SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Railroad Infrastructure Financing Improvement Act''. (b) References to the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other provision of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 801 et seq.). SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. Section 501 (45 U.S.C. 821) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (10); (2) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (7) and (8), respectively; (3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following: ``(6) The term `investment-grade rating' means a rating of BBB minus, Baa 3, bbb minus, BBB(low), or higher assigned by a rating agency.''; (4) by inserting after paragraph (8), as redesignated, the following: ``(9) The term `master credit agreement' means an agreement to make 1 or more direct loans or loan guarantees at future dates for a program of related projects secured by a common security pledge on terms acceptable to the Secretary.''; and (5) by adding at the end the following: ``(11) The term `project obligation' means as note, bond, debenture, or other debt obligation issued by a borrower in connection with the financing of a project, other than a direct loan or loan guarantee under this title. ``(12) The term `railroad' has the meaning given the term `railroad carrier' in section 20102 of title 49, United States Code. ``(13) The term `rating agency' means a credit rating agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (as defined in section 3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78c(a))). ``(14) The term `substantial completion' means-- ``(A) the opening of a project to passenger or freight traffic; or ``(B) a comparable event, as determined by the Secretary and specified in the direct loan.''. SEC. 3. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS. Section 502(a) (45 U.S.C. 822(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``one railroad; and'' and inserting ``1 of the entities described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), (4), or (6);''; (2) by amending paragraph (6) to read as follows: ``(6) solely for the purpose of constructing a rail connection between a plant or facility and a rail carrier, limited option freight shippers that own or operate a plant or other facility; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(7) any obligor, as designated by an entity otherwise eligible to receive a direct loan or loan guarantee under this section, including a special purpose entity receiving user fees or other payments or revenues from dedicated sources for debt service and maintenance of the equipment or facilities to be acquired or improved; and ``(8) solely for a project described in subsection (b)(1)(D), a public-private partnership, private entity, or consortium that specializes in real estate development.''. SEC. 4. ELIGIBLE PURPOSES. Section 502(b)(1) (45 U.S.C. 822(b)(1)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, and including costs related to these activities and excluding operating expenses'' after ``shops''; (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``subparagraph (A); or'' and inserting ``subparagraph (A) or (C);''; (3) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (4) by adding at the end the following: ``(D) finance economic development, including commercial and residential development, and related infrastructure and activities, that-- ``(i) incorporates private investment; ``(ii) is physically or functionally related to a passenger rail station or multimodal station; and ``(iii) is likely to increase ridership at that station.''. SEC. 5. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION. (a) Application Processing Procedures.--Section 502(i) (45 U.S.C. 822(i)) is amended to read as follows: ``(i) Application Processing Procedures.-- ``(1) Application status notices.--Not later than 30 days after the date that the Secretary receives an application under this section, the Secretary shall provide the applicant written notice as to whether the application is complete or incomplete. ``(2) Incomplete applications.--If the Secretary determines that an application is incomplete, the Secretary shall-- ``(A) provide the applicant with a description of all of the specific information or material that is needed to complete the application; and ``(B) allow the applicant to resubmit the information and material described under subparagraph (A) to complete the application without prejudice. ``(3) Application approvals and disapprovals.--Not later than 60 days after the date the Secretary notifies an applicant that an application is complete under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide the applicant written notice as to whether the Secretary has approved or disapproved the application. ``(4) Expedited processing.--The Secretary shall implement procedures and measures to economize the time and cost involved in obtaining an approval or a disapproval of credit assistance under this title.''. (b) Administration of Direct Loans and Loan Guarantees.--Section 503 (45 U.S.C. 823) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``, including a program guide and standard term sheet, application deadlines, and specific timetables.''; (2) by redesignating subsections (c) through (l) as subsections (d) through (m), respectively; (3) by striking ``(b) Assignment of Loan Guarantees.--'' and inserting ``(c) Assignment of Loan Guarantees.--''; (4) in subsection (d), as redesignated-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) the modification cost has been covered under section 502(f).''; and (5) by amending subsection (l), as redesignated, to read as follows: ``(l) Charges.-- ``(1) Purposes.--The Secretary may collect from each applicant a reasonable charge for-- ``(A) the cost of evaluating the application, amendments, modifications, and waivers, including appraisal of the value of the equipment or facilities for which the direct loan or loan guarantee is sought, and for making necessary determinations and findings; ``(B) the cost of award management and project management oversight; ``(C) the cost of services from expert firms, including counsel, in the field of railroad, municipal, and project finance, to assist in the underwriting, auditing, servicing, and exercise of rights with respect to direct loans and loan guarantees; and ``(D) the cost of all other expenses incurred as a result of a breach of any term or condition or any event of default on a direct loan or loan guarantee. ``(2) Standards.--The Secretary shall prescribe standards for applying a charge under this subsection to ensure that it does not prevent an applicant from having adequate access to direct loans and loan guarantees under this title. ``(3) Safety and operations account.--Amounts collected under this subsection shall be credited directly to the Safety and Operations account of the Federal Railroad Administration, and shall remain available until expended to pay for the costs described in this subsection.''. SEC. 6. LOAN TERMS AND REPAYMENT. (a) Prerequisites for Assistance.--Section 502(g)(1) (45 U.S.C. 822(g)(1)) is amended by striking ``35 years from the date of its execution'' and inserting ``the lesser of 50 years or 90 percent of the estimated useful life of the rail equipment or facilities to be acquired, rehabilitated, improved, developed, or established''. (b) Repayment Schedules.--Section 502(j) (45 U.S.C. 822(j)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the sixth anniversary date of the original loan disbursement'' and inserting ``5 years after the date of substantial completion''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Deferred payments.-- ``(A) In general.--If at any time after the date of substantial completion the project is unable to generate sufficient revenues to pay the scheduled loan repayments of principal and interest on the direct loan, the Secretary, subject to subparagraph (B), may allow the obligor to add unpaid principal and interest to the outstanding balance of the direct loan. ``(B) Interest.--A payment deferred under subparagraph (A) shall-- ``(i) continue to accrue interest under paragraph (2) until the loan is fully repaid; and ``(ii) be scheduled to be amortized over the remaining term of the loan. ``(4) Prepayments.-- ``(A) Use of excess revenues.--Any excess revenues that remain after satisfying scheduled debt service requirements on the project obligations and direct loan and all deposit requirements under the terms of any trust agreement, bond resolution, or similar agreement securing project obligations may be applied annually to prepay the direct loan without penalty. ``(B) Use of proceeds of refinancing.--The direct loan may be prepaid at any time without penalty from the proceeds of refinancing from non-Federal funding sources.''. SEC. 7. CREDIT RISK PREMIUMS. Section 502(f) (45 U.S.C. 822(f)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by amending the first sentence to read as follows: ``In lieu of or in combination with appropriations of budget authority to cover the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees as required under section 504(b)(1) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661c(b)(1)), including the cost of a modification thereof, the Secretary may accept on behalf of an applicant for assistance under this section a commitment from a non-Federal source, including a State or local government or agency thereof, to fund in whole or in part credit risk premiums and modification costs with respect to the loan that is the subject of the application or modification.''; (2) in paragraph (2)-- (A) in subparagraph (D), by adding ``and'' after the semicolon; (B) by striking subparagraph (E); and (C) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (E); (3) by striking paragraph (4); (4) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); (5) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: ``(3) Creditworthiness.