SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Seniors Real Property Tax Relief Act of 1998''. SEC. 2. ALLOWANCE OF DEDUCTION FOR STATE AND LOCAL REAL PROPERTY TAXES TO CERTAIN SENIORS WHO DO NOT ITEMIZE THEIR DEDUCTIONS. (a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 62 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to definition of adjusted gross income) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(18) Real property taxes of eligible senior taxpayers.-- ``(A) In general.--In the case of an eligible senior taxpayer, the deduction for State and local real property taxes (within the meaning of section 164). ``(B) Limitation.--Subparagraph (A) shall apply only to the portion of State and local real property taxes which exceeds the aggregate amount distributed for the taxable year from the senior citizen real property tax account (as defined by section 222). The preceding sentence shall not apply to a distribution described in paragraph (3), (4), or (5) of section 222(e). ``(C) Eligible senior taxpayer defined.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `eligible senior taxpayer' means a taxpayer-- ``(i) who is not married or is married filing a separate return and-- ``(I) who has attained age 65 before the close of his taxable year, and ``(II) whose modified adjusted gross income for such taxable year does not exceed $30,000, or ``(ii) who is filing a joint return or is a surviving spouse (as defined in section 2(a)) and-- ``(I) with respect to whom 1 of the spouses has attained age 65 before the close of the taxpayer's taxable year, and ``(II) whose modified adjusted gross income for such taxable year does not exceed $60,000. ``(D) Modified adjusted gross income.--For purposes of subparagraph (C), the term `modified adjusted gross income' means the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for the taxable year determined-- ``(i) without regard to sections 911, 931, and 933, and ``(ii) after the application of sections 86, 469, 219, 220, and 222. ``(E) Inflation adjustment.-- ``(i) In general.--In the case of a taxable year beginning after December 31, 1999, each of the dollar amounts in subparagraphs (C)(i)(II) and (C)(ii)(II) shall be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(I) such dollar amount, multiplied by ``(II) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 1998' for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof. ``(ii) Rounding.--If any amount as adjusted under clause (i) is not a multiple of $100 such amount shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $100.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. SENIOR CITIZEN REAL PROPERTY TAX ACCOUNTS. (a) In General.--Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized deductions for individuals) is amended by redesignating section 222 as section 223 and by inserting after section 221 the following new section: ``SEC. 222. SENIOR CITIZEN REAL PROPERTY TAX ACCOUNTS. ``(a) Deduction Allowed.--In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a deduction for the taxable year an amount equal to the cash contributions made for such taxable year to a senior citizen real property tax account maintained for the benefit of such individual. ``(b) Maximum Amount of Deduction.--The amount allowable as a deduction under subsection (a) to any individual for any taxable year shall not exceed $2,000. ``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Senior citizen real property tax account.--The term `senior citizen real property tax account' means a trust created or organized in the United States exclusively for the purpose of paying the qualified property tax expenses of the account beneficiary of the trust, but only if the trust is designated as a senior citizen real property tax account at the time created or organized and the written governing instrument creating the trust meets the following requirements: ``(A) No contribution (other than a rollover contribution described in subsection (e)(5)) will be accepted-- ``(i) unless it is in cash, ``(ii) in excess of $2,000 for the taxable year, or ``(iii) after the date on which such beneficiary attains age 59\1/2\. ``(B) The trustee is a bank (as defined in section 408(n)) or another person who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the manner in which that person will administer the trust will be consistent with the requirements of this section or who has so demonstrated with respect to any individual retirement plan. ``(C) No part of the trust assets will be invested in life insurance contracts. ``(D) The assets of the trust shall not be commingled with other property except in a common trust fund or common investment fund. ``(2) Qualified property tax expenses.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `qualified property tax expenses' means State and local, and foreign, real property taxes imposed on the account beneficiary (determined in accordance with section 164) with respect to the principal residence (within the meaning of section 121) of such beneficiary. Such term shall not include taxes imposed for any real property tax period ending before the date such beneficiary attains age 59\1/2\. ``(B) Jointly held property.--In the case of any residence which is held as joint tenants, tenants by the entirety, or community property by individuals who are married to each other, if one spouse satisfies the age requirement of subparagraph (A), then both spouses shall be treated as satisfying such requirement. ``(3) Account beneficiary.--The term `account beneficiary' means the individual for whose benefit the senior citizen real property tax account was established. ``(4) Certain rules to apply.--Rules similar to the following rules shall apply for purposes of this section: ``(A) Section 219(d)(2) (relating to no deduction for rollovers). ``(B) Section 219(f)(3) (relating to time when contributions deemed made). ``(C) Section 408(d)(6) (relating to transfer of account incident to divorce). ``(D) Section 408(g) (relating to community property laws). ``(E) Section 408(h) (relating to custodial accounts). ``(d) Tax Treatment of Accounts.-- ``(1) In general.--A senior citizen real property tax account is exempt from taxation under this subtitle unless such account has ceased to be such an account. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any such account is subject to the taxes imposed by section 511 (relating to imposition of tax on unrelated business income of charitable, etc. organizations). ``(2) Account terminations.--Rules similar to the rules of paragraphs (2) and (4) of section 408(e) shall apply to senior citizen real property tax accounts, and any amount treated as distributed under such rules shall be treated as not used to pay qualified property tax expenses. ``(e) Tax Treatment of Distributions.-- ``(1) In general.--If any distribution is made from a senior citizen real property tax account during the taxable year, the account beneficiary's tax imposed by this chapter for such taxable year shall be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(A) 50 percent of any such distribution which is made before the date the account beneficiary attains age 59\1/2\, and ``(B) 25 percent of any such distribution which is made on or after such date. The increase in tax under the preceding sentence shall be in lieu of any inclusion in gross income. ``(2) Amounts used for qualified property tax expenses.-- ``(A) In general.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the extent that the aggregate distributions during the taxable year from the senior citizen real property tax accounts of the account beneficiary do not exceed the aggregate qualified property tax expenses of such beneficiary for such year. ``(B) Exclusion from gross income.--Gross income shall not include any distribution excluded from paragraph (1) by reason of subparagraph (A). ``(3) Treatment after death of account beneficiary; disability.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a distribution-- ``(A) which is made by reason of the death of the account beneficiary and is made (either directly or by the estate of such beneficiary) to any senior citizen real property tax account or individual retirement plan of any individual, or ``(B) which is attributable to the account beneficiary's being disabled (within the meaning of section 72(m)(7)). In the case of a distribution which is made by reason of the death of the account beneficiary and to which paragraph (1) applies after the application of the preceding sentence, the tax on such distribution shall be determined under paragraph (1)(A). ``(4) Excess contributions returned before the due date of return.-- ``(A) In general.--If any excess contribution is contributed for a taxable year to a senior citizen real property tax account of an individual, paragraph (1) shall not apply to distributions from the senior citizen real property tax accounts of such individual (to the extent such distributions do not exceed the aggregate excess contributions to all such accounts of such individual for such year) if-- ``(i) such distribution is received by the individual on or before the last day prescribed by law (including extensions of time) for filing such individual's return for such taxable year, and ``(ii) such distribution is accompanied by the amount of net income attributable to such excess contribution. Any net income described in clause (ii) shall be included in the gross income of the individual for the taxable year in which it is received. ``(B) Excess contribution.