SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. CONTINUATION OF MILITARY COMPENSATION FOR RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS DURING PHYSICAL EVALUATION BOARD PROCESS AND FOR CERTAIN OTHER RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS. Section 1218 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections: ``(d)(1) The Secretary of a military department shall give a member of a reserve component under the jurisdiction of the Secretary who is being evaluated by a physical evaluation board for separation or retirement for disability under this chapter or for placement on the temporary disability retired list or inactive status list under this chapter the option to remain on active duty in order to continue to receive pay and allowances under title 37 during the physical evaluation board process until such time as the member-- ``(A) is cleared by the board to return to duty; or ``(B) is separated, retired, or placed on the temporary disability retired list or inactive status list. ``(2) A member may change the election under paragraph (1) at any point during the physical evaluation board process and be released from active duty. ``(3) The requirements in paragraph (1) shall expire on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of the Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Act of 2009. ``(e)(1) The Secretary of a military department shall retain on active duty a member of a reserve component under the jurisdiction of the Secretary who incurs an injury or illness while on active duty, is being discharged or separated from the armed forces, or being released from active duty in the armed forces, and is not being evaluated by a physical evaluation board for purposes of this chapter in connection with such discharge, separation, or release in order for the member to continue to receive pay and allowances under title 37 until such time as the member-- ``(A) is retired or placed on the temporary disability retired list or inactive status list; or ``(B) is determined not to be eligible for such care or benefits based solely upon such injury or illness. ``(2) A member retained on active duty under paragraph (1) may elect at any time while so retained to be discharged, separated, or released, as applicable, from active duty. ``(3) The requirements in paragraph (1) shall expire on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of the Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Act of 2009. ``(f) A member contemplating the exercise of an option under subsection (d), or making an election under subsection (e), may exercise such option or make such election, as the case may be, only after consultation with a member of the applicable judge advocate general's corps.''. SEC. 3. COMPLIANCE OF HUMAN RESOURCES COMMANDS WITH REQUESTS FOR RETENTION OF RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS ON ACTIVE DUTY. (a) In General.--The applicable human resources command shall return to active duty in the Armed Forces for the purposes specified in subsection (b) each member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces-- (1) who wants to return to active duty; and (2) who-- (A) is determined by an appropriate physician (including a private physician) to be unable to work due to an illness or injury that may be determined to be service-connected; and (B) is not retired, placed on the temporary disability retired list, receiving incapacitation pay under subsection (g) or (h) of section 204 of title 37, United States Code, or receiving health care and disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to such illness or injury. (b) Covered Purposes.--The purposes for which a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces shall be returned to active duty under subsection (a) are the following: (1) The receipt of a medical evaluation. (2) The receipt of medical treatment for an illness or injury described in subsection (a). (3) A determination of eligibility for placement on the temporary disability retired list. (c) Human Resources Commands.--For purposes of this section, the term ``applicable human resources command'' means the following: (1) For the Army, the Human Resources Command. (2) For the Navy and the Marine Corps, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard, the command or element of the military department concerned (or the element of the Department of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not acting as a service in the Navy) responsible for discharging human resources functions with respect to members of the Armed Forces. (d) Sunset.--The requirements in subsection (a) shall expire on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 4. ENCOURAGEMENT OF USE OF LOCAL RESIDENCES FOR CERTAIN RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS. Section 1222 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d) Use of Local Residences for Certain Reserve Component Members.--(1)(A) A member of a reserve component described by subparagraph (B) shall be permitted to reside at the member's permanent place of residence if residing at that location is medically feasible, as determined by a licensed health care provider. ``(B) A member of a reserve component described by this subparagraph is any member as follows: ``(i) Any member remaining on active duty under subsection (d) of section 1218 of this title, or retained on active duty under subsection (e) of such section, during the period the member is on active duty under such subsection. ``(ii) Any member returned to active duty under section 3 of the Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Act of 2009 during the period the member is on active duty for a purpose specified in subsection (b) of that section. ``(2) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as terminating, altering, or otherwise affecting the authority of the commander of a member described in paragraph (1)(B) to order the member to perform duties consistent with the member's fitness for duty. ``(3) The Secretary concerned shall pay any reasonable expenses of transportation, lodging, and meals incurred by a member residing at the member's permanent place of residence under this subsection in connection with travel from the member's permanent place of residence to a medical facility during the period in which the member is covered by this subsection.''. SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAM FUNDS FOR SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE RESERVE COMPONENTS. (a) Authorization.--Funds in the Defense Health Program shall be available, subject to appropriations, for support programs for any member of a reserve component who becomes ill or injured while on active duty and separates from active duty as a result of the illness or injury. (b) Support Programs.--The support programs for which such funds shall be available include the following: (1) Non-clinical case management. (2) TRICARE program advisors. (3) Psychological health programs. (4) Connection and support of military health system electronic medical records. (c) Coordination.--The Office of the Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs shall coordinate with the reserve components, including the National Guard, in determining the budget requirements of the reserve components for the support programs. SEC. 6. MAINTENANCE AND ASSIGNMENT OF JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL PERSONNEL TO ASSIST MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES IN CONNECTION WITH MEDICAL DISCHARGE PROCESS. (a) Capacity for Assistance Required.--Each Secretary of a military department shall ensure that the number of members of the judge advocate general's corps under the jurisdiction of such Secretary who are dedicated to providing legal assistance to members of the Armed Forces regarding medical discharge from the Armed Forces is adequate to ensure that such corps has the capacity to provide legal assistance to all members of the Armed Force or Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary who are undergoing medical discharge from the Armed Forces (including during evaluation by a medical evaluation board (MEB)) in connection with such medical discharge. (b) Provision of Assistance.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of each military department shall, utilizing members of the judge advocate general's corps under the jurisdiction of such Secretary described in subsection (a), ensure that each member of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary who is undergoing medical discharge from the Armed Forces receives appropriate assistance on all legal matters relating to medical discharge from the Armed Forces. (2) Elements.--The assistance provided a member of the Armed Forces under this subsection shall include the following: (A) Outreach by a member of the judge advocate general's corps to the member of the Armed Forces at the commencement of the medical discharge process by the member of the Armed Forces regarding legal matters relating to evaluation by a medical evaluation board. (B) Representation by a member of the judge advocate general's corps of the member of the Armed Forces in connection with evaluation by a medical evaluation board, if requested by the member of the Armed Forces. SEC. 7. MAINTENANCE AND ASSIGNMENT OF JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL PERSONNEL TO ASSIST MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES IN CONNECTION WITH DISABILITY EVALUATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) Capacity for Assistance Required.--Each Secretary of a military department shall ensure that the judge advocate general's corps under the jurisdiction of such Secretary has the capacity to provide legal assistance to members of the Armed Force or Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary who are undergoing disability evaluation by the Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with such disability evaluation. (b) Provision of Assistance.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of each military department shall, utilizing members of the judge advocate general's corps under the jurisdiction of such Secretary covered by subsection (a), ensure that each member of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of such Secretary who is undergoing disability evaluation by the Department of Veterans Affairs receives appropriate assistance on all legal matters relating to such evaluation. (2) Elements.--The assistance provided a member of the Armed Forces under this subsection shall include the following: (A) Outreach by a member of the judge advocate general's corps to the member of the Armed Forces at the commencement by the member of the Armed Forces of disability evaluation by the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding legal matters relating to disability evaluation by the Department of Veterans Affairs. (B) Subject to paragraph (3), representation by a member of the judge advocate general's corps of the member of the Armed Forces in connection with disability evaluation by the Department of Veterans Affairs if requested by the member of the Armed Forces. (3) Scope of representation.--Members of the judge advocate generals' corps shall have such powers and privileges to practice before the Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with representation of members of the Armed Forces undergoing disability evaluation by the Department of Veterans Affairs as the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly prescribe in regulations for purposes of this section. Such powers and privileges may not be more restricted than the powers and privileges afforded representatives of organizations recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code, in representing veterans in connection with disability evaluation by the Department of Veterans Affairs. SEC. 8. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON ACCESS OF VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS TO MILITARY FACILITIES FOR COUNSELING AND SERVICES FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) each commander of a military installation should ensure the use of space and equipment at military installations, as required by section 2670(c) of title 10, United States Code, by representatives of qualified veterans service organizations, including those authorized to function on military installations under that section; (2) the commander of each facility or location at which access is provided under section 2670(c) of such title should endeavor to provide private space in which a member of the Armed Forces may receive counseling and services as available from veterans service organizations; (3) the Secretary of Defense should widely disseminate information regarding the existence and availability of the Wounded Warrior Resource Center as required by section 1616 of the Wounded Warrior Act (title XVI of Public Law 110-181; 122 Stat. 447; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents; and (4) the Wounded Warrior Center should provide legal assistance referral information where appropriate, as provided for in this Act, especially to those members of the Armed Forces for whom a medical evaluation board or a physical evaluation board has been initiated and their family members. (b) Qualified Veterans Services Organization Defined.--In this section, the term ``qualified veterans service organization'' means an organization that is recognized by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation of veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code. SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 10. FUNDING. Notwithstanding any provision of subchapter VI of chapter 35 of title 31, United States Code, for purposes of carrying out this Act and the amendments made by this Act, an amount in the aggregate of $50,000,000 shall be derived from amounts recovered by the Department of Defense from erroneous payments to contractors pursuant to recovery audits and activities carried out by the Department under section 3561 of such title.