--An applicant may propose and the Secretary may accept as a basis for determining the amount of the credit risk premium under paragraph (2) any of the following in lieu of the value of any tangible asset as collateral under paragraph (2)(A): ``(A) A rate covenant, if applicable. ``(B) Adequate coverage requirements to ensure repayment, on a non-recourse basis, from cash flows generated by the project or any other dedicated revenue source, including-- ``(i) tolls; ``(ii) user fees; or ``(iii) payments owing to the obligor under a public-private partnership. ``(C) An investment-grade rating on debt senior to the direct loan or loan guarantee. ``(D) A rating on the direct loan or loan guarantee, as applicable.''; (6) in paragraph (4), as redesignated, by striking ``amounts'' and inserting ``amounts (and in the case of a modification, before the modification is executed), to the extent appropriations are not available to the Secretary to meet the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees, including costs of modifications thereof''; and (7) by adding at the end the following: ``(5) Use of other federal funds.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an applicant may use other Federal funds to pay part or all of a credit risk premium under this subsection.''. SEC. 8. MASTER CREDIT AGREEMENTS. Section 502 (45 U.S.C. 822) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(k) Master Credit Agreements.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to section 502(d) and paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary may enter into a master credit agreement if-- ``(A) the common security pledge receives an investment-grade rating from a rating agency prior to the Secretary entering into the master credit agreement; and ``(B) all of the conditions for the provision of direct loans or loan guarantees, as applicable, under this title are satisfied. ``(2) Conditions.--Each master credit agreement shall-- ``(A) establish the maximum amount and general terms and conditions of each applicable direct loan or loan guarantee; ``(B) identify 1 or more dedicated non-Federal revenue sources that will secure the repayment of each applicable direct loan or loan guarantee; ``(C) provide for the obligation of funds for the direct loans or loan guarantees after all requirements have been met for the projects subject to the master credit agreement; and ``(D) unless otherwise extended by the Secretary, require that each applicable direct loan and loan guarantee results in a financial close and obligation of assistance, or release of the master credit agreement, not later than 3 years after the date of entry by the Secretary into the agreement. ``(l) Non-Federal Share.--The proceeds of a direct loan under this title may be used for any non-Federal share of project costs required under chapter 244 of title 49, United States Code, if the loan is repayable from non-Federal funds.''. SEC. 9. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. (a) Priority Projects.--Section 502(c)(5) (45 U.S.C. 822(c)(5)) is amended by inserting ``or chapter 227 of title 49'' after ``section 135 of title 23''. (b) Conditions of Assistance.--Section 502(h) (45 U.S.C. 822(h)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``, if applicable'' after ``project''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) For a project described in subsection (b)(1)(D), the Secretary shall require the applicant to pay, in addition to the interest required under subsection (e), a fee or payment in an amount determined appropriate by the Secretary to provide an equitable share of revenue to support capital or operating costs of routes serving the passenger rail station or multimodal station where the development is located.''. SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2020 $100,000,000, to remain available until expended, for the cost of direct loans and loan guarantees under sections 502 through 504 of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (45 U.S.C. 801 et seq.). SEC. 11. SAVINGS PROVISION. This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, shall not affect any direct loan (or direct loan obligation) or an outstanding loan guarantee (or loan guarantee commitment) that was in effect prior to the date of enactment of this Act. Any such transaction entered into before the date of enactment of this Act shall be administered until completion under its terms as if this Act were not enacted.

Summary: Railroad Infrastructure Financing Improvement Act This bill amends the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 to direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) to make direct loans and loan guarantees to: joint ventures that include, instead of at least one railroad, at least one railroad, state or local government, interstate compact, or government sponsored authority or corporation (entity); and any obligor, as designated by such an entity, including a special purpose entity receiving user fees or other payments or revenues from dedicated sources for debt service and maintenance of the equipment or facilities to be acquired or improved. Direct loans and loan guarantees may also be solely for a public-private partnership, private entity, a consortium that specializes in real estate development, or an economic development project physically or functionally related to a passenger rail station or multimodal station. DOT shall notify direct loan or loan guarantee applicants if their applications are incomplete, and within another 60 days approve or disapprove a resubmitted application. Charges may be collected for certain costs additional to the evaluation of applications. The current formula cap on such a charge is repealed. The term for repayment of a direct loan or loan guarantee may extend from a maximum of 35 years to a maximum of the lesser of 50 years or 90% of the estimated useful life of the rail equipment or facilities to be acquired, rehabilitated, improved, developed, or established. DOT may allow an obligor to add unpaid principal and interest to the outstanding balance if at any time after the date of substantial completion the project is unable to generate sufficient revenues to pay the scheduled loan repayments of principal and interest on a direct loan. Prepayments without penalty are also allowed. Authority for cohorts of loans is repealed. A direct loan or loan guarantee applicant may propose, and DOT may accept as collateral, as a basis for determining the amount of a credit risk premium any of the following in lieu of the value of any tangible asset: a rate covenant; adequate coverage requirements to ensure repayment, on a non-recourse basis, from cash flows generated by the project or any other dedicated revenue source; an investment-grade rating on debt senior to the direct loan or loan guarantee; or a rating on the direct loan or loan guarantee. DOT may enter into a master credit agreement (to make one or more direct loans or loan guarantees at future dates for a program of related projects secured by a common security pledge) if: the common security pledge receives an investment-grade rating (BBB minus, Baa 3, bbb minus, BBB[low], or higher) from a rating agency before entry into the master credit agreement; and all specified conditions for the provision of direct loans or loan guarantees, as applicable, are satisfied. DOT must require the applicant for an economic development project to pay, in addition to interest, a fee to provide an equitable share of revenue to support capital or operating costs of routes serving the passenger rail station or multimodal station where the development is located.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Life Insurance Opportunity Act of 1998''. SEC. 2. SPECIAL PERIOD FOR CERTAIN VETERANS TO CONVERT LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES FROM SGLI TO VGLI. (a) In General.--Section 1977(g) of title 38, United States Code, to read as follows: ``(g)(1)(A) Any person whose Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance was continued in force after termination of duty or discharge from service under the law as in effect prior to the date on which the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program (provided for under section 1977 of this title) became effective, and whose coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance terminated less than four years prior to such date, shall be eligible within one year from the effective date of the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program to apply for and be granted Veterans' Group Life Insurance in an amount equal to the amount of the insured's Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance which was not converted to an individual policy under prior law. ``(B) Veterans' Group Life Insurance issued under subparagraph (A) shall be issued for a term period equal to five years, less the time elapsing between the termination of the applicant's Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and the effective date on which the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program became effective. ``(2)(A) Any person, on or after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, who did not convert coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance to coverage under this section within the period after separation provided for under section 1968(a) of this title may, subject to the succeeding provisions of this subsection, apply for (within the 20-month period beginning on the last day of such period of separation) and be granted coverage under this section in an amount equal to the amount of the insured's Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance which was not converted to coverage under this section. ``(B) any person, on or after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, who did not convert coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance to coverage under this section and whose coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance terminated during the 5-year period beginning on the date of the expiration of the period of duty or travel under section 1967(b) or 1968(a) of this title may, subject to the succeeding provisions of this subsection, apply for (within the 90- day period beginning on the later of such date of enactment or the end of such 5-year period to) and be granted coverage under this section in an amount equal to the amount of the