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `excess contribution' means any contribution (other than a rollover contribution) that is not deductible under this section. ``(5) Rollover contribution.--An amount is described in this paragraph as a rollover contribution if it meets the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B). ``(A) In general.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any amount distributed from a senior citizen real property tax account to the account beneficiary to the extent the amount received is paid into a senior citizen real property tax account for the benefit of such beneficiary not later than the 60th day after the day on which the beneficiary receives the payment or distribution. ``(B) Limitation.--This paragraph shall not apply to any amount described in subparagraph (A) received by an individual from a senior citizen real property tax account if, at any time during the 1-year period ending on the day of such receipt, such individual received any other amount described in subparagraph (A) from a senior citizen real property tax account which was not includible in the individual's gross income because of the application of this paragraph. ``(f) Special Rules.-- ``(1) Married individuals.--The maximum deduction under subsection (b) shall be computed separately for each individual. ``(2) Time when contributions deemed made.--For purposes of this section, a taxpayer shall be deemed to have made a contribution to a senior citizen real property tax account on the last day of the preceding taxable year if the contribution is made on account of such taxable year and is made not later than the time prescribed by law for filing the return for such taxable year (not including extensions thereof). ``(g) Reports.--The Secretary may require the trustee of a senior citizen real property tax account to make such reports regarding such account to the Secretary and to the account beneficiary with respect to contributions, distributions, and such other matters as the Secretary determines appropriate. The reports required by this subsection shall be filed at such time and in such a manner and furnished to such individuals at such time and in such manner as may be required by the Secretary.''. (b) Deduction Allowed Whether or Not Taxpayer Itemizes Other Deductions.--Subsection (a) of section 62 of such Code, as amended by section 2, is amended by inserting after paragraph (18) the following new paragraph: ``(19) Senior citizen real property tax accounts.--The deduction allowed by section 222.''. (c) Tax on Prohibited Transactions.-- (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 4975(e) of such Code (relating to prohibited transactions) is amended by redesignating subparagraphs (E) and (F) as subparagraphs (F) and (G), respectively, and by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph: ``(E) a senior citizen real property tax account described in section 222(c),''. (2) Special rule.--Subsection (c) of section 4975 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(6) Special rule for senior citizen real property tax accounts.--The individual for whose benefit a senior citizen real property tax account is established shall be exempt from the tax imposed by this section with respect to any transaction concerning such account (which would otherwise be taxable under this section) if section 222(d)(2) applies with respect to such transaction.''. (d) Failure To Provide Reports on Senior Citizen Real Property Tax accounts.--Paragraph (2) of section 6693(a) of such Code (relating to failure to provide reports on individual retirement accounts or annuities) is amended by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively, and by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph: ``(C) section 222(g) (relating to senior citizen real property tax accounts),''. (e) Tax on Excess Contributions.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (a) of section 4973 of such Code is amended by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: ``(3) a senior citizen real property tax account (as defined in section 222(c)),''. (2) Excess contributions defined.--Section 4973 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Excess Contributions to Senior Citizen Real Property Tax Accounts.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of senior citizen real property tax accounts maintained for the benefit of any 1 beneficiary, the term `excess contributions' means the amount by which the amount contributed for the taxable year to such accounts exceeds $2,000. ``(2) Special rules.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the following contributions shall not be taken into account: ``(A) Any contribution which is distributed out of the senior citizen real property tax account in a distribution to which section 222(e)(4) applies. ``(B) Any rollover contribution.''. (f) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the last item and inserting the following new items: ``Sec. 222. Senior citizen real property tax accounts. ``Sec. 223. Cross reference.''. (g) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Seniors Real Property Tax Relief Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a deduction for State and local real property taxes paid by certain taxpayers aged 65 or older who do not itemize their deductions; and (2) provide for the establishment of "senior citizen real property tax accounts" (trusts created exclusively for the purpose of paying the qualified property tax expenses of qualified beneficiaries).


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Voluntary Opportunities for Increasing Contributions to Education Act''. SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. (a) In General.--Subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 30B. CREDIT FOR CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to 75 percent of the qualified charitable contributions of the taxpayer for the taxable year. ``(b) Maximum Credit.-- ``(1) Individuals.--In the case of a taxpayer other than a corporation, the credit allowed by subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed $500 ($1,000 in the case of a joint return). ``(2) Corporations.--In the case of a corporation, the credit allowed by subsection (a) shall not exceed $100,000. ``(c) Qualified Charitable Contribution.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `qualified charitable contribution' means, with respect to any taxable year, the aggregate amount allowable as a deduction under section 170 (determined without regard to subsection (d)(1)) for cash contributions-- ``(A) to a school tuition organization, ``(B) for the improvement, renovation, or construction of a school facility that is used primarily to provide education at the elementary or secondary level, and ``(C) for the acquisition of computer technology or equipment (as defined in subparagraph (E)(i) of section 170(e)(6)), or for training related to the use of such technology or equipment, for use in a school facility described in subparagraph (B). ``(2) School tuition organization.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `school tuition organization' means any organization which-- ``(i) is described in section 170(c)(2), ``(ii) allocates at least 90 percent of its gross income and contributions and gifts to elementary and secondary school scholarships, and ``(iii) awards scholarships to any student who is eligible for free or reduced cost lunch under the school program established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. ``(B) Elementary and secondary school scholarship.--The term `elementary and secondary school scholarship' means any scholarship excludable from gross income under section 117 for expenses related to education at or below the 12th grade. ``(3) School facility.--The term `school facility' shall not include any stadium or other facility primarily used for athletic contests or exhibitions or other events for which admission is charged to the general public. ``(d) Special Rules.-- ``(1) Denial of double benefit.--No deduction shall be allowed under this chapter for any contribution for which credit is allowed under this section. ``(2) Application with other credits.--The credit allowable under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed the excess (if any) of-- ``(A) the regular tax for the taxable year, reduced by the sum of the credits allowable under subpart A and the preceding sections of this subpart, over ``(B) the tentative minimum tax for the taxable year. ``(3) Controlled groups.--All persons who are treated as one employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 shall be treated as 1 taxpayer for purposes of this section. ``(e) Election To Have Credit Not Apply.--A taxpayer may elect to have this section not apply for any taxable year.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``Sec. 30B. Credit for contributions for the benefit of elementary and secondary schools.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2001.