Summary: Wounded Warrior Transition Assistance Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of each military department to provide each reserve member of that department who is being evaluated for separation or retirement for disability, or for placement on the temporary disability retired list or inactive status list, the option to remain on active duty during such evaluation in order to continue to receive military pay and allowances, until the member is: (1) cleared to return to duty; or (2) separated, retired, or placed on the temporary disability retired or inactive status list. Requires each Secretary to retain on active duty (for pay and allowances purposes) a reserve member who incurs an injury or illness while on active duty, is being discharged or separated from the Armed Forces, or is being released from active duty, and is not being evaluated in connection with such discharge, separation, or release, until the member is: (1) retired or placed on the temporary disability retired or inactive status list; or (2) determined ineligible for such care or benefits based solely upon the injury or illness. Requires military human resources commands to return to active duty during their evaluation period reserve members who request such option. Encourages the use of local residences by reserve members during such transition periods. Authorizes the use of Defense Health Program funds for reserve members who become ill or injured while on active duty and separate as a result of such illness or injury. Provides for the assignment of Judge Advocate General personnel to assist members of the Armed Forces (members) in connection with the medical discharge process and disability evaluations. Expresses support for access of veterans service organizations to military facilities to provide counseling and services to members.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Anti-Pyramid Promotional Scheme Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION ON PYRAMID PROMOTIONAL SCHEMES. (a) In General.--It shall be unlawful for any person to establish, operate, promote or cause to be promoted a pyramid promotional scheme. (b) Enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission.--A violation of subsection (a) shall be treated as an unfair or deceptive act or practice in or affecting commerce under section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45). The Federal Trade Commission shall enforce such subsection in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this Act. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Act: (1) Appropriate inventory repurchase agreement.--The term ``appropriate inventory purchase agreement'' means a program by which a plan or operation repurchases, upon request at the termination of a participant's business relationship with the plan or operation and based upon commercially reasonable terms, current and marketable inventory purchased and maintained by the participant for resale, use, or consumption, and such plan or operation in its recruiting literature, sales manual, and contracts with participants, including the manner in which the repurchase is exercised, and disclosure of any inventory that is not eligible for repurchase under the program. (2) Commercially reasonable terms.--The term ``commercially reasonable terms'' means the repurchase of current and marketable inventory within 12 months from the date of purchase at not less than 90 percent of the original net cost to the participant, less appropriate set-offs and legal claims, if any. (3) Compensation.--The term ``compensation'' means the payment of any money, thing of value, financial benefits, or position within the plan or operation; (4) Consideration.--The term ``consideration''-- (A) means the payment of money or another thing of value or the purchase of a product, good, service, intangible property; and (B) does not include-- (i) the purchase of a product furnished at cost to be used in making a sale and not for resale; or (ii) any time and effort spent in pursuit of sales or recruiting activities. (5) Current and marketable.--The term ``current and marketable'', with respect to inventory-- (A) means inventory that-- (i) in the case of consumable or durable goods, is unopened, unused, and within its commercially reasonable use or shelf-life period; and (ii) in the case services and intangible property, including Internet sites, represents the unexpired portion of any contract or agreement; and (B) does not include inventory that has been clearly described to the participant prior to purchase as discounted, seasonal, special promotion item, or not subject to the plan or operation's inventory repurchase program. (6) Inventory.--The term ``inventory'' means both goods and services, including company produced promotional material, sales aids, and sales kits that the plan or operation requires participants to purchase. (7) Inventory loading.--The term ``inventory loading'' means that the plan or operation requires or encourages its participants to purchase inventory in an amount that unreasonably exceeds that which the participant can expect to resell to ultimate users, or to use or consume, in a reasonable period of time. (8) Participant.--The term ``participant'' means a person who joins the plan or operation. (9) Pyramid promotional scheme.--The term ``pyramid promotional scheme'' means a plan or operation by which a person gives consideration to a participant for the right to receive compensation that is derived primarily from a participant's introduction of another person into the plan or operation rather than from the sale of products to ultimate users. (10) Ultimate user.--The term ``ultimate user'' means a non-participant in the plan or operation, or a participant who purchases reasonable amounts of products, goods, services, or intangible property for personal use and whose purchase is not made solely for purposes of qualifying for increased compensation. SEC. 4. LIMITATIONS. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to-- (1) limit the authority of any Federal official from proceeding against pyramid promotional schemes for other violations of Federal law, including the Federal Trade Commission Act; (2) allow for a defense to an enforcement action under section 2 of this Act that the alleged pyramid promotional scheme involved both a franchise to sell a product and the authority to sell additional franchises if the emphasis of the alleged pyramid promotional scheme is on the sale of additional franchises; or (3) allow for a defense to an enforcement action under section 2 of this Act that the alleged pyramid promotional scheme included repurchase agreement inventory loading programs if the emphasis of the alleged pyramid promotional scheme is on the sale of additional franchises.

Summary: Anti-Pyramid Promotional Scheme Act of 2016 This bill prohibits the establishment, operation, or promotion of a pyramid promotional scheme, which is defined as a plan or operation by which a person gives consideration (money or other thing of value) to a participant in the scheme for the right to receive compensation derived primarily from the participant's introduction of another person into the plan or operation rather than from the sale of products to ultimate users. The bill grants enforcement authority to the Federal Trade Commission and requires violations to be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Medical Savings Account Availability Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF AVAILABILITY OF ARCHER MEDICAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS. (a) Repeal of Limitations on Number of Medical Savings Accounts.-- (1) In general.--Subsections (i) and (j) of section 220 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 are hereby repealed. (2) Conforming amendments.-- (A) Paragraph (1) of section 220(c) of such Code is amended by striking subparagraph (D). (B) Section 138 of such Code is amended by striking subsection (f). (b) Availability Not Limited to Accounts for Employees of Small Employers and Self-Employed Individuals.-- (1) In general.--Subparagraph (A) of section 220(c)(1) of such Code (relating to eligible individual) is amended to read as follows: ``(A) In general.--The term `eligible individual' means, with respect to any month, any individual if-- ``(i) such individual is covered under a high deductible health plan as of the 1st day of such month, and ``(ii) such individual is not, while covered under a high deductible health plan, covered under any health plan-- ``(I) which is not a high deductible health plan, and ``(II) which provides coverage for any benefit which is covered under the high deductible health plan.''. (2) Conforming amendments.-- (A) Section 220(c)(1) of such Code is amended by striking subparagraph (C). (B) Section 220(c) of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (4) (defining small employer) and by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4). (C) Section 220(b) of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (4) (relating to deduction limited by compensation) and by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and (7) as paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively. (c) Increase in Amount of Deduction Allowed for Contributions to Medical Savings Accounts.-- (1) In general.--Paragraph (2) of section 220(b) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(2) Monthly limitation.--The monthly limitation for any month is the amount equal to \1/12\ of the annual deductible (as of the first day of such month) of the individual's coverage under the high deductible health plan.''. (2) Conforming amendment.--Clause (ii) of section 220(d)(1)(A) of such Code is amended by striking ``75 percent of''. (d) Both Employers and Employees May Contribute to Medical Savings Accounts.--Paragraph (4) of section 220(b) of such Code (as redesignated by subsection (b)(2)(C)) is amended to read as follows: ``(4) Coordination with exclusion for employer contributions.--The limitation which would (but for this paragraph) apply under this subsection to the taxpayer for any taxable year shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount which would (but for section 106(b)) be includible in the taxpayer's gross income for such taxable year.''. (e) Reduction of Permitted Deductibles Under High Deductible Health Plans.-- (1) In general.--Subparagraph (A) of section 220(c)(2) of such Code (defining high deductible health plan) is amended-- (A) by striking ``$1,500'' in clause (i) and inserting ``$1,000''; and (B) by striking ``$3,000'' in clause (ii) and inserting ``$2,000''. (2) Conforming amendment.--Subsection (g) of section 220 of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(g) Cost-of-Living Adjustment.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 1998, each dollar amount in subsection (c)(2) shall be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by ``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which such taxable year begins by substituting `calendar year 1997' for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof. ``(2) Special rules.--In the case of the $1,000 amount in subsection (c)(2)(A)(i) and the $2,000 amount in subsection (c)(2)(A)(ii), paragraph (1)(B) shall be applied by substituting `calendar year 2000' for `calendar year 1997'. ``(3) Rounding.--If any increase under paragraph (1) or (2) is not a multiple of $50, such increase shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $50.''. (f) Providing Incentives for Preferred Provider Organizations To Offer Medical Savings Accounts.--Clause (ii) of section 220(c)(2)(B) of such Code is amended by striking ``preventive care if'' and all that follows and inserting ``preventive care.'' (g) Medical Savings Accounts May Be Offered Under Cafeteria Plans.--Subsection (f) of section 125 of such Code is amended by striking ``106(b),''. (h) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2001.