insured's Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance which was not converted to an individual policy under prior law. ``(C) Veterans' Group Life Insurance issued under this paragraph shall be issued for a term period equal to five years. ``(3) Veterans' Group Life Insurance under this subsection shall only be issued upon application to the administrative office established under section 1966(b) of this title, payment of the required premium, and proof of good health satisfactory to that office, which proof shall be submitted at the applicant's own expense. ``(4)(A) Any person who cannot meet the good health requirements for insurance under this subsection solely because of a service- connected disability shall have such disability waived. ``(B) For each month for which any eligible veteran, whose service- connected disabilities are waived, is insured under this subsection there shall be contributed to the insurer or insurers issuing the policy or policies from the appropriation `Compensation and Pensions, Department of Veterans Affairs' an amount necessary to cover the cost of the insurance in excess of the premiums established for eligible veterans, including the cost of the excess mortality attributable to such veteran's service-connected disabilities. ``(5) The Secretary may establish, as the Secretary may determine to be necessary according to sound actuarial principles, a separate premium, age groupings for premium purposes, accounting, and reserves, for persons granted insurance under this subsection different from those established for other persons granted insurance under this section. ``(6) Appropriations to carry out the purpose of this section are hereby authorized.''. (b) Notice.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall provide for notice to any member of the uniformed services who purchased a Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance policy under subchapter III of chapter 19 of such title, and who did not convert such policy to a Veterans' Group Life Insurance policy under section 1977(g) of such title, of the opportunities under paragraph (2) of such section, as added by subsection (a), to become insured under a Veterans' Group Life Insurance policy during the periods described in such subsection. (c) Effective Dates.--(1) Subparagraph (A) of section 1977(g)(2) of such title, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to a termination of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance policies under subchapter III of title 38, United States Code, occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Subparagraph (B) of such section, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to such a termination occurring on or after the date that is four years before the date of the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Veterans Life Insurance Opportunity Act of 1998 - Amends Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) provisions to allow any person whose Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) was continued after termination of duty or discharge from military service before the date on which VGLI became effective, and whose coverage under SGLI terminated less than four years prior to such effective date, to apply for VGLI coverage within one year from the effective date of VGLI, in an amount equal to the insured's SGLI amount which was not converted to an individual policy under prior law. Provides a coverage period of five years, less the time elapsed between SGLI termination and the effective date of VGLI. Allows such insurance conversion for certain other individuals who did not convert SGLI coverage. Requires a person who cannot meet the good health requirements for VGLI coverage solely because of a service-connected disability to have such disability waived. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide due notice to eligible individuals of the opportunity for such conversion.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Senior Executive Service Diversity Assurance Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) according to the most recent findings from the Government Accountability Office-- (A) minorities made up 22.5 percent of the individuals serving at the GS-15 and GS-14 levels and 15.8 percent of the Senior Executive Service in 2007; (B) women made up 34.3 percent of the individuals serving at the GS-15 and GS-14 levels and 29.1 percent of the Senior Executive Service in 2007; and (C) although the number of career Senior Executive Service members increased from 6,110 in 2,000 to 6,555 in 2007, the representation of African-American men in the career Senior Executive Service declined during that same period from 5.5 percent to 5.0 percent; and (2) according to the Office of Personnel Management-- (A) Black employees represented 6.1 percent of employees at the Senior Pay levels and 17.9 percent of the permanent Federal workforce compared to 10 percent in the civilian labor force in 2008; (B) Hispanic employees represented 4.0 percent of employees at the Senior Pay levels and 7.9 percent of the permanent Federal workforce compared to 13.2 percent of the civilian labor force in 2008; and (C) women represented 29.1 percent of employees at the Senior Pay levels and 44.2 percent of the permanent Federal workforce compared to 45.6 percent of the civilian labor force in 2008. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. In this Act-- (1) the term ``Director'' means the Director of the Office of Personnel Management; (2) the term ``Senior Executive Service'' has the meaning given under section 2101a of title 5, United States Code; (3) the terms ``agency'', ``career appointee'', and ``career reserved position'' have the meanings given under section 3132 of title 5, United States Code; and (4) the term ``SES Resource Office'' means the Senior Executive Service Resource Office established under section 4. SEC. 4. SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE RESOURCE OFFICE. (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall establish within the Office of Personnel Management an office to be known as the Senior Executive Service Resource Office. (b) Mission.--The mission of the SES Resource Office shall be to-- (1) improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of the Senior Executive Service through policy formulation and oversight; (2) advance the professionalism of the Senior Executive Service; and (3) ensure that, in seeking to achieve a Senior Executive Service reflective of the Nation's diversity, recruitment is from qualified individuals from appropriate sources. (c) Functions.-- (1) In general.--The functions of the SES Resource Office are to-- (A) make recommendations to the Director with respect to regulations; and (B) provide guidance to agencies, concerning the structure, management, and diverse composition of the Senior Executive Service. (2) Specific functions.--In order to carry out the purposes of this section, the SES Resource Office shall-- (A) take such actions as the SES Resource Office considers necessary to manage and promote an efficient, elite, and diverse corps of senior executives by-- (i) creating policies for the management and improvement of the Senior Executive Service; (ii) providing oversight of the performance, structure, and composition of the Senior Executive Service; and (iii) providing guidance and oversight to agencies in the management of senior executives and candidates for the Senior Executive Service; (B) be responsible for the policy development, management, and oversight of the Senior Executive Service pay and performance management system; (C) develop standards for certification of each agency's Senior Executive Service performance management system and evaluate all agency applications for certification; (D) be responsible for coordinating, promoting, and monitoring programs for the advancement and training of senior executives, including the Senior Executive Service Federal Candidate Development Program; (E) provide oversight of, and guidance to, agency executive resources boards; (F) be responsible for the administration of the qualifications review board; (G) establish and maintain annual statistics (in a form that renders such statistics useful to appointing authorities and candidates) on-- (i) the total number of career reserved positions at each agency; (ii) the total number of vacant career reserved positions at each agency; (iii) of the positions under clause (ii), the number for which candidates are being sought; (iv) the amount of time a career reserved position is vacant; (v) the amount of time it takes to hire a candidate into a career reserved position; (vi) the number of individuals who have been certified in accordance with section 3393(c) of title 5, United States Code, and the composition of that group of individuals with regard to race, ethnicity, sex, age, and individuals with disabilities; (vii) the composition of the Senior Executive Service with regard to race, ethnicity, sex, age, and individuals with disabilities; (viii) the composition of executive resources boards with regard to race, ethnicity, sex, and individuals with disabilities; and (ix) the composition of qualifications review boards with regard to race, ethnicity, sex, and individuals with disabilities; (H) make available to the public through the official public Internet site of the Office of Personnel Management, the data collected under subparagraph (G); (I) establish and promote mentoring programs for potential candidates for the Senior Executive Service, including candidates who have been certified as having the executive qualifications necessary for initial appointment as a career appointee under a program established under to section 3396(a) of title 5, United States Code; (J) conduct a continuing program for the recruitment of women, members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and individuals with disabilities for Senior Executive Service positions, with special efforts directed at recruiting from educational institutions, professional associations, and other sources; (K) advise agencies on the best practices for an agency in utilizing or consulting with an agency's equal employment or diversity office or official (if the agency has such an office or official) with regard to the agency's Senior Executive Service appointments process; and (L) evaluate and implement strategies to ensure that agencies conduct appropriate outreach to other agencies to identify candidates for Senior Executive Service positions. (d) Protection of Individually Identifiable Information.