Summary: Voluntary Opportunities for Increasing Contributions to Education Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an annual tax credit of up to $500 for an individual ($1,000 for joint filers) and $100,000 for a corporation for 75 percent of the qualified charitable contributions (school tuition organizations, facility construction or renovation, computer acquisition or training) made on behalf of elementary or secondary schools.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds as follows: (1) Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American women. (2) More women in the United States are living with breast cancer than any other cancer (excluding skin cancer). Approximately 3,000,000 women in the United States are living with breast cancer, 2,000,000 of which have been diagnosed and an estimated 1,000,000 who do not yet know that they have the disease. (3) Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States and worldwide (excluding skin cancer). In 2001, it is estimated that 233,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States, 192,000 cases of which will involve invasive breast cancer and 40,800 cases of which will involve ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). (4) Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. Approximately 40,000 women in the United States die from the disease each year. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States between the ages of 20 and 59, and the leading cause of cancer death for women worldwide. (5) A woman in the United States has a 1 in 8 chance of developing invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. This risk was 1 in 11 in 1975. In 2001, a new case of breast cancer will be diagnosed every 2 minutes and a woman will die from breast cancer every 13 minutes. (6) All women are at risk for breast cancer. About 90 percent of women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. (7) The National Action Plan on Breast Cancer, a public private partnership, has recognized the importance of expanding the scope and breadth of biomedical, epidemiological, and behavioral research activities related to the etiology of breast cancer and the role of the environment. (8) To date, there has been only a limited research investment to expand the scope or coordinate efforts across disciplines or work with the community to study the role of the environment in the development of breast cancer. (9) In order to take full advantage of the tremendous potential for avenues of prevention, the Federal investment in the role of the environment and the development of breast cancer should be expanded. (10) In order to understand the effect of chemicals and radiation on the development of cancer, multi-generational, prospective studies are probably required. SEC. 3. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES; AWARDS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF RESEARCH CENTERS REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS RELATED TO BREAST CANCER. Subpart 12 of part C of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285l et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following section: ``SEC. 463B. RESEARCH CENTERS REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS RELATED TO BREAST CANCER. ``(a) In General.--The Director of the Institute, based on recommendations from the Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Panel established under subsection (b) (referred to in this section as the `Panel') shall make grants, after a process of peer review and programmatic review, to public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of not more than 8 centers for the purpose of conducting multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research on environmental factors that may be related to the etiology of breast cancer. Each such center shall be known as a Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Center of Excellence. ``(b) Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Panel.-- ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish in the Institute of Environmental Health Sciences a Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Panel. ``(2) Composition.--The Panel shall be composed of-- ``(A) 9 members to be appointed by the Secretary, of which-- ``(i) six members shall be appointed from among physicians, and other health professionals, who-- ``(I) are not officers or employees of the United States; ``(II) represent multiple disciplines, including clinical, basic, and public health sciences; ``(III) represent different geographical regions of the United States; ``(IV) are from practice settings or academia or other research settings; and ``(V) are experienced in biomedical review; and ``(ii) three members shall be appointed from the general public who are representatives of individuals who have had breast cancer and who represent a constituency; and ``(B) such nonvoting, ex officio members as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. ``(3) Chairperson.--The members of the Panel appointed under paragraph (2)(A) shall select a chairperson from among such members. ``(4) Meetings.--The Panel shall meet at the call of the chairperson or upon the request of the Director, but in no case less often than once each year. ``(5) Duties.--The Panel shall-- ``(A) oversee the peer review process for the awarding of grants under subsection (a) and conduct the programmatic review under such subsection; ``(B) make recommendations with respect to the funding criteria and mechanisms under which amounts will be allocated under this section; and ``(C) make final programmatic recommendations with respect to grants under this section. ``(c) Collaboration With Community.--Each center under subsection (a) shall establish and maintain ongoing collaborations with community organizations in the geographic area served by the center, including those that represent women with breast cancer. ``(d) Coordination of Centers; Reports.--The Director of the Institute shall, as appropriate, provide for the coordination of information among centers under subsection (a) and ensure regular communication between such centers, and may require the periodic preparation of reports on the activities of the centers and the submission of the reports to the Director. ``(e) Required Consortium.--Each center under subsection (a) shall be formed from a consortium of cooperating institutions, meeting such requirements as may be prescribed by the Director of the Institute. Each center shall require collaboration among highly accomplished scientists, other health professionals and advocates of diverse backgrounds from various areas of expertise. ``(f) Duration of Support.--Support of a center under subsection (a) may be for a period not exceeding 5 years. Such period may be extended for one or more additional periods not exceeding 5 years if the operations of such center have been reviewed by an appropriate technical and scientific peer review group established by the Director of the Institute and if such group has recommended to the Director that such period should be extended. ``(g) Geographic Distribution of Centers.--The Director of the Institute shall, to the extent practicable, provide for an equitable geographical distribution of centers under this section. ``(h) Innovative Approaches.--Each center under subsection (a) shall use innovative approaches to study unexplored or under-explored areas of the environment and breast cancer. ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2002 through 2007. Such authorization is in addition to any other authorization of appropriations that is available for such purpose.''.

Summary: Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act of 2001 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to make grants to public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of not more than eight consortium centers (each such center shall be known as a Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Center of Excellence) for the conduct of multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional research on environmental factors that may be related to the etiology of breast cancer.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Consumer Protection Home Inspection Counseling Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. HOME INSPECTION COUNSELING. Section 1451 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 1701x-1) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) by striking the subsection designation and all that follows through ``Each'' and inserting the following: ``(b) Requirement for FHA-Approved Lenders.-- ``(1) Requirement.--Each''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(2) Effective date; mortgagee letter.--Not later than the expiration of the 90-day period beginning upon the date of the enactment of the Consumer Protection Home Inspection Counseling Act of 2012, the Secretary shall publish a Mortgagee Letter informing mortgagees of their obligation under paragraph (1).''; (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) by striking the subsection designation and all that follows through ``Each'' and inserting the following: ``(c) Requirements for HUD-Approved Counseling Agencies.-- ``(1) Provision of materials.--Each''; (B) by striking ``subparagraphs (C) and (D) of''; and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(2) Requirements for housing counselors.--Each person providing counseling for a housing counseling entity authorized, certified, or funded in whole or in part under section 106 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x) shall be trained through the voluntary home inspection training module established pursuant to subsection (d), shall distribute the counseling aids to be developed under this section, and shall explain the materials specified in subsection (a)(1) and other aids and materials set forth in this section. ``(3) Requirements for homeownership counseling programs.-- Any homeownership counseling program required under, or provided in connection with, any program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development shall be provided only by organizations or counselors certified by the Secretary pursuant to this section as competent to provide voluntary home inspection counseling. ``(4) Sanctions.--The Secretary may withhold, withdraw, or suspend housing counseling certifications for any housing counselor or counseling entity that fails to meet the requirements of this section.''; (3) in subsection (d)-- (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; (C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) (as so amended) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively, and realigning such subparagraphs (as so redesignated) so as to be indented 4 ems from the left margin; (D) by striking the subsection designation and all that follows through ``shall include--'' and inserting the following: ``(d) Training.-- ``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a comprehensive program to train staff of the Department, contractors, individuals, and entities that provide housing counseling under programs authorized, certified, or funded under section 106 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x) to also provide counseling to consumers on voluntary home inspection. ``(2) Requirements.--The training program established pursuant to this subsection shall include development of a training module to train counselors as well as counseling aids to be used by housing counselors and suitable for distribution to consumers. The training materials shall be written in plain language and shall be comprehensible to untrained consumers with or without ongoing assistance from housing counselors. Training provided under the program shall include--''; (E) in paragraph (2), as added by the amendment made by subparagraph (D) of this paragraph, by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(E) Internet website references and information sufficient for counselors and homebuyers to locate and select a local professional home inspector.''; and (F) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(3) Content.--At a minimum, the home inspection counseling program established under this subsection, and the training module and counseling aids developed under this subsection, shall convey the following information: ``(A) That a home inspection in connection with purchase of a home is voluntary, but not mandatory, which means that the homebuyer must make a personal choice whether to obtain a home inspection. ``(B) That the Department of Housing and Urban Development recommends that homebuyers obtain a voluntary home inspection. ``(C) That a home inspection is an in-depth technical and objective examination of the physical structure and internal systems of the home, from the foundation to the roof, and should be performed by a trained and experienced professional home inspector. ``(D) That a home inspection is not required in the case of an FHA loan insured under title II of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1707 et seq.) and that a home inspection is not performed by FHA. ``(E) That in most cases, no home inspection will be performed unless the homebuyer requests one. ``(F) That it is the burden of the homebuyer to arrange for a home inspection if one is requested. ``(G) That an appraisal is not equivalent to a home inspection. ``(H) That if the homebuyer chooses to obtain a home inspection, it is generally to the homebuyer's benefit to do so as early as possible. ``(I) That the homebuyer may ask to make the transaction contingent on the outcome of the home inspection and that the homebuyer may realize substantial financial benefits from the home inspection, including from identifying possible repairs that could be performed and paid for by the seller prior to the closing. ``(J) That the homebuyer should consider requesting a voluntary home inspection. ``(4) Additional guidance materials.--The Secretary shall develop, in consultation with national professional home inspector associations, additional guidance materials to educate housing counselors on how to advise consumers how to locate, interview, and select a professional home inspector, and on how consumers may independently locate, interview, and select a professional home inspector. The Secretary shall require that these materials be made available to counselors providing housing counseling under the programs referred to in this section.''; and (4) by adding at the end the following new subsections: ``(e) Certification of Counselors.-- ``(1) Protocol.--The Secretary shall, in the discretion of the Secretary, develop a new independent protocol, or amend existing protocols, to certify that housing counselors whose activities are authorized, certified, or funded in whole or in part under section 106 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701x) have successfully completed training using the voluntary home inspection training module and counseling aids established and developed pursuant to this section. ``(2) Standards for materials and forms.--The Secretary shall establish standards and requirements for voluntary home inspection counseling materials and forms to be used, as appropriate, by organizations providing voluntary home inspection counseling. Such standards shall conform with the content requirements under this section. ``(f) Report.--Not later than the expiration of the 12-month period beginning upon the date of the enactment of the Consumer Protection Home Inspection Counseling Act of 2012, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress describing the actions that have been undertaken to comply with this section, disclosing the actions that are required under this section but have not at such time been addressed, assessing the results of this section that have been achieved at such time, identifying areas for improvement in the implementation of this section, and making recommendations to enhance implementation of this section.''.

