SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Radiation Experimentation Compensation Act of 1995''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS, PURPOSE, AND APOLOGY. (a) Findings.--The Congress finds that-- (1) since the 1940's, the Federal Government has intentionally conducted secret radiation experiments in the United States without the informed consent or knowledge of the individuals on whom the experiments were performed; (2) such radiation experiments included eighteen subjects of plutonium injection experiments, the subject of a zirconium injection experiment, and several subjects of total body irradiation experiments conducted during World War II; (3) the Federal Government performed such experiments not in order to achieve medical or health benefits for the individuals used in the tests, but for research purposes, to allow Federal Government scientists and health specialists to study the effects of radiation on the human body; (4) at the time of such experiments and in the years following the experiments, the Federal Government failed to inform the individuals tested, or their families, about the nature and effects of the tests; (5) the Federal Government has harmed the subjects of such radiation experiments; (6) the Congress presumes that the exposure to radiation of the subjects of such experiments has generated an excess of cancers and other debilitating diseases and health problems for such subjects; (7) the Federal Government should recognize that the lives and health of the innocent individuals who were the subjects of such experiments were put at risk by the individuals' unknowing and involuntary participation in radiation experiments; and (8) the Federal Government should assume responsibility for the harm caused by its actions regarding the experiments. (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to establish a procedure to make partial restitution to the individuals described in subsection (a) for the burdens they have borne for the Nation as a whole, although monetary compensation can never fully compensate them. (c) Apology.--The Congress apologizes on behalf of the Nation to the individuals described in subsection (a) and their families for the hardships they have endured because of the experiments described in subsection (a). SEC. 3. TRUST FUND. (a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the ``Radiation Experimentation Compensation Trust Fund'' (in this Act referred to as the ``Fund''), which shall be administered by the Secretary of the Treasury. (b) Investment of Amounts in Fund.--Amounts in the Fund shall be invested in accordance with section 9702 of title 31, United States Code, and any interest on, and proceeds from, any such investment shall be credited to and become a part of the Fund. (c) Availability of Fund.--Amounts in the Fund shall be available only for disbursement by the Attorney General under section 5. (d) Termination.-- (1) Time of termination.--The Fund shall terminate not later than the earlier of-- (A) the date on which the amount authorized to be appropriated to the Fund by subsection (e), and any income earned on such amount, have been expended from the Fund; or (B) 22 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Amounts remaining in fund.--At the end of the 22-year period referred to in paragraph (1)(B), if all of the amounts in the Fund have not been expended, investments of amounts in the Fund shall be liquidated, the receipts of such liquidation shall be deposited in the Fund, and all funds remaining in the Fund shall be deposited in the miscellaneous receipts account in the Treasury. (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Fund $2,500,000. Any amount appropriated pursuant to this subsection is authorized to remain available until expended. SEC. 4. CLAIMS ELIGIBLE FOR PAYMENT. (a) In General.--Any individual who, without the individual's informed consent, was intentionally injected with plutonium or zirconium, or exposed to total body radiation, as a subject in an experiment of the Federal Government at any time during the period beginning on January 1, 1940, and ending on December 31, 1974, shall receive $50,000 if-- (1) a claim for such payment is filed with the Attorney General by or on behalf of such individual; and (2) the Attorney General determines, in accordance with section 5(b), that the claim meets the requirements of this Act. (b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section: (1) The term ``experiment'' means a test or other action that is conducted primarily for research purposes to determine the effect of exposure to radiation on the human body. (2) The term ``Federal Government'' means-- (A) the legislative, judicial, or executive branch of the government of the United States, or any agency or instrumentality of such a branch; (B) any person or entity whose actions regarding an experiment under which humans were injected with plutonium or zirconium, or exposed to total body radiation, were funded in any manner, approved, authorized, supervised, or contracted for, by an entity referred to in subparagraph (A); or (C) any person or entity that was funded in any manner, approved, authorized, supervised, or contracted with, wholly or partially, by an entity referred to in subparagraph (A) during a time period in which an entity referred to in subparagraph (A) had knowledge that such person or entity was conducting any experiment under which humans were injected with plutonium or zirconium, or exposed to total body radiation. (3) The term ``informed consent'' means consent by an individual (or the individual's parent or legal guardian, in the case of an individual who was a minor or was incompetent at the relevant time), to the individual's participation in an experiment, after a full disclosure of the nature and purpose of the experiment and its possible consequences that was sufficient to allow the individual (or the individual's parent or legal guardian, in the case of an individual who was a minor or was incompetent at the relevant time) to intelligently exercise judgment to decide whether the individual should participate in the experiment. SEC. 5. DETERMINATION AND PAYMENT OF CLAIMS. (a) Establishment of Filing Procedures.--The Attorney General shall establish procedures under which individuals may submit claims for payments under this Act. (b) Determination of Claims.--For each claim filed under this Act, the Attorney General shall determine whether the claim meets the requirements of section 4(a). (c) Payment of Claims.-- (1) In general.--The Attorney General shall pay, from amounts available in the Fund, each claim that the Attorney General determines meets the requirements of this Act. (2) Offset of payment.-- (A) Offset of payment made under this Act.--A payment under this Act to or on behalf of an individual described in section 4(a) shall be offset by the amount of any payment made to or on behalf of the individual pursuant to a final award or settlement on a claim (other than a claim for worker's compensation) against any person, that is based on the individual's participation in an experiment that is the basis for the payment under this Act, including any payment under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (42 U.S.C. 2210 note). (B) Offset of payment made under radiation exposure compensation act.--For purposes of section 6(c)(2) of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (42 U.S.C. 2210 note), a payment made under this Act shall be considered to be a final award or settlement on a claim described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of such section. (3) Right of subrogation.--Upon payment of a claim under this section, the Federal Government is subrogated, for the amount of the payment, to any right or claim that the individual to whom the payment was made may have against any person on account of participation in an experiment that is the basis for the payment made under this Act. (4) Payments in case of deceased persons.-- (A) In general.--In the case of an individual who is deceased at the time of payment under this section, such payment may be made only as follows: (i) If the individual is survived by a spouse who is living at the time of payment, such payment shall be made to such surviving spouse. (ii) If the individual is not survived by a spouse described in clause (i), such payment shall be made in equal shares to the children of the individual who are living at the time of payment. (iii) If the individual is not survived by a person described in clause (i) or (ii), such payment shall be made in equal shares to the parents of the individual who are living at the time of payment. (iv) If the individual is not survived by a person described in any of clauses (i) through (iii), such payment shall be made in equal shares to the grandchildren of the individual who are living at the time of payment. (v) If the individual is not survived by a person described in any of clauses (i) through (iv), such payment shall be made in equal shares to the siblings of the individual who are living at the time of payment. (vi) If the individual is not survived by a person described in any of clauses (i) through (v), then such payment shall be made in equal shares to the grandparents of the individual who are living at the time of payment. (B) Filing of claim by survivor.--If an individual eligible for payment under this Act dies before filing a claim under this Act, a survivor of the individual who may receive payment under subparagraph (A) may file a claim for such payment on the individual's behalf. (C) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph: (i) The term ``child'' includes a recognized natural child, a stepchild who lived with an individual in a regular parent-child relationship, and an adopted child. (ii) The term ``grandchild of the individual'' means a child of a child of the individual. (iii) The term ``grandparent of the individual'' means a parent of a parent of the individual. (iv) The term ``parent'' includes fathers and mothers through adoption. (v) The term ``sibling of the individual'' means a child of the parent or parents of the individual. (vi) The term ``spouse'' means a person who was married to the relevant individual for at least the 12 months immediately preceding the death of the individual. (d) Action on Claims.--Within 18 months after the filing of any claim under this Act-- (1) the Attorney General shall make the determination required by subsection (b) regarding the claim; and (2) if the claim is determined to meet the requirements of section 4(a), the Attorney General shall make the payment required by subsection (c)(1). (e) Settlement in Full of Claims Against United States.--Payment under this Act, when accepted by an individual, or the individual's survivors, shall be in full satisfaction of all claims of or on behalf of the individual against the United States that arise out of the participation in the experiment that is the basis for the payment made under this Act. (f) Administrative Costs Not Deducted From Payment.--No costs incurred by the Attorney General in carrying out this Act may be paid from, set off against, or otherwise deducted from any payment made under subsection (c)(1). (g) Termination of Duties of Attorney General.--The duties of the Attorney General under this section shall cease when the Fund terminates. (h) Treatment of Payments Under Other Laws.--A payment under subsection (c)(1) to an individual-- (1) shall be treated for purposes of the internal revenue laws of the United States as damages for human suffering; and (2) shall not be considered as income or resources for purposes of determining the individual's eligibility to receive benefits described in section 3803(c)(2)(C) of title 31, United States Code, or the amount of such benefits. (i) Use of Existing Resources.--The Attorney General should, to the extent available, use funds and resources available to the Attorney General to carry out the Attorney General's functions under this Act. (j) Regulatory Authority.--The Attorney General may issue regulations necessary to carry out this Act. (k) Issuance of Regulations and Procedures.--The initial regulations and procedures to carry out this Act shall be issued not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (l) Judicial Review.--An individual whose claim for compensation under this Act is denied may seek initial judicial review solely in a district court of the United States. The court shall review the denial on the administrative record and shall hold unlawful and set aside the denial if it is arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law. Such an individual may appeal the decision of the district court to the appropriate higher Federal courts. SEC. 6. CLAIMS NOT ASSIGNABLE OR TRANSFERABLE. No claim under this Act shall be assignable or transferable. SEC. 7. LIMITATION ON CLAIMS. An individual, or the individual's survivors, may not receive payment under section 5(c)(1) unless a claim by or on behalf of the individual is filed under this Act within 20 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 8. ATTORNEY OR AGENT FEES. The agent, attorney, or other representative of an individual or of an individual's survivor may not receive, for services rendered in connection with a claim made under this Act, an amount equal to more than 10 percent of the payment made under this Act on such claim. Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be subject to a fine in the amount provided in title 18, United States Code. SEC. 9. CERTAIN CLAIMS NOT AFFECTED BY PAYMENT. A payment made under section 5(c)(1) shall not be considered a form of compensation, or reimbursement for a loss, for purposes of imposing liability on the individual who receives the payment to repay any insurance carrier for insurance payments, or to repay any person on account of worker's compensation payments. A payment under this Act shall not affect any claim against an insurance carrier with respect to insurance, or against any person with respect to worker's compensation. SEC. 10. BUDGET COMPLIANCE. No authority under this Act to enter into contracts or to make payments shall be effective in any fiscal year except to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriations Acts.