--For purposes of subsection (c)(2)(H), the SES Resource Office shall combine data for any agency that is not named in section 901(b) of chapter 31, United States Code, to protect individually identifiable information. (e) Cooperation of Agencies.--The head of each agency shall provide the Office of Personnel Management with such information as the SES Resource Office may require in order to carry out subsection (c)(2)(G). (f) Staffing.--The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall make such appointments as necessary to staff the SES Resource Office. SEC. 5. CAREER APPOINTMENTS. (a) Promoting Diversity in the Career Appointments Process.-- Section 3393(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the first sentence the following: ``In establishing an executive resources board, the head of the agency shall, to the extent practicable, ensure diversity of the board and of any subgroup thereof or other evaluation panel related to the merit staffing process for career appointees, by including members of racial and ethnic minority groups, women, and individuals with disabilities.''. (b) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall promulgate regulations to implement subsection (a). (c) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives a report evaluating agency efforts to improve diversity in executive resources boards based on the information collected by the SES Resource Office under section 4(c)(2)(G) (viii) and (ix). SEC. 6. ENCOURAGING A MORE DIVERSE SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE. (a) Senior Executive Service Diversity Plans.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, each agency, in consultation with the Office of Personnel Management and the Chief Human Capital Officers Council, shall submit to the Office of Personnel Management a plan to enhance and maximize opportunities for the advancement and appointment of minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities in the agency to the Senior Executive Service. Agency plans shall be reflected in the strategic human capital plan. (2) Contents.--Agency plans shall address how the agency is identifying and eliminating barriers that impair the ability of minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities to obtain appointments to the Senior Executive Service and any actions the agency is taking to provide advancement opportunities, including-- (A) conducting outreach to minorities, women, and individuals within the agency and outside the agency; (B) establishing and maintaining training and education programs to foster leadership development; (C) identifying career enhancing opportunities for agency employees; (D) assessing internal availability of candidates for Senior Executive Service positions; and (E) conducting an inventory of employee skills and addressing current and potential gaps in skills and the distribution of skills. (3) Update of agency plans.--Agency plans shall be updated at least every 2 years during the 10 years following enactment of this Act. An agency plan shall be reviewed by the Office of Personnel Management and, if determined to provide sufficient assurances, procedures, and commitments to provide adequate opportunities for the advancement and appointment of minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities to the Senior Executive Service, shall be approved by such Office. An agency may, in updating its plan, submit to the Office of Personnel Management an assessment of the impacts of the plan. (b) Summary and Evaluation.--Not later than 180 days after the deadline for the submission of any report or update under subsection (a), the Director shall transmit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives a report summarizing and evaluating the agency plans or updates (as the case may be) so submitted. (c) Coordination.--The Office of Personnel Management shall, in carrying out subsection (a), evaluate existing requirements under section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e-16) and section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791) and determine how agency reporting can be performed so as to be consistent with, but not duplicative of, such sections and any other similar requirements.

Summary: Senior Executive Service Diversity Assurance Act of 2009 - Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish within OPM the Senior Executive Service Resource Office (SES Resource Office). Makes it the mission of the SES Resource Office to: (1) improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of the Senior Executive Service (SES) through policy formulation and oversight; (2) advance the professionalism of the SES; and (3) recruit qualified individuals from appropriate sources to ensure that the SES is reflective of the nation's diversity. Sets forth the functions of the SES Resource Office with respect to the management, training, oversight, and recruitment activities of the SES. Revises the career appointments recruiting process to require agency heads to ensure diversity of executive resources boards and any subgroup or other evaluation panel related to the merit staffing process for career appointees by including members of racial and ethnic minority groups, women, and individuals with disabilities. Requires each federal agency to submit to OPM a plan to enhance and maximize opportunities for the advancement and appointment of minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities to the SES.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Mortgage Insurance Fairness Act''. SEC. 2. PREMIUMS FOR MORTGAGE INSURANCE. (a) In General.--Paragraph (3) of section 163(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to qualified residence interest) is amended by adding after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph: ``(E) Mortgage insurance premiums treated as interest.-- ``(i) In general.--Premiums paid or accrued for qualified mortgage insurance by a taxpayer during the taxable year in connection with acquisition indebtedness with respect to a qualified residence of the taxpayer shall be treated for purposes of this subsection as qualified residence interest. ``(ii) Phaseout.--The amount otherwise allowable as a deduction under clause (i) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by 10 percent of such amount for each $1,000 ($500 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return) (or fraction thereof) that the taxpayer's adjusted gross income for the taxable year exceeds $100,000 ($50,000 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return).''. (b) Definition and Special Rules.--Paragraph (4) of section 163(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to other definitions and special rules) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: ``(E) Qualified mortgage insurance.--The term `qualified mortgage insurance' means-- ``(i) mortgage insurance provided by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, or the Rural Housing Administration, and ``(ii) private mortgage insurance (as defined by section 2 of the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 (12 U.S.C. 4901), as in effect on the date of the enactment of this subparagraph). ``(F) Special rules for prepaid qualified mortgage insurance.--Any amount paid by the taxpayer for qualified mortgage insurance that is properly allocable to any mortgage the payment of which extends to periods that are after the close of the taxable year in which such amount is paid shall be chargeable to capital account and shall be treated as paid in such periods to which so allocated. No deduction shall be allowed for the unamortized balance of such account if such mortgage is satisfied before the end of its term. The preceding sentences shall not apply to amounts paid for qualified mortgage insurance provided by the Veterans Administration or the Rural Housing Administration.''. SEC. 3. INFORMATION RETURNS RELATING TO MORTGAGE INSURANCE. Section 6050H of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to returns relating to mortgage interest received in trade or business from individuals) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) Returns Relating to Mortgage Insurance Premiums.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may prescribe, by regulations, that any person who, in the course of a trade or business, receives from any individual premiums for mortgage insurance aggregating $600 or more for any calendar year, shall make a return with respect to each such individual. Such return shall be in such form, shall be made at such time, and shall contain such information as the Secretary may prescribe. ``(2) Statement to be furnished to individuals with respect to whom information is required.--Every person required to make a return under paragraph (1) shall furnish to each individual with respect to whom a return is made a written statement showing such information as the Secretary may prescribe. Such written statement shall be furnished on or before January 31 of the year following the calendar year for which the return under paragraph (1) was required to be made. ``(3) Special rules.--For purposes of this subsection-- ``(A) rules similar to the rules of subsection (c) shall apply, and ``(B) the term `mortgage insurance' means-- ``(i) mortgage insurance provided by the Veterans Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, or the Rural Housing Administration, and ``(ii) private mortgage insurance (as defined by section 2 of the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 (12 U.S.C. 4901), as in effect on the date of the enactment of this subsection).''. SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall apply to amounts paid or accrued after the date of enactment of this Act in taxable years ending after such date.

