail the safety factors of motor carriers. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to provide for the creation of a certification program for Motor Carrier Safety Specialists and to establish certain informational requirements in order to promote highway safety through a comprehensive review of motor carriers. SEC. 3. CREATION OF A CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY SPECIALISTS. (a) In General.--Chapter 311 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ``Sec. 31148. Certified motor carrier safety specialists ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Motor Carrier Safety Specialist Certification Board, shall establish a program for the training and certification of Federal, State and local government, and nongovernmental motor carrier safety specialists by an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is-- ``(1) exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(1) of such Code established for the exclusive purpose of developing and administering training, testing, and certification procedures for motor carrier safety specialists; and ``(2) designated by the Secretary as the entity for carrying out the requirements of this section. ``(b) Certified Compliance Review Required.--No safety compliance review under this chapter, or required by this chapter, chapter 315, or the regulations in part 390 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, more than 3 years after the date of enactment of the Motor Carrier Safety Specialist Certification Act is valid unless it is conducted by a motor carrier safety specialist certified under the program established under subsection (a).''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 311 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ``31148. Certified motor carrier safety specialists.''. SEC. 4. PHASE-IN OF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT. (a) Establishment of Program.--The Secretary of Transportation shall establish the program required by section 31148(a) of title 49, United States Code, within 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act. (b) Certification of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Specialists.--The Secretary shall ensure that-- (1) within 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act-- (A) at least 50 percent of the employees of the Department of Transportation who perform reviews to determine compliance of carriers in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Transportation, and (B) all State and local government employees who perform such compliance reviews, are certified under the program established under section 31148 of title 49, United States Code; and (2) within 36 months after such date, all Federal, State and local employees, and all non-governmental personnel, performing such compliance reviews are so certified. SEC. 5. CLEARINGHOUSE FUNCTION. (a) Verification of Information.--Section 31106(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end of the following: ``(5) In carrying out the provisions of this section and section 31309, the Secretary shall accept and include information, subject to verification by a clearinghouse designated by the Motor Carrier Safety Specialist Certification Board, obtained from non-governmental motor carrier safety specialists certified under section 31148. The Secretary of Transportation shall work with the Motor Carrier Safety Specialist Certification Board and State Governments to establish by January 1, 2001 data exchange protocols that will enable the Secretary of Transportation to process data received from motor carrier safety specialists certified under section 31148.''. (b) Information Available to Public.--Section 31106(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``The Secretary of Transportation shall ensure that information obtained from motor carrier safety specialists certified under section 31148 of title 49, United States Code, is made available to the public, in accordance with such policy, in an easily accessible and understandable manner through the clearinghouse designated by the Motor Carrier Safety Specialist Certification Board no later than January 1, 2002.''. SEC. 6. PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNCTION. The Secretary of Transportation shall work with the Motor Carrier Safety Specialist Certification Board to establish and carry out a public education campaign to promote the use of safety performance information available under chapter 311 of title 49, United States Code, for the purpose of encouraging the use of such information in the decision-making process for hiring motor carriers. SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS. Motor Carrier Safety Specialist.--A Motor Carrier Safety Specialist is an individual who: (1) is responsible for conducting regulatory compliance reviews and safety inspections of commercial motor carriers,

Summary: Directs the Secretary to work with the Motor Carrier Safety Specialist Certification Board to establish and carry out a public education campaign to promote the use of safety performance information in the decision-making process for hiring motor carriers. Defines "motor carrier safety specialist" to mean an individual responsible for conducting regulatory compliance reviews and safety inspections of commercial motor carriers.