Summary: Consumer Protection Home Inspection Counseling Act of 2012 - Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to publish a Mortgagee Letter informing mortgagees of their obligation to provide prospective homebuyers with specified HUD public outreach publications concerning the importance of obtaining independent home inspections. Requires persons providing housing counseling for HUD-approved counseling agencies to: (1) be trained through a certain voluntary home inspection training module, and (2) distribute and explain certain counseling aids. Requires any homeownership counseling program under HUD auspices or administration to be provided only by organizations or counselors HUD-certified as competent to provide voluntary home inspection counseling. Authorizes HUD to withhold, withdraw, or suspend housing counseling certifications for any non-compliant housing counselor or counseling entity. Requires HUD to establish a comprehensive program to train HUD staff, contractors, individuals, and entities that provide housing counseling under specified HUD-funded programs also to provide counseling to consumers on voluntary home inspection. Requires such training program to include development of a training module to: (1) train counselors as well as counseling aids for use by housing counselors and suitable for distribution to consumers; and (2) be comprehensible to untrained consumers with or without ongoing assistance from housing counselors. Requires HUD, at the Secretary's discretion, to develop a new independent protocol, or amend existing protocols, to certify that such housing counselors have successfully completed training using the voluntary home inspection training module and counseling aids established under this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Maggie's Law: National Drowsy Driving Act of 2002''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) A 1995 Federal study conservatively estimated that each year-- (A) 100,000 police-reported motor vehicle crashes are caused by the drowsiness or fatigue of the operator; (B) 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries are the direct result of a driver falling asleep at the wheel of a motor vehicle; and (C) these crashes represent at least $12,500,000,000 in diminished productivity and property loss. (2) Scientific research further demonstrates that-- (A) 1,000,000 crashes are caused by driver inattention each year; and (B) sleep deprivation and fatigue make such attention lapses more likely to occur. (3) An insufficient amount of statistical data and documentation concerning fatigue-related motor vehicle crashes is available. Federal statistics significantly under-report the problem of driver fatigue because the statistics are derived primarily from police accident reports, and studies indicate that less than one-half of all crashes are reported to the police. (4) Further complicating the collection of accurate data are the following facts: (A) Most police officers are not trained to detect sleep-related crashes. (B) There is no test to determine sleepiness as there is for drunk drivers. (C) There are still States that do not have proper codes for sleepiness on their crash report forms. (D) Based on clinical studies, many people are unable to accurately recognize when they have nodded- off for a short period of time (microsleep), thus raising questions about the reliability of self- reporting. (5) In 1999, a scientifically conducted national survey of Americans found that 23 percent of respondents reported that they personally know someone who crashed in the past year due to falling asleep at the wheel. (6) In 2001, a scientifically conducted national survey of Americans found that in the past year-- (A) 53 percent of all adults reported driving while drowsy; (B) 19 percent reported that they had actually dozed off while driving; and (C) one percent reported that they had crashed because they dozed off. (7) Studies confirm that while anyone can be at risk for drowsy driving, there are several population groups that are significantly at higher risk-- (A) young people under the age of 26, who tend to stay up late, sleep too little, and drive at night, represent about 55 percent of all fall asleep crashes; (B) there are over 20,000,000 shift workers in America and studies suggest that 20 percent to 30 percent of individuals with nontraditional work schedules have had a fatigue-related driving mishap in the last year; (C) commercial drivers are susceptible to fatigue- related crashes due to their driving schedules and the amount of miles they drive during the year; (D) commercial drivers have a high prevalence of a sleep and breathing disorder called sleep apnea; and (E) 40,000,000 Americans suffer from sleep disorders; left untreated, disorders such as sleep apnea can increase crash risk 3 to 7 times. (8) In 1995, a study found that some roads, such as high- speed, long, boring, rural highways, are more dangerous than others for sleep-deprived motorists. The New York State Police estimated that 40 percent of all fatal crashes along the New York Thruway were the result of a driver falling asleep at the wheel. (9) Studies, such as the following, indicate that continuous shoulder rumble strips are effective countermeasures to drift-off-the-road crashes, which are characteristic of drowsy driving, and fall-asleep crashes-- (A) New York State reports that accidents caused by drivers falling asleep at 13 sites on the New York Thruway were reduced by 84 percent following the installation of continuous shoulder rumble strips. (B) Pennsylvania reports a reduction of guard rail or embankment accidents at 5 sites on the Pennsylvania Turnpike following rumble strip installation. (C) In 1995, an expert panel consisting of university and federal researchers convened to assess the current research regarding the effectiveness of continuous shoulder rumble strips and to make recommendations about their use. The panel concluded that rumble strips reduce drift-off-the-road crashes anywhere from 15 to 70 percent depending on road type and rumble strip design being used. SEC. 3. DROWSY DRIVING EDUCATION PROGRAMS. Chapter 4 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 412. DROWSY DRIVING EDUCATION PROGRAMS. ``(a) Awards.--The Secretary may enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, and may make grants to, State highway offices and other experienced drowsy driving safety organizations to obtain and distribute national, State, and local drowsy driving education programs and supporting educational materials. ``(b) Use of Funds.--Funds provided under a contract, cooperative agreement, or grant under subsection (a) shall be used-- ``(1) to implement drowsy driving programs which are designed to prevent deaths and injuries due to drivers who are impaired by fatigue and sleep deprivation and which-- ``(A) educate the public in all aspects of the dangers of driving while impaired by fatigue or drowsiness as a result of sleep deprivation, untreated sleep disorders, sedating medications, and alcohol use; ``(B) educate the public to recognize the signs of fatigue while driving and how to take appropriate countermeasures to avoid fall-asleep crashes; ``(C) train and retrain traffic safety professionals, police officers, fire and emergency medical personnel, and other educators in all aspects of drowsy driving prevention; and ``(D) train police officers and accident reconstructionists to identify fatigue impairment among drivers and as a factor in motor vehicle crashes; ``(2) to develop a standardized, scientifically accurate curriculum on the risks and prevention of drowsy driving and fall-asleep motor vehicle crashes and take steps to-- ``(A) develop and integrate a drowsy driving curriculum component into all driver's education courses under the purview of a State's transportation department; ``(B) ensure that State departments of transportation, health and education work together to include a drowsy driving component in all driver's education and health education curricula; and ``(C) the State departments of transportation shall develop a curriculum on drowsy driving for training the instructors who teach any course covering driver education or traffic safety. ``(3) to consult and collaborate with existing national drowsy driving campaigns to foster the distribution of scientifically-based information and educational messages regarding drowsy driving and fall-asleep crashes and to review existing State model programs for experience and guidance; ``(4) to adopt formal policy statements and work plans for the installation and expansion of continuous shoulder rumble strips during highway resurfacing and new construction programs for interstate highways and submit a report to the Secretary each fiscal year describing the number of highway miles and locations where continuous shoulder rumble strips have been installed on their state highway system; ``(5) to adopt formal codes on motor vehicle accident report forms to report fatigue-related or fall-asleep crashes; ``(6) to provide enforcement personnel training in the detection and reporting of drowsy driving as a factor in motor vehicle crashes; and ``(7) provide education programs to the police and the courts regarding the sanctions available for drowsy driving accidents. ``(c) Applications.--An entity desiring a contract, cooperative agreement, or grant under subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. ``(d) Reports to Secretary.