SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor's mission is-- (A) to commemorate the extraordinary sacrifice of America's servicemen and servicewomen who were killed or wounded in combat; and (B) to collect and preserve the stories of National Purple Heart recipients from all branches of service and across generations to ensure that all recipients are represented. (2) The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor first opened its doors on November 10, 2006, in New Windsor, NY. (3) The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located at the New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, where General George Washington's Army camped during the Revolutionary War and where he first awarded the Badge of Military Merit, a piece of purple cloth that became the model for the Purple Heart. (4) The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is the first to recognize the more than 1.7 million U.S. servicemembers wounded or killed in action ranging from the American Revolutionary War to the present day, serving as a living memorial to their sacrifice by sharing their stories through interviews, exhibits and the Roll of Honor, an interactive computer database of each recipient. SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. (a) Denominations.--The Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall mint and issue the following coins: (1) $5 gold coins.--Not more than 50,000 $5 coins, which shall-- (A) weigh 8.359 grams; (B) have a diameter of 0.850 inches; and (C) contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy. (2) $1 silver coins.--Not more than 400,000 $1 coins, which shall-- (A) weigh 26.73 grams; (B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and (C) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. (3) Half-dollar clad coins.--Not more than 750,000 half- dollar coins which shall-- (A) weigh 11.34 grams; (B) have a diameter of 1.205 inches; and (C) be minted to the specifications for half-dollar coins contained in section 5112(b) of title 31, United States Code. (b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code. (c) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items. SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS. (a) Design Requirements.-- (1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this Act shall be emblematic of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. (2) Designation and inscriptions.--On each coin minted under this Act there shall be-- (A) a designation of the value of the coin; (B) an inscription of the year ``2017''; and (C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God We Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E Pluribus Unum''. (b) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this Act shall be-- (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Commission of Fine Arts and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Inc.; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS. (a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities. (b) Mint Facility.--Only the West Point Mint may be used to strike any particular quality of the coins minted under this Act. (c) Period for Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted under this Act only during the 1-year period beginning on January 1, 2017. SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS. (a) Sale Price.--The coins issued under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of-- (1) the face value of the coins; (2) the surcharge provided in section 7(a) with respect to such coins; and (3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping). (b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins issued under this Act at a reasonable discount. (c) Prepaid Orders.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of such coins. (2) Discount.--Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount. SEC. 7. SURCHARGES. (a) In General.--All sales of coins issued under this Act shall include a surcharge of-- (1) $35 per coin for the $5 coin; (2) $10 per coin for the $1 coin; and (3) $5 per coin for the half-dollar coin. (b) Distribution.--Subject to section 5134(f)(1) of title 31, United States Code, all surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Inc., to help finance the construction of a new building and renovation of existing National Purple Heart Hall of Honor facilities. (c) Audits.--The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Inc., shall be subject to the audit requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States Code, with regard to the amounts received under subsection (b). (d) Limitation.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), no surcharge may be included with respect to the issuance under this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the time of such issuance, the issuance of such coin would result in the number of commemorative coin programs issued during such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative coin program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United States Code (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act). The Secretary of the Treasury may issue guidance to carry out this subsection.

Summary: National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Act Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Limits the minting of such coins to the one-year period beginning on January 1, 2017. Prescribes surcharges for coin sales, which shall be paid to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, Inc., to help finance the construction of a new building and renovation of existing National Purple Heart Hall of Honor facilities.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. SAFE AND AFFORDABLE DRUGS FROM CANADA. Chapter VIII of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 381 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 810. IMPORTATION BY INDIVIDUALS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS FROM CANADA. ``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations permitting individuals to safely import into the United States a prescription drug described in subsection (b). ``(b) Prescription Drug.--A prescription drug described in this subsection-- ``(1) is a prescription drug that-- ``(A) is purchased from an approved Canadian pharmacy; ``(B) is dispensed by a pharmacist licensed to practice pharmacy and dispense prescription drugs in Canada; ``(C) is purchased for personal use by the individual, not for resale, in quantities that do not exceed a 90-day supply; ``(D) is filled using a valid prescription issued by a physician licensed to practice in a State in the United States; and ``(E) has the same active ingredient or ingredients, route of administration, dosage form, and strength as a prescription drug approved by the Secretary under chapter V; and ``(2) does not include-- ``(A) a controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)); ``(B) a biological product (as defined in section 351 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262)); ``(C) an infused drug (including a peritoneal dialysis solution); ``(D) an intravenously injected drug; ``(E) a drug that is inhaled during surgery; ``(F) a parenteral drug; ``(G) a drug manufactured through 1 or more biotechnology processes, including-- ``(i) a therapeutic DNA plasmid product; ``(ii) a therapeutic synthetic peptide product of not more than 40 amino acids; ``(iii) a monoclonal antibody product for in vivo use; and ``(iv) a therapeutic recombinant DNA- derived product; ``(H) a drug required to be refrigerated at any time during manufacturing, packing, processing, or holding; or ``(I) a photoreactive drug. ``(c) Approved Canadian Pharmacy.-- ``(1) In general.--In this section, an approved Canadian pharmacy is a pharmacy that-- ``(A) is located in Canada; and ``(B) that the Secretary certifies-- ``(i) is licensed to operate and dispense prescription drugs to individuals in Canada; and ``(ii) meets the criteria under paragraph (3). ``(2) Publication of approved canadian pharmacies.--The Secretary shall publish on the Internet Web site of the Food and Drug Administration a list of approved Canadian pharmacies, including the Internet Web site address of each such approved Canadian pharmacy, from which individuals may purchase prescription drugs in accordance with subsection (a). ``(3) Additional criteria.--To be an approved Canadian pharmacy, the Secretary shall certify that the pharmacy-- ``(A) has been in existence for a period of at least 5 years preceding the date of such certification and has a purpose other than to participate in the program established under this section; ``(B) operates in accordance with pharmacy standards set forth by the provincial pharmacy rules and regulations enacted in Canada; ``(C) has processes established by the pharmacy, or participates in another established process, to certify that the physical premises and data reporting procedures and licenses are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and has implemented policies designed to monitor ongoing compliance with such laws and regulations; ``(D) conducts or commits to participate in ongoing and comprehensive quality assurance programs and implements such quality assurance measures, including blind testing, to ensure the veracity and reliability of the findings of the quality assurance program; ``(E) agrees that laboratories approved by the Secretary shall be used to conduct product testing to determine the safety and efficacy of sample pharmaceutical products; ``(F) has established, or will establish or participate in, a process for resolving grievances and will be held accountable for violations of established guidelines and rules; ``(G) does not resell products from online pharmacies located outside Canada to customers in the United States; and ``(H) meets any other criteria established by the Secretary.''.