Summary: Radiation Experimentation Compensation Act of 1995 - Apologizes on behalf of the Nation to the individuals who were the subjects of radiation experiments conducted by the Federal Government, as well as to their families for the hardships they have endured as a result. Establishes in the Treasury the Radiation Experimentation Compensation Trust Fund for compensating the subjects of experiments conducted between January 1, 1940, and December 31, 1974, during which the subjects were intentionally injected with plutonium or zirconium, or exposed to total body radiation, without their informed consent. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Attorney General to establish procedures for the submission of claims and for payment from amounts in the Fund of each claim meeting the requirements of this Act. Provides for payments in cases of deceased experimental subjects. States that payments under this Act which are accepted by a subject or the subject's survivors shall be in full satisfaction of all claims of or on behalf of the subject against the United States arising out of the subject's participation in the experiment. Provides that a payment under this Act shall not affect any claim against an insurance carrier with respect to insurance or against any person with respect to workers' compensation. Provides for judicial review of denied claims. Establishes a time limit for the filing of claims of 20 years after enactment of this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; DEFINITIONS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Fair Trade in Motor Vehicle Parts Act of 1993''. (b) Definitions.--For purposes of this Act-- (1) Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts.-- (A) The term ``motor vehicle'' means any article of a kind described in heading 8703 or 8704 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. (B) The term ``motor vehicle parts'' means articles of a kind described in the following provisions of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States if suitable for use in the manufacture or repair of motor vehicles: (i) Subheadings 8407.31.00 through 8407.34.20 (relating to spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines). (ii) Subheading 8408.20 (relating to the compression-ignition internal combustion engines). (iii) Subheading 8409 (relating to parts suitable for use solely or principally with engines described in clauses (i) and (ii)). (iv) Subheading 8483 (relating to transmission shafts and related parts). (v) Subheadings 8706.00.10 and 8706.00.15 (relating to chassis fitted with engines). (vi) Heading 8707 (relating to motor vehicle bodies). (vii) Heading 8708 (relating to bumpers, brakes and servo brakes, gear boxes, drive axles, nondriving axles, road wheels, suspension shock absorbers, radiators, mufflers and exhaust pipes, clutches, steering wheels, steering columns, steering boxes, and other parts and accessories of motor vehicles). The Secretary shall by regulation include as motor vehicle parts such other articles (described by classification under such Harmonized Tariff Schedule) that the Secretary considers appropriate to carry out this Act. (2) United states motor vehicle parts manufacturer.--The term ``United States motor vehicle parts manufacturer'' means a manufacturer of motor vehicle parts that-- (A) has one or more motor vehicle parts manufacturing facilities located within the United States, and (B)(i) is not owned or controlled by a natural person who is a citizen of a deficit foreign country; and (ii) is not owned or controlled by a corporation or other legal entity, wherever located, which is owned or controlled by-- (I) natural persons who are citizens of a deficit foreign country, or (II) another corporation or other legal entity that is owned or controlled by natural persons who are citizens of a deficit foreign country. (3) United states motor vehicle parts.--The term ``United States motor vehicle parts'' means motor vehicle parts produced by United States motor vehicle parts manufacturers in the United States. (4) Deficit foreign country.--The term ``deficit foreign country'' means any country with which the United States merchandise trade balance with respect to motor vehicle parts was in deficit in an amount of $5,000,000,000 or more for each of the 3 most recent calendar years for which data are available. (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Commerce. (6) Trade representative.--The term ``Trade Representative'' means the United States Trade Representative. TITLE I--TRADE REMEDY ACTIONS SEC. 101. ``301'' ACTION WITH RESPECT TO BARRIERS TO MARKET ACCESS OF UNITED STATES-MADE MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS. (a) In General.--On the 45th day after the date of the enactment of this Act, any act, policy, or practice of a deficit foreign country that adversely affects the access to such country's market of motor vehicle parts produced by United States motor vehicle parts manufacturers (including, but not limited to, any act, policy, or practice utilized in such country's motor vehicle distribution system) shall, for purposes of title III of the Trade Act of 1974, be considered as an act, policy, or practice of a foreign country that is unjustifiable and burdens or restricts United States commerce. The Trade Representative shall immediately proceed to determine, in accordance with section 304(a)(1)(B) of such Act, what action to take under section 301(a) of such Act to obtain the elimination of such act, policy, or practice. (b) Negotiation Agenda.--If the Trade Representative decides to take action referred to in section 301(c)(1)(C) of the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to an act, policy, or practice referred to in subsection (a), the agenda for negotiations shall include-- (1) guarantees for sales in the deficit foreign country's market of motor vehicle parts produced in the United States by United States motor vehicle parts manufacturers in an aggregate amount equal to the percentage of such market that would be held by motor vehicle parts produced by United States motor vehicle parts manufacturers if the unfair act, policy, or practice did not exist; (2) the elimination or modification of the aspects of the deficit foreign country's motor vehicle distribution system (and any other act, policy, or practice) that act as a barrier to the access to the foreign country's market of motor vehicle parts produced in the United States by United States motor vehicle parts manufacturers; and (3) the establishment of procedures for the exchange of information between the appropriate agencies of the United States and the deficit foreign country's government that will permit an accurate assessment of bilateral trade in motor vehicle parts, particularly with respect to the purchase of motor vehicle parts produced in the United States by United States motor vehicle parts manufacturers for use by foreign sources in the foreign country's market. (c) Additional Estimates and Consequential Effect.-- (1) Estimate.--If the Trade Representative decides to take action under section 301(c)(1)(C) of the Trade Act of 1974, the Trade Representative shall promptly estimate, on the basis of the best information available-- (A) the percentage share of the deficit foreign country's market for motor vehicle parts that is currently accounted for by motor vehicle parts produced in the United States by United States motor vehicle parts manufacturers; (B) the percentage share of the deficit foreign country's market for motor vehicle parts which would be accounted for by United States motor vehicle parts if an act, policy, or practice referred to in subsection (a) did not exist; and (C) the dollar value of the difference between the percentage shares estimated under subparagraphs (A) and (B). (2) Subsequent action.--If the negotiations referred to in subsection (b) are unsuccessful, any action subsequently taken under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 in response to the deficit foreign country's acts, policies, or practices shall be substantially equivalent to the dollar value estimated under paragraph (1)(C). SEC. 102. ANTIDUMPING INVESTIGATION REGARDING MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS OF DEFICIT FOREIGN COUNTRIES. Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall commence an investigation under section 732(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930 to determine if imports of motor vehicle parts into the United States that are products of any deficit foreign country, or sales (or the likelihood of sales) of such parts for importation into the United States, constitute grounds for the imposition of antidumping duties under section 731 of such Act. TITLE II--EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF FAIR TRADE IN AUTO PARTS ACT SEC. 201. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF FAIR TRADE IN AUTO PARTS ACT. (a) In General.--Section 2125 of the Fair Trade in Auto Parts Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4704) is amended by striking ``December 31, 1993'' and inserting ``December 31, 1998''. (b) Functions of Secretary of Commerce.--Section 2123(b) of the Fair Trade in Auto Parts Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4702(b)) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (7) and inserting ``; and'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(8) coordinate-- ``(A) United States policy regarding auto parts and the market for auto parts; and ``(B) the sharing of data and market information among the relevant departments and agencies of the United States Government, including the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Justice, the Department of Commerce, and the Office of the United States Trade Representative.''. (c) Definitions.--Section 2122 of the Fair Trade in Auto Parts Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4701 note) is amended-- (1) by striking ``For purposes of'' and inserting ``(a) Japanese Markets.--For purposes of''; (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(b) Other Definitions.--For purposes of this part: ``(1) The term `auto parts and accessories' has the meaning given the term `motor vehicle parts' in section 1(b)(1)(B) of the Fair Trade in Motor Vehicle Parts Act of 1993. ``(2) The term `United States auto parts manufacturer' means a manufacturer of auto parts that-- ``(A) has one or more auto parts manufacturing facilities located within the United States, and ``(B)(i) is not owned or controlled by a natural person who is a citizen of Japan; and ``(ii) is not owned or controlled by a corporation or other legal entity, wherever located, which is owned or controlled by-- ``(I) natural persons who are citizens of Japan, or ``(II) another corporation or other legal entity that is owned or controlled by natural persons who are citizens of Japan. ``(3) The terms `United States-made auto parts and accessories' and `United States-made auto parts' have the meaning given the term `United States motor vehicle parts' in section 1(b)(3) of the Fair Trade in Motor Vehicle Parts Act of 1993.''; and (3) by striking ``definition'' in the heading and inserting ``definitions''.