--An entity which receives a contract, cooperative agreement, or grant under subsection (a) shall prepare and submit to the Secretary an annual report during the period in which it receives funds under such contract, cooperative agreement, or grant. Such a report shall contain such information as the Secretary may require and shall, at a minimum, describe the program activities undertaken with such funds, including-- ``(1) any drowsy driving education program that has been developed directly or indirectly by such entity and the target population of such program; ``(2) support materials of such a program that have been obtained by such entity and the method by which the entity distributed such materials; and ``(3) any initiatives undertaken by such entity to develop public-private partnerships to secure non-Federal support for the development and distribution of drowsy driving education programs and materials. ``(e) Report to Congress.--The Secretary shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress an annual report on the implementation of this section, which includes a description of the programs undertaken and materials developed and distributed by entities receiving funds under subsection (a). ``(f) In this section, the following definitions apply: ``(1) Drowsy driver education programs.--The term `drowsy driving education programs' includes publications, audiovisual, presentations, and demonstrations. ``(2) State.--The term `State' means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States. ``(3) State model programs.--The term `State model programs' means the State of New York's Break for Safety program and New York Task Force on Drowsy Driving efforts. ``(4) National programs.--The term `national programs' means the DRIVE ALERT . . . ARRIVE ALIVE, the National Sleep Foundation's Campaign on Drowsy Driving and other programs operated by non-profit organizations. ``(5) Continuous Shoulder Rumble Strip.--The term `continuous shoulder rumble strip' means raised or grooved patterns inserted on the shoulder of a highway to alert drivers drifting off the road that they are doing so. ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $5,000,000 for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for each of fiscal years 2003 through 2008, of which not more than $350,000 may be spent in any fiscal year for administrative costs.''. SEC. 4. FEDERAL RESEARCH ON THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM. (a) Study.--The Secretary of Transportation shall conduct a study on the scope of the problem of fatigue-related automobile crashes amongst the general driving public. (b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report containing the results of the study.

Summary: Maggie's Law: National Drowsy Driving Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to enter into agreements with, and make grants to, State highway offices and other driving safety organizations to obtain and distribute national, State, and local drowsy driving education programs and supporting materials.Directs that grant funds be used to: (1) implement programs designed to prevent deaths and injuries due to drivers who are impaired by fatigue and sleep deprivation; (2) develop a standardized curriculum on the risks and prevention of drowsy driving and fall-asleep motor vehicle crashes; (3) collaborate with national drowsy driving campaigns to distribute information and educational messages and to review existing State model programs; (4) adopt policy statements and work plans for the installation and expansion of continuous shoulder rumble strips for interstate highways; (5) adopt codes on accident report forms to report fatigue-related or fall-asleep crashes; (6) provide training in the detection and reporting of drowsy driving as a factor in motor vehicle crashes; and (7) provide education programs to the police and the courts regarding the sanctions available for drowsy driving accidents.Directs the Secretary to study the scope of the problem of fatigue-related automobile crashes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Teachers For Tomorrow Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. REVISION OF TEACHER LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAMS. (a) Guaranteed Student Loans.--Part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is amended by-- (1) redesignating section 428K (20 U.S.C. 1078-11) as section 428L; and (2) by inserting after section 428J the following new section: ``SEC. 428K. EXPANDED LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR TEACHERS. ``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to expand, subject to the availability of appropriations therefor, the eligibility of individuals to qualify for loan forgiveness for teachers beyond that available under section 428J, in order to provide additional incentives for such individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession. ``(b) Program Authorized.-- ``(1) In general.--From the sums appropriated pursuant to subsection (i), the Secretary shall carry out a program, through the holder of the loan, of assuming the obligation to repay a qualified loan amount for a loan made under section 428 or 428H, in accordance with subsection (c), for any new borrower on or after October 1, 1998, who is not eligible for loan forgiveness under section 428J, but who-- ``(A) is employed as a full-time teacher-- ``(i) in a public elementary or secondary school; ``(ii) if employed as a secondary school teacher, is teaching a subject area that is relevant to the borrower's academic major as certified by the chief administrative officer of the public secondary school in which the borrower is employed; and ``(iii) if employed as an elementary school teacher, has demonstrated, as certified by the chief administrative officer of the public elementary school in which the borrower is employed, knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing, mathematics, or other areas of the elementary school curriculum; ``(B) has a State certification (which may include certification obtained through alternative means) or a State license to teach, and has not failed to comply with State or local accountability standards; and ``(C) is not in default on a loan for which the borrower seeks forgiveness. ``(2) Selection of recipients.--The Secretary shall by regulations, establish a formula that ensures fairness and equality for applicants in the selection of borrowers for loan repayment under this section, based on the amount available pursuant to subsection (i). ``(c) Qualified Loans Amount.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall repay not more than the percentage specified in paragraph (2) of the loan obligation on a loan made under section 428 or 428H that is outstanding after the completion of each complete school year of teaching described in subsection (b)(1). No borrower may receive a reduction of loan obligations under both this section and section 460. ``(2) Percentage eligible.--The percent of the loan obligation which the Secretary shall repay under paragraph (1) of this subsection is-- ``(A) in the case of teaching in a school that qualifies under section 465(a)(2)(A) for loan cancellation for Perkins loan recipients who teach in such schools, 25 percent for the first or second year of such service, and 50 percent for the third year of such service; or ``(B) in the case of any other public elementary or secondary school, 15 percent for the first or second year of such service, 20 percent for the third or fourth year of such service, and 30 percent for the fifth year of such service. ``(3) Treatment of consolidation loans.--A loan amount for a loan made under section 428C may be a qualified loan amount for the purposes of this subsection only to the extent that such loan amount was used to repay a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a loan made under section 428 or 428H for a borrower who meets the requirements of subsection (b), as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. ``(4) Treatment of years of service for continuing education loans.--For purposes of paragraph (2), the year of service is determined on the basis of the academic year that the borrower began the service as a full-time teacher, except that in the case of a borrower who incurs a loan obligation for continuing education expenses while teaching, the year of service is determined on the basis of the academic year following the academic year for which the loan obligation was incurred. ``(d) Regulations.--The Secretary is authorized to issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. ``(e) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any refunding of any repayment of a loan. ``(f) List.--If the list of schools in which a teacher may perform service pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(A) is not available before May 1 of any year, the Secretary may use the list for the year preceding the year for which the determination is made to make such service determination. ``(g) Additional Eligibility Provisions.-- ``(1) Continued eligibility.--Any teacher who performs service in a school that-- ``(A) meets the requirements of subsection (b)(1)(A) in any year during such service; and ``(B) in a subsequent year fails to meet the requirements of such subsection, may continue to teach in such school and shall be eligible for loan forgiveness pursuant to subsection (b). ``(2) Prevention of double benefits.--No borrower may, for the same service, receive a benefit under both this section and subtitle D of title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571 et seq.). ``(h) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term `year', where applied to service as a teacher, means an academic year as defined by the Secretary. ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.''. (b) Direct Student Loans.--Part D of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after section 460 the following new section: ``SEC. 460A. EXPANDED LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR TEACHERS. ``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to expand, subject to the availability of appropriations therefor, the eligibility of individuals to qualify for loan forgiveness for teachers beyond that available under section 460, in order to provide additional incentives for such individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession. ``(b) Program Authorized.