Summary: Mortgage Insurance Fairness Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat mortgage insurance premium payments as tax deductible interest. Phases out the deduction for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes exceeding $100,000.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act'' or the ``FIT Kids Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. (2) Researchers estimate that medical costs of the obesity epidemic may total as much as $147,000,000,000 annually. (3) The prevalence of overweight in children between the ages of 6 and 11 years increased from 4.0 percent between 1971 to 1974 to 17.5 percent between 2001 to 2004, and the prevalence of overweight in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 19 years increased from 6.1 percent to 17.0 percent. (4) Recent studies indicating that 17 percent of 6 to 11 year-olds and 17.6 percent of 12 to 19 year-olds are considered obese. Furthermore, 33 percent of 6 to 11 year-olds and 34 percent of 12 to 19 year-olds are overweight; these rates have roughly doubled since 1980. (5) Of all United States deaths from major chronic disease, 23 percent are linked to sedentary lifestyles that now begin at childhood. (6) Overweight adolescents have a 70 to 80 percent chance of becoming overweight adults, increasing their risk for chronic disease, disability, and death. (7) A decline in physical activity has contributed to the unprecedented epidemic of childhood obesity. (8) The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans published by the Secretary of Health and Human Services recommend that children engage in 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. (9) In a 2005 Government Accountability Office report on key strategies to include in programs designed to target childhood obesity, ``increasing physical activity'' was identified as the most important component in any such program. (10) Part of the decline in physical activity has been in our Nation's schools, where physical education programs have been cut back in the past 2 decades. (11) The national standard for physical education frequency, as outlined in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, is 150 minutes per week in elementary school and 225 minutes per week in middle school and high school. (12) Only 3.8 percent of elementary schools, 7.9 percent of middle schools, and 2.1 percent of high schools provide daily physical education or its equivalent for the entire school year, and 22 percent of schools do not require students to take any physical education at all. (13) Among children ages 9 to 13, 61.5 percent do not participate in any organized physical activity during out-of- school hours. (14) Regular physical activity is associated with a healthier, longer life and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. (15) Research suggests a strong correlation between children's fitness and their academic performance as measured by grades in core subjects and standardized test scores. (16) Approximately 81 percent of adults believe daily physical education should be mandatory in schools. SEC. 3. INCREASING AWARENESS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OPPORTUNITIES AT SCHOOL. (a) Local Educational Agencies.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, each local educational agency located in a State receiving funds under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.) shall-- (1) post on its Internet website, or otherwise make available to parents and families of students served by the agency, information on healthful eating habits, physical education, and physical activity, including information on-- (A) the importance of a healthy lifestyle (including healthful eating habits, physical education, and physical activity) for an effective learning environment; (B) how schools served by the agency are promoting healthy lifestyles, including information on applicable elementary school and secondary school programs and policies regarding nutrition, physical education, and physical activity (including coordinated school health plans or local wellness policies, as applicable); (C) whether the schools served by the agency follow an age-appropriate physical education curriculum for all elementary school and secondary school students enrolled in the schools that adheres to national guidelines adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the Department of Health and Human Services or the State in which the school is located; (D) the most recent national recommendations for physical education and physical activity for elementary school and secondary school students, as established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the Department of Health and Human Services; and (E) a description of the amount of time that students in kindergarten through grade 12 served by the agency are required to spend in physical education, disaggregated by grade level, including information on criteria for granting students a waiver or exemption, or allowing a substitution for the requirement; and (2) assist each school served by the agency in collecting and disseminating (such as through the Internet website of the school) to parents and families of students enrolled in the school, information on-- (A) whether the school follows an age-appropriate physical education curriculum for all students enrolled in the school that adheres to national guidelines adopted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of Health and Human Services or the State in which the school is located; (B) the most recent national recommendations for physical education and physical activity for elementary school and secondary school students, as established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the Department of Health and Human Services; (C) the requirements described in paragraph (1)(E); (D) a description of the facilities available for physical education and physical activity for students enrolled in the school; and (E) if applicable, any health and wellness council (such as a school health council or local wellness policy council) located in the school or that the school is involved with, including information on-- (i) members; (ii) membership criteria; (iii) opportunities for parental involvement; and (iv) meeting dates and agendas. (b) State Educational Agencies.-- (1) Submission; information availability.--Not later than 15 days after a local educational agency described in subsection (a) posts on its Internet website the information described in subsection (a)(1)(E), and annually thereafter, the local educational agency shall provide to the applicable State educational agency the information described in such subsection. (2) Additional duties of the state educational agency.--A State educational agency that receives information under paragraph (1) shall ensure that the information is made available to the general public within a reasonable period of time, such as through the Internet website of the State educational agency. SEC. 4. STUDIES ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND FITNESS. (a) National Research Council Study.--Subject to the availability of funds appropriated to carry out this subsection, the Secretary of Education shall enter into a contract with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to-- (1) examine and make recommendations regarding-- (A) various means that may be employed to incorporate physical activity into elementary school and secondary school settings, and before- and after- school programs; (B) innovative and effective ways to increase physical activity for all students in kindergarten through grade 12; and (C) efforts to encourage the participation of students with disabilities in physical education programs and the types of accommodations used to increase the participation of such students; (2) study the impact of health, level of physical activity, and amount of physical education on students' ability to learn and maximize performance in school; and (3) study and provide specific recommendations for effectively measuring the progress students, at the elementary school and secondary school level, in increasing physical activity and improving their health and well-being, including improving their-- (A) knowledge, awareness, and behavior, related to nutrition and physical activity; (B) cognitive development, and fitness, with physical education; (C) knowledge of lifetime physical activity and health promotion; and (D) performance on overall health indicators, including flexibility, endurance, strength, balance, and blood pressure. (b) National Fitness Study.--Subject to the availability of funds to carry out this subsection, the Secretary of Education shall conduct a study on the participation of students in physical education and other physical activities in public elementary schools and public secondary schools that-- (1) examines student participation in exercise (including sports and active games), including the types, frequency, duration, and seasonality of exercise participation, through-- (A) school physical education classes; (B) other school programs; and (C) intramural activities; and (2) assesses student physical activity and fitness levels. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section for fiscal year 2011. SEC. 5. DISSEMINATION OF BEST PRACTICES. (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall identify and make available to State educational agencies and local educational agencies, best practices on innovative physical education and physical activity policies and programs at the State and local level, including best practices that-- (1) identify and address common challenges to States and local educational agencies in implementing physical education and physical activity policies and programs, including barriers for meeting national recommendations for physical education and physical activity in schools, as established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the Department of Health and Human Services; and (2) meet or are working toward meeting the national recommendations for physical education and physical activity in schools, as established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the Department of Health and Human Services. (b) Updating Best Practices.--The Secretary shall update the best practices described in subsection (a) after completion of the study carried out under section 4(a). SEC. 6. PROMOTING THE HEALTHIERUS SCHOOL CHALLENGE. The Secretary of Education, in collaboration with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall encourage schools to participate in the HealthierUS School Challenge of the Food and Nutrition Service of the Department of Agriculture. SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS. Except as otherwise provided, any term used in this Act that is defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801) shall have the meaning given the term in such section. Passed the House of Representatives April 21, 2010. Attest: LORRAINE C. MILLER, Clerk.