Summary: TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Trade Remedy Actions Title II: Extension and Modification of Fair Trade in Auto Parts Act Fair Trade in Motor Vehicle Parts Act of 1993 - Title I: Trade Remedy Actions - Declares that any act, policy, or practice of a deficit foreign country that adversely affects the access to its market of U.S. motor vehicle parts (including, but not limited to, any act, policy, or practice utilized in such country's motor vehicle distribution system) shall, for purposes of "301" action under the Trade Act of 1974, be considered as an act, policy, or practice that is unjustifiable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce. Directs the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to determine what action to take under the Act to eliminate such act, policy, or practice. Requires an agenda for negotiations with countries the USTR has taken action against to include: (1) a certain percentage of guaranteed sales in the deficit foreign country's market of U.S. motor vehicle parts; (2) the elimination or modification of the aspects of such country's motor vehicle distribution system that act as a barrier to U.S. motor vehicle parts; and (3) the exchange between such country and the United States of information concerning bilateral trade in such parts. Requires the USTR to make certain estimates with respect to the current percentage of such country's market for motor vehicle parts that is accounted for by U.S. motor vehicle parts. Requires the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to commence an antidumping duty investigation to determine if imports of motor vehicle parts from a deficit foreign country, or sales (or the likelihood of sales) of such imports, constitute grounds for the imposition of antidumping duties. Title II: Extension and Modification of Fair Trade in Auto Parts Act - Amends the Fair Trade in Auto Parts Act of 1988 to extend such Act through December 31, 1998. Directs the Secretary, among other things, to coordinate: (1) U.S. policy regarding auto parts and the market for auto parts by the Japanese; and (2) the sharing of data and market information among U.S. agencies, including the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Justice, the Department of Commerce, and the Office of the USTR.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Judicial Amendments Act of 1994''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE JUDICIARY AUTOMATION FUND. Section 612 of title 28, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in the second sentence by inserting after ``equipment for'' the following: ``program activities included in the courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services account of''; and (B) in the third sentence by striking out all after ``personal services'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``, support personnel in the courts and in the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, and other costs, for the effective management, coordination, operation, and use of automatic data processing equipment purchased by the Fund. In addition, all agencies of the judiciary may make deposits into the Fund to meet their automatic data processing needs in accordance with subsections (b) and (c)(2).''; (2) in subsection (b)(1) by striking out ``judicial branch'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``activities funded under subsection (a) and shall include an annual estimate of any fees that may be collected under section 404 of the Judiciary Appropriations Act, 1991 (Public Law 101-515; 104 Stat. 2133)''; (3) in subsection (b)(2) by striking out ``judicial branch of the United States'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``activities funded under subsection (a)''; (4) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by inserting after ``surplus property'' the following: ``, all fees collected after the date of the enactment of the Judicial Amendments Act of 1994 by the judiciary under section 404 of the Judiciary Appropriations Act, 1991 (Public Law 101-515; 104 Stat. 2133)''; (5) in subsection (e)(1)-- (A) by striking out ``(A)''; and (B) by striking out ``$75,000,000'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``amounts estimated to be collected under subsection (c) for that fiscal year''; (6) in subsection (h) by amending the subsection to read as follows: ``(h) Annual Report.-- ``(1) In general.--The Director shall submit to the Congress an annual report on the operation of the Fund, including on the inventory, use, and acquisition of automatic data processing equipment from the Fund and the consistency of such acquisition with the plan prepared under subsection (b). The report shall set forth the amounts deposited into the Fund under subsection (c). ``(2) Additional contents of report.--The annual report submitted under this subsection shall include-- ``(A) the specific actions taken and the progress made to improve the plan developed under subsection (b) and the long range automation plan and strategic business plan developed under subsection (k); and ``(B) a comparison of planned Fund expenditures and accomplishments with actual Fund expenditures and accomplishments, and the reasons for any delays in scheduled systems development, or budget overruns. ``(3) Report in year of termination of authority.--The annual report submitted under this subsection for any year in which the authority for this section is to terminate under subsection (m), shall be submitted no later than 9 months before the date of such termination.''; (7) in subsection (i) by striking out all after ``Judicial Conference of the United States,'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``may transfer amounts up to $1,000,000 from the Fund into the account to which the funds were originally appropriated. Any amounts transferred from the Fund in excess of $1,000,000 in any fiscal year may only be transferred by following reprogramming procedures in compliance with section 606 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1989 (Public Law 100-459; 102 Stat. 2227).''; (8) in subsection (j) in the second sentence by inserting ``in statute'' after ``not specified''; (9) by redesignating subsections (k) and (l) as subsections (l) and (m), respectively, and by inserting after subsection (j) the following new subsection: ``(k) Long Range Management and Business Plans.--The Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Court shall-- ``(1) develop an overall strategic business plan which would identify the judiciary's missions, goals, and objectives; ``(2) develop a long range automation plan based on the strategic business plan and user needs assessments; ``(3) establish effective Administrative Office oversight of court automation efforts to ensure the effective operation of existing systems and control over developments of future systems; ``(4) expedite efforts to complete the development and implementation of life cycle management standards; ``(5) utilize the standards in developing the next generation of case management and financial systems; and ``(6) assess the current utilization and future user requirements of the data communications network.''; and (10) in subsection (m) (as redesignated under paragraph (9)) of this section-- (A) in the first sentence by striking out ``1994'', and inserting in lieu thereof, ``1997''; and (B) in the second sentence by striking out ```Judicial Services Account''' and inserting in lieu thereof ``fund established under section 1931 of this title''. SEC. 3. COURT ARBITRATION AUTHORIZATION. (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 905 of the Judicial Improvements and Access to Justice Act (28 U.S.C. 651 note) is amended-- (1) in the first sentence by striking out ``for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1989, and for each of the succeeding 7 fiscal years,'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``for each of the fiscal years 1994 through 1997''; and (2) in the third sentence by striking out all beginning with ``, except that'' through ``this Act''. (b) Removal of Repealer.--Section 906 of the Judicial Improvements and Access to Justice Act (28 U.S.C. 651 note), and the item relating to such section in the table of contents contained in section 3 of such Act, are repealed. SEC. 4. EXTENSION OF CIVIL JUSTICE EXPENSE AND DELAY REDUCTION PILOT PROGRAMS. Section 105 of the Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990 (28 U.S.C. 471 note; 104 Stat. 5097) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1) by striking out ``4-year period'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``5-year period''; (2) in subsection (b)(3)-- (A) in the first sentence by striking out ``3 years'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``4 years''; and (B) in the second sentence by striking out ``3-year period'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``4-year period''; and (3) in subsection (c)(1) by striking out ``December 31, 1995,'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``December 31, 1996,''. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: Judicial Amendments Act of 1994 - Amends the Federal judicial code to make moneys in the Judiciary Automation Fund available to the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts for: (1) the procurement of automatic data processing equipment (equipment) for program activities included in the courts of appeals, district courts, and other judicial services account of the judicial branch; and (2) support personnel in the courts and in the Administrative Office. Authorizes all agencies of the judiciary to make deposits into the Fund. Requires the Director to develop and annually revise a long range plan for meeting the equipment needs of the activities funded, including an annual estimate of certain fees that may be collected under the Judiciary Appropriations Act, 1991. Provides for the deposit into the Fund of such fees. Requires the Director's annual report to the Congress on the operation of the Fund to include: (1) the specific actions taken and progress made to improve the plan developed, the long range automation plan, and the strategic business plan; and (2) a comparison of planned and actual Fund expenditures and accomplishments and reasons for any delays in scheduled systems development or budget overruns. Authorizes the Director to transfer amounts up to $1 million from the Fund into the account to which the Funds were originally appropriated, with amounts in excess of that sum in any fiscal year permitted to be transferred only by following specified reprogramming procedures. Requires the Director to: (1) develop an overall strategic business plan which would identify the judiciary's missions, goals, and objectives, and a long range automation plan based on the strategic business plan and user needs assessments; (2) establish effective Administrative Office oversight of court automation efforts; (3) expedited efforts to complete the development and implementation of life cycle management standards; (4) utilize the standards in developing the next generation of case management and financial systems; and (5) assess the current utilization and future user requirements of the data communications network. Amends: (1) the Judicial Improvements and Access to Justice Act to authorize appropriations for court arbitration; and (2) the Civil Justice Reform Act of 1990 to extend civil justice expense and delay reduction pilot programs.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The Internet has had profound benefits for numerous aspects of daily life for millions of people throughout the United States and is increasingly vital to the economy of the United States. (2) The importance of the broadband marketplace to citizens, communities, and commerce warrants a thorough inquiry to obtain input and ideas for a variety of broadband policies that will promote openness, competition, innovation, and affordable, ubiquitous broadband service for all individuals in the United States. SEC. 3. BROADBAND POLICY. Title I of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 12. BROADBAND POLICY. ``It is the policy of the United States-- ``(1) to maintain the freedom to use for lawful purposes broadband telecommunications networks, including the Internet, without unreasonable interference from or discrimination by network operators, as has been the policy and history of the Internet and the basis of user expectations since its inception; ``(2) to ensure that the Internet remains a vital force in the United States economy, thereby enabling the Nation to preserve its global leadership in online commerce and technological innovation; ``(3) to preserve and promote the open and interconnected nature of broadband networks that enable consumers to reach, and service providers to offer, lawful content, applications, and services of their choosing, using their selection of devices, as long as such devices do not harm the network; and ``(4) to safeguard the open marketplace of ideas on the Internet by adopting and enforcing baseline protections to guard against unreasonable discriminatory favoritism for, or degradation of, content by network operators based upon its source, ownership, or destination on the Internet.''