-- ``(1) In general.--From the sums appropriated pursuant to subsection (i), the Secretary shall carry out canceling the obligation to repay a qualified loan amount in accordance with subsection (c) for Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans made under this part for any new borrower on or after October 1, 1998, who is not eligible for loan forgiveness under section 460, but who-- ``(A) is employed as a full-time teacher-- ``(i) in a public elementary or secondary school; ``(ii) if employed as a secondary school teacher, is teaching a subject area that is relevant to the borrower's academic major as certified by the chief administrative officer of the public secondary school in which the borrower is employed; and ``(iii) if employed as an elementary school teacher, has demonstrated, as certified by the chief administrative officer of the public elementary school in which the borrower is employed, knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing, mathematics, or other areas of the elementary school curriculum; ``(B) has a State certification (which may include certification obtained through alternative means) or a State license to teach, and has not failed to comply with State or local accountability standards; and ``(C) is not in default on a loan for which the borrower seeks forgiveness. ``(2) Selection of recipients.--The Secretary shall by regulations, establish a formula that ensures fairness and equality for applicants in the selection of borrowers for loan repayment under this section, based on the amount available pursuant to subsection (i). ``(c) Qualified Loans Amount.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall cancel not more than the percentage specified in paragraph (2) of the loan obligation on a loan made under this part that is outstanding after the completion of each complete school year of teaching described in subsection (b)(1). No borrower may receive a reduction of loan obligations under both this section and section 428J. ``(2) Percentage eligible.--The percent of the loan obligation which the Secretary shall cancel under paragraph (1) of this subsection is-- ``(A) in the case of teaching in a school that qualifies under section 465(a)(2)(A) for loan cancellation for Perkins loan recipients who teach in such schools, 25 percent for the first or second year of such service, and 50 percent for the third year of such service; or ``(B) in the case of any other public elementary or secondary school, 15 percent for the first or second year of such service, 20 percent for the third or fourth year of such service, and 30 percent for the fifth year of such service. ``(3) Treatment of consolidation loans.--A loan amount for a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan may be a qualified loan amount for the purposes of this subsection only to the extent that such loan amount was used to repay a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a loan made under section 428 or 428H for a borrower who meets the requirements of subsection (b), as determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary. ``(4) Treatment of years of service for continuing education loans.--For purposes of paragraph (2), the year of service is determined on the basis of the academic year that the borrower began the service as a full-time teacher, except that in the case of a borrower who incurs a loan obligation for continuing education expenses while teaching, the year of service is determined on the basis of the academic year following the academic year for which the loan obligation was incurred. ``(d) Regulations.--The Secretary is authorized to issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. ``(e) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any refunding of any repayment of a loan. ``(f) List.--If the list of schools in which a teacher may perform service pursuant to subsection (c)(2)(A) is not available before May 1 of any year, the Secretary may use the list for the year preceding the year for which the determination is made to make such service determination. ``(g) Additional Eligibility Provisions.-- ``(1) Continued eligibility.--Any teacher who performs service in a school that-- ``(A) meets the requirements of subsection (b)(1)(A) in any year during such service; and ``(B) in a subsequent year fails to meet the requirements of such subsection, may continue to teach in such school and shall be eligible for loan forgiveness pursuant to subsection (b). ``(2) Prevention of double benefits.--No borrower may, for the same service, receive a benefit under both this section and subtitle D of title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12571 et seq.). ``(h) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term `year', where applied to service as a teacher, means an academic year as defined by the Secretary. ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.''. SEC. 3. NO INCOME TAX BY REASON OF LOAN FORGIVENESS. Subsection (f) of section 108 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) Loan forgiveness for teachers.--In the case of an individual, gross income does not include any amount which (but for this paragraph) would be includible in gross income by reason of the discharge (in whole or in part) of any loan if such discharge was pursuant to section 428J, 428K, 460, or 460A of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1078-10), as in effect on the date of the enactment of this paragraph.''

Summary: Teachers for Tomorrow Act of 2001 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to establish new programs for teacher student loan forgiveness, under the guaranteed loan program and the direct loan program. Requires three consecutive complete school years of full-time teaching in a public elementary or secondary school as: (1) a secondary school teacher of a subject area relevant to the borrower's academic major; or (2) an elementary school teacher who has demonstrated knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and other curriculum areas.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from a teacher's gross income any student loan amounts discharged under both the current HEA programs and those added by this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2004''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) More than 110,000,000 orphans live in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. These children often are disadvantaged in numerous and devastating ways and most households with orphans cannot meet the basic needs of health care, food, clothing, and educational expenses. (2) It is estimated that 121,000,000 children worldwide do not attend school and that the majority of such children are young girls. According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), orphans are less likely to be in school and more likely to be working full time. (3) School food programs, including take-home rations, in developing countries provide strong incentives for children to remain in school and continue their education. School food programs can reduce short-term hunger, improve cognitive functions, and enhance learning, behavior, and achievement. (4) Financial barriers, such as school fees and other costs of education, prevent many orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries from attending school. Providing children with free primary school education, while simultaneously ensuring that adequate resources exist for teacher training and infrastructure, would help more orphans and other vulnerable children obtain a quality education. (5) The trauma that results from the loss of a parent can trigger behavior problems of aggression or emotional withdrawal and negatively affect a child's performance in school and the child's social relations. Children living in families affected by HIV/AIDS or who have been orphaned by AIDS often face stigmatization and discrimination. Providing culturally appropriate psychosocial support to such children can assist them in successfully accepting and adjusting to their circumstances. (6) Orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries routinely are denied their inheritance or encounter difficulties in claiming the land and other property which they have inherited. Even when the inheritance rights of women and children are spelled out in law, such rights are difficult to claim and are seldom enforced. In many countries it is difficult or impossible for a widow, even if she has young children, to claim property after the death of her husband. (7) The HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a devastating affect on children and is deepening poverty in entire communities and jeopardizing the health, safety, and survival of all children in affected areas. (8) The HIV/AIDS pandemic has increased the number of orphans worldwide and has exacerbated the poor living conditions of the world's poorest and most vulnerable children. AIDS has created an unprecedented orphan crisis, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where children have been hardest hit. An estimated 14,000,000 orphans have lost 1 or both parents to AIDS. By 2010, it is estimated that over 25,000,000 children will have been orphaned by AIDS. (9) Approximately 2,500,000 children under the age of 15 worldwide have HIV/AIDS. Every day another 2,000 children under the age of 15 are infected with HIV. Without treatment, most children born with HIV can expect to die by age two, but with sustained drug treatment through childhood, the chances of long-term survival and a productive adulthood improve dramatically. (10) Few international development programs specifically target the treatment of children with HIV/AIDS in developing countries. Reasons for this include the perceived low priority of pediatric treatment, a