Summary: Medical Savings Account Availability Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to medical savings accounts to: (1) repeal restrictions on the number of accounts which may be established; and (2) expand the availability of such accounts to individuals other than the self-employed and employees of small employers.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Central Oregon Jobs and Water Security Act''. SEC. 2. WILD AND SCENIC RIVER; CROOKED, OREGON. Section 3(a)(72) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a)(72)) is amended as follows: (1) By striking ``15-mile'' and inserting ``14.75-mile''. (2) In subparagraph (B)-- (A) by striking ``8-mile'' and all that follows through ``Bowman Dam'' and inserting ``7.75-mile segment from a point one-quarter mile downstream from the toe of Bowman Dam''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``The developer for any hydropower development, including turbines and appurtenant facilities, at Bowman Dam, in consultation with the Bureau of Land Management, shall analyze any impacts to the Outstandingly Remarkable Values of the Wild and Scenic River that may be caused by such development, including the future need to undertake routine and emergency repairs, and shall propose mitigation for any impacts as part of any license application submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.''. SEC. 3. CITY OF PRINEVILLE WATER SUPPLY. Section 4 of the Act of August 6, 1956 (70 Stat. 1058), (as amended by the Acts of September 14, 1959 (73 Stat. 554), and September 18, 1964 (78 Stat. 954)) is further amended as follows: (1) By striking ``ten cubic feet'' the first place it appears and inserting ``17 cubic feet''. (2) By striking ``during those months when there is no other discharge therefrom, but this release may be reduced for brief temporary periods by the Secretary whenever he may find that release of the full ten cubic feet per second is harmful to the primary purpose of the project''. (3) By adding at the end the following: ``Without further action by the Secretary, and as determined necessary for any given year by the City of Prineville, up to seven of the 17 cubic feet per second minimum release shall also serve as mitigation for City of Prineville groundwater pumping, pursuant to and in a manner consistent with Oregon State law, including any shaping of the release of the up to seven cubic feet per second to coincide with City of Prineville groundwater pumping as may be required by the State of Oregon. As such, the Secretary is authorized to make applications to the State of Oregon in conjunction with the City to protect these supplies instream. The City shall make payment to the Secretary for that portion of the minimum release that actually serves as mitigation pursuant to Oregon State law for the City in any given year, with the payment for any given year equal to the amount of mitigation in acre feet required to offset actual City groundwater pumping for that year in accordance with Reclamation `Water and Related Contract and Repayment Principles and Requirements', Reclamation Manual Directives and Standards PEC 05-01, dated 09/12/2006, and guided by `Economic and Environmental Principles and Guidelines for Water and Related Land Resources Implementation Studies', dated March 10, 1983. The Secretary is authorized to contract exclusively with the City for additional amounts in the future at the request of the City.''. SEC. 4. FIRST FILL PROTECTION. The Act of August 6, 1956 (70 Stat. 1058), as amended by the Acts of September 14, 1959 (73 Stat. 554), and September 18, 1964 (78 Stat. 954), is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 6. Other than the 17 cubic feet per second release provided for in section 4, and subject to compliance with the Army Corps of Engineers' flood curve requirements, the Secretary shall, on a `first fill' priority basis, store in and release from Prineville Reservoir, whether from carryover, infill, or a combination thereof, the following: ``(1) 68,273 acre feet of water annually to fulfill all 16 Bureau of Reclamation contracts existing as of January 1, 2011, and up to 2,740 acre feet of water annually to supply the McKay Creek lands as provided for in section 5 of this Act. ``(2) Not more than 10,000 acre feet of water annually, to be made available to the North Unit Irrigation District pursuant to a Temporary Water Service Contract, upon the request of the North Unit Irrigation District, consistent with the same terms and conditions as prior such contracts between the District and the Bureau of Reclamation. ``Sec. 7. Except as otherwise provided in this Act, nothing in this Act-- ``(1) modifies contractual rights that may exist between contractors and the United States under Reclamation contracts; ``(2) amends or reopens contracts referred to in paragraph (1); or ``(3) modifies any rights, obligations, or requirements that may be provided or governed by Oregon State law.''. SEC. 5. OCHOCO IRRIGATION DISTRICT. (a) Early Repayment.--Notwithstanding section 213 of the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (43 U.S.C. 390mm), any landowner within Ochoco Irrigation District in Oregon, may repay, at any time, the construction costs of the project facilities allocated to that landowner's lands within the district. Upon discharge, in full, of the obligation for repayment of the construction costs allocated to all lands the landowner owns in the district, those lands shall not be subject to the ownership and full-cost pricing limitations of the Act of June 17, 1902 (43 U.S.C. 371 et seq.), and Acts supplemental to and amendatory of that Act, including the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (43 U.S.C. 390aa et seq.). (b) Certification.--Upon the request of a landowner who has repaid, in full, the construction costs of the project facilities allocated to that landowner's lands owned within the district, the Secretary of the Interior shall provide the certification provided for in subsection (b)(1) of section 213 of the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (43 U.S.C. 390mm(b)(1)). (c) Contract Amendment.--On approval of the district directors and notwithstanding project authorizing legislation to the contrary, the district's reclamation contracts are modified, without further action by the Secretary of the Interior, to-- (1) authorize the use of water for instream purposes, including fish or wildlife purposes, in order for the district to engage in, or take advantage of, conserved water projects and temporary instream leasing as authorized by Oregon State law; (2) include within the district boundary approximately 2,742 acres in the vicinity of McKay Creek, resulting in a total of approximately 44,937 acres within the district boundary; (3) classify as irrigable approximately 685 acres within the approximately 2,742 acres of included lands in the vicinity of McKay Creek, where the approximately 685 acres are authorized to receive irrigation water pursuant to water rights issued by the State of Oregon and have in the past received water pursuant to such State water rights; and (4) provide the district with stored water from Prineville Reservoir for purposes of supplying up to the approximately 685 acres of lands added within the district boundary and classified as irrigable under paragraphs (2) and (3), with such stored water to be supplied on an acre-per-acre basis contingent on the transfer of existing appurtenant McKay Creek water rights to instream use and the State's issuance of water rights for the use of stored water. (d) Limitation.--Except as otherwise provided in subsections (a) and (c), nothing in this section shall be construed to-- (1) modify contractual rights that may exist between the district and the United States under the district's Reclamation contracts; (2) amend or reopen the contracts referred to in paragraph (1); or (3) modify any rights, obligations or relationships that may exist between the district and its landowners as may be provided or governed by Oregon State law. Passed the House of Representatives June 5, 2012. Attest: KAREN L. HAAS, Clerk.