Summary: Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act or the FIT Kids Act - (Sec. 3) Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require local educational agencies (LEAs) located in states receiving school improvement funds to annually provide the families of their students with information on healthful eating habits, physical education, and physical activity. Requires such LEAs to assist their schools in annually collecting and disseminating to the families of school students information on: (1) the most recent national recommendations for physical education and physical activity for students, as established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); (2) whether the school follows an age-appropriate physical education curriculum for all students that adheres to such guidelines or state guidelines; (3) the amount of time that students in kindergarten through grade 12 are required to spend in physical education, disaggregated by grade level; (4) the facilities available for physical education and physical activity for students enrolled in the school; and (5) any health and wellness council located in the school or with which the school is involved. Requires: (1) LEAs to provide to their state a description of the amount of time that students in kindergarten through grade 12 are required to spend in physical education, disaggregated by grade level; and (2) the state to ensure that such information is made available to the public. (Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary of Education to contract with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to study: (1) ways of incorporating physical education into school settings, and before- and after-school programs; (2) innovative and effective ways to increase physical activity for all students in kindergarten through grade 12; (3) efforts to encourage the participation of disabled students in physical education programs and the types of accommodations used to increase their participation; (4) the impact health and physical activity and education have on students' ability to learn; and (5) the progress students make in increasing their physical activity and improving their health and well-being, with specific recommendations for effectively measuring such progress. Directs the Secretary to study the participation of students in physical education and other physical activities in public elementary and secondary schools and assess their physical activity and fitness levels. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to: (1) identify and make available to states and LEAs, best practices on innovative physical education and physical activity policies and programs at the state and local level; and (2) update the best practices after the NAS study is completed. (Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary, in collaboration with the Secretary of Agriculture, to encourage schools to participate in the HealthierUS School Challenge of the Food and Nutrition Service of the Department of Agriculture.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Child Care Quality Incentive Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) Recent research on early brain development reveals that much of a child's growth is determined by early learning and nurturing care. Research also shows that quality early care and education leads to increased cognitive abilities, positive classroom learning behavior, increased likelihood of long-term school success, and greater likelihood of long-term economic and social self-sufficiency. (2) Each day an estimated 13,000,000 children, including 6,000,000 infants and toddlers, spend some part of their day in child care. However, a study in 4 States found that only 1 in 7 child care centers provide care that promotes healthy development, while 1 in 8 child care centers provide care that threatens the safety and health of children. (3) Full-day child care can cost $4,000 to $10,000 per year. (4) Although Federal assistance is available for child care, funding is severely limited. Even with Federal subsidies, many families cannot afford child care. For families with young children and a monthly income under $1,200, the cost of child care typically consumes 25 percent of their income. (5) Payment (or reimbursement) rates, the maximum the State will reimburse a child care provider for the care of a child who receives a subsidy, are too low to ensure that quality care is accessible to all families. (6) Low payment rates directly affect the kind of care children get and whether families can find quality child care in their communities. In many instances, low payment rates force child care providers to cut corners in ways that lower the quality of care for children, including reducing number of staff, eliminating staff training opportunities, and cutting enriching educational activities and services. (7) Children in low quality child care are more likely to have delayed reading and language skills, and display more aggression toward other children and adults. (8) Increased payment rates lead to higher quality child care as child care providers are able to attract and retain qualified staff, provide salary increases and professional training, maintain a safe and healthy environment, and purchase basic supplies and developmentally appropriate educational materials. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to improve the quality of, and access to, child care by increasing child care payment rates. SEC. 3. INCENTIVE GRANTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF CHILD CARE. (a) Funding.--Section 658B of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858) is amended-- (1) by striking ``There'' and inserting the following: ``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(b) Appropriation of Funds for Grants To Improve the Quality of Child Care.--Out of any funds in the Treasury that are not otherwise appropriated, there are authorized to be appropriated and there are appropriated, for each of fiscal years 2000 through 2004, $300,000,000 for the purpose of making grants under section 658H.''. (b) Grants To Improve the Quality of Child Care.--The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 658G the following: ``SEC. 658H. GRANTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF CHILD CARE. ``(a) Authority.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall use the amount appropriated under section 658B(b) for a fiscal year to make grants to eligible States in accordance with this section. ``(2) Annual payments.--The Secretary shall make annual payments to each eligible State out of the allotment for that State determined under subsection (c). ``(b) Eligible States.-- ``(1) In general.--In this section, the term `eligible States' means a State that-- ``(A) has conducted a survey of the market rates for child care services in the State within the 2 years preceding the date of the submission of an application under paragraph (2); and ``(B) submits an application in accordance with paragraph (2). ``(2) Application.-- ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information, in addition to the information required under subparagraph (B), as the Secretary may require. ``(B) Information required.--Each application submitted for a grant under this section shall-- ``(i) detail the methodology and results of the State market rates survey conducted pursuant to paragraph (1)(A); ``(ii) describe the State's plan to increase payment rates from the initial baseline determined under clause (i); and ``(iii) describe how the State will increase payment rates in accordance with the market survey findings. ``(3) Continuing eligibility requirement.--The Secretary may make an annual payment under this section to an eligible State only if-- ``(A) the Secretary determines that the State has made progress, through the activities assisted under this subchapter, in maintaining increased payment rates; and ``(B) at least once every 2 years, the State conducts an update of the survey described in paragraph (1)(A). ``(4) Requirement of matching funds.-- ``(A) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, the State shall agree to make available State contributions from State sources toward the costs of the activities to be carried out by a State pursuant to subsection (d) in an amount that is not less than 25 percent of such costs. ``(B) Determination of state contributions.--State contributions shall be in cash. Amounts provided by the Federal Government may not be included in determining the amount of such State contributions. ``(c) Allotments to Eligible States.--The amount appropriated under section 658B(b) for a fiscal year shall be allotted among the eligible States in the same manner as amounts are allotted under section 658O(b). ``(d) Use of Funds.-- ``(1) Priority use.--An eligible State that receives a grant under this section shall use the funds received to significantly increase the payment rate for the provision of child care assistance in accordance with this subchapter up to the 100th percentile of the market rate survey described in subsection (b)(1)(A). ``(2) Additional uses.--An eligible State that demonstrates to the Secretary that the State has achieved a payment rate of the 100th percentile of the market rate survey described in subsection (b)(1)(A) may use funds received under a grant made under this section for any other activity that the State demonstrates to the Secretary will enhance the quality of child care services provided in the State. ``(3) Payment rate.--In this section, the term `payment rate' means the rate of reimbursement to providers for subsidized child care. ``(4) Supplement not supplant.--Amounts paid to a State under this section shall be used to supplement and not supplant other Federal, State, or local funds provided to the State under this subchapter or any other provision of law. ``(e) Evaluations and Reports.-- ``(1) State evaluations.--Each eligible State shall submit to the Secretary, at such time and in such form and manner as the Secretary may require, information regarding the State's efforts to increase payment rates and the impact increased rates are having on the quality of, and accessibility to, child care in the State. ``(2) Reports to congress.--The Secretary shall submit biennial reports to Congress on the information described in paragraph (1). Such reports shall include data from the applications submitted under subsection (b)(2) as a baseline for determining the progress of each eligible State in maintaining increased payment rates.''.