Summary: Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2015 Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to promulgate regulations within 180 days permitting individuals to import a prescription drug purchased from an approved Canadian pharmacy that: is dispensed by a pharmacist licensed in Canada; is purchased for personal use in quantities not greater than a 90-day supply; is filled using a valid prescription issued by a physician licensed to practice in the United States; and has the same active ingredient or ingredients, route of administration, dosage form, and strength as a prescription drug approved under the FFDCA. Sets forth exceptions, including for controlled substances and biological products. Establishes a certification process for approving Canadian pharmacies. Requires HHS to publish a list of approved Canadian pharmacies.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Michelle's Law''. SEC. 2. COVERAGE OF DEPENDENT STUDENTS ON MEDICALLY NECESSARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE. (a) Amendments of ERISA.--Subpart A of part 7 of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1181 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 704. COVERAGE OF DEPENDENT STUDENTS ON MEDICALLY NECESSARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE. ``(a) Medically Necessary Leave of Absence.--In this section, the term `medically necessary leave of absence' means a leave of absence from a postsecondary educational institution (including an institution of higher education as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965) that-- ``(1) is due to a severe illness or injury, as certified by the attending physician of the dependent child involved; and ``(2) causes the dependent child involved to lose full-time student status. ``(b) Requirement To Continue Coverage.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of a dependent child described under paragraph (2), a group health plan (or health insurance coverage offered in connection with such a plan) shall not terminate coverage of such child due to a medically necessary leave of absence before the date that is the earlier of-- ``(A) the date that is 1 year after the first day of the medically necessary leave of absence; or ``(B) the date on which such coverage would otherwise terminate under the terms of the plan. ``(2) Child described.--A dependent child described in this paragraph is a child who-- ``(A) is a dependent of a participant or beneficiary of the plan or coverage; ``(B) is 18 years of age or older; ``(C) was enrolled in the plan or coverage as of the first day of the medically necessary leave of absence involved; and ``(D) was enrolled as a full-time student at a postsecondary educational institution (as described in subsection (a)) until the first day of the medically necessary leave of absence involved. ``(3) Certification by physician.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a group health plan (or health insurance coverage offered in connection with such a plan) unless the dependent child submits to the plan or issuer and the postsecondary educational institution involved, documentation and certification by the child's attending physician stating that the leave of absence involved is a medically necessary leave of absence. ``(c) No Loss of Full-Time Status Due to Break in Semester.--Any breaks in the school semester shall not disqualify a dependent child described under subsection (b) from coverage under this section. ``(d) No Additional Coverage.--A dependent child described under subsection (b) shall be entitled to an extension under this section of only those benefits to which the child was entitled under the terms of the plan or coverage as of the first day of the medically necessary leave of absence involved. ``(e) Coverage Under Successor Plan.--If an employer or health insurance issuer changes group health plans after the first day of a medically necessary leave of absence of dependent child described in subsection (b) but before the date described under subsection (b)(1), and such new group health plan offers coverage of dependent children, such new group health plan shall be subject to this section in the same manner as the group health plan coverage in effect on the first day of the medically necessary leave of absence of such dependent child. ``(f) Presumption.--For purposes of administrative or judicial proceedings, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the documentation and certification under subsection (b)(3) entitles the dependent child involved to coverage as described under this section.''. (b) Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code.--Subchapter B of chapter 100 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9811 et seq.) is amended-- (1) in the table of sections, by inserting after the item relating to section 9812 the following new item: ``Sec. 9813. Coverage of dependent students on medically necessary leave of absence.''; and (2) by inserting after section 9813 the following: ``SEC. 9813. COVERAGE OF DEPENDENT STUDENTS ON MEDICALLY NECESSARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE. ``(a) Medically Necessary Leave of Absence.--The term `medically necessary leave of absence' means a leave of absence from a postsecondary educational institution (including an institution of higher education as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965) that-- ``(1) is due to a severe illness or injury, as certified by the attending physician of the dependent child involved; and ``(2) causes the dependent child involved to lose full-time student status. ``(b) Requirement To Continue Coverage.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of a dependent child described under paragraph (2), a group health plan (or health insurance coverage offered in connection with such a plan) shall not terminate coverage of such child due to a medically necessary leave of absence before the date that is the earlier of-- ``(A) the date that is 1 year after the first day of the medically necessary leave of absence; or ``(B) the date on which such coverage would otherwise terminate under the terms of the plan. ``(2) Child described.--A dependent child described in this paragraph is a child who-- ``(A) is a dependent of a participant or beneficiary of the plan or coverage; ``(B) is 18 years of age or older; ``(C) was enrolled in the plan or coverage as of the first day of the medically necessary leave of absence involved; and ``(D) was enrolled as a full-time student at a postsecondary educational institution (as described in subsection (a)) until the first day of the medically necessary leave of absence involved. ``(3) Certification by physician.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a group health plan (or health insurance coverage offered in connection with such a plan) unless the dependent child submits to the plan or issuer and the postsecondary educational institution involved, documentation and certification by the child's attending physician stating that the leave of absence involved is a medically necessary leave of absence. ``(c) No Loss of Full-Time Status Due to Break in Semester.--Any breaks in the school semester shall not disqualify a dependent child described under subsection (b) from coverage under this section. ``(d) No Additional Coverage.--A dependent child described under subsection (b) shall be entitled to an extension under this section of only those benefits to which the child was entitled under the terms of the plan or coverage as of the first day of the medically necessary leave of absence involved. ``(e) Coverage Under Successor Plan.--If an employer or health insurance issuer changes group health plans after the first day of a medically necessary leave of absence of dependent child described in subsection (b) but before the date described under subsection (b)(1), and such new group health plan offers coverage of dependent children, such new group health plan shall be subject to this section in the same manner as the group health plan coverage in effect on the first day of the medically necessary leave of absence of such dependent child. ``(f) Presumption.--For purposes of administrative or judicial proceedings, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the documentation and certification under subsection (b)(3) entitles the dependent child involved to coverage as described under this section.''.

Summary: Michelle's Law - Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit a group health plan or health insurance coverage offered in connection with such a plan from terminating the coverage of a dependent child due to a medically necessary leave of absence from a postsecondary educational institution that causes the child to lose full-time status before the date that is the earlier of: (1) one year after the first day of the leave of absence; or (2) the date on which such coverage would otherwise terminate under the terms of the plan. Requires documentation and a certification by a physician.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Sudden Oak Death Syndrome Control Act of 2004''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) tan oak, coast live oak, Shreve's oak, and black oak trees are among the most beloved features of the topography of California and the Pacific Northwest and efforts should be made to protect those trees from disease; (2) the die-off of those trees, as a result of the exotic fungal pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, is approaching epidemic proportions; (3) native plants and forests must be protected from Phytophthora ramorum; (4) more information is needed on-- (A) Phytophthora ramorum, including the existence of Phytophthora ramorum throughout the United States; and (B) sudden oak death syndrome, including-- (i) the causes; (ii) the methods of transmittal; and (iii) the best methods of treatment; (5) the host list for Phytophthora ramorum includes 60 plant species in 32 genera, including-- (A) some of the most popular and economically important landscape and garden plants in the United States; and (B) wild huckleberry plants, potentially endangering the commercial blueberry and cranberry industries; (6) sudden oak death syndrome threatens to create major economic and environmental problems in California, the Pacific Northwest, and other regions, including-- (A) the increased threat of fire and fallen trees; (B) the cost of tree removal and a reduction in property values; and (C) loss of revenue due to-- (i) restrictions on the movement of forest products and nursery stock; and (ii) the impact on the commercial nursery and small fruit industries; (7) in 2002, the Secretary of Agriculture imposed a quarantine on the exportation from 10 counties in northern California and Curry County, Oregon, of oak trees and nursery plants that serve as hosts for Phytophthora ramorum; (8) on April 9, 2004, after the discovery of Phytophthora ramorum in 2 nurseries in southern California-- (A) restrictions were placed on the interstate movement of species that could potentially serve as hosts to Phytophthora ramorum; and (B) new restrictions were implemented on the interstate movement of host plants and potential host plants from all commercial nurseries in the State of California that are outside the 10 quarantined counties; (9) on April 22, 2004, the restrictions referred to in paragraph (8)(B) were expanded to include-- (A) all plants in the same genus as host and potential host plants; and (B) plants growing within 10 meters of a host or potential host plant; and (10) several States and Canada have placed restrictions on the importation of nursery plants from California. SEC. 3. RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND REGULATION OF SUDDEN OAK DEATH SYNDROME. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture (referred to in this Act as the ``Secretary'') shall carry out a sudden oak death syndrome research, monitoring, and regulation program to develop methods to control, manage, or eradicate sudden oak death syndrome from-- (1) trees and shrubs on both public and private land; and (2) host plants and potential host plants from commercial nurseries. (b) Research, Monitoring, and Regulation Activities.--In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary may-- (1) conduct open space, roadside, and aerial surveys; (2) provide monitoring technique workshops with respect to-- (A) Phytophthora ramorum in wildland and urban areas; and (B) Phytophthora ramorum infestations in nurseries; (3) conduct a comprehensive and biologically sound national survey of forests, plant nurseries, and landscapes that may have been exposed to Phytophthora ramorum, with priority given to surveying and inspecting plants at commercial nurseries and adjacent wildlands throughout the United States; (4) develop a comprehensive risk assessment of the threat posed by Phytophthora ramorum to natural and managed plant resources in the United States, including modes of transmission and the risk of infestation; (5) conduct a study of a representative sample of nursery plants imported into the United States from Europe, where Phytophthora ramorum is known to be found; (6) develop baseline information on the distribution, condition, and mortality rates of oaks with Phytophthora ramorum infestation; (7) maintain a geographic information system database of Phytophthora ramorum occurrences; (8) conduct research on Phytophthora ramorum ecology, pathology, and management in wildland, urban, and nursery settings; (9) evaluate the susceptibility of oak and other vulnerable species in the United States, with priority given to evaluating the susceptibility of commercially important nursery species; (10) conduct assessments of trees that could pose a hazard due to infestation of Phytophthora ramorum; and (11) provide diagnostic services. SEC. 4. MANAGEMENT, TREATMENT, AND FIRE PREVENTION. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct sudden oak death syndrome management, treatment, and fire prevention activities. (b) Management, Treatment, and Fire Prevention Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall-- (1) carry out activities to reduce the threat of fire and fallen trees killed by sudden oak death syndrome; (2) increase and improve firefighting and emergency response capabilities in areas where fire hazard has increased due to tree die-off; (3) treat vegetation to prevent fire in areas heavily infected with sudden oak death syndrome; and (4) provide grants to local units of government for hazard tree removal, disposal and recycling, assessment and management of restoration and mitigation projects, green waste treatment facilities, reforestation, and resistant tree breeding. SEC. 5. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct education and outreach activities to make information available to the public on sudden death oak syndrome. (b) Education and Outreach Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary may-- (1) develop and distribute educational materials for homeowners, arborists, urban foresters, park managers, public works personnel, recreationists, nursery workers, landscapers, naturists, firefighting personnel, and other individuals, as the Secretary determines appropriate; (2) design and maintain a website to provide information on sudden oak death syndrome; and (3) provide financial and technical support to States, local governments, and nonprofit organizations providing information on sudden oak death syndrome. SEC. 6. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMUNICATION. (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that close communication between the affected agencies at all levels of government is required for the programs authorized under this Act to be effective. (b) Regular Meetings or Consultations.-- (1) In general.--In accordance with section 204(a) of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1534(a)), the Secretary shall convene regular meetings of, or conduct regular consultations with, Federal, State, tribal, and local government officials for the purpose of providing a means of exchanging information and recommendations on how to carry out this Act effectively. (2) Requirements.--Meetings or consultations conducted under paragraph (1) shall-- (A) be conducted in a manner that ensures that the various regions of the United States are represented; and (B) include-- (i) representatives from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; (ii) representatives from the Agriculture Research Service; (iii) representatives from the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; (iv) representatives from the Forest Service; (v) representatives from State forester offices; and (vi) State representatives from the National Plant Board. SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2009-- (1) to carry out section 3, $25,000,000; (2) to carry out section 4, $18,500,000; and (3) to carry out section 5, $700,000. Passed the Senate December 8, 2004. Attest: Secretary. 108th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2575 _______________________________________________________________________ AN ACT To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct research, monitoring, management, treatment, and outreach activities relating to sudden oak death syndrome and to convene regular meetings of, or conduct regular consultations with, Federal, State, tribal, and local government officials to provide recommendations on how to carry out those activities.

Summary: Sudden Oak Death Syndrome Control Act of 2004 - (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a sudden oak death syndrome (Phytophthora ramorum) research, monitoring, and regulation program to control or eradicate sudden oak death syndrome from: (1) trees and shrubs on public and private land; and (2) host and potential host plants from commercial nurseries. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) conduct open space, roadside, and aerial surveys; (2) provide monitoring workshops; (3) conduct a national survey of forests, plant nurseries, and landscapes that may have been exposed to Phytophthora ramorum, and develop a related risk assessment; (4) develop baseline information on infected oaks and maintain a geographic information system database of Phytophthora ramorum occurrences; (5) conduct Phytophthora ramorum research; (6) evaluate tree species susceptibility; and (7) provide diagnostic services. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to conduct sudden oak death syndrome management, treatment, and fire prevention activities, including: (1) firefighting and emergency response improvements; and (2) local government grants for tree removal, disposal, and recycling, restoration and mitigation projects, green waste treatment facilities, reforestation, and resistant tree breeding. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to conduct outreach and education activities, including: (1) educational materials development and distribution, including a website; and (2) financial and technical support to States, local governments, and nonprofit organizations providing information on sudden oak death syndrome. (Sec. 6) Expresses the sense of Congress that agency communication at all governmental levels is required for program effectiveness. Directs the Secretary to meet and consult regularly with Federal, State, tribal, and local government officials to exchange program information. (Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through 2009.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Financial Security Credit Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) United States households are experiencing significant levels of financial vulnerability, characterized by a lack of personal savings. The personal savings rate reached historic lows in the past decade, and a lack of personal savings was a major contributor to the recession of 2007-2009, and to the slow recovery of ensuing years. (2) Households continue to lack the savings or structures to meet short-term and long-term needs, as evidenced by the following: (A) According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, among full-time, full-year wage and salary workers ages 21-64, only 54.5 percent participated in a retirement plan in 2013. (B) According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 2013 Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households, an estimated 7.7 percent of United States households are unbanked. These households do not have a checking or savings account. In total, 31.2 percent of households do not have a savings account. (C) According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, the majority of American households (55 percent) are savings-limited, meaning they can replace less than one month of their income through liquid savings. (3) Financial shocks are common and savings make households more resilient to financial shocks and more upwardly mobile, as evidenced by the following: (A) Substantial fluctuations in family income are the norm. In any given 2-year period, nearly half of households experience an income gain or drop of more than 25 percent, a rate of volatility that has been relatively constant since 1979. (B) Even small sums of savings, $2,000 or less, have been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of negative financial or material outcomes, such as foregoing adequate nutrition. (C) Children born to low-income, high-saving parents are much more likely (71 percent) to move up the economic ladder than children born to low-income, low-saving parents (50 percent) over a generation. (4) Emergency savings are necessary to protect retirement savings from early, penalized withdrawals and to support long- term retirement security. (5) Successful pilot programs administered through local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites in cities as diverse as Houston, Texas; Newark, New Jersey; New York City, New York; San Antonio, Texas; and Tulsa, Oklahoma, have shown that tax filers with low incomes can and will save when presented with the right incentive at the right moment and access to an account. The potential of increasing savings at tax time among low- and moderate-income households has been further validated by the low-touch, large-scale pilot Refund to Savings. (6) It is in the economic interests of the United States to promote savings among all members of society, regardless of income. SEC. 3. FINANCIAL SECURITY CREDIT. (a) In General.--Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after section 36B the following new section: ``SEC. 36C. FINANCIAL SECURITY CREDIT. ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--There shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for a taxable year an amount equal to the lesser of-- ``(1) $500, or ``(2) 50 percent of the total amount deposited or contributed by the taxpayer in accordance with subsection (b)(1) into designated savings products during such taxable year. ``(b) Limitations.-- ``(1) Credit must be deposited in or contributed to designated savings product.