Summary: Central Oregon Jobs and Water Security Act - (Sec. 2) Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to modify the boundary of the Crooked River, Oregon. Requires the developer for any hydropower development at Bowman Dam to analyze any impacts to the Outstanding Remarkable Values of the Wild and Scenic River that may be caused by such development and propose mitigation for such impacts as part of any license application submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). (Sec. 3) Increases (from 10 to 17 cubic feet per second) the minimum release that shall be maintained from the Prineville Reservoir for the benefit of downstream fish life. Requires 7 of the 17 cubic feet per second release to serve as mitigation for the city of Prineville groundwater pumping, as determined necessary for any given year by the city, including any shaping of the release of the up to 7 cubic feet per second to coincide with the city's groundwater pumping as may be required by the state of Oregon. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to make applications to that state in conjunction with that city to protect these supplies instream. Directs the city to make payment to the Secretary for that portion of the minimum release that actually serves as mitigation under Oregon law. Authorizes the Secretary to contract exclusively with the city for additional amounts in the future at the city's request. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary, on a "first fill" priority basis, to store in and release from the Reservoir: (1) 68,273 acre feet of water annually to fulfill all 16 Bureau of Reclamation contracts existing as of January 1, 2011; (2) up to 2,740 acre feet of water annually to supply the McKay Creek lands; and (3) up to 10,000 acre feet of water annually to the North Unit Irrigation District, upon request, pursuant to a Temporary Water Service Contract. (Sec. 5) Authorizes any landowner within Ochoco Irrigation District, Oregon, to repay construction costs of project facilities allocated to that landowner's lands within that District. Requires the Secretary of the Interior, upon the request of a landowner who has repaid project construction costs, to provide certification of freedom from ownership and pricing limitations. Modifies the District's reclamation contracts, on approval of the District directors, to: (1) authorize the use of water for instream purposes in order for the District to engage in, or take advantage of, conserved water projects and temporary instream leasing as authorized by Oregon law; (2) include within the district boundary approximately 2,742 acres in the vicinity of McKay Creek; (3) classify approximately 685 of such acres as irrigable; and (4) provide the District with stored water from Prineville Reservoir for supplying such 685 acres, contingent on the transfer of existing appurtenant McKay Creek water rights to instream use and the state's issuance of water rights for the use of stored water.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; DEFINITIONS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Oil Region National Heritage Area Act''. (b) Definitions.--For the purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall apply: (1) Heritage area.--The term ``Heritage Area'' means the Oil Region National Heritage Area established in section 3(a). (2) Management entity.--The term ``management entity'' means the Oil Heritage Region, Inc., or its successor entity. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following: (1) The Oil Region of Northwestern Pennsylvania, with numerous sites and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and designated by the Governor of Pennsylvania as one of the State Heritage Park Areas, is a region with tremendous physical and natural resources and possesses a story of State, national, and international significance. (2) The single event of Colonel Edwin Drake's drilling of the world's first successful oil well in 1859 has affected the industrial, natural, social, and political structures of the modern world. (3) Six national historic districts are located within the State Heritage Park boundary, in Emlenton, Franklin, Oil City, and Titusville, as well as 17 separate National Register sites. (4) The Allegheny River, which was designated as a component of the national wild and scenic rivers system in 1992 by Public Law 102-271, traverses the Oil Region and connects several of its major sites, as do some of the river's tributaries such as Oil Creek, French Creek, and Sandy Creek. (5) The unspoiled rural character of the Oil Region provides many natural and recreational resources, scenic vistas, and excellent water quality for people throughout the United States to enjoy. (6) Remnants of the oil industry, visible on the landscape to this day, provide a direct link to the past for visitors, as do the historic valley settlements, riverbed settlements, plateau developments, farmlands, and industrial landscapes. (7) The Oil Region also represents a cross section of American history associated with Native Americans, frontier settlements, the French and Indian War, African Americans and the Underground Railroad, and immigration of Swedish and Polish individuals, among others. (8) Involvement by the Federal Government shall serve to enhance the efforts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, local subdivisions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, volunteer organizations, and private businesses, to promote the cultural, national, and recreational resources of the region in order to fulfill their full potential. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to enhance a cooperative management framework to assist the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, its units of local government, and area citizens in conserving, enhancing, and interpreting the significant features of the lands, water, and structures of the Oil Region, in a manner consistent with compatible economic development for the benefit and inspiration of present and future generations in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States. SEC. 3. OIL REGION NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA. (a) Establishment.--There is hereby established the Oil Region National Heritage Area. (b) Boundaries.--The boundaries of the Heritage Area shall include all of those lands depicted on a map entitled ``Oil Region National Heritage Area'', numbered OIRE/20,000 and dated October, 2000. The map shall be on file in the appropriate offices of the National Park Service. The Secretary of the Interior shall publish in the Federal Register, as soon as practical after the date of the enactment of this Act, a detailed description and map of the boundaries established under this subsection. (c) Management Entity.--The management entity for the Heritage Area shall be the Oil Heritage Region, Inc., the locally based private, nonprofit management corporation which shall oversee the development of a management plan in accordance with section 5(b). SEC. 4. COMPACT. To carry out the purposes of this Act, the Secretary shall enter into a compact with the management entity. The compact shall include information relating to the objectives and management of the area, including a discussion of the goals and objectives of the Heritage Area, including an explanation of the proposed approach to conservation and interpretation and a general outline of the protection measures committed to by the Secretary and management entity. SEC. 5. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF MANAGEMENT ENTITY. (a) Authorities of the Management Entity.--The management entity may use funds made available under this Act for purposes of preparing, updating, and implementing the management plan developed under subsection (b). Such purposes may include-- (1) making grants to, and entering into cooperative agreements with, States and their political subdivisions, private organizations, or any other person; (2) hiring and compensating staff; and (3) undertaking initiatives that advance the purposes of the Heritage Area. (b) Management Plan.--The management entity shall develop a management plan for the Heritage Area that-- (1) presents comprehensive strategies and recommendations for conservation, funding, management, and development of the Heritage Area; (2) takes into consideration existing State, county, and local plans and involves residents, public agencies, and private organizations working in the Heritage Area; (3) includes a description of actions that units of government and private organizations have agreed to take to protect the resources of the Heritage Area; (4) specifies the existing and potential sources of funding to protect, manage, and develop the Heritage Area; (5) includes an inventory of the resources contained in the Heritage Area, including a list of any property in the Heritage Area that is related to the themes of the Heritage Area and that should be preserved, restored, managed, developed, or maintained because of its natural, cultural, historic, recreational, or scenic significance; (6) describes a program for implementation of the management plan by the management entity, including plans for restoration and construction, and specific commitments for that implementation that have been made by the management entity and any other persons for the first 5 years of implementation; (7) lists any revisions to the boundaries of the Heritage Area proposed by the management entity and requested by the affected local government; and (8) includes an interpretation plan for the Heritage Area. (c) Deadline; Termination of Funding.-- (1) Deadline.