. SEC. 4. INTERNET FREEDOM ASSESSMENT. (a) Internet Freedom Assessment Required.-- (1) In general.--Within 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission (in this Act referred to as the ``Commission'') shall commence a proceeding on broadband services and consumer rights. (2) Specific requirements.--As part of the proceeding under this section, the Commission shall assess-- (A) whether broadband network providers adhere to the Commission's Broadband Policy Statement of August, 2005 (FCC 05-151), including whether, consistent with the needs of law enforcement, such providers refrain from blocking, thwarting, or unreasonably interfering with the ability of consumers to-- (i) access, use, send, receive, or offer lawful content, applications, or services over broadband networks, including the Internet; (ii) use lawful applications and services of their choice; and (iii) attach or connect their choice of legal devices to use in conjunction with their broadband telecommunications or information services, provided such devices do not harm the network; (B) whether broadband network providers add charges for quality of service, or other similar additional fees or surcharges, to certain Internet applications and service providers, and whether such pricing conflicts with the policies of the United States stated in section 12 of the Communications Act of 1934 (as added by section 3 of this Act); (C) whether broadband network providers offer to consumers parental control protection tools, services to combat unsolicited commercial electronic mail, and other similar consumer services, the manner in which such services are offered, and the extent to which such services are consistent with such policies of the United States; (D) practices by which network providers manage or prioritize network traffic, including prioritization for emergency communications, and whether and in what instances such practices may be consistent with such policies of the United States; (E) with respect to content, applications, and services-- (i) the historic economic benefits of an open platform; (ii) the relationship between competition in the broadband Internet access market and an open platform; and (iii) the policy choices and results of global competitors with respect to access competition and an open platform; (F) whether the need for enforceable rules governing openness, consumer rights, and consumer protections or prohibiting unreasonable discrimination is lessened if a broadband network provider provides significantly high bandwidth speeds to consumers; and (G) the potential of policies promoting openness in spectrum allocation, universal service programs, and video franchising to expand innovation through protection from unreasonable interference by network owners of an open marketplace for speech and commerce in content, applications, and services. (b) Public Broadband Summits Required.-- (1) In general.--As part of the proceeding required under subsection (a), and within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall conduct a minimum of 8 public broadband summits, in geographically diverse locations, around the United States. The Commission shall publicly announce the time and location of each such summit at least 30 days in advance. (2) Purpose of public broadband summits.--Such public broadband summits shall seek to bring together, among others, consumers, consumer advocates, small business owners, corporations, venture capitalists, State and local governments, academia, labor organizations, religious organizations, representatives of higher education, primary and secondary schools, public libraries, public safety, and the technology sector to assess competition, consumer protection, and consumer choice issues related to broadband Internet access services. (c) Internet Input.--As part of the proceeding required under subsection (a), the Commission shall seek to utilize broadband technology to encourage input from and communication with the people of the United States through the Internet in a manner that will maximize the ability of such people to participate in such proceeding. (d) Report to Congress.--Within 90 days after completing the summits under subsection (b), the Commission shall submit a report to Congress-- (1) summarizing the results of the assessment under subsection (a), including information gained from the public summits under subsection (b); and (2) providing recommendations on how to promote competition, safeguard free speech, and ensure robust consumer protections and consumer choice relating to broadband Internet access services.

Summary: Internet Freedom Preservation Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to declare that it is U.S. policy to: (1) maintain the freedom to use broadband telecommunications networks, including the Internet, without unreasonable interference from or discrimination by network operators; (2) enable the United States to preserve its global leadership in online commerce and technological innovation; (3) promote the open and interconnected nature of broadband networks that enable consumers to reach, and service providers to offer, content, applications, and services of their choosing; and (4) guard against unreasonable discriminatory favoritism for, or degradation of, content by network operators based upon its source, ownership, or destination on the Internet. Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to commence a proceeding on broadband services and consumer rights, including assessing whether broadband network providers: (1) refrain from unreasonably interfering with the ability of consumers to access, use, send, receive, or offer content, applications, or services of their choice, and attach or connect their choice of devices; and (2) add charges for quality of service to certain Internet applications and service providers.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Water Infrastructure Improvement Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. (2) Municipality.--The term ``municipality'' has the meaning given that term in section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362). SEC. 3. INTEGRATED PLANS. (a) Integrated Plans.--Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(s) Integrated Plans.-- ``(1) Definition of integrated plan.--In this subsection, the term `integrated plan' means a plan developed in accordance with the Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency and dated June 5, 2012. ``(2) In general.--The Administrator (or a State, in the case of a permit program approved by the Administrator) shall inform municipalities of the opportunity to develop an integrated plan that may be incorporated into a permit under this section. ``(3) Scope.-- ``(A) Scope of permit incorporating integrated plan.--A permit issued under this section that incorporates an integrated plan may integrate all requirements under this Act addressed in the integrated plan, including requirements relating to-- ``(i) a combined sewer overflow; ``(ii) a capacity, management, operation, and maintenance program for sanitary sewer collection systems; ``(iii) a municipal stormwater discharge; ``(iv) a municipal wastewater discharge; and ``(v) a water quality-based effluent limitation to implement an applicable wasteload allocation in a total maximum daily load. ``(B) Inclusions in integrated plan.--An integrated plan incorporated into a permit issued under this section may include the implementation of-- ``(i) projects, including innovative projects, to reclaim, recycle, or reuse water; and ``(ii) green infrastructure. ``(4) Compliance schedules.-- ``(A) In general.--A permit issued under this section that incorporates an integrated plan may include a schedule of compliance, under which actions taken to meet any applicable water quality-based effluent limitation may be implemented over more than 1 permit term if the schedule of compliance-- ``(i) is authorized by State water quality standards; and ``(ii) meets the requirements of section 122.47 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of enactment of this subsection). ``(B) Time for compliance.--For purposes of subparagraph (A)(ii), the requirement of section 122.47 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, for compliance by an applicable statutory deadline under this Act does not prohibit implementation of an applicable water quality-based effluent limitation over more than 1 permit term. ``(C) Review.--A schedule of compliance incorporated into a permit issued under this section may be reviewed at the time the permit is renewed to determine whether the schedule should be modified. ``(5) Existing authorities retained.-- ``(A) Applicable standards.--Nothing in this subsection modifies any obligation to comply with applicable technology and water quality-based effluent limitations under this Act. ``(B) Flexibility.--Nothing in this subsection reduces or eliminates any flexibility available under this Act, including the authority of a State to revise a water quality standard after a use attainability analysis under section 131.10(g) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), subject to the approval of the Administrator under section 303(c). ``(6) Clarification of state authority.-- ``(A) In general.--Nothing in section 301(b)(1)(C) precludes a State from authorizing in the water quality standards of the State the issuance of a schedule of compliance to meet water quality-based effluent limitations in permits that incorporate provisions of an integrated plan. ``(B) Transition rule.--In any case in which a discharge is subject to a judicial order or consent decree, as of the date of enactment of this subsection, resolving an enforcement action under this Act, any schedule of compliance issued pursuant to an authorization in a State water quality standard may not revise a schedule of compliance in that order or decree to be less stringent, unless the order or decree is modified by agreement of the parties and the court.''. (b) Implementation of Integrated Plans Through Enforcement Tools.-- Section 309 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1319) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(h) Implementation of Integrated Plans.-- ``(1) In general.--In conjunction with an enforcement action under subsection (a) or (b) relating to municipal discharges, the Administrator shall inform a municipality of the opportunity to develop an integrated plan, as defined in section 402(s). ``(2) Modification.--Any municipality under an administrative order under subsection (a) or settlement agreement (including a judicial consent decree) under subsection (b) that has developed an integrated plan consistent with section 402(s) may request a modification of the administrative order or settlement agreement based on that integrated plan.''. (c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and make publicly available, a report on each integrated plan developed and implemented through a permit, order, or judicial consent decree pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act since the date of publication of the ``Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework'' issued by the Environmental Protection Agency and dated June 5, 2012, including a description of the control measures, levels of control, estimated costs, and compliance schedules for the requirements implemented through such an integrated plan. SEC. 4. MUNICIPAL OMBUDSMAN. (a) Establishment.--There is established within the Office of the Administrator an Office of the Municipal Ombudsman, to be headed by a Municipal Ombudsman. (b) General Duties.