--No amount shall be allowed as a credit under subsection (a) for a taxable year unless the taxpayer designates on the taxpayer's return of tax for the taxable year that the amount of the credit for such taxable year be deposited in or contributed to one or more designated savings products of the taxpayer and the Secretary makes such deposits or contributions to the designated savings products. ``(2) Limitation based on adjusted gross income.-- ``(A) In general.--The amount of the credit allowable under subsection (a) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by an amount which bears the same ratio to the amount of such credit (determined without regard to this paragraph) as-- ``(i) the amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds the threshold amount, bears to ``(ii) $15,000. ``(B) Threshold amount.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `threshold amount' means-- ``(i) $55,500 in the case of a joint return, ``(ii) $41,625 in the case of an individual who is not married, and ``(iii) 50 percent of the dollar amount in effect under clause (i) in the case of a married individual filing a separate return. For purposes of this subparagraph, marital status shall be determined under section 7703. ``(c) Designated Savings Product.--For purposes of this section, the term `designated savings product' means any of the following: ``(1) A qualified retirement plan (as defined in section 4974(c)). ``(2) A qualified tuition program (as defined in section 529). ``(3) A Coverdell education savings account (as defined in section 530). ``(4) A United States savings bond. ``(5) A certificate of deposit (or similar class of deposit) with a duration of at least 8 months. ``(6) A savings account. ``(7) Any other type of savings product considered to be appropriate by the Secretary for the purposes of this section. ``(d) Special Rules.-- ``(1) Tax refunds treated as deposited or contributed in current taxable year.--For purposes of subsection (a)(2), the amount of any overpayment of taxes refunded to the taxpayer (reduced by any amount attributable to the credit allowed under this section by reason of being considered as an overpayment by section 6401(b)) and designated for deposit in or contribution to a designated savings product of the taxpayer shall be treated as an amount deposited or contributed in the taxable year in which so deposited or contributed. ``(2) Maintenance of deposit.--No contribution or deposit shall be taken into account under subsection (a) unless such contribution or deposit remains in the designated savings product for not less than 8 continuous months. ``(3) Reduction in deposits in designated savings products.-- ``(A) In general.--The amount of deposits or contributions taken into account under subsection (a) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the aggregate amount of distributions (other than interest from designated savings products specified in paragraphs (4), (5), (6), and (7) of subsection (c)) from all designated savings products of the taxpayer during the testing period. The preceding sentence shall not apply to the portion of any distribution which is not includible in gross income by reason of a trustee-to- trustee transfer or a rollover distribution. ``(B) Testing period.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the testing period, with respect to a taxable year, is the period which includes-- ``(i) such taxable year, ``(ii) the 2 preceding taxable years, and ``(iii) the period after such taxable year and before the due date (including extensions) for filing the return of tax for such taxable year. ``(C) Other rules.--Rules similar to subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section 25B(d)(2) shall apply for purposes of this paragraph. ``(4) Denial of double benefit.--No credit shall be allowed under section 25B with respect to any deposit for which a credit is allowed under this section. ``(5) Coordination with other refundable credits.--The credit allowed by subsection (a) shall be taken into account after taking into account the credits allowed by (or treated as allowed by) this subpart (other than this section). ``(e) Inflation Adjustments.-- ``(1) Credit limit.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2016, the dollar amount in subsection (a)(1) 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 the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 2015' for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof. ``(2) AGI thresholds.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2016, each of the dollar amounts in clauses (i) and (ii) of subsection (b)(2)(B) 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 the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 2015' for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof. ``(3) Rounding.-- ``(A) Credit limit.--If any increase under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $10, such increase shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $10. ``(B) AGI thresholds.--If any increase under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $100, such increase shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $100. ``(f) Regulations.--Not later than 12 months from date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue such regulations or other guidance as the Secretary determines necessary or appropriate to carry out this section, including regulations or guidance-- ``(1) to ensure that designated savings products are subject to appropriate reporting requirements, including the reporting of contributions and other deposits during the calendar year, end of calendar year account balances, and earnings from designated savings products specified in paragraphs (4), (5), (6), and (7) of subsection (c), ``(2) to carry out the maintenance of deposit provisions under subsection (d)(2), and ``(3) to prevent avoidance of the purposes of this subsection.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 1324(b)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``36C,'' after ``36B,''. (2) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 36C the following new item: ``Sec. 36C. Financial security credit.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015. SEC. 4. OPENING OF ACCOUNTS ON FEDERAL INCOME TAX RETURNS TO FACILITATE SAVINGS. (a) Notification of Option.-- (1) In general.--The Commissioner of Internal Revenue shall notify individuals who may qualify for a credit under section 36C of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 but fail to provide sufficient information to allow the Secretary to deposit or contribute the credit amount to a designated savings product that they have the option of an electronic direct deposit and that they may be eligible for the financial security credit under section 36C of such Code if they deposit a refund or a portion of their refund in any designated savings product. (2) Method of notification.--The notification under paragraph (1) shall be made through-- (A) a public awareness program undertaken by the Secretary of the Treasury, in concert with the Commissioner of Internal Revenue and others as necessary, beginning not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act; (B) tax return preparers and low-income taxpayer clinics; and (C) the inclusion of such a notice in the instruction material for any Federal income tax return. (b) Establishment of Designated Account Program.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall develop, in consultation with the Federal Management System, a program to minimize the delivery of non-electronic Federal income tax refunds by depositing refunds electronically to a safe, low- cost account held by a depository institution. This program shall include-- (1) provisions for such tax refunds to be deposited into a designated account; (2) establishment of account parameters with respect to minimum balance requirements, limitations on overdrafts, overdraft fees, other fees, and additional requirements; (3) establishment of means for the taxpayer to access the account electronically and to have timely, direct access to the funds in the account; and (4) provisions to allow taxpayers to open an account with their Federal income tax refunds through financial service providers, so long such account is held at a depository institution insured under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or a credit union insured under the Federal Credit Union Act. (c) Effective Date.--The notification under subsection (a) and the program under subsection (b) shall be effective with respect to Federal income tax returns for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015.

Summary: Financial Security Credit Act of 2015 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an income-based tax credit equal to the lesser of $500 or 50% of the total amount deposited or contributed into designated savings products in a taxable year (financial security credit). A "designated savings product" is a qualified retirement plan, a qualified tuition plan, a Coverdell education savings account, a U.S. savings bond, a certificate of deposit with a duration of at least eight months, a savings account, or other savings product considered appropriate by the Department of the Treasury. The Internal Revenue Service must notify individual taxpayers who may qualify for a financial security credit that they have the option of an electronic direct deposit if they deposit any portion of their tax refund into a designated savings product.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Maternal Motor Vehicle Crash Safety Act of 2006''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee on Appropriations and Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives. (3) Biofidelic.--The term ``biofidelic'' means having the property of responding to and being impacted by crash and other external forces in a manner directly consistent with the way in which a live human being would respond to and be impacted by such forces. (4) Data linkage system.--The term ``data linkage system'' means an information system that is capable of accurately tracking adverse health effects and birth outcomes for pregnant women who are occupants of a motor vehicle that is involved in a crash and the unborn children of such women, through the connection and analysis of multiple data sources. (5) Unborn child.--The term ``unborn child'' means a member of the species homo sapiens, at any stage of development, who is carried in the womb. SEC. 3. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Injuries are the leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths in the United States. (2) Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury deaths in women of reproductive age and the leading cause of injury hospitalizations among pregnant women. (3) Studies have indicated that motor vehicles are estimated to account for up to 80 percent of injury related deaths among unborn children. (4) Transportation Research Board publications indicate that deaths among unborn children due to motor vehicle crashes are more frequent than several notable fatal childhood injuries, including bicycle related deaths in children aged 0 through 15, firearm related deaths in children aged 0 through 9, and motor vehicle crash related deaths in children aged 0 through 1. (5) Studies suggest that approximately 3 percent of all babies born in the United States are involved in a motor vehicle crash while in utero. (6) Studies have shown that elevated risks of birth-related threats and obstetric complications following crashes involving pregnant women include-- (A) premature childbirth; (B) low birth weight; (C) placental injury; (D) uterine rupture; and (E) amniotic rupture. (7) Despite advances in vehicle safety, pregnant women have not received the special attention and consideration needed to understand, reduce, and prevent the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes related to crashes. (8) There is a need for more research and application using anthropometric test devices and computerized modeling systems that represent pregnant women during all stages of pregnancy. (9) During pregnancy, the risks of traumatic injury to a woman is shared by the woman's unborn child. Assessing the magnitude and characteristics of those risks through data linkage systems, comparing the risks to other injuries and diseases, and reducing them, are important unmet challenges for improving maternal and child health. (10) A better understanding is needed about what can happen during, and after, a pregnant woman is involved in a motor vehicle crash. This includes the effects of a crash on the mother, the unborn child, and the delicate physiological balance between the mother and child that separates healthy from unhealthy pregnancies, including the effects of maternal physiologic adaptations to trauma, fluid loss and shock, effects from maternal stress, effects from diagnostic regimens, medical or surgical procedures, or the wide variety of prescription medicines, and other medication taken by the mother. (11) Despite the importance of the health of mothers and unborn children involved in motor vehicle crashes, agencies and data linkage systems responsible for tracking motor vehicle injuries, deaths, and other measures of adverse outcome rarely capture pregnancy status. (12) Existing data collection and analysis systems generally do not count unborn children involved in motor vehicle crashes and do not follow them after their birth to ascertain the effects of the crash on long-term neuro- developmental and functional outcomes. SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON IMPROVEMENTS TO THE NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE SAMPLING SYSTEM CRASHWORTHINESS DATA SYSTEM. It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator-- (1) should continue to include in the National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System maintained by the Administrator data related to motor vehicle crashes that involved a pregnant women; and (2) should identify other means to advance the current level of understanding regarding the number, nature, and impact of motor vehicle crashes involving pregnant women and their unborn children through data collection, data linkage systems, and analysis systems. SEC. 5. GRANTS FOR DATA LINKAGE SYSTEMS PROGRAMS. (a) In General.--The Administrator shall, in consultation with appropriate officials of State agencies or public health organizations, carry out a program to provide grants and other incentives, including technical assistance to eligible entities for the purpose described in subsection (b). (b) Purpose.--A grant or other incentive provided under this section shall be used to promote the development of data linkage systems described in subsection (e). (c) Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term ``eligible entity'' means an academic, public health, or transportation safety organization or a State or local government agency that the Administrator determines is appropriate to receive a grant or incentive under this section. (d) Application and Award Process.-- (1) Applications.--Each eligible entity seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time and in such manner as the Administrator may require. (2) Awards.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish-- (A) the criteria for awarding a grant or incentive under this section; and (B) a competitive, merit-based process to select applications to receive a grant or incentive under this section. (3) Publication.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register the criteria and process described in paragraph (2). (e) Program Structure.--The data linkage systems eligible to receive assistance under this section are systems that use the following sources: (1) State and local vital statistics databases, including birth, infant, and death records. (2) State and local crash and driver's license records. (3) Other computerized health records as available, including emergency medical services reports and hospital and emergency room admission and discharge records. (f) Existing Data Systems.--To the maximum extent possible, the Administrator shall integrate the grant and incentive program carried out under this section with the existing State specific Crash Outcome Data Evaluation Systems carried out by the Administrator to utilize the capabilities, linkage expertise, and organizational relationships of such Systems to provide a foundation for improving the tracking of adverse health effects and birth outcomes for pregnant women who are occupants of a motor vehicle at the time of a crash and their unborn children. (g) Data Security and Privacy.--In carrying out this section, the Administrator and any eligible entity selected to receive a grant or incentive under this section for a data linkage system shall ensure that personal identifiers and other information utilized in that data linkage system related to a specific individual is handled in a manner consistent with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations and to ensure the confidentiality of such information, and in the manner necessary to prevent the theft, manipulation, or other unlawful or unauthorized use of personal information contained in data sources used for linkage studies. (h) Authorization of Appropriations.-- (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated $2,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 to carry out this section. (2) Availability of funds.--Funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended. SEC. 6. SAFETY RESEARCH PROGRAM AND NATIONAL CONFERENCE. (a) Safety Research Program.-- (1) Requirement to conduct.--The Administrator shall conduct a research program as described in this section to promote the health and safety of pregnant women who are involved in motor vehicle crashes and of their unborn children. (2) High priority research areas.--In carrying out the research program under this section, the Administrator shall place a high priority on conducting research to-- (A) investigate methods to maximize the injury prevention performance of standard 3-point safety belts for pregnant women during all stages of pregnancy; (B) analyze the effectiveness of technologies designed to modify or extend the safety performance of 3-point safety belts for pregnant women across a range of pregnancy phases, including technologies currently available in the marketplace; (C) develop biofidelic, anthropometric test devices that are representative of pregnant women during all stages of pregnancy; and (D) develop biofidelic, computer models that are representative of pregnant women during all stages of pregnancy to aid in understanding crash forces relevant to the safety of pregnant women and unborn children that may include the utilization of existing modeling systems developed by private and academic institutions, if appropriate. (b) National Conference.-- (1) Requirement to convene.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, shall convene a national research conference for the purpose of identifying critical scientific issues for research on the safety of pregnant women involved in motor vehicle crashes and their unborn children. (2) Purpose of the conference.--The purpose of the conference required by paragraph (1) shall be to establish and prioritize a list of research questions to guide future research related to the safety of pregnant women involved in motor vehicle crashes and their unborn children. (3) Authority to partner with other organizations.--The Administrator is authorized to carry out the conference required by paragraph (1) in a partnership with organizations recognized for expertise related to the research described in paragraph (2). (c) Report Required.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that describes-- (1) the research program carried out by the Administration pursuant to subsection (a), including any findings or conclusions associated with such research program; and (2) the priorities established at the national conference required by subsection (b), plans for regulations or future programs, or factors limiting the effectiveness of such research. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.-- (1) In general.--For each of the fiscal years 2007, 2008, and 2009, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as necessary to carry out this section. (2) Availability of funds.--Funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended. SEC. 7. PUBLIC OUTREACH AND EDUCATION. (a) In General.--The Administrator shall conduct a public outreach and education program to increase awareness of the unique safety risks associated with motor vehicle crashes for pregnant women and the unborn children of such women and of the methods available to reduce such risks. Such program shall include making information regarding the injury-prevention value of proper safety belt and airbag use available to the public. (b) Targeted Outreach.--The Administrator shall carry out the program described in subsection (a) in a manner that utilizes media and organizational partners to effectively educate pregnant women, ensure an overall educational impact, and efficiently utilize the program's resources. (c) Program Initiation and Duration.--The Administrator shall initiate the program described in subsection (a) not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall maintain such program for not less than 24 months, subject to the availability of funds. SEC. 8. INCLUSION OF SAFETY DATA IN ANNUAL ASSESSMENT. (a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), the Administrator shall include a discussion of data regarding the safety of pregnant women who are involved in motor vehicle crashes and of their unborn children, including any relevant trends in such data, in each of the Annual Assessment of Motor Vehicle Crashes published by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or an equivalent publication of such Center. (b) Report to Congress.--If the Administrator determines that including the information described in subsection (a) in the Annual Assessment of Motor Vehicle Crashes or an equivalent publication is not feasible, the Administrator shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 60 days after the date of the release of such Annual Assessment or equivalent publication that states the reasons that it was not feasible to include such information and an analysis of the steps necessary to make such information available in the future.

Summary: Maternal Motor Vehicle Crash Safety Act of 2006 - Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to the National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System. Directs the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to: (1) provide grants and other incentives to eligible entities to promote the development of data linkage systems that improve the tracking of adverse health effects and birth outcomes for pregnant women involved in motor vehicle crashes; (2) conduct a research program to promote the health and safety of such women and their unborn children; and (3) conduct a public outreach and education program to increase awareness of safety risks associated with motor vehicle crashes for such women and children and methods to reduce such risks. Directs the Administrator to include data regarding the safety of pregnant women and their unborn children who are involved in motor vehicle crashes in the NHTSA's Annual Assessment of Motor Vehicle Crashes.