--The management entity shall submit the management plan to the Secretary within 2 years after the funds are made available for this Act. (2) Termination of funding.--If a management plan is not submitted to the Secretary in accordance with this subsection, the management entity shall not qualify for Federal assistance under this Act. (d) Duties of Management Entity.--The management entity shall-- (1) give priority to implementing actions set forth in the compact and management plan; (2) assist units of government, regional planning organizations, and nonprofit organizations in-- (A) establishing and maintaining interpretive exhibits in the Heritage Area; (B) developing recreational resources in the Heritage Area; (C) increasing public awareness of and appreciation for the natural, historical, and architectural resources and sites in the Heritage Area; (D) the restoration of any historic building relating to the themes of the Heritage Area; (E) ensuring that clear signs identifying access points and sites of interest are put in place throughout the Heritage Area; and (F) carrying out other actions that the management entity determines to be advisable to fulfill the purposes of this Act; (3) encourage by appropriate means economic viability in the Heritage Area consistent with the goals of the management plan; (4) consider the interests of diverse governmental, business, and nonprofit groups within the Heritage Area; and (5) for any year in which Federal funds have been provided to implement the management plan under subsection (b)-- (A) conduct public meetings at least annually regarding the implementation of the management plan; (B) submit an annual report to the Secretary setting forth accomplishments, expenses and income, and each person to which any grant was made by the management entity in the year for which the report is made; and (C) require, for all agreements entered into by the management entity authorizing expenditure of Federal funds by any other person, that the person making the expenditure make available to the management entity for audit all records pertaining to the expenditure of such funds. (e) Prohibition on the Acquisition of Real Property.--The management entity may not use Federal funds received under this Act to acquire real property or an interest in real property. SEC. 6. DUTIES AND AUTHORITIES OF THE SECRETARY. (a) Technical and Financial Assistance.-- (1) In general.-- (A) Overall assistance.--The Secretary may, upon the request of the management entity, and subject to the availability of appropriations, provide technical and financial assistance to the management entity to carry out its duties under this Act, including updating and implementing a management plan that is submitted under section 5(b) and approved by the Secretary and, prior to such approval, providing assistance for initiatives. (B) Other assistance.--If the Secretary has the resources available to provide technical assistance to the management entity to carry out its duties under this Act (including updating and implementing a management plan that is submitted under section 5(b) and approved by the Secretary and, prior to such approval, providing assistance for initiatives), upon the request of the management entity the Secretary shall provide such assistance on a reimbursable basis. This subparagraph does not preclude the Secretary from providing nonreimbursable assistance under subparagraph (A). (2) Priority.--In assisting the management entity, the Secretary shall give priority to actions that assist in the-- (A) implementation of the management plan; (B) provision of educational assistance and advice regarding land and water management techniques to conserve the significant natural resources of the region; (C) development and application of techniques promoting the preservation of cultural and historic properties; (D) preservation, restoration, and reuse of publicly and privately owned historic buildings; (E) design and fabrication of a wide range of interpretive materials based on the management plan, including guide brochures, visitor displays, audio- visual and interactive exhibits, and educational curriculum materials for public education; and (F) implementation of initiatives prior to approval of the management plan. (3) Documentation of structures.--The Secretary, acting through the Historic American Building Survey and the Historic American Engineering Record, shall conduct studies necessary to document the industrial, engineering, building, and architectural history of the Heritage Area. (b) Approval and Disapproval of Management Plans.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Governor of Pennsylvania, shall approve or disapprove a management plan submitted under this Act not later than 90 days after receiving such plan. In approving the plan, the Secretary shall take into consideration the following criteria: (1) The extent to which the management plan adequately preserves and protects the natural, cultural, and historical resources of the Heritage Area. (2) The level of public participation in the development of the management plan. (3) The extent to which the board of directors of the management entity is representative of the local government and a wide range of interested organizations and citizens. (c) Action Following Disapproval.--If the Secretary disapproves a management plan, the Secretary shall advise the management entity in writing of the reasons for the disapproval and shall make recommendations for revisions in the management plan. The Secretary shall approve or disapprove a proposed revision within 90 days after the date it is submitted. (d) Approving Changes.--The Secretary shall review and approve amendments to the management plan under section 5(b) that make substantial changes. Funds appropriated under this Act may not be expended to implement such changes until the Secretary approves the amendments. (e) Effect of Inaction.--If the Secretary does not approve or disapprove a management plan, revision, or change within 90 days after it is submitted to the Secretary, then such management plan, revision, or change shall be deemed to have been approved by the Secretary. SEC. 7. DUTIES OF OTHER FEDERAL ENTITIES. Any Federal entity conducting or supporting activities directly affecting the Heritage Area shall-- (1) consult with the Secretary and the management entity with respect to such activities; (2) cooperate with the Secretary and the management entity in carrying out their duties under this Act and, to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate such activities with the carrying out of such duties; and (3) to the maximum extent practicable, conduct or support such activities in a manner that the management entity determines shall not have an adverse effect on the Heritage Area. SEC. 8. SUNSET. The Secretary may not make any grant or provide any assistance under this Act after the expiration of the 15-year period beginning on the date that funds are first made available for this Act. SEC. 9. REQUIREMENTS FOR INCLUSION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY. (a) Notification and Consent of Property Owners Required.--No privately owned property shall be preserved, conserved, or promoted by the management plan for the Heritage Area until the owner of that private property has been notified in writing by the management entity and has given written consent for such preservation, conservation, or promotion to the management entity. (b) Landowner Withdraw.--Any owner of private property included within the boundary of the Heritage Area shall have their property immediately removed from the boundary by submitting a written request to the management entity. SEC. 10. PRIVATE PROPERTY PROTECTION. (a) Access to Private Property.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to-- (1) require any private property owner to allow public access (including Federal, State, or local government access) to such private property; or (2) modify any provision of Federal, State, or local law with regard to public access to or use of private property. (b) Liability.--Designation of the Heritage Area shall not be considered to create any liability, or to have any effect on any liability under any other law, of any private property owner with respect to any persons injured on such private property. (c) Recognition of Authority To Control Land Use.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify the authority of Federal, State, or local governments to regulate land use. (d) Participation of Private Property Owners in Heritage Area.-- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require the owner of any private property located within the boundaries of the Heritage Area to participate in or be associated with the Heritage Area. (e) Effect of Establishment.--The boundaries designated for the Heritage Area represent the area within which Federal funds appropriated for the purpose of this Act may be expended. The establishment of the Heritage Area and its boundaries shall not be construed to provide any nonexisting regulatory authority on land use within the Heritage Area or its viewshed by the Secretary, the National Park Service, or the management entity. SEC. 11. USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS FROM OTHER SOURCES. Nothing in this Act shall preclude the management entity from using Federal funds available under Acts other than this Act for the purposes for which those funds were authorized. SEC. 12. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act-- (1) not more than $1,000,000 for any fiscal year; and (2) not more than a total of $10,000,000. (b) 50 Percent Match.--Financial assistance provided under this Act may not be used to pay more than 50 percent of the total cost of any activity carried out with that assistance.