lack of pediatric health care professionals, lack of expertise and experience in pediatric drug dosing and monitoring, the perceived complexity of pediatric treatment, and mistaken beliefs regarding the risks and benefits of pediatric treatment. (11) Although a number of organizations seek to meet the needs of orphans or other vulnerable children, extended families and local communities continue to be the primary providers of support for such children. (12) The HIV/AIDS pandemic is placing huge burdens on communities and is leaving many orphans with little support. Alternatives to traditional orphanages, such as community-based resource centers, continue to evolve in response to the massive number of orphans that has resulted from the pandemic. (13) The AIDS orphans crisis in sub-Saharan Africa has implications for political stability, human welfare, and development that extend far beyond the region, affecting governments and people worldwide, and this crisis requires an accelerated response from the international community. (14) Although section 403(b) of the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7673(b)) establishes the requirement that not less than 10 percent of amounts appropriated for HIV/AIDS assistance for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2008 shall be expended for assistance for orphans and other vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS, there is an urgent need to provide assistance to such children prior to 2006. (15) Numerous United States and indigenous private voluntary organizations, including faith-based organizations, provide assistance to orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries. Many of these organizations have submitted applications for grants to the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to provide increased levels of assistance for orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries. (16) Increasing the amount of assistance that is provided by the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development through United States and indigenous private voluntary organizations, including faith-based organizations, will provide greater protection for orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries. (17) It is essential that the United States Government adopt a comprehensive approach for the provision of assistance to orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries. A comprehensive approach would ensure that important services, such as basic care, psychosocial support, school food programs, increased educational opportunities and employment training and related services, the protection and promotion of inheritance rights for such children, and the treatment of orphans and other vulnerable children with HIV/AIDS, are made more accessible. (18) Assistance for orphans and other vulnerable children can best be provided by a comprehensive approach of the United States Government that-- (A) ensures that Federal agencies and the private sector coordinate efforts to prevent and eliminate duplication of efforts and waste in the provision of such assistance; and (B) to the maximum extent possible, focuses on community-based programs that allow orphans and other vulnerable children to remain connected to the traditions and rituals of their families and communities. SEC. 3. ASSISTANCE FOR ORPHANS AND OTHER VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. Chapter 1 of part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following section: ``SEC. 135. ASSISTANCE FOR ORPHANS AND OTHER VULNERABLE CHILDREN. ``(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: ``(1) There are more than 110,000,000 orphans living in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. ``(2) The HIV/AIDS pandemic has created an unprecedented orphan crisis, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where children have been hardest hit. The pandemic is deepening poverty in entire communities, and is jeopardizing the health, safety, and survival of all children in affected countries. It is estimated that 14,000,000 children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. ``(3) The orphans crisis in sub-Saharan Africa has implications for human welfare, development, and political stability that extend far beyond the region, affecting governments and people worldwide. ``(4) Extended families and local communities are struggling to meet the basic needs of orphans and vulnerable children by providing food, health care including treatment of children living with HIV/AIDS, education expenses, and clothing. ``(5) Providing assistance to such children is an important expression of the humanitarian concern and tradition of the people of the United States. ``(b) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) AIDS.--The term `AIDS' has the meaning given the term in section 104A(g)(1) of this Act. ``(2) Children.--The term `children' means persons who have not attained the age of 18. ``(3) HIV/AIDS.--The term `HIV/AIDS' has the meaning given the term in section 104A(g)(3) of this Act. ``(4) Orphan.--The term `orphan' means a child deprived by death of one or both parents. ``(5) Psychosocial support.--The term `psychosocial support' includes care that addresses the ongoing psychological and social problems that affect individuals, their partners, families, and caregivers in order to alleviate suffering, strengthen social ties and integration, provide emotional support, and promote coping strategies. ``(c) Assistance.--The President is authorized to provide assistance, including providing such assistance through international or nongovernmental organizations, for programs in developing countries to provide basic care and services for orphans and other vulnerable children. Such programs should provide assistance-- ``(1) to support families and communities to mobilize their own resources through the establishment of community-based organizations to provide basic care for orphans and other vulnerable children; ``(2) for school food programs, including the purchase of local or regional foodstuffs where appropriate; ``(3) to increase primary school enrollment through the elimination of school fees, where appropriate, or other barriers to education while ensuring that adequate resources exist for teacher training and infrastructure; ``(4) to provide employment training and related services for orphans and other vulnerable children who are of legal working age; ``(5) to protect and promote the inheritance rights of orphans, other vulnerable children, and widows; ``(6) to provide culturally appropriate psychosocial support to orphans and other vulnerable children; and ``(7) to treat orphans and other vulnerable children with HIV/AIDS through the provision of pharmaceuticals, the recruitment and training of individuals to provide pediatric treatment, and the purchase of pediatric-specific technologies. ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.-- ``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the President to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2005 and 2006. ``(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts made available under paragraph (1) are authorized to remain available until expended and are in addition to amounts otherwise available for such purposes. ``(3) Relationship to other laws.--Amounts made available for assistance pursuant to this subsection, and amounts made available for such assistance pursuant to any other provision of law, may be used to provide such assistance notwithstanding any other provision of law.''. SEC. 4. STRATEGY OF THE UNITED STATES. (a) Requirement for Strategy.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall develop, and submit to the appropriate congressional committees, a strategy for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring assistance programs for orphans and vulnerable children. (b) Consultation.--The President should consult with employees of the field missions of the United States Agency for International Development in developing the strategy required by subsection (a) to ensure that such strategy-- (1) will not impede the efficiency of implementing assistance programs for orphans and vulnerable children; and (2) addresses the specific needs of indigenous populations. (c) Content.--The strategy required by subsection (a) shall include-- (1) the identity of each agency or department of the Federal Government that is providing assistance for orphans and vulnerable children in foreign countries; (2) a description of the efforts of the head of each such agency or department to coordinate the provision of such assistance with other agencies or departments of the Federal Government or nongovernmental entities; (3) a description of a coordinated strategy, including coordination with other bilateral and multilateral donors, to provide the assistance authorized in section 135 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as added by section 3 of this Act; (4) an analysis of additional coordination mechanisms or procedures that could be implemented to carry out the purposes of such section; (5) a description of a monitoring system that establishes performance goals for the provision of such assistance and expresses such goals in an objective and quantifiable form, to the extent feasible; and (6) a description of performance indicators to be used in measuring or assessing the achievement of the performance goals described in paragraph (5). SEC. 5. ANNUAL REPORT. Not later than one year after the date on which the President submits the strategy required by section 4(a) to the appropriate congressional committees, and annually thereafter, the President shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees on the implementation of this Act. SEC. 6. APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED. In this Act, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives.