SECTION 1. TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Table of contents. Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States Code. TITLE I--VETERANS HEALTH-CARE IMPROVEMENTS Sec. 101. Care for newborn children of enrolled women veterans. Sec. 102. Outpatient dental care for all former prisoners of war. Sec. 103. Pay comparability for Director, Nursing Service. TITLE II--VETERANS' BENEFIT PROGRAMS Sec. 201. Limitation on provision of certain benefits. Sec. 202. Clarification of procedures regarding disqualification of certain individuals for memorialization in veterans cemeteries. Sec. 203. Clarification of the period for appealing rulings of the Board of Veterans' Appeals. TITLE III--VA PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION IMPROVEMENTS Sec. 301. Repeal of cap on number of non-career members of senior executive service serving in VA. Sec. 302. Repeal of preceding-service requirement for VA Deputy Assistant Secretaries. Sec. 303. Revolving supply fund amendments. Sec. 304. Redefinition of ``minority group member'' in 38 U.S.C. Sec. 544(d). SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED STATES CODE. Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an amendment is expressed in terms of an amendment to a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of title 38, United States Code. TITLE I--VETERANS HEALTH-CARE IMPROVEMENTS SEC. 101. CARE FOR NEWBORN CHILDREN OF ENROLLED WOMEN VETERANS. Section 1701 is amended: (1) in subsection (6), (A) by striking out ``and'' at the end of paragraph (A); (B) by adding ``and'' at the end of paragraph (B); and (C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(C) care for newborn children.''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(11) The term ``care for newborn children'' means care provided to an infant of a woman veteran enrolled in the VA health care system. Such care may be provided until the mother is discharged from the hospital after delivery of the child or for 14 days after the date of birth of the child, whichever period is shorter, and only if the Department contracted for the delivery of the child.''. SEC. 102. OUTPATIENT DENTAL CARE FOR ALL FORMER PRISONERS OF WAR. Section 1712(a)(1)(F) is amended by striking out ``for a period of not less than 90 days''. SEC. 103. PAY COMPARABILITY FOR DIRECTOR, NURSING SERVICE. (a) Section 7306(a)(5) is amended by adding at the end thereof, ``The position shall be exempt from the provisions of section 7451 of this title and shall be paid at the maximum rate payable to a Senior Executive Service employee under 5 U.S.C. Sec. Sec. 5304(g) and 5382.''. (b) Section 7404 (d) is amended by deleting ``section'' the first time it appears and inserting in its place ``sections 7306(a)(5) and''. TITLE II--VETERANS' BENEFIT PROGRAMS SEC. 201. LIMITATION ON PROVISION OF CERTAIN BENEFITS. (a) Prohibitions.--(1) Section 112 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(c) A certificate shall not be furnished under this program on behalf of a deceased veteran described in section 2411(b) of this title.''. (2) Section 2301 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(f) A flag shall not be furnished under this section on behalf of a deceased veteran described in section 2411(b) of this title.''. (3) Section 2306 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(f)(1) A headstone or marker shall not be furnished under subsection (a) for the unmarked grave of an individual described in section 2411(b) of this title. ``(2) A memorial headstone or marker shall not be furnished under subsection (b) for the purpose of commemorating an individual described in section 2411(b) of this title.''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to deaths occurring on or after the date of its enactment. SEC. 202. CLARIFICATION OF PROCEDURES REGARDING DISQUALIFICATION OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS FOR MEMORIALIZATION IN VETERANS CEMETERIES. Section 2411(a)(2) is amended-- (1) by striking ``The prohibition'' and inserting ``In the case of a person described in subsection (b)(1) or (b)(2), the prohibition''; and (2) by striking ``or finding under subsection (b)'' and inserting ``referred to in subsection (b)(1) or (b)(2), respectively''. SEC. 203. CLARIFICATION OF THE PERIOD FOR APPEALING ULINGS OF THE BOARD OF VETERANS APPEALS. (a) Clarification.--Paragraph (1) of section 7266(a) is amended by striking ``notice of the decision is mailed pursuant to section 7104(e) of this title'' and inserting ``a copy of the decision, pursuant to section 7104(e) of this title, is mailed or sent to the claimant's representative or, if the claimant is not represented, mailed to the claimant''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) apply to Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions made on or after the date of enactment of this Act. TITLE III--VA PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION IMPROVEMENTS SEC. 301. REPEAL OF CAP ON NUMBER OF NON-CAREER MEMBERS OF SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE SERVING IN VA. (a) Section 709(a) is repealed. (b) Section 709 is amended by re-designating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (a) and (b), respectively. SEC. 302. REPEAL OF PRECEDING-SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR VA DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARIES. (a) Section 308(d)(2) is repealed. (b) Section 308 is amended by deleting ``(1)'' from subsection (d). SEC. 303. REVOLVING SUPPLY FUND AMENDMENTS. Section 8121(a) is amended-- (1) by adding ``and for medical supplies, equipment, and services for the Department of Defense'' after ``Department''; (2) in paragraph (2), by adding ``of the Department and the Department of Defense'' after ``appropriations''; and (3) in paragraph (3), by adding ``of the Department and the Department of Defense'' after ``appropriations''. SEC. 304. REDEFINITION OF ``MINORITY GROUP MEMBER'' IN 38 U.S.C. Sec. 544(D). Section 544(d) is amended to read as follows: ``(d) In this section, the term `minority group member' means an individual who is-- ``(1) American Indian or Alaska Native; ``(2) Asian; ``(3) African American; ``(4) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander; or ``(5) Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino.''.

Summary: Revises Federal veterans' programs to: (1) include care for newborn children among medical services provided under the Department of Veterans Affairs health care program for an enrolled woman veteran; (2) require outpatient dental care for all former prisoners of war (currently, only those interned for at least 90 days); (3) set the pay for the Director of Nursing Service at the maximum rate payable to a Senior Executive Service member; (4) prohibit a veteran's honorable service certificate from being awarded on behalf of a veteran convicted of a Federal or State crime; (5) repeal a limitation on the number of non-career members serving in the Department; (6) repeal a requirement for at least five years of continuous Federal service prior to appointment as a Department Deputy Assistant Secretary; (7) allow the Department's operation and maintenance revolving supply fund to be used for medical supplies, equipment, and services for the Department of Defense; and (8) include Spanish or Latino individuals under the definition of a "minority group member" for purposes of the Department's Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008''. SEC. 2. FHA SELLER-FINANCED DOWNPAYMENT PROGRAM. Paragraph (9) of section 203(b) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(b)(9)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``In no case shall the funds required by subparagraph (A)'' and inserting the following: ``Except in the case of a mortgage described in subparagraph (D), the funds required by subparagraph (A) shall not''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: ``(D) Exceptions to prohibited sources.--A mortgage described in this subparagraph is any of the following mortgages: ``(i) A mortgage under which the mortgagor has a credit score equivalent to a FICO score of 680 or greater. ``(ii) A mortgage under which-- ``(I) the mortgagor has a credit score equivalent to a FICO score of at least 620 but less than 680; and ``(II) mortgage insurance premiums charged are established-- ``(aa) at levels necessary, but no higher than needed, to allow such class of loans to be insured without resulting in a need for an appropriation for a credit subsidy, which may exceed the maximum amount permitted under section 203(c)(2)(B); ``(bb) in the case of the single premium collected at the time of insurance, in an amount not exceeding 3.0 percent of the amount of the original principal obligation of the mortgage; and ``(cc) in the case of the annual premium for a mortgage under which the mortgagor has a credit score equivalent to a FICO score of at least 640 but less than 680, in an amount not exceeding 1.25 percent of the remaining insured principal balance (excluding the portion of the remaining balance attributable to the premium collected at the time of insurance and without taking into account delinquent payments or prepayments). ``(iii) For mortgages insured in fiscal year 2010 or thereafter, a mortgage under which the mortgagor has a credit score equivalent to a FICO score of 619 or less, but only if the Secretary certifies that such loans can be insured without resulting in a need for an appropriation for a credit subsidy. For such mortgages, the Secretary may charge premiums at levels authorized under items (bb) and (cc) of clause (ii)(II) and may establish a credit or FICO score limitation or impose such other requirements as are necessary to meet the conditions for certification under this clause. ``(E) Requirements for downpayment assistance entities.--Any entity participating in a program that provides downpayment assistance for a mortgage described in subparagraph (D) pursuant to the exception under subparagraph (C), which programs shall include programs of governmental agencies and private nonprofit organizations, shall, before the closing for the loan involved in the mortgage in connection with which such assistance is provided-- ``(i) offer to make available, to the mortgagor, counseling regarding the responsibilities and financial management involved in homeownership; ``(ii) if such offer is accepted by the mortgagor, make such counseling available for the mortgagor; and ``(iii) in the case of any such entity that is a private nonprofit organization, implement a conflict of interest policy that prohibits directors, officers, employees, and immediate family members from receiving financial benefits from any entity that is providing the program with goods or services other than the homeownership assistance program entity itself or its wholly owned affiliate. ``(F) Civil money penalties for improperly influencing appraisals.--The Secretary may impose a civil money penalty, in the same manner and to the same extent as for a violation under section 536, for compensating, instructing, inducing, coercing, or intimidating any person who conducts an appraisal of the property to be subject to a mortgage described in subparagraph (D) and under which any part of the funds required by subparagraph (A) are provided to a party described in subparagraph (C), or attempting to compensate, instruct, induce, coerce, or intimidate such a person, for the purpose of causing the appraised value assigned to the property under the appraisal to be based on any other factor other than the independent judgment of such person exercised in accordance with applicable professional standards.''