Summary: Oil Region National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Oil Region National Heritage Area in Pennsylvania. Designates the Oil Heritage Region, Inc., to be the management entity for the Area. Directs such entity to: (1) prepare and implement a management plan for the Area, which shall be approved or disapproved by the Secretary of the Interior; (2) assist local governments, regional planning organizations, and nonprofit organizations in establishing and maintaining interpretive exhibits, developing recreational resources, and restoring historic buildings in the Area; and (3) encouraging economic viability in the Area. Prohibits such entity from using Federal funds under this Act to acquire real property. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and financial assistance to such entity. Directs the Secretary, acting through the Historic American Building Survey and the Historic American Engineering Record, to conduct studies to document the industrial, engineering, building, and architectural history of the Area. Prohibits any privately owned property from being preserved, conserved, or promoted by the management plan until the owner has been notified and has consented. Requires removal of private property from Area boundaries upon the owner's request. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the Federal assistance match to 50 percent of any activity's total cost.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Reduction Assistance Act of 1998''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. For the purpose of this Act: (1) The term ``employee'' means an employee (as defined by section 2105 of title 5, United States Code) of the Department of Veterans Affairs who is serving under an appointment without time limitation and has been currently employed by the Department for a continuous period of at least 3 years, but does not include-- (A) a reemployed annuitant under subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, or another retirement system for employees of the Government; (B) an employee having a disability on the basis of which such employee is eligible for disability retirement under subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, or another retirement system for employees of the Government; (C) an employee who is in receipt of a specific notice of involuntary separation for misconduct or unacceptable performance; (D) an employee who previously has received any voluntary separation incentive payment by the Government under this Act or any other authority; (E) an employee covered by statutory reemployment rights who is on transfer to another organization; or (F) an employee who, during the 24-month period preceding the date of separation, has received a recruitment or relocation bonus under section 5753 of title 5, United States Code, or a recruitment bonus under section 7458 of title 38, United States Code; and (G) any employee who, during the 12-month period preceding the date of separation, received a retention allowance under section 5754 of title 5, United States Code, or a retention bonus under section 7458 of title 38, United States Code. (2) The term ``Department'' means the Department of Veterans Affairs. (3) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. SEC. 3. DEPARTMENT PLANS; APPROVAL. (a) In General.--The Secretary, before obligating any resources for voluntary separation incentive payments, shall submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a strategic plan outlining the use of such incentive payments and a proposed organizational chart for the Department once such incentive payments have been completed. (b) Contents.--The plan shall specify-- (1) the positions and functions to be reduced or eliminated, identified by organizational unit, geographic location, occupational category and grade level; the proposed coverage may be based on-- (A) any component of the Department of Veterans Affairs; (B) any occupation, occupation level or type of position; (C) any geographic location; or (D) any appropriate combination of the factors in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C); (2) the manner in which such reductions will improve operating efficiency or meet actual or anticipated levels of budget or staffing resources; (3) the period of time during which incentives may be paid; and (4) a description of how the affected components of the Department of Veterans Affairs will operate without the eliminated functions and positions. (c) Approval.--The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall approve or disapprove each plan submitted under subsection (a) and may make appropriate modifications to the plan with respect to the time period in which voluntary separation incentives may be paid, with respect to the number and amounts of incentive payments, or with respect to the coverage of incentives on the basis of the factors in subsection (b)(1). SEC. 4. VOLUNTARY SEPARATION INCENTIVE PAYMENTS. (a) Authority To Provide Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary may pay a voluntary separation incentive payment to an employee only to the extent necessary to reduce or eliminate the positions and functions identified by the strategic plan. (2) Employees who may receive incentives.--In order to receive a voluntary separation incentive payment, an employee must separate from service with the Department voluntarily (whether by retirement or resignation) under the provisions of this Act. (b) Amount and Treatment of Payments.--A voluntary separation incentive payment-- (1) shall be paid in a lump sum after the employee's separation; (2) shall be equal to the lesser of-- (A) an amount equal to the amount the employee would be entitled to receive under section 5595(c) of title 5, United States Code, if the employee were entitled to payment under such section (without adjustment for any previous payment made under that section); or (B) an amount determined by the Secretary, not to exceed $25,000; (3) shall not be a basis for payment, and shall not be included in the computation, of any other type of Government benefit; (4) shall not be taken into account in determining the amount of severance pay to which an employee may be entitled under section 5595 of title 5, United States Code, based on any other separation; and (5) shall be paid from the appropriations or funds available for payment of the basic pay of the employee. SEC. 5. EFFECT OF SUBSEQUENT EMPLOYMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT. (a) Repayment Upon Subsequent Employment.--An individual who has received a voluntary separation incentive payment under this Act and accepts any employment with the Government, or who works for any agency of the Government through a personal services contract, within five years after the date of the separation on which the payment is based shall be required to repay, before the individual's first day of employment, the entire amount of the incentive payment to the Department. (b) Waiver Authority for Certain Individuals.--(1) If the employment under subsection (a) is with an Executive agency (as defined by section 105 of title 5, United States Code), the United States Postal Service, or the Postal Rate Commission, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management may, at the request of the head of the agency, waive the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for the position. (2) If the employment under subsection (a) is with an entity in the legislative branch, the head of the entity or the appointing official may waive the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for the position. (3) If the employment under subsection (a) is with the judicial branch, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts may waive the repayment if the individual involved possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available for the position. (c) Definition.--For the purpose of this section, the term ``employment'' includes-- (1) for the purposes of subsections (a) and (b), employment of any length or under any type of appointment, but does not include employment that is without compensation; and (2) for the purposes of subsection (a), employment with any agency of the Government through a personal services contract. SEC. 6. ADDITIONAL AGENCY CONTRIBUTION TO RETIREMENT FUND. (a) Additional Contribution.--In addition to any other payments which it is required to make under subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, the Secretary shall remit to the Office of Personnel Management for deposit in the Treasury of the United States to the credit of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund an amount equal to 15 percent of the final basic pay of each employee of the Department who is covered under subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5 to whom a voluntary separation incentive has been paid under this Act. (b) Definition.--For the purpose of this section, the term ``final basic pay'', with respect to an employee, means the total amount of basic pay that would be payable for a year of service by that employee, computed using the employee's final rate of basic pay, and, if last serving on other than a full-time basis, with appropriate adjustment therefor. SEC. 7. REDUCTION OF AGENCY EMPLOYMENT LEVELS. (a) In General.--The total full-time equivalent employment in the Department shall be reduced by one for each separation of an employee who receives a voluntary separation incentive payment under this Act. The reduction shall be calculated by comparing the Department's full- time equivalent employment for the fiscal year in which the voluntary separation payments are made with the actual full-time equivalent employment for the prior fiscal year. (b) Enforcement.--The President, through the Office of Management and Budget, shall monitor the Department and take any action necessary to ensure that the requirements of this section are met. (c) Waiver Authority.--Subsection (a) may be waived upon a determination by the President that-- (1) the existence of a state of war or other national emergency so requires; or (2) the existence of an extraordinary emergency which threatens life, health, safety, property, or the environment so requires. SEC. 8. CONTINUED HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE. Section 8905a(d)(4) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting after force ``, or an involuntary separation from a position in or under the Department of Veterans Affairs due to a reduction in force or a title 38 staffing adjustment''; (2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting at the beginning thereof ``With respect to the Department of Defense,''; (3) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); (4) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph (C): ``(C) With respect to the Department of Veterans Affairs, this paragraph shall apply with respect to any individual whose continued coverage is based on a separation occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph and before-- ``(i) October 1, 2004; or ``(ii) February 1, 2005, if specific notice of such separation was given to such individual before October 1, 2004.''. SEC. 9. REGULATIONS. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management may prescribe any regulations necessary to administer the provisions of this Act. SEC. 10. LIMITATION; SAVINGS CLAUSE. (a) Limitation.--No voluntary separation incentive under this Act may be paid based on the separation of an employee after September 30, 2004. (b) Savings Clause.--This Act supplements and does not supersede other authority of the Secretary. SEC. 11. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Reduction Assistance Act of 1998 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, before obligating any resources for voluntary separation incentive payments (payments), to submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a strategic plan outlining the use of such payments and a proposed organizational chart for the Department of Veterans Affairs once such payments have been completed. Requires such plan to include: (1) the positions and functions to be reduced or eliminated; (2) their effects on meeting efficiency, budget, or staffing goals; (3) the period of time during which such incentives may be paid; and (4) a description of how the affected Department components will operate without the eliminated functions and positions. Authorizes the Secretary to make such a payment only to reduce or eliminate positions or functions identified in the plan. Requires such payments to be in a lump sum and no greater than $25,000 apiece. Requires full repayment from any individual who is subsequently reemployed with any Federal department or agency, with exceptions for certain employment in which the individual possesses unique abilities and is the only qualified applicant available. Requires the Secretary to remit to the Office of Personnel Management for credit to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund 15 percent of the final basic pay of each individual receiving such payments. Reduces the total full-time equivalent employees in the Department by one for each individual receiving such a payment. Authorizes the President to waive such reductions upon a determination of the existence of: (1) a state of war or other national emergency; or (2) an extraordinary emergency which threatens life, health, safety, property, or the environment. Provides for continued temporary health insurance coverage for individuals receiving such payments. Prohibits any payment based on the separation of an employee after September 30, 2004.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Nursing School Capacity Act of 2005''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds as follows: (1) Researchers in the field of public health have identified the need for a national study to identify constraints encountered by schools of nursing in graduating the number of nurses sufficient to meet the health care needs of the United States. (2) The shortage of qualified registered nurses has adversely affected the health care system of the United States. (3) Individual States have had varying degrees of success with programs designed to increase the recruitment and retention of nurses. (4) Schools of nursing have been unable to provide a sufficient number of qualified graduates to meet the workforce needs. (5) Many nurses are approaching the age of retirement, and the problem worsens each year. (6) In 2004, an estimated 125,000 applications from qualified applicants were rejected by schools of nursing, due to a shortage of faculty and a lack of capacity for additional students. SEC. 3. STUDY WITH RESPECT TO CONSTRAINTS WITH RESPECT TO SCHOOLS OF NURSING. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall request the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences to enter into an agreement under which the Institute conducts a study for the purpose of-- (1) identifying constraints encountered by schools of nursing in admitting and graduating the number of registered nurses necessary to ensure patient safety and meet the need for quality assurance in the provision of health care; and (2) developing recommendations to alleviate the constraints on a short-term and long-term basis. (b) Certain Components.--The Secretary shall ensure that the agreement under subsection (a) provides that the study under such subsection will include information on the following: (1) The trends in applications for attendance at schools of nursing that are relevant to the purpose described in such subsection, including trends regarding applicants who are accepted for enrollment and applicants who are not accepted, particularly qualified applicants who are not accepted. (2) The number and demographic characteristics of entry- level and graduate students currently enrolled in schools of nursing, the retention rates at the schools, and the number of recent graduates from the schools, as compared to previous years and to the projected need for registered nurses based on two-year, five-year, and ten-year projections. (3) The number and demographic characteristics of nurses who pursue graduate education in nursing and non-nursing programs but do not pursue faculty positions in schools of nursing, the reasons therefor, including any regulatory barriers to choosing to pursue such positions, and the effect of such decisions on the ability of the schools to obtain adequate numbers of faculty members. (4) The extent to which entry-level graduates of the schools are satisfied with their educational preparation, including their participation in nurse externships, internships, and residency programs, and to which they are able to effectively transition into the nursing workforce. (5) The satisfaction of nurse managers and administrators with respect to the preparation and performance levels of entry-level graduates from the schools after one-year, three- year, and five-years of practice, respectively. (6) The extent to which the current salary, benefit structures, and characteristics of the workplace, including the number of nurses who are presently serving in faculty positions, influence the career path of nurses who have pursued graduate education. (7) The extent to which the use of innovative technologies for didactic and clinical nursing education might provide for an increase in the ability of schools of nursing to train qualified nurses. (c) Recommendations.--Recommendations under subsection (a)(2) may include recommendations for legislative or administrative changes at the Federal or State level, and measures that can be taken in the private sector-- (1) to facilitate the recruitment of students into the nursing profession; (2) to facilitate the retention of nurses in the workplace; and (3) to improve the resources and ability of the education and health care systems to prepare a sufficient number of qualified registered nurses. (d) Methodology of Study.-- (1) Scope.--The Secretary shall ensure that the agreement under subsection (a) provides that the study under such subsection will consider the perspectives of nurses and physicians in each of the various types of inpatient, outpatient, and residential facilities in the health care delivery system; faculty and administrators of schools of nursing; providers of health plans or health insurance; and consumers. (2) Consultation with relevant organization.--The Secretary shall ensure that the agreement under subsection (a) provides that relevant agencies and organizations with expertise on the nursing shortage will be consulted with respect to the study under such subsection, including but not limited to the following: (A) The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (B) The American Academy of Nursing. (C) The American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (D) The American Nurses Association. (E) The American Organization of Nurse Executives. (F) The National Institute of Nursing Research. (G) The National League for Nursing. (H) The National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. (I) The National Student Nurses Association. (e) Report.--The Secretary shall ensure that the agreement under subsection (a) provides that not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, a report providing the findings and recommendations made in the study under such subsection will be submitted to the Secretary, the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Health, Labor, Education, and Pensions of the Senate. (f) Other Organization.--If the Institute declines to conduct the study under subsection (a), the Secretary may enter into an agreement with another appropriate private entity to conduct the study. (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) The term ``Institute'' means the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. (2)(A) The term ``school of nursing'' means a collegiate, associate degree, or diploma school of nursing in a State. (B) The terms ``collegiate school of nursing'', ``associate degree school of nursing'', and ``diploma school of nursing'' have the meanings given to such terms in section 801 of the Public Health Service Act. (3) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Summary: Nursing School Capacity Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to request that the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) conduct a study to: (1) identify constraints encountered by schools of nursing in admitting and graduating the number of registered nurses necessary to ensure patient safety and meet the need for quality assurance in the provision of health care; and (2) develop recommendations to alleviate the constraints on a short-term and long-term basis. Directs the Secretary to provide that the study consider the perspectives of: (1) nurses and physicians in inpatient, outpatient, and residential facilities; (2) faculty and administrators of nursing schools; (3) providers of health plans or health insurance; and (4) consumers.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Brownfield Cleanup and Redevelopment Revolving Loan Fund Pilot Project Act of 1997''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--The Congress finds: (1) Nationwide, older abandoned or under-used commercial and industrial sites known as brownfields are often overlooked for redevelopment because of real or perceived contamination from past commercial or industrial activities. (2) Reuse of these sites often requires site assessment and cleanup, adding costs and uncertainties to the redevelopment process, and prompting many developers to pursue cheaper, less complicated development options on undeveloped sites. (3) Brownfields are at a competitive disadvantage relative to greenfield sites, as capital for their cleanup and redevelopment may not be available. Often located in distressed areas, brownfields, owned by public, private, or nonprofit entities, are frequently unable to secure financing for site remediation. (4) States have created remedial action programs to allow a person to respond voluntarily to a release or suspected release of hazardous substances at low and medium priority facilities. Such programs have flourished due to the States' ability to streamline duplicative State and Federal regulatory requirements and affect a timely, cost-effective, and environmentally protective cleanup of sites. (5) Because of their experience in administering targeted loan assistance programs, States are in a good position to use Federal funds to capitalize revolving loan funds to support local cleanup and redevelopment projects. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish a pilot project to revitalize distressed communities by providing loans for cleanup of eligible brownfield facilities and properties that are remediated through State voluntary cleanup programs and that have the potential to attract private investment, foster clean manufacturing, and create jobs for local residents. SEC. 3. PILOT PROJECT PROVIDING REVOLVING LOAN FUND FOR CLEANUPS UNDER STATE VOLUNTARY CLEANUP PROGRAMS. (a) Establishment of Loan Program.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the ``Administrator'') shall establish a pilot project to provide a capitalization loan to one or more States that submit applications to the Administrator to establish or expand a State revolving loan fund for purposes of providing loans for voluntary environmental cleanups of eligible facilities. (b) Application for Loan.--An application for a capitalization loan under this section shall be in such form as the Administrator considers appropriate. At a minimum, the application shall include each of the following: (1) Evidence that the State is carrying out a voluntary cleanup program for eligible facilities. The Administrator shall ensure that the State voluntary program provides, at a minimum, adequate opportunities for meaningful public participation, sufficient technical assistance, and adequate oversight and enforcement authority to ensure that cleanups protect human health and the environment, adequate resources are available to carry out cleanup, and certification from the State to the owner or prospective purchaser that the cleanup is complete. (2) Evidence that the State will provide a matching share of at least 20 percent of the costs of such cleanup from either new or existing sources of State funding. (3) A description of the State's proposed revolving loan program and of the State's capability to manage the program. States may use interest income or loan repayments (in an amount equal to not more than 10 percent of their revolving loan fund amount) for program administrative purposes. At a minimum, the State's revolving loan program shall-- (A) provide loans to both public and private parties conducting voluntary cleanups under the State's voluntary cleanup program who are unable to secure loans from private lending institutions or other means of financing; (B) require that borrowers demonstrate credit worthiness and the ability to carry out the cleanup; and (C) give priority to loans for the purpose of cleaning up-- (i) facilities that are planned to be reused for industrial purposes that employ environmentally sound practices; and (ii) facilities that will generate jobs for contractors whose principal place of business is the political subdivision in which the facility is located or for laborers who reside in such political subdivisions. (4) A statement that the State will begin repayment of the loan within 5 years after receipt of the loan, and evidence of the State's ability to repay the loan. (5) A statement that a loan from the revolving loan fund will not be used to pay for any of the following: (A) New construction at previously undeveloped sites. (B) Environmental fines or penalties. (C) Speculative assessments or speculative rehabilitation at facilities with little or no potential for economic development. (6) Such other elements as the Administrator considers appropriate. (c) Amount of Loan.--The Administrator shall determine the distribution of funds among the eligible States. The amount of a capitalization loan made by the Administrator under this Act to a State may not exceed 15 percent of the amount available each year to all the eligible States. (d) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator for purposes of making capitalization loans to States under the pilot project established by this section the sum of $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1998 and $7,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 1999 and 2000. SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act, the term ``eligible facility'' means a facility or property that is a low- or medium-priority environmental hazard for the State, but whose environmental contamination is thought to be preventing the timely use, redevelopment, or reuse of the facility or property, and is thought to be limited in scope and readily assessable, except that such term shall not include any of the following: (1) A facility for which an abatement action has been taken or is scheduled to be taken under section 106 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 or for which an action has been taken or is scheduled to be taken under section 7003 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. (2) A facility that is the subject of a Federal response action under section 104 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.). (3) A facility included on the National Priorities List or proposed for inclusion and for which documentation for listing has been prepared by the State or the Administrator. (4) A facility required to have a permit under section 3005 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act that does not have a permit under that section and does not qualify for authorization to operate in interim status under subsection (e) of that section. (5) A land disposal unit with respect to which a closure requirement under subtitle C of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6921 et seq.) is submitted and closure requirements are specified in a closure plan or permit. (6) A facility that is the subject of a corrective action under section 3004(u) or 3008(h) of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 5924(u) or 6928(h)) that has been evaluated as high priority under the Environmental Protection Agency's National Corrective Action Priority System as set forth in regulations under subtitle C of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. (7) A facility at which assistance for response activities may be obtained pursuant to subtitle I of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.) from the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund established under section 9508 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (8) A facility owned or operated by a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States.