--The duties of the Municipal Ombudsman shall include the provision of-- (1) technical assistance to municipalities seeking to comply with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (2) information to the Administrator to help the Administrator ensure that agency policies are implemented by all offices of the Environmental Protection Agency, including regional offices. (c) Actions Required.--The Municipal Ombudsman shall work with appropriate offices at the headquarters and regional offices of the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that a municipality seeking assistance is provided information regarding-- (1) available Federal financial assistance for which the municipality is eligible; (2) flexibility available under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (3) the opportunity to develop an integrated plan under section 402(s) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. (d) Information Sharing.--The Municipal Ombudsman shall publish on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency-- (1) general information relating to-- (A) the technical assistance referred to in subsection (b)(1); (B) the financial assistance referred to in subsection (c)(1); (C) the flexibility referred to in subsection (c)(2); and (D) any resources developed by the Administrator related to integrated plans under section 402(s) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; and (2) a copy of each permit, order, or judicial consent decree that implements or incorporates such an integrated plan. SEC. 5. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE. (a) Definition.--Section 502 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1362) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(27) Green infrastructure.--The term `green infrastructure' means the range of measures that use plant or soil systems, permeable pavement or other permeable surfaces or substrates, stormwater harvest and reuse, or landscaping to store, infiltrate, or evapotranspirate stormwater and reduce flows to sewer systems or to surface waters.''. (b) Green Infrastructure Promotion.--Title V of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) is amended-- (1) by redesignating section 519 as section 520; and (2) by inserting after section 518 the following: ``SEC. 519. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROMOTION. ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall promote the use of green infrastructure in, and coordinate the integration of green infrastructure into, permitting and enforcement under this Act, planning efforts, research, technical assistance, and funding guidance of the Environmental Protection Agency. ``(b) Coordination of Efforts.--The Administrator shall ensure that the Office of Water coordinates efforts to increase the use of green infrastructure with-- ``(1) other Federal departments and agencies; ``(2) State, tribal, and local governments; and ``(3) the private sector. ``(c) Regional Green Infrastructure Promotion.--The Administrator shall direct each regional office of the Environmental Protection Agency, as appropriate based on local factors, and consistent with the requirements of this Act, to promote and integrate the use of green infrastructure within the region, including through-- ``(1) outreach and training regarding green infrastructure implementation for State, tribal, and local governments, tribal communities, and the private sector; and ``(2) the incorporation of green infrastructure into permitting and other regulatory programs, codes, and ordinance development, including the requirements under consent decrees and settlement agreements in enforcement actions. ``(d) Green Infrastructure Information-Sharing.--The Administrator shall promote green infrastructure information-sharing, including through an internet website, to share information with, and provide technical assistance to, State, tribal, and local governments, tribal communities, the private sector, and the public, regarding green infrastructure approaches for-- ``(1) reducing water pollution; ``(2) protecting water resources; ``(3) complying with regulatory requirements; and ``(4) achieving other environmental, public health, and community goals.''. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (Sec. 3) This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to allow municipalities to develop a plan that integrates wastewater and stormwater management. A permit for a municipal discharge under the national pollutant discharge elimination system that incorporates an integrated plan may integrate all requirements under the Act addressed in the plan, such as requirements relating to combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer collection systems, and total maximum daily loads. A plan that is incorporated into a permit may include the implementation of green infrastructure and projects to reclaim, recycle, or reuse water. Green infrastructure includes measures that mimic natural processes to store, reuse, or reduce stormwater. Those permits may include a schedule of compliance that allows actions for meeting water quality-based effluent limitations to be implemented over more than one permit term if the compliance schedules are authorized by state water quality standards. A municipality under an administrative order or settlement agreement may request a modification of the order or settlement based on the municipality's integrated plan. The EPA must report on each integrated plan developed and implemented through a permit, order, or judicial consent decree since June 5, 2012, including a description of the control measures, levels of control, estimated costs, and compliance schedules for the requirements implemented through such a plan. (Sec. 4) The bill establishes an Office of the Municipal Ombudsman in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide: (1) technical assistance to municipalities seeking to comply with the Clean Water Act, and (2) information to the EPA to ensure that agency policies are implemented by all EPA offices. (Sec. 5) The EPA must promote the use of green infrastructure.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Minority Entrepreneurship and Innovation Pilot Program of 2006''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds-- (1) the 2005 ``State of Black America Report'' issued by the National Urban League finds a significant level of ``equality gaps'' between African Americans and Whites, with the median net worth of an African-American family is $6,100, compared with $67,000 for a white family; (2) in 2005, the African American unemployment rate was 9.5 percent and the Hispanic unemployment rate was 6 percent, well above the national average of 4.7 percent; (3) African Americans account for 12.3 percent of the United States population and only 4 percent of all United States businesses, Hispanic Americans represent 12.5 percent of the United States population and approximately 6 percent of all United States businesses, Native Americans account for approximately 1 percent of the United States population and .9 percent of all United States businesses; (4) entrepreneurship has proven to be an effective tool for economic growth and viability of all communities; (5) fostering minority owned businesses is a key ingredient for economic development in the minority community, an effective tool for creating lasting and higher-paying jobs, and a source of creating wealth in the minority community; and (6) between 1987 and 1997, revenue from minority owned businesses rose by 22.5 percent, an increase equivalent to an annual growth rate of 10 percent, and employment opportunities within minority owned firms increased by 23 percent. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act-- (1) the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Small Business Administration; (2) the term ``Hispanic serving institution'' has the meaning given the term in section 502 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a); (3) the term ``historically Black college and university'' has the meaning given the term ``part B institution'' in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061); (4) the term ``small business concern'' has the same meaning as in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632); (5) the term ``small business development center'' has the same meaning as in section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648); and (6) the term ``Tribal College'' has the meaning given the term ``tribally controlled college or university'' in section 2 of the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801). SEC. 4. MINORITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION GRANTS. (a) In General.--The Administrator shall make grants to historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal Colleges, and Hispanic serving institutions, or to any entity formed by a combination of such institutions-- (1) to assist in establishing an entrepreneurship curriculum for undergraduate or graduate studies; and (2) for placement of small business development centers on the physical campus of the institution. (b) Curriculum Requirement.--An institution of higher education receiving a grant under this section shall develop a curriculum that includes training in various skill sets needed by successful entrepreneurs, including-- (1) business management and marketing, financial management and accounting, market analysis and competitive analysis, innovation and strategic planning; and (2) additional entrepreneurial skill sets specific to the needs of the student population and the surrounding community, as determined by the institution. (c) Small Business Development Center Requirement.--Each institution receiving a grant under this section shall open a small business development center that-- (1) performs studies, research, and counseling concerning the management, financing, and operation of small business concerns; (2) performs management training and technical assistance regarding the participation of small business concerns in international markets, export promotion and technology transfer, and the delivery or distribution of such services and information; (3) offers referral services for entrepreneurs and small business concerns to business development, financing, and legal experts; and (4) promotes market-specific innovation, niche marketing, capacity building, international trade, and strategic planning as keys to long-term growth for its small business concern and entrepreneur clients. (d) Grant Limitations.--A grant under this subsection-- (1) may not exceed $1,000,000 per fiscal year for any 1 institution of higher education; (2) may not be used for any purpose other than those associated with the direct costs incurred to develop and implement a curriculum that fosters entrepreneurship and the costs incurred to organize and run a small business development center on the grounds of the institution; and (3) may not be used for building expenses, administrative travel budgets, or other expenses not directly related to the implementation of the curriculum or activities authorized by this Act. (e) Exception From Small Business Act Requirement.--Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 21(a)(4) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)(4)) do not apply to assistance made available under this section. (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $24,000,000, to remain available until expended, for each of fiscal years 2007 and 2008. (g) Report.--Not later than November 1 of each year, the Associate Administrator of Entrepreneurial Development of the Small Business Administration shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, a report evaluating the award and use of grants under this section during the preceding fiscal year, which shall include-- (1) a description of each entrepreneurship program developed with grant funds, the date of the award of such grant, and the number of participants in each such program; (2) the number of small business concerns assisted by each small business development center established with a grant under this section; and (3) data regarding the economic impact of the small business development center counseling provided under a grant under this section. (h) Limitation on Use of Other Funds.--The Administrator shall carry out this section only with amounts appropriated in advance specifically to carry out this section.