. SEC. 3. LIMITATIONS ON RISK-BASED PRICING. Section 203(c) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: ``(3) Limitations on risk-based pricing.--Except as provided in paragraph (4), the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall not take any action on or after October 1, 2008, to implement or carry out-- ``(A) risk-based premiums, which are designed for mortgage lenders to offer borrowers an FHA-insured product that provides a range of mortgage insurance premium pricing, based on the risk that the insurance contract represents, as set forth in the Notice published in the Federal Register on May 13, 2008 (Vol. 73, No. 93, Pages 27703 through 27711) (effective July 14, 2008); or ``(B) any other risk-based premium product related to the insurance of any mortgage on a single family residence under this title, where the premium price for such new product is based in whole or in part on a borrower's Decision Credit Score, as that term is defined in the Notice referred to in subparagraph (A), or any successor thereto. ``(4) Flexible risk-based premiums.--Notwithstanding paragraph (3) of this subsection and section 2133 of the FHA Modernization Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-289): ``(A) Authority.--In the case only of a mortgage under which the mortgagor has a credit score equivalent to a FICO score of less than 600, the Secretary may establish a mortgage insurance premium structure involving a single premium payment collected prior to the insurance of the mortgage or annual payments (which may be collected on a periodic basis), or both, under which the rate of premiums for such a mortgage may vary according to the credit risk associated with the mortgagor and the rate of any annual premium for such a mortgage may vary according to such credit risk during the mortgage term as long as the basis for determining the variable rate is established before the execution of the mortgage. The Secretary may change a premium structure established under this subparagraph but only to the extent that such change is not applied to any mortgage already executed. ``(B) Establishment and alteration of premium structure.--A premium structure shall be established or changed under subparagraph (A) only by providing notice to mortgagees and to the Congress, at least 30 days before the premium structure is established or changed. ``(C) Annual report regarding premiums.--The Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress annually setting forth the rate structures and rates established and altered pursuant to this paragraph during the preceding 12-month period and describing how such rates were determined. ``(D) Considerations for premium structure.--When establishing and collecting premiums for mortgages insured under a premium structure established under this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider the following: ``(i) The effect of the proposed premiums or structure on the Secretary's ability to meet the operational goals of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund as provided in section 202(a). ``(ii) Underwriting variables. ``(iii) The extent to which new pricing under the proposed premiums or structure has potential for acceptance in the private market. ``(iv) The administrative capability of the Secretary to administer the proposed premiums or structure. ``(v) The effect of the proposed premiums or structure on the Secretary's ability to maintain the availability of mortgage credit and provide stability to mortgage markets. ``(E) Authority to base premium prices on product risk.-- ``(i) Authority.--In establishing premium rates under this title, the Secretary may provide for variations in such rates according to the credit risk associated with the type of mortgage product that is being insured under this title, which may include providing that premium rates differ between fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages insured pursuant to section 251, between mortgages for condominiums and mortgages for other interests in properties, between mortgages having different ratios of the principal obligation under the mortgage to the appraised value of the property, and between such other products as the Secretary considers appropriate. ``(F) Payment incentives.-- ``(i) Authority.--With respect to mortgages for which insured the Secretary is authorized to establish a premium structure under this paragraph, the Secretary shall provide that the payment incentive under subparagraph (ii) applies upon the expiration of the 5-year period beginning upon the time of insurance of such a mortgage, and the Secretary may provide that the payment incentive under clause (ii) applies upon the expiration of the 3-year period beginning upon the time of insurance of such a mortgage. The Secretary may limit such discretionary authority to mortgages prepaid or paid in full during the 2-year period beginning 3 years after the time of insurance of such a mortgage. ``(ii) Payment incentive.--In the case of any mortgage to which the payment incentive under this subparagraph applies, if, during the period referred to in clause (i), all mortgage payments, including insurance premiums, for such mortgage have been paid on a timely basis, upon the expiration of such period the Secretary shall refund to the mortgagor, upon payment in full of the obligation of the mortgage, all or a portion of-- ``(I) the amount by which the single premium payment for such mortgage collected at the time of insurance exceeded the amount of the single premium payment chargeable under paragraph (2) at the time of insurance for a mortgage of the same product type having the same terms, but for which the mortgagor has a credit score equivalent to a FICO score of 600 or more; and ``(II) in the case only of mortgages for which annual premiums are established and collected under subparagraph (G), the amount by which the cumulative amount of annual premiums paid exceeded the amount of the maximum annual premium that otherwise may be established and collected notwithstanding such subparagraph. ``(G) Option for higher annual premium in lieu of higher up-front premium.--In the case only of mortgages for which the Secretary is authorized to establish a premium structure under this paragraph, notwithstanding paragraph (2)(B) of this subsection, the Secretary may establish and collect, for a period not exceeding the first 5 years of the term of the mortgage, annual premium payments in an amount not exceeding 0.75 percent of the remaining insured principal balance of the mortgage (excluding the portion of the remaining balance attributable to the premium collected under paragraph (2)(A) and without taking into account delinquent payments or prepayments), except that-- ``(i) the Secretary may utilize such authority only for such classes of mortgagors that the Secretary determines would otherwise be subject to a single premium payment collected at the time of insurance exceeding 2.25 percent of the amount of the original insured principal obligation of the mortgage; and ``(ii) for such mortgages, the Secretary may not establish or collect a single premium payment collected at the time of insurance exceeding 2.25 percent of such original insured principal obligation.''.

Summary: FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the National Housing Act to make exceptions to the prohibition against mortgage insurance for mortgages involving a downpayment using funds furnished by: (1) the seller or any party that benefits financially from the transaction (seller-financed downpayment); or (2) any third party that is reimbursed by the seller or any such party. Makes eligible for mortgage insurance, in spite of a seller-financed downpayment, any mortagors with credit scores equivalent to a FICO score of: (1) 680 or more; (2) at least 620 but less than 680; or (3) 619 or less. Prescribes conditions for mortgage insurance in the latter two situations. Requires entities participating in a governmental or private nonprofit program that provides downpayment assistance for such a mortgage to offer and make available, before loan closing, counseling about the responsibilities and financial management involved in homeownership. Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to impose civil money penalties for improperly influencing appraisals. (Sec. 3) Prohibits the Secretary from implementing: (1) risk-based premiums designed for mortgage lenders to offer a Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured product that provides a range of mortgage insurance premium pricing based upon a specified risk that the insurance contract represents; or (2) any other risk-based premium product for mortgage insurance on a single family residence where the premium price for such new product is based upon the borrower's Decision Credit Score. Makes an exception from such prohibition for flexible risk-based premiums. Authorizes the Secretary to establish, for a mortgagor whose FICO credit score is under 600, a mortgage insurance premium structure with a variable rate that reflects the mortgagor's credit risk, if the basis for determining such rate is established before the mortgage is executed. Requires notice to mortgagees and to Congress before such a premium structure is established or changed. Requires the Secretary to consider specified factors when premiums are established and collected under a flexible risk-based premium structure. Authorizes the Secretary to provide for variations in such rates according to the credit risk associated with the type of mortgage product that is being insured. Requires the Secretary to make payment incentives to a mortgagor, in the form of certain refunds, upon payment in full of timely mortgage payments. Authorizes the Secretary, for mortgages with a flexible risk-based premium, to establish a higher annual premium in lieu of a higher up-front premium.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Off-Reservation Land Acquisition Guidance Act''. SEC. 2. OFF-RESERVATION LAND ACQUISITION GUIDANCE. (a) Definition of Off-Reservation Land.--In this Act, the term ``off-reservation land'' means land that is-- (1) located outside of, and noncontiguous to, the reservation of an Indian tribe; (2) likely to qualify for, result in, or be associated with the development of an Indian gaming facility; and (3) located beyond a reasonable commuting distance from the reservation of that Indian tribe. (b) Procedure.--Before determining whether to take off-reservation land into trust for the benefit of an Indian tribe under section 5 of the Act of June 18, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 465) (commonly known as the ``Indian Reorganization Act''), the Secretary shall evaluate-- (1) the anticipated benefits to the Indian tribe associated with taking the off-reservation land into trust; and (2) any concerns raised by applicable State and local governments relating to the acquisition of the off-reservation land. (c) Evaluation.-- (1) Benefit to tribe.--In evaluating the anticipated benefits to the Indian tribe of taking a parcel of off- reservation land into trust, the Secretary shall prepare a report that includes an assessment of-- (A) the impacts of taking the applicable off- reservation land into trust on the on-reservation unemployment rate; (B) the impacts of taking the applicable off- reservation land into trust on reservation life and tribal membership if the members, dependents, and descendants of the Indian tribe relocate to the off- reservation land or adjacent communities; (C) the specific on-reservation benefits of taking the off-reservation land into trust, including an assessment of whether on-reservation jobs will be created and, if so, the quantity of jobs expected to be created; and (D) whether the tribal government can efficiently exercise the governmental and regulatory responsibilities of the tribal government if a gaming facility is constructed on the off-reservation land. (2) State and local concerns.