Summary: Brownfield Cleanup and Redevelopment Revolving Loan Fund Pilot Project Act of 1997 - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a pilot project of capitalization loans to States to establish or expand revolving loan funds for voluntary cleanup of eligible facilities. Defines "eligible facility," with exceptions, as a facility or property that is a low- or medium-priority environmental hazard for the State but whose environmental contamination is thought to be: (1) preventing the timely use, redevelopment, or reuse of the facility or property; and (2) limited in scope and readily assessable. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``STEM Support for Teachers in Education and Mentoring (STEM) Act'' or the ``STEM\2\ Act''. SEC. 2. STEM EDUCATION PLANNING AND TRAINING. (a) In General.--Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``PART E--STEM EDUCATION PLANNING AND TRAINING ``SEC. 2501. DEFINITIONS. ``In this part: ``(1) Indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms `Indian tribe' and `tribal organization' have the meanings given those terms in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. ``(2) STEM.--The term `STEM' means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. ``SEC. 2502. PLANNING GRANTS. ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to address the lack of coordination among STEM education efforts in the States. ``(b) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term `eligible entity' means a State, Indian tribe, tribal organization, nonprofit organization, or institution of higher education that identifies a coalition of related entities to participate in the grant application process under this section and subsequent STEM network activities funded with a grant awarded under this section. ``(c) Grants Authorized.-- ``(1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out this section, the Secretary shall carry out a program of awarding, on a competitive basis, planning grants to eligible entities to enable the eligible entities to-- ``(A) develop effective State or tribal STEM networks for communication and collaboration that include school teachers, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, businesses, Federal, State, and local governments, and any other relevant entities; and ``(B) through such State STEM networks, identify future STEM skills needed for STEM and non-STEM occupations. ``(2) Proportionality.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, ensure a distribution of grant funds focused on high-need and high- poverty eligible entities. ``(d) Application.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. ``(e) Reports.-- ``(1) Reports to the secretary.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an annual report describing the progress made on the grant. ``(2) Reports to congress.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of the STEM Support for Teachers in Education and Mentoring (STEM) Act, and every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress regarding the program supported under this section. ``SEC. 2503. TRAINING PROGRAM GRANTS. ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to strengthen the capacity of preservice and existing teachers, elementary schools, middle schools, and secondary schools to use proven methods, including inquiry or project-based learning, to inspire and prepare students for STEM careers and build STEM literacy. ``(b) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term `eligible entity' means a State, Indian tribe, tribal organization, local educational agency, institution of higher education, or nonprofit organization. ``(c) Grants Authorized.-- ``(1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out this section, the Secretary shall carry out a program of awarding grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to enable the eligible entities to develop, carry out, and evaluate training programs for STEM education-- ``(A) in elementary schools, middle schools, and secondary schools for existing teachers; and ``(B) in postsecondary schools for preservice teachers. ``(2) Proportionality.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, ensure an equitable distribution-- ``(A) between eligible entities serving urban areas and eligible entities serving rural areas; and ``(B) of grant funds focused on high-need and high- poverty eligible entities. ``(d) Application.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include-- ``(1) a description of how the eligible entity will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the training program, including how the eligible entity plans to measure the impact of the training on-- ``(A) teachers who attended the training after the teachers return to the classroom; or ``(B) preservice teachers; and ``(2) any other information the Secretary determines appropriate. ``(e) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall use grant funds to carry out a training program, using best practice models (including inquiry and project-based models) and through summer institutes or other professional development enrichment programs, that provides professional development regarding STEM education to existing and preservice STEM teachers (including STEM teachers who are master teachers or have otherwise demonstrated mastery of STEM teaching) and administrators who are employed as teachers and administrators, respectively, as of the time of the program. ``(f) Reports.-- ``(1) Reports to the secretary.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an annual report that describes the progress made on the grant and includes the results from the evaluation described in the application under subsection (d). ``(2) Reports to congress.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this part, and every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress regarding the program supported under this section. ``SEC. 2504. ACADEMIC STANDARDS GRANTS. ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to strengthen the capacity of States to implement new mathematics and science academic standards. ``(b) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term `eligible entity' means a State, Indian tribe, tribal organization, local educational agency, public charter school, institution of higher education, or nonprofit organization. ``(c) Grants Authorized.-- ``(1) In general.--From amounts made available to carry out this section, the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to enable the eligible entities to support curriculum development, assessments, or related activities that would enable States to adopt new mathematics and science academic standards. ``(2) Proportionality.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, ensure a distribution of grant funds focused on high-need and high- poverty eligible entities. ``(d) Application.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. Such application shall include-- ``(1) a description of how the eligible entity will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of curriculum development, assessments, or related activities that would enable States to adopt new mathematics and science academic standards; and ``(2) any other information the Secretary determines appropriate. ``(e) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall use grant funds to carry out curriculum development, assessments, or related activities that would enable States to adopt new mathematics and science academic standards and provide professional development regarding STEM education standards and national tests for administrators who are employed as teachers and administrators, respectively, as of the time of the program. ``(f) Reports to the Secretary.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an annual report that describes the progress made on the grant and includes the results from the evaluation described in the application under subsection (d). ``SEC. 2505. NATIONAL PANEL. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a national panel to review, evaluate, and identify-- ``(1) rigorous kindergarten through grade 12 STEM curricula models, including computer or web-based simulation education programs, kinesthetic learning, and inquiry- or project-based learning techniques; and ``(2) best practices with respect to STEM curricula. ``(b) Members.--The Secretary shall determine the membership of the national panel described in subsection (a), which shall be comprised of individuals who have the wisdom and experience to identify and recommend the most effective STEM curricula models, such as-- ``(1) representatives of technology industries and business; ``(2) teachers and school administrators; ``(3) representatives of nonprofit organizations and community organizations; ``(4) faculty members of institutions of higher education; ``(5) research specialists and curricula specialists; ``(6) at least 1 rural education expert; ``(7) at least 1 high school or college student to provide a youth perspective; and ``(8) other individuals, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. ``(c) Reports.--The panel shall prepare reports and recommendations regarding the panel's findings as requested by the Secretary. ``SEC. 2506. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ``There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2441 the following: ``Part E--STEM Education Planning and Training ``Sec. 2501. Definitions. ``Sec. 2502. Planning grants. ``Sec. 2503. Training program grants. ``Sec. 2504. Academic standards grants. ``Sec. 2505. National panel. ``Sec. 2506. Authorization of appropriations.''.

Summary: STEM Support for Teachers in Education and Mentoring (STEM) Act or the STEM 2 Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award competitive planning grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, or institutions of higher education (IHEs) to develop effective state or tribal science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) networks that coordinate STEM education efforts by: (1) facilitating communication and collaboration among public and private STEM stakeholders, and (2) identifying STEM occupational skills needed in the future. Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, local educational agencies (LEAs), IHEs, or nonprofit organizations to develop, implement, and evaluate STEM education training programs for teachers and administrators in elementary, middle, and secondary schools and for preservice teachers in postsecondary schools. Requires the Secretary to award competitive grants to states, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, LEAs, public charter schools, IHEs, or nonprofit organizations to support curriculum development, assessments, or related activities that enable states to adopt new mathematics and science academic standards. Requires the Secretary to establish a national panel to identify and recommend the most effective STEM curricula models for kindergarten through grade 12.