Summary: Child Care Quality Incentive Act of 1999 - Amends the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to establish a program of incentive grants to improve the quality of, and access to, child care by increasing child care payment rates. Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make such grants to eligible States from specified allotments. Conditions a State's initial eligibility on its having surveyed the market rates for child care services in the State within the two years preceding submission of its application. Authorizes the Secretary to make an annual payment to an eligible State only if: (1) the Secretary determines that the State has made progress, through the assisted activities, in maintaining increased payment rates; and (2) the State updates such survey at least once every two years. Requires the State, to be eligible to receive such a grant, to agree to make available State contributions in cash from State sources toward at least 25 percent of the costs of priority required activities and additional authorized activities. Requires an eligible State that receives such a grant to make priority use of such funds to increase significantly (up to the 100th percentile of the market rate survey) the rate of reimbursement to providers for subsidized child care. Allows an eligible State, if it demonstrates to the Secretary that it has achieved such a payment rate for provision of child care assistance of the 100th percentile of the market rate survey, to use grant funds for any additional activity it demonstrates will enhance the quality of child care services. Requires evaluation reports by States to the Secretary, as well as biennial reports by the Secretary to the Congress.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Child Care Access and Refundability Expansion Act'' or as the ``Child CARE Act''. SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR DEPENDENT CARE EXPENSES. (a) Credit Made Refundable.-- (1) In general.--The Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating section 21 as section 36C and by moving such section after section 36B. (2) Credit not allowed for services provided outside the united states.--Section 36C(b)(2)(A) of such Code, as redesignated by this section, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Such term shall not include any amount paid for services provided outside the United States.''. (3) Conforming amendments.-- (A) Section 23(f)(1) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21(e)'' and inserting ``section 36C(e)''. (B) Section 35(g)(6) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21(e)'' and inserting ``section 36C(e)''. (C) Section 36C(a)(1) of such Code, as redesignated by this section, is amended by striking ``this chapter'' and inserting ``this subtitle''. (D) Section 129(a)(2)(C) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21(e)'' and inserting ``section 36C(e)''. (E) Section 129(b)(2) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21(d)(2)'' and inserting ``section 36C(d)(2)''. (F) Section 129(e)(1) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21(b)(2)'' and inserting ``section 36C(b)(2)''. (G) Section 213(e) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21'' and inserting ``section 36C''. (H) Section 6211(b)(4)(A) of such Code is amended by inserting ``36C,'' after ``36B,''. (I) Section 6213(g)(2)(H) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21'' and inserting ``section 36C''. (J) Section 6213(g)(2)(L) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 21, 24, 32, or 6428'' and inserting ``section 24, 32, 36C, or 6428''. (K) Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``36C,'' after ``36B,''. (L) The table of sections for subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking the item relating to section 21. (M) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 36B the following new item: ``Sec. 36C. Expenses for household and dependent care services necessary for gainful employment.''. (b) Increase in Dollar Limitation.--Section 36C(c) of such Code, as redesignated by this section, is amended-- (1) by striking ``$3,000'' in paragraph (1) and inserting ``$8,000'', and (2) by striking ``$6,000'' in paragraph (2) and inserting ``twice the dollar amount in effect under paragraph (1)''. (c) Credit Allowed for 50 Percent of Qualified Expenses.--Section 36C(a)(2) of such Code, as redesignated by this section, is amended by striking ``35 percent'' and all that follows and inserting ``50 percent.''. (d) Income Limitation.--Section 36C(a) of such Code, as redesignated by this section, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) Income limitation.--No credit shall be allowed under paragraph (1) with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year if the taxpayer's adjusted gross income for such taxable year exceeds $200,000.''. (e) Inflation Adjustment of Dollar and Income Limitations.--Section 36C(e) of such Code, as redesignated by this section, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(11) Inflation adjustment.-- ``(A) In general.--In the case of any taxable year beginning in a calendar year after 2015, the $8,000 amount in subsection (c)(1) and the $200,000 amount in subsection (a)(3) shall each be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(i) such dollar amount, multiplied by ``(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting `calendar year 2014' for `calendar year 1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof. ``(B) Rounding.--Any increase determined under subparagraph (A) shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.''. (f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014. SEC. 3. CREDIT FOR EDUCATION OF EMPLOYEES OF CHILD CARE CENTERS. (a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 45S. CHILD CARE CENTER EDUCATION CREDIT. ``(a) In General.--For the purposes of section 38, the child care center education credit determined under this section for the taxable year is an amount equal to 50 percent of so much of the child care educational expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer with respect to the operation of a qualified child care center during the taxable year. ``(b) Limitation.--The child care educational expenses taken into account under subsection (a) with respect to any eligible employee of the taxpayer for any taxable year shall not exceed $1,000. ``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Child care educational expenses.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `child care educational expenses' means, with respect to any eligible employee, expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer to an eligible educational institution (as defined in section 25A(f)(2)) for classes related to early childhood education or development or child care certification. ``(B) Eligible employee.--The term `eligible employee' means any employee of the taxpayer whose primary job function is providing care to children in a qualified child care center. ``(2) Qualified child care center.--The term `qualified child care center' means any dependent care center (as defined in section 36C(b)(2)(D)) located in the United States which meets the requirements of section 36C(b)(2)(C)(i). ``(d) Denial of Double Benefit.--No deduction shall be allowed under this chapter for the portion of the expenses otherwise allowable as a deduction that are taken into account in determining the credit under this section for the taxable year.''. (b) Credit To Be Part of General Business Credit.--Subsection (b) of section 38 of such Code is amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (35), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (36) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(37) the child care center education credit determined under section 45S(a).''. (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``Sec. 45S. Child care center education credit.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to expenses paid or incurred after the date of the enactment of this Act, in taxable years ending after such date.