Summary: Minority Entrepreneurship and Innovation Pilot Program of 2006 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to make grants to historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal Colleges, and Hispanic serving institutions, or to any entity formed by a combination of such institutions: (1) to assist in establishing an entrepreneurship curriculum for undergraduate or graduate studies; and (2) for the placement of small business development centers on the physical campus of the institution. Requires an institution of higher education receiving a grant to: (1) develop a curriculum that includes training in various skill sets needed by successful entrepreneurs; and (2) open a small business development center. Limits this pilot program to two fiscal years, and a grant to $1 million per fiscal year for any one institution of higher education.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Congressional Responsibility Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is to promote compliance with Article I of the United States Constitution, which grants legislative powers solely to Congress. Article I ensures that Federal regulations will not take effect unless passed by a majority of the members of the Senate and House of Representatives and signed by the President, or that the members of the Senate and House of Representatives override the President's veto. This Act ends the practice whereby Congress delegates its responsibility for making laws to unelected, unaccountable officials of the executive branch and requires that regulations proposed by agencies of the executive branch be affirmatively enacted by Congress before they become effective. The Act will result in a more democratic and accountable Congress and protect the public from regulations for which elected, accountable officials are unwilling to take responsibility. SEC. 3. ENACTMENT OF AGENCY REGULATIONS. (a) Congressional Approval.--A regulation shall not take effect before the date of the enactment of a bill described in section 4(a) comprised solely of the text of the regulation. (b) Agency Report.--Whenever an agency promulgates a regulation, the agency shall submit to each House of Congress a report containing the text of the proposed regulation and an explanation of the proposed regulation. The explanation shall consist of the concise general statement of their basis and purpose required by section 553 of title 5, United States Code and such explanatory documents as are mandated by other statutory requirements. SEC. 4. EXPEDITED CONGRESSIONAL PROCEDURES FOR AGENCY REGULATIONS. (a) Introduction.--Not later than 3 legislative days after the date on which an agency submits a report under section 3(b), the Majority Leader of each House of Congress shall introduce (by request) a bill comprised solely of the text of the regulation contained in the report. If such a bill is not introduced in a House of Congress as provided in the preceding sentence, then any Member of that House may introduce such a bill. (b) Bill.--For purposes of this section, the term ``bill'' means a bill of the two Houses of Congress, the matter after the enacting clause of which is as follows: ``The following agency regulations are hereby approved and shall have the force and effect of law:'' (the text of the regulations being set forth after the semicolon). (c) Referral and Consideration.--(1) A bill described in subsection (b) shall not be referred to a committee. (2) It is in order for any Member of the respective House to move to proceed to the consideration of the bill. A Member may make the motion only on the day after the calendar day on which the Member announces to the House concerned the Member's intention to make the motion. All points of order against the bill (and against consideration of the bill) are waived. The motion is highly privileged in the House of Representatives and is privileged in the Senate and is not debatable. The motion is not subject to amendment, to a motion to postpone, or to a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order. If a motion to proceed to the consideration of the bill is agreed to, the respective House shall immediately proceed to consideration of the bill without intervening motion, order, or other business, and the bill shall remain the unfinished business of the respective House until disposed of. (3) Debate on the bill, and on all debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than one hour, which shall be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the bill. An amendment to the bill is not in order. A motion further to limit debate is in order and not debatable. A motion to postpone, a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business, or a motion to recommit the bill is not in order. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the bill is agreed to or disagreed to is not in order. (4) Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the regulations of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, to the procedure relating to the bill shall be decided without debate. (d) Final Passage.--A vote on final passage of a bill described in subsection (b) shall be taken in a House of Congress on or before the close of the 60th calendar day after the date of the introduction of the bill in that House. (e) Exception.--A motion to suspend the application of subsections (c) and (d) is in order in either House of Congress and shall be considered as passed or agreed to by a vote of a majority of the Members voting. Upon the passage of such a motion, the bill shall be considered in the same manner as other bills. (f) Treatment if the Other House Has Acted.--(1) If, before the passage by one House of a bill introduced in that House described in subsection (b), that House receives from the other House a bill described in subsection (b) comprised of the same text, then-- (A) the bill of the other House shall not be referred to a committee and may not be considered in the House receiving it except in the case of final passage as provided in subparagraph (B)(ii); and (B) with respect to a bill described in subsection (b) of the House receiving the bill-- (i) the procedure in that House shall be the same as if no bill had been received from the other House; but (ii) the vote on final passage shall be on the bill of the other House. (2) Upon disposition of the bill received from the other House, it shall no longer be in order to consider the bill that originated in the receiving House. SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) Agency.--The term ``agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code. (2) Regulation.--The term ``regulation'' has the meaning given the term ``rule'' in section 551(4) of title 5, United States Code, except that such term does not include-- (A) any regulation of particular applicability; or (B) any interpretative rule, general statement of policy, or any regulation of agency organization, personnel, procedure, or practice. SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall apply to agency regulations promulgated after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 7. JUDICIAL REVIEW. A regulation contained in a bill enacted pursuant to this Act is not an agency action for the purpose of judicial review under chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code.