--In evaluating any concerns raised by applicable State and local governments relating to taking a parcel of off-reservation land into trust, the Secretary shall prepare a report that includes an assessment of-- (A) whether the transfer of jurisdiction to the Indian tribe over the parcel is likely to disrupt established local governmental operations; (B) potential impacts on real property taxes and special assessments on adjacent land and property, including any impact on State and local governments resulting from the exemption of the parcel from the taxation; (C) whether the Indian tribe has submitted intergovernmental agreements necessary to address State and local government concerns, including agreements regarding law enforcement jurisdiction on the parcel; (D) the compatibility of the anticipated use of the land with the zoning and land use requirements of the applicable State and local governments; (E) traffic, noise, and other negative effects on development associated with, or generated by, the anticipated use of the land, including any impact on local water resources and water and wastewater infrastructure; and (F) any potential incompatible use between the anticipated use of the land and adjacent or contiguous land zoned or used for-- (i) national parks; (ii) national monuments; (iii) conservation areas; (iv) national fish and wildlife refuges; (v) daycare centers; (vi) schools; (vii) churches; or (viii) residential developments. (d) Submission From Indian Tribe.--The Indian tribe requesting off- reservation land to be taken into trust under section 5 of the Act of June 18, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 465) (commonly known as the ``Indian Reorganization Act'') shall disclose and submit to the Secretary-- (1) any plan, contract, agreement, or other information relating to the use, or intended use, of the off-reservation land by the Indian tribe, along with written documentation of the plan, contract, or agreement; (2) a request for a written opinion from the Office of Indian Gaming that the off-reservation land is eligible for gaming; and (3) any other information the Secretary requires in determining whether to take the off-reservation land into trust for the benefit of the Indian tribe. (e) Applicability.--The Secretary shall not take the applicable off-reservation land into trust under section 5 of the Act of June 18, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 45) (commonly known as the ``Indian Reorganization Act''), unless the Secretary determines that-- (1) the Indian tribe has adequately addressed the concerns identified in the written assessments under subsection (c)(2); (2) the Indian tribe has provided the information required under subsection (d); and (3) the proposed use of the land by the Indian tribe is compatible with State and local requirements for planning and zoning and public health and safety. SEC. 3. STAY OF DECISIONMAKING. (a) In General.--Unless explicitly required by an Act of Congress, the Secretary shall not approve any application for taking off- reservation land into trust that is pending on the date of enactment of this Act until the date on which the Secretary promulgates regulations to carry out this Act. (b) Future Effect.--All applications for taking off-reservation land into trust that are pending on the date of enactment of this Act shall be subject to the provisions of the regulations described in subsection (a).

Summary: Off-Reservation Land Acquisition Guidance Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to consider anticipated tribal benefits and applicable state and local government concerns before taking off-reservation land into trust for Indian tribes. Defines "off-reservation land" as land that is beyond a reasonable commuting distance from the applicable tribe's reservation and likely to be used for gaming. Requires an Indian tribe requesting that such land be taken into trust for the tribe to disclose and submit to the Secretary: (1) any plan, contract, agreement, or other information relating to the use, or intended use, of such land by the tribe; (2) a request for a written opinion from the Office of Indian Gaming that the land is eligible for gaming; and (3) any other information the Secretary requires in rendering a decision. Requires a tribe's proposed use of the land to be compatible with state and local planning and zoning, and public health and safety requirements. Directs the Secretary to promulgate regulations to carry out this Act before approving any application to take off-reservation land into trust for Indian tribes.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``SSI Disability Benefits Reform Act of 1995''. SEC. 2. REAPPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ADULTS RECEIVING SSI BENEFITS BY REASON OF DISABILITY. (a) In General.--Section 1614(a)(3)(G) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1382c(a)(3)(G)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(i)'' after ``(G)''; and (2) by adding at the end the following clause: ``(ii) In the case of an individual who has attained 18 years of age and for whom a determination has been made of eligibility for a benefit under this title by reason of disability, the following applies: ``(I) Subject to the provisions of this clause, the determination of eligibility is effective for the 3-year period beginning on the date of the determination, and the eligibility of the individual lapses unless a determination of continuing eligibility is made before the end of such period, and before the end of each subsequent 3-year period. This subclause ceases to apply to the individual upon the individual attaining 65 years of age. This subclause does not apply to the individual if the individual has an impairment that is not expected to improve (or a combination of impairments that are not expected to improve). ``(II) With respect to a determination under subclause (I) of whether the individual continues to be eligible for the benefit (in this clause referred to as a `redetermination'), the Commissioner may not make the redetermination unless the individual submits to the Commissioner an application requesting the redetermination. If such an application is submitted, the Commissioner shall make the redetermination. This subclause is subject to subclause (V). ``(III) If as of the date on which this clause takes effect the individual has been receiving the benefit for three years or less, the first period under subclause (I) for the individual is deemed to end on the expiration of the period beginning on the date on which this clause takes effect and continuing through a number of months equal to 12 plus a number equal to 36 minus the number of months the individual has been receiving the benefit. ``(IV) If as of the date on which this clause takes effect the individual has been receiving the benefit for five years or less, but for more than three years, the first period under subclause (I) for the individual is deemed to end on the expiration of the 1-year period beginning on the date on which this clause takes effect. ``(V) If as of the date on which this clause takes effect the individual has been receiving the benefit for more than five years, the Commissioner shall make redeterminations under subclause (I) and may not require the individual to submit applications for the redeterminations. The first 3-year period under subclause (I) for the individual is deemed to begin upon the expiration of the period beginning on the date on which this clause takes effect and ending upon the termination of a number of years equal to the lowest number (greater than zero) that can be obtained by subtracting the number of years that the individual has been receiving the benefit from a number that is a multiple of three. ``(VI) If the individual first attains 18 years of age on or after the date on which this clause takes effect, the first 3-year period under subclause (I) for the individual is deemed to end on the date on which the individual attains such age. ``(VII) Not later than one year prior to the date on which a determination under subclause (I) expires, the Commissioner shall (except in the case of an individual to whom subclause (V) applies) provide to the individual a written notice explaining the applicability of this clause to the individual, including an explanation of the effect of failing to submit the application. If the individual submits the application not later than 180 days prior to such date and the Commissioner does not make the redetermination before such date, the Commissioner shall continue to provide the benefit pending the redetermination and shall publish in the Federal Register a notice that the Commissioner was unable to make the redetermination by such date. ``(VIII) If the individual fails to submit the application under subclause (II) by the end of the applicable period under subclause (I), the individual may apply for a redetermination. The Commissioner shall make the redetermination for the individual only after making redeterminations for individuals for whom eligibility has not lapsed pursuant to subclause (I).''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) takes effect upon the expiration of the 9-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. (c) Conforming Repeal.--Section 207 of the Social Security Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 1382 note; 108 Stat. 1516) is hereby repealed. SEC. 3. STRIKING OF RESTRICTIONS REGARDING DETERMINATION OF INELIGIBILITY. Section 1614(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1382c(a)) is amended by striking paragraph (4). SEC. 4. NARROWING OF SSI ELIGIBILITY ON BASIS OF MENTAL IMPAIRMENTS. (a) In General.--Section 1614(a)(3)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1382c(a)(3)(A)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(i)'' after ``(3)(A)''; and (2) by adding at the end the following clause: ``(ii) In making determinations under clause (i) regarding the severity of mental impairments, the Secretary shall revise the regulations under subpart P of part 404 of title 20, Code of Federal Regulations in order to accomplish the result that (relative to such regulations as in effect prior to the date on which this clause takes effect) the growth in the enrollment of the program under this title on the basis of mental impairments is slowed. The final rule issued pursuant to the preceding sentence applies to individuals without regard to whether the individuals were receiving benefits under this title prior to the effective date of such rule.''. (b) Final Regulations.--The final rule for the regulations required in subsection (a) shall be issued before the expiration of the 9-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall take effect upon the expiration of such period.

Summary: SSI Disability Benefits Reform Act of 1995 - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to: (1) require periodic reapplications with respect to continued receipt of SSI benefits by reason of disability; (2) strike certain restrictions regarding determination of SSI ineligibility; and (3) modify criteria regarding mental impairments.