Summary: Assistance for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children in Developing Countries Act of 2004 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance, including through nongovernmental or international organizations, for basic care for orphans and other vulnerable children in developing countries, including assistance for: (1) community-based care; (2) school food programs; (3) education and employment training; (4) mental health care; (5) protection of inheritance rights; and (6) HIV/AIDS care. Directs the President to develop a coordinating strategy for such assistance.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Truth in Regulating Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. PURPOSES. The purposes of this Act are to-- (1) increase the transparency of important regulatory decisions; (2) promote effective congressional oversight to ensure that agency rules fulfill statutory requirements in an efficient, effective, and fair manner; and (3) increase the accountability of Congress and the agencies to the people they serve. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act, the term-- (1) ``agency'' has the meaning given such term under section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code; (2) ``economically significant rule'' means any proposed or final rule, including an interim or direct final rule, that may have an annual effect on the economy of $100,000,000 or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities; and (3) ``independent analysis'' means a substantive review of the agency's underlying assessments and assumptions used in developing the regulatory action and whatever additional analysis the Comptroller General determines to be necessary. SEC. 4. PILOT PROJECT FOR REPORT ON RULES. (a) In General.-- (1) Request of review.--When an agency develops or issues an economically significant rule, the Comptroller General of the United States may review the rule at the request of a committee of either House of Congress. (2) Report.--The Comptroller General shall submit a report on each economically significant rule selected under paragraph (4) to the committees of jurisdiction in each House of Congress not later than 180 calendar days after a committee request is received. The report shall include an independent analysis of the economically significant rule by the Comptroller General using any relevant data or analyses available to or generated by the General Accounting Office. (3) Independent analysis.--The independent analysis of the economically significant rule by the Comptroller General under paragraph (2) shall include-- (A) an analysis of the potential benefits of the rule, including any beneficial effects that cannot be quantified in monetary terms and the identification of the persons or entities likely to receive the benefits; (B) an analysis of the potential costs of the rule, including any adverse effects that cannot be quantified in monetary terms and the identification of the persons or entities likely to bear the costs; (C) an analysis of alternative approaches that could achieve the statutory goal in a more cost- effective manner or that could provide greater net benefits, and, if applicable, a brief explanation of any reason why such alternatives could not be adopted; (D) an analysis of the extent to which the rule would affect State or local governments; and (E) a summary of how the results of the analysis of the Comptroller General differ, if at all, from the results of the analyses of the agency in promulgating the rule. (4) Procedures for priorities of requests.--The Comptroller General shall have discretion to develop procedures for determining the priority and number of requests for review under paragraph (1) for which a report will be submitted under paragraph (2). (b) Cooperation with Comptroller General.--Each agency shall cooperate with the Comptroller General by promptly providing the Comptroller General with such records and information that the Comptroller General determines necessary to carry out this Act. SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to the General Accounting Office to carry out this Act $5,200,000 for each of fiscal years 2000 through 2002. SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE AND DURATION OF PILOT PROJECT. (a) Effective Date.--This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (b) Duration of Pilot Project.--The pilot project under this Act shall continue for a period of 3 years, if in each fiscal year, or portion thereof included in that period, a specific annual appropriation not less than $5,200,000 or the pro-rated equivalent thereof shall have been made for the pilot project. (c) Report.--Before the conclusion of the 3-year period, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report reviewing the effectiveness of the pilot project and recommending whether or not Congress should permanently authorize the pilot project.

Summary: Truth in Regulating Act of 1999 - Allows the Comptroller General, when a Federal agency develops or issues an economically significant rule, to review the rule at the request of a committee of either House of Congress. Defines "economically significant rule" to mean any proposed or final rule, including an interim or direct final rule, that may have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or communities. Requires the Comptroller General to submit a report on each rule reviewed, including an independent analysis of the costs and benefits, alternative approaches, impact on State and local governments, and differences from the agency's analyses. Grants the Comptroller General discretion to develop procedures for determining the priority and number of requests for review. Authorizes appropriations for FY 2000 through 2002. Provides for the pilot project established under this Act to continue for a three-year period, if specified appropriations are provided. Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on such project's effectiveness and on whether it should be authorized permanently.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Education Debt Reduction Act''. SEC. 2. PROGRAM OF ASSISTANCE IN THE PAYMENT OF EDUCATION DEBTS INCURRED BY CERTAIN VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYEES. (a) Program.--(1) Chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SUBCHAPTER VI--EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION PROGRAM ``Sec. 7661. Authority for program ``(a) The Secretary may carry out an education debt reduction program under this subchapter. The program shall be known as the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program (hereafter in this subchapter referred to as the `Education Debt Reduction Program'). The purpose of the program is to assist personnel serving in health-care positions in the Veterans Health Administration in reducing the amount of debt incurred by such personnel in completing educational programs that qualify such personnel for such service. ``(b) Such assistance shall be in addition to the assistance available to individuals under the Educational Assistance Program established under this chapter. ``Sec. 7662. Eligibility; application ``(a) An individual eligible to participate in the Education Debt Reduction Program is any individual (other than a physician or dentist)-- ``(1) who is serving in a position in the Veterans Health Administration under an appointment under section 7402(b) of this title; and ``(2) who owes-- ``(A) any amount of principal or interest under a loan the proceeds of which were used by or on behalf of the individual to pay costs relating to a course of education or training at a qualifying educational institution which course led to a degree that qualified the individual for a position referred to in paragraph (1); or ``(B) any amount of principal or interest under a loan the proceeds of which are being used by or on behalf of the individual to pay costs relating to a course of education or training at a qualifying educational institution which course leads to a degree that qualifies the individual for such a position. ``(b) Any eligible individual seeking to participate in the Education Debt Reduction Program shall submit an application to the Secretary relating to such participation. ``Sec. 7663. Preference for assistance ``In selecting individuals for assistance under the Education Debt Reduction Program, the Secretary shall give preference to the following: ``(1) Individuals who have completed or are engaged in, as the case may be, a two-year or four-year course of education or training at an undergraduate institution leading to a degree that qualified or qualifies, as the case may be, the individuals for a position referred to in section 7662(a)(1) of this title. ``(2) Individuals who serve in the Veterans Health Administration-- ``(A) in areas in which the recruitment or retention of an adequate supply of qualified health- care personnel is difficult (as determined by the Secretary); or ``(B) in positions for which the recruitment or retention of such a supply of such personnel is difficult (as so determined). ``Sec. 7664. Amount of assistance ``(a) Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary may pay to an individual selected to receive assistance under the Education Debt Reduction Program an amount not to exceed $4,000 (adjusted in accordance with section 7631 of this title) for each full year served by the individual in a position in the Veterans Health Administration under section 7402(b) of this title (other than a position referred to in paragraph (1) or (2) of such section) after the date of such individual's selection. ``(b)(1) An individual may receive assistance under the Education Debt Reduction Program only to assist the individual in paying amounts (including principal and interest) owed by the individual under a loan referred to in section 7662(a)(2) of this title. ``(2) An individual may receive assistance under the Education Debt Reduction Program for a year if-- ``(A) the individual serves for the full year in a position referred to in subsection (a); and ``(B) maintains an acceptable level of performance during such service. ``(3) The total amount of assistance received by an individual under the Education Debt Reduction Program may not exceed $12,000 (adjusted in accordance with section 7631 of this title).''. (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ``SUBCHAPTER VI--EDUCATION DEBT REDUCTION PROGRAM ``7661. Authority for program. ``7662. Eligibility; application. ``7663. Preference for assistance. ``7664. Amount of assistance.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 7631 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking out ``and the maximum Selected Reserve member stipend amount'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``the maximum Selected Reserve stipend amount, and the education debt reduction amount and limitation''; and (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and (B) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph (4): ``(4) The term `education debt reduction amount and limitation' means the maximum amount of assistance, and the limitation applicable to such assistance, for a person receiving assistance under subchapter VI of this chapter, as specified in section 7663 of this title and as previously adjusted (if at all) in accordance with this subsection.''. (c) Regulations.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall prescribe regulations necessary to carry out the Education Debt Reduction Program established under subchapter VI of chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)). The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the effectiveness of the Education Debt Reduction Program and the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professional Scholarship Program established under subchapter II of chapter 76 of title 38, United States Code, in assisting the Secretary in the recruitment and retention of qualified health-care professionals for positions in the Veterans Health Administration. (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--(1) There is authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Veterans Affairs $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1994 through 1998 to carry out the Education Debt Reduction Program. (2) No funds may be used to provide assistance under the program unless expressly provided for in an appropriation Act. (f) Exemption from Limitation.--Section 523(b) of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-585; 38 U.S.C. 7601 note) shall not apply to the Education Debt Reduction Program.

Summary: Department of Veterans Affairs Health Professionals Education Debt Reduction Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out the Department of Veterans Affairs Education Debt Reduction Program to assist Department health-care personnel serving in the Veterans Health Administration in reducing the amount of debt incurred in completing educational programs that qualify such personnel for such service. Makes eligible for such Program any individual other than a physician or dentist serving in a Department health care position and having an outstanding health education loan from a qualified educational institution. Provides certain assistance preferences. Limits the assistance to $4,000 for each full year served in a Department health-care position, up to a $12,000 maximum. Authorizes appropriations for the Program for FY 1994 through 1998.