Summary: Requires an agency, whenever it promulgates a regulation, to submit to each House of Congress a report containing its text and an explanation. Sets forth expedited congressional procedures for consideration of agency regulations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Child Safety Lock Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. REQUIREMENT OF CHILD HANDGUN SAFETY LOCKS. (a) Definitions.--Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(35) The term `locking device' means a device or locking mechanism-- ``(A) that-- ``(i) if installed on a firearm and secured by means of a key or a mechanically, electronically, or electromechanically operated combination lock, is designed to prevent the firearm from being discharged without first deactivating or removing the device by means of a key or mechanically, electronically, or electromechanically operated combination lock; ``(ii) if incorporated into the design of a firearm, is designed to prevent discharge of the firearm by any person who does not have access to the key or other device designed to unlock the mechanism and thereby allow discharge of the firearm; or ``(iii) is a safe, gun safe, gun case, lock box, or other device that is designed to store a firearm and that is designed to be unlocked only by means of a key, a combination, or other similar means; and ``(B) that is approved by a licensed firearms manufacturer for use on the handgun with which the device or locking mechanism is sold, delivered, or transferred.''. (b) Unlawful Acts.-- (1) In general.--Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after subsection (y) the following: ``(z) Locking Devices.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful for any licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer to sell, deliver, or transfer any handgun to any person other than a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer, unless the transferee is provided with a locking device for that handgun. ``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) does not apply to-- ``(A) the-- ``(i) manufacture for, transfer to, or possession by, the United States or a State or a department or agency of the United States, or a State or a department, agency, or political subdivision of a State, of a firearm; or ``(ii) transfer to, or possession by, a law enforcement officer employed by an entity referred to in clause (i) of a firearm for law enforcement purposes (whether on or off duty); or ``(B) the transfer to, or possession by, a rail police officer employed by a rail carrier and certified or commissioned as a police officer under the laws of a State of a firearm for purposes of law enforcement (whether on or off duty).''. (2) Effective date.--Section 922(y) of title 18, United States Code, as added by this subsection, shall take effect 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (c) Liability; Evidence.-- (1) Liability.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to-- (A) create a cause of action against any firearms dealer or any other person for any civil liability; or (B) establish any standard of care. (2) Evidence.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, evidence regarding compliance or noncompliance with the amendments made by this section shall not be admissible as evidence in any proceeding of any court, agency, board, or other entity, except with respect to an action to enforce this section. (3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to bar a governmental action to impose a penalty under section 924(p) of title 18, United States Code, for a failure to comply with section 922(y) of that title. (d) Civil Penalties.--Section 924 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``or (f)'' and inserting ``(f), or (p)''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(p) Penalties Relating to Locking Devices.-- ``(1) In general.-- ``(A) Suspension or revocation of license; civil penalties.--With respect to each violation of section 922(y)(1) by a licensee, the Secretary may, after notice and opportunity for hearing-- ``(i) suspend or revoke any license issued to the licensee under this chapter; or ``(ii) subject the licensee to a civil penalty in an amount equal to not more than $10,000. ``(B) Review.--An action of the Secretary under this paragraph may be reviewed only as provided in section 923(f). ``(2) Administrative remedies.--The suspension or revocation of a license or the imposition of a civil penalty under paragraph (1) does not preclude any administrative remedy that is otherwise available to the Secretary.''. SEC. 3. AMENDMENT OF CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY ACT. (a) In General.--The Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ``SEC. 38. CHILD HANDGUN SAFETY LOCKS. ``(a) Establishment of Standard.-- ``(1) In general.-- ``(A) Rulemaking required.--Notwithstanding section 3(a)(1)(E) of this Act, the Commission shall initiate a rulemaking proceeding under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, within 90 days after the date of enactment of the Child Safety Lock Act of 2001 to establish a consumer product safety standard for locking devices. The Commission may extend the 90-day period for good cause. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, the Commission shall promulgate a final consumer product safety standard under this paragraph within 12 months after the date on which it initiated the rulemaking. The Commission may extend that 12-month period for good cause. The consumer product safety standard promulgated under this paragraph shall take effect 6 months after the date on which the final standard is promulgated. ``(B) Standard requirements.--The standard promulgated under subparagraph (A) shall require locking devices that-- ``(i) are sufficiently difficult for children to de-activate or remove; and ``(ii) prevent the discharge of the handgun unless the locking device has been de-activated or removed. ``(2) Certain provisions not to apply.-- ``(A) Provisions of this act.--Sections 7, 9, and 30(d) of this Act do not apply to the rulemaking proceeding under paragraph (1). Section 11 of this Act does not apply to any consumer product safety standard promulgated under paragraph (1). ``(B) Chapter 5 of title 5.--Except for section 553, chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, does not apply to this section. ``(C) Chapter 6 of title 5.--Chapter 6 of title 5, United States Code, does not apply to this section. ``(D) National environmental policy act.--The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321) does not apply to this section. ``(b) No Effect on State Law.--Notwithstanding section 26 of this Act, this section does not annul, alter, impair, affect, or exempt any person subject to the provisions of this section from complying with any provision of the law of any State or any political subdivision thereof, except to the extent that such provisions of State law are inconsistent with any provision of this section, and then only to the extent of the inconsistency. A provision of State law is not inconsistent with this section if such provision affords greater protection to children in respect of handguns than is afforded by this section. ``(c) Enforcement.--Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2)(A), the consumer product safety standard promulgated by the Commission under subsection (a) shall be enforced under this Act as if it were a consumer product safety standard described in section 7(a). ``(d) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Child.--The term `child' means an individual who has not attained the age of 13 years. ``(2) Locking device.--The term `locking device' has the meaning given that term in clauses (i) and (iii) of section 921(a)(35)(A) of title 18, United States Code.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1 of the Consumer Product Safety Act is amended by adding at the end of the table of contents the following: ``Sec. 38. Child handgun safety locks.''. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Consumer Product Safety Commission $2,000,000 to carry out the provisions of section 38 of the Consumer Product Safety Act, such sums to remain available until expended.

Summary: Child Safety Lock Act of 2001 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prohibit a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer from selling, delivering, or transferring a handgun without a locking device to any person other than a licensed manufacturer, importer, or dealer, with exceptions for law enforcement and governmental entities.Specifies that nothing in this Act shall be construed to create a cause of action against any firearms dealer or any other person for civil liability, or establish any standard of care.Makes evidence regarding compliance or noncompliance with this Act inadmissible in a proceeding of any court, agency, board, or other entity, except with respect to an action to enforce this Act.Sets forth civil penalties (in addition to any administrative penalties) for related violations, including suspension or loss of license.Amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish a consumer product safety standard for locking devices.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Black Metropolis District National Heritage Area Study Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The Black Metropolis district on Chicago, Illinois' South Side has a cohesive and distinctive history as well as an important streetscape that distinguishes the area as worthy of designation as a National Heritage Area. (2) The historic features of Chicago's Black Metropolis District predate the Great Migration of 1916-1919 and illustrate its influence on African-American life in Chicago and the Nation as a result of this demographic phenomenon in which 500,000 African-Americans migrated to the North in search of work and other opportunities, with 50,000 of that aggregate relocating in Chicago. (3) The Black Metropolis, as a setting, witnessed some of the finest accomplishments in African-American contributions to Chicago, the State of Illinois, and the Nation, while its legally and socially proscribed citizens challenged their environment and their Nation to fulfill its promise as a place of opportunity for all. (4) These contributions and accomplishments fall into the following main categories: (A) Business and entrepreneurial pursuits.--With State Street developing as the Black Metropolis District's ``Wall Street'', the area produced two of the largest Black banking operations in the Nation in the Binga State and Douglass National Banks and scores of smaller businesses ranging from print shops to restaurants to clothing stores to hair salons and barbershops. (B) Culture and aesthetics.--The area emerged as a musical mecca ranging from jazz to gospel to delta and urban blues to rhythm and blues and was home for institutions such as the George Cleveland Hall Branch Library, which nurtured literary giants such as Langston Hughes, the South Side Community Arts Center, and the DuSable Museum of African American History and Culture. (C) Education.--The area includes the first public secondary school in the State of Illinois built specifically to accommodate the educational needs of African-American students, which opened in 1934 at 4934 South Wabash Avenue and was named in honor of Chicago's first non-native inhabitant and trader, Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, a Black man from Haiti, and whose illustrious graduates include Nat ``King'' Cole and Chicago Mayor Harold Washington. (D) Governance and politics.--From its political bases in the area's Second Ward and the First Congressional District, Chicago's Black Metropolis proved itself a political center for all African- Americans, producing the first African-American to sit in Congress in the 20th Century, the Honorable Oscar DePriest, as well as the first African-American Democratic congressman, the Honorable Arthur W. Mitchell, succeeded by Honorable William L. Dawson, the Honorable Ralph H. Metcalfe, the Honorable Bennett M. Stewart, and the Honorable Harold Washington, later the city's first elected African-American mayor, and the Honorable Charles A. Hayes. (E) Health care.--The area includes Provident Hospital, founded in 1891 by the brilliant African- American surgeon Dr. Daniel Hale Williams and site of the first successful suturing of the human heart by Dr. Williams in 1893. (F) Labor.--The area was home to millions of unskilled and semi-skilled African-American workers, including the packinghouse workers who arrived during the Great Migration and constituted 25 percent of the stockyards work force during World War I, and the Pullman porters who represented a full 20 percent of the Nation's African-American workforce during the early 1900s. (G) Military life and patriotism.--African-American men enlisted in the Union Army on the grounds of Camp Douglass within the Black Metropolis District as part of the 29th Infantry Regiment of the United States Colored Troops, and a generation later trained at the Eighth Regiment Armory nearby before embarking for France as part of what President Wilson referred to as the great crusade to ``make the world safe for democracy'' during the World War I. (H) Recreation and competitive sports.--Early on, the Nation's most popular sports: baseball, boxing, football, track and basketball, enjoyed support from the Black Metropolis' population and drew participants who earned widespread recognition such as Rube Foster, a native Chicagoan, who founded the Negro Baseball League and its local team, the American Giants. (I) Religion and church activism.--The area includes Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E) Church, an antebellum center of abolitionist activity, and a major station on the Underground Railroad, and with emancipation, there was another religious movement to provide and protect the civil rights of all citizens led by Black Metropolis churches such as Quinn Chapel and Bethel A.M.E. (J) Social justice and civil rights.--It was from within the Black Metropolis District in the early 20th century that Ida B. Wells-Barnett waged her crusade for justice for African-Americans and women and worked to establish the first National Association for the Advancement of Colored People branch in that group's national network in 1912. (K) Streetscapes.--The area includes many historic locations, including those along State Street and 35th Street, ranging from the Overton Hygienic Manufacturing Building at 3617 South State Street and the Chicago Bee Building at 3647 South State Street (both designated as Chicago City Landmarks) to Liberty Life Insurance Company at 3501 South Parkway and a monument and park dedicated to United States Senator Stephen Douglas (designated as a State Landmark) at Lake Park Avenue and 35th Street, green and public spaces, stretching from Chicago's lakefront to historic park and boulevard systems to the West, and is now the proposed site for the 2016 Olympics in the City of Chicago's bid to host this event. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Heritage area.--The term ``Heritage Area'' means the Black Metropolis District National Heritage Area. (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (3) Study area.--The term ``study area'' means the region bounded as follows: (A) 18th Street on the North and 22nd Street on the South, from Lake Michigan on the East to Wentworth Avenue to the West. (B) 22nd Street on the North to 35th Street on the South, from Lake Michigan on the East to the Dan Ryan Expressway on the West. (C) 35th Street on the North and 47th Street on the South, from Lake Michigan on the East to the B&O Railroad (Stewart Avenue) on the West. (D) 47th Street on the North to 55th Street on the South, from Cottage Grove Avenue on the East to the Dan Ryan Expressway on the West). (E) 55th Street on the North to 71st Street on the South, from State Street on the West to Cottage Grove Avenue/South Chicago Avenue on the East. SEC. 4. BLACK METROPOLIS DISTRICT NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA STUDY. (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the managers of any Federal land within the Heritage Area, appropriate State and local governmental agencies, and any interested organizations, shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of designating the study area as the Black Metropolis District National Heritage Area. (b) Requirements.--The study shall include analysis, documentation, and determinations on whether-- (1) the study area-- (A) has an assemblage of natural, historic, cultural, educational, scenic, or recreational resources that together are nationally important to the heritage of the United States; (B) represents distinctive aspects of the heritage of the United States worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use; (C) is best managed through agreements between public and private entities at the local or regional level; (D) reflects traditions, customs, beliefs, and folklife that are a valuable part of the heritage of the United States; (E) provides outstanding opportunities to conserve natural, historical, cultural, or scenic features; (F) provides outstanding recreational and educational opportunities; and (G) has resources and traditional uses that have national importance; (2) residents, business interests, nonprofit organizations, the Federal Government (including relevant Federal land management agencies), and State, local, and tribal governments within the study area-- (A) are involved in the planning; and (B) have demonstrated significant support through letters and other means for designation and management of the Heritage Area; and (3) the study area has been identified and supported by the public, private business, and local and State agencies. SEC. 5. REPORT. Not later than 3 fiscal years after the date on which funds are made available to carry out the this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that describes the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the Secretary with respect to the study.

Summary: Black Metropolis District National Heritage Area Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of designating the Black Metropolis District in Chicago, Illinois, as the Black Metropolis District National Heritage Area.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Serving our Rural Veterans Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Department of Veterans Affairs relies on agreements with the Indian Health Service and tribal health organizations to serve native and non-native veteran populations in certain areas, especially rural areas of the United States, due to limited infrastructure or personnel of the Department in those areas; (2) the Department should support the practice of rural health care in the United States because such care is crucial to fulfilling the mission of the Department to provide the highest quality care for veterans; and (3) education regarding the unique health needs of veterans is necessary for all health care providers and is especially important for providers in rural health care delivery systems, including those affiliated with Indian tribes and tribal health organizations that care for a significant number of veterans. SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF PAYMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FOR TRAINING AND SUPERVISION OF RESIDENTS OR INTERNS AT FACILITIES THAT ARE NOT DEPARTMENT FACILITIES. (a) In General.--Subsection (c) of section 7406 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking ``Department facility'' each place it appears and inserting ``covered facility''. (b) Covered Facility Defined.--Subsection (a)(2) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(C) The term `covered facility' means any of the following: ``(i) A Department facility. ``(ii) A facility operated by an Indian tribe or a tribal organization, as those terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). ``(iii) A facility operated by the Indian Health Service. ``(iv) A Federally-qualified health center, as defined in section 1905(l)(2)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(l)(2)(B)). ``(v) A community health center.''. SEC. 4. PILOT PROGRAM TO ESTABLISH OR AFFILIATE WITH GRADUATE MEDICAL RESIDENCY PROGRAMS AT FACILITIES OPERATED BY INDIAN TRIBES, TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS, AND THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE IN RURAL AREAS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Director of the Indian Health Service, shall carry out a pilot program-- (1) to establish graduate medical education residency training programs at covered facilities; or (2) to affiliate with established programs described in paragraph (1). (b) Locations.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program at not more than four covered facilities that have been selected by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program. (2) Criteria.--The Secretary shall establish criteria for selecting covered facilities under paragraph (1). (c) Duration.--The Secretary shall implement the pilot program during the eight-year period beginning on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Reimbursement of Costs.--The Secretary shall reimburse each covered facility participating in the pilot program for the following costs associated with the pilot program: (1) Curriculum development. (2) Recruitment, training, supervision, and retention of residents and faculty. (3) Accreditation of programs of education under the pilot program by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). (4) The portion of faculty salaries attributable to activities relating to carrying out the pilot program. (5) Payment for expenses relating to providing medical education under the pilot program. (e) Period of Obligated Service.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with each individual who participates in the pilot program under which such individual agrees to serve a period of one year of obligated service at a covered facility or a facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs for each year in which the individual participates in the pilot program under this section. (2) Breach.--An individual who participates in the pilot program and fails to satisfy the period of obligated service under paragraph (1) shall be liable to the United States, in lieu of such obligated service, for the amount that has been paid or is payable to or on behalf of the individual under the pilot program, reduced by the proportion that the number of days served for completion of the period of obligated service bears to the total number of days in the period of obligated service of such individual. (3) Loan repayment.--During the period of obligated service of an individual under paragraph (1), the individual-- (A) shall be deemed to be an eligible individual under subsection (b) of section 108 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1616a) for purposes of participation in the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program under such section during the portion of such period that the individual serves at a covered facility; and (B) shall be deemed to be an eligible individual under section 7682(a) of title 38, United States Code, for purposes of participation in the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program under subchapter VII of chapter 76 of such title during the portion of such period that the individual serves at a facility of the Department. (4) Concurrent service.--Any period of obligated service required of an individual under paragraph (1) shall be served-- (A) with respect to service at a covered facility, concurrently with any period of obligated service required of the individual by the Indian Health Service; and (B) with respect to service at a facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs, concurrently with any period of obligated service required of the individual by the Department. (f) Report.--Not later than three years before the termination of the pilot program under subsection (c), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on the feasibility and advisability of-- (1) expanding the pilot program to additional locations; and (2) making the pilot program or any aspect of the pilot program permanent. (g) Authorization of Appropriations.-- (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $20,000,000 for each year in which the pilot program is carried out. (2) Loan repayments.-- (A) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated-- (i) to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Indian Health Service, such sums as may be necessary to cover loan repayments paid under the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program to individuals participating in the pilot program; and (ii) to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs such sums as may be necessary to cover loan repayments paid under the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program to individuals participating in the pilot program. (B) Supplement not supplant.--Amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program or the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under subparagraph (A) shall supplement, not supplant, amounts made available to such programs under other provisions of law. (h) Covered Facility Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered facility'' means a facility-- (1) operated by an Indian tribe or a tribal organization (as those terms are defined in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)), or the Indian Health Service, that has an existing reimbursement agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 405(c) of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (25 U.S.C. 1645(c)); and (2) located in a rural or remote area, as determined by the Secretary.

Summary: Serving our Rural Veterans Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for the training and employment of Veterans Health Administration medical residents and interns at a covered facility, which includes: (1) a VA facility; (2) a facility operated by an Indian tribe, a tribal organization, or the Indian Health Service; (3) a federally-qualified health center; or (4) a community health center. (Currently, such payments are authorized only for VA facilities.) The VA shall carry out an eight-year pilot program to establish or affiliate with graduate medical education residency training programs at not more than four facilities. The VA shall reimburse each participating facility for the costs of: curriculum development; recruitment, training, supervision, and retention of residents and faculty; accreditation of education programs; faculty salaries attributable to program activities; and other expenses relating to providing medical education under the program. A program participant: (1) shall agree to one year of obligated service at a covered or a VA facility for each year of partipation in the program, (2) who fails to satisfy the obligated service period shall be liable to the United States for a prorated portion of the amount paid for program participation, and (3) during the period of obligated service, shall be eligible for participation in the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program and the VA Education Debt Reduction Program. A covered facility for pilot program purposes means a facility: (1) operated by an Indian tribe, a tribal organization, or the Indian Health Service that has an existing reimbursement agreement with the VA; and (2) located in a rural or remote area.