Summary: Child Care Access and Refundability Expansion Act or the Child CARE Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the tax credit for employment-related expenses incurred for the care of a taxpayer's dependent, to: (1) make such credit refundable, (2) deny such credit for services provided outside the United States, (3) increase the dollar limit on the allowable amount of such credit and the percentage rate for qualified expenses, (4) deny such credit for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 in a taxable year; and (5) allow an annual inflation adjustment to the threshold amount for reducing such credit and the maximum allowable credit amount, beginning after 2015. The bill also allows a new tax credit for 50% of the child care educational expenses, up to a maximum of $1,000 in any taxable year, paid with respect to the operation of a qualified child care center.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Air Cargo Security Act''. SEC. 2. INSPECTION OF CARGO CARRIED ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT. Section 44901(f) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(f) Cargo.-- ``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary of Transportation for Security shall establish systems to screen, inspect, or otherwise ensure the security of all cargo that is to be transported in-- ``(A) passenger aircraft operated by an air carrier or foreign air carrier in air transportation or intrastate air transportation; or ``(B) all-cargo aircraft in air transportation and intrastate air transportation. ``(2) Strategic plan.--The Under Secretary shall develop a strategic plan to carry out paragraph (1).''. SEC. 3. AIR CARGO SHIPPING. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 449 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 44922. Regular inspections of air cargo shipping facilities ``The Under Secretary of Transportation for Security shall establish a system for the regular inspection of shipping facilities for shipments of cargo transported in air transportation or intrastate air transportation to ensure that appropriate security controls, systems, and protocols are observed, and shall enter into arrangements with the civil aviation authorities, or other appropriate officials, of foreign countries to ensure that inspections are conducted on a regular basis at shipping facilities for cargo transported in air transportation to the United States.''. (b) Additional Inspectors.--The Under Secretary for Transportation Security may increase the number of inspectors as necessary to implement the requirements of title 49, United States Code, as amended by this subtitle. (c) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 449 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``44922. Regular inspections of air cargo shipping facilities.''. SEC. 4. CARGO CARRIED ABOARD PASSENGER AIRCRAFT. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 449 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 44923. Air cargo security ``(a) Database.--The Under Secretary of Transportation for Security shall establish an industry-wide pilot program database of known shippers of cargo that is to be transported in passenger aircraft operated by an air carrier or foreign air carrier in air transportation or intrastate air transportation. The Under Secretary shall use the results of the pilot program to improve the known shipper program. ``(b) Indirect Air Carriers.-- ``(1) Random inspections.--The Under Secretary shall conduct random audits, investigations, and inspections of indirect air carrier facilities to determine if the indirect air carriers are meeting the security requirements of this title. ``(2) Ensuring compliance.--The Under Secretary may take such actions as may be appropriate to promote and ensure compliance with the security standards established under this title. ``(3) Notice of failures.--The Under Secretary shall notify the Secretary of Transportation of any indirect air carrier that fails to meet security standards established under this title. ``(4) Suspension or revocation of certificate.--The Secretary, as appropriate, shall suspend or revoke any certificate or authority issued under chapter 411 to an indirect air carrier immediately upon the recommendation of the Under Secretary. Any indirect air carrier whose certificate is suspended or revoked under this subparagraph may appeal the suspension or revocation in accordance with procedures established under this title for the appeal of suspensions and revocations. ``(5) Indirect air carrier.--In this subsection, the term `indirect air carrier' has the meaning given that term in part 1548 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations. ``(c) Consideration of Community Needs.--In implementing air cargo security requirements under this title, the Under Secretary may take into consideration the extraordinary air transportation needs of small or isolated communities and unique operational characteristics of carriers that serve those communities.''. (b) Assessment of Indirect Air Carrier Program.--The Under Secretary of Transportation for Security shall assess the security aspects of the indirect air carrier program under part 1548 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, and report the result of the assessment, together with any recommendations for necessary modifications of the program to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives within 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act. The Under Secretary may submit the report and recommendations in classified form. (c) Report to Congress on Random Audits.--The Under Secretary shall report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on random screening, audits, and investigations of air cargo security programs based on threat assessments and other relevant information. The report may be submitted in classified form. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. (e) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 449 of title 49, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``44923. Air cargo security.''. SEC. 5. TRAINING PROGRAM FOR CARGO HANDLERS. The Under Secretary of Transportation for Security shall establish a training program for any persons that handle air cargo to ensure that the cargo is properly handled and safeguarded from security breaches. SEC. 6. CARGO CARRIED ABOARD ALL-CARGO AIRCRAFT. (a) In General.--The Under Secretary of Transportation for Security shall establish a program requiring that air carriers operating all- cargo aircraft have an approved plan for the security of their air operations area, the cargo placed aboard such aircraft, and persons having access to their aircraft on the ground or in flight. (b) Plan Requirements.--The plan shall include provisions for-- (1) security of each carrier's air operations areas and cargo acceptance areas at the airports served; (2) background security checks for all employees with access to the air operations area; (3) appropriate training for all employees and contractors with security responsibilities; (4) appropriate screening of all flight crews and persons transported aboard all-cargo aircraft; (5) security procedures for cargo placed on all-cargo aircraft as provided in section 44901(f)(1)(B) of title 49, United States Code; and (6) additional measures deemed necessary and appropriate by the Under Secretary. (c) Confidential Industry Review and Comment.-- (1) Circulation of proposed program.--The Under Secretary shall-- (A) propose a program under subsection (a) within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act; and (B) distribute the proposed program, on a confidential basis, to those air carriers and other employers to which the program will apply. (2) Comment period.--Any person to which the proposed program is distributed under paragraph (1) may provide comments on the proposed program to the Under Secretary not more than 60 days after the date on which the proposed program is so distributed. (3) Final program.--The Under Secretary shall issue a final program under subsection (a) not later than 45 days after the last date on which comments may be provided under paragraph (2). The final program shall contain time frames for the plans to be implemented by each air carrier or employer to which it applies. (4) Suspension of procedural norms.--Neither chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, nor the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the program required by this section.

Summary: Air Cargo Security Act - Amends Federal aviation law to require the screening of cargo that is to be transported in passenger aircraft operated by domestic and foreign air carriers in interstate and intrastate air transportation (currently, only those transported by all-cargo aircraft). Directs the Under Secretary of Transportation for Security under the Transportation Security Administration to develop a strategic plan to carry out such screening.Sets forth certain measures to increase the safety and security of air cargo, including the establishment of systems that: (1) provide for the regular inspection of shipping facilities for cargo shipments; (2) provide an industry-wide pilot program database of known cargo shippers; (3) train persons that handle air cargo to ensure that such cargo is properly handled and safe-guarded from security breaches; and (4) require air carriers operating all-cargo aircraft to have an approved plan for the security of their air operations area, the cargo placed aboard the aircraft, and persons having access to their aircraft on the ground or in flight.Directs the Under Secretary to conduct random audits, investigations, and inspections of indirect air carrier facilities to determine if the indirect air carriers are meeting the security requirements of this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Simple Universal Healthcare Act of 2009''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Establishment of Citizens Congressional Health Benefits Program (CCHBP). Sec. 3. Contracts with entities to offer qualified CCHBP health plans. Sec. 4. Scope of benefits and coverage. Sec. 5. Eligibility. Sec. 6. Enrollment. Sec. 7. Premiums. Sec. 8. High-risk reinsurance fund. Sec. 9. Definitions. Sec. 10. Effective date and treatment of collective bargaining agreements. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF CITIZENS CONGRESSIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM (CCHBP). (a) In General.--The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall establish a program (to be known as the ``Citizen's Congressional Health Benefits Program'') to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage to-- (1) Federal elected officials (including the President, Vice President, and Members of Congress); and (2) residents of the United States who are not covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). (b) Similar to FEHBP.--The coverage shall be provided in a manner similar to the manner in which coverage has been provided to Members of Congress and Federal Government employees and retirees and their dependents under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). SEC. 3. CONTRACTS WITH ENTITIES TO OFFER QUALIFIED CCHBP HEALTH PLANS. (a) In General.--The Director shall enter into contracts with entities for the offering of qualified CCHBP health plans in accordance with this Act. Such contracts shall be entered into in a manner similar to the process by which the Director is authorized to enter into contracts with entities offering health benefits plans under FEHBP. (b) Requirements for Entities Offering Plans.--The Director may only enter into a contract under subsection (a) with an entity that is-- (1) licensed-- (A) as a health maintenance organization in the State in which the entity will offer the qualified CCHBP health plan; or (B) to sell group health insurance coverage in such State; (2) meets such requirements, similar to requirements under FEHBP, as the Director may establish, relating to solvency, adequacy of plan benefits (subject to section 4), organization, structure, governance, access, and quality; and (3) agrees to participate in the high-risk reinsurance fund described in section 8. (c) FEHBP Plans.--Any health plan offered under FEHBP shall be treated as a qualified CCHBP health plan for purposes of this Act. (d) Preemption of State Law.--The requirements of section 4, with respect to the scope and type of benefits required to be provided by a CCHBP health plan, shall supersede any and all State laws. SEC. 4. SCOPE OF BENEFITS AND COVERAGE. (a) Comprehensive Benefits.-- (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), qualified CCHBP health plans shall provide for the same scope and type of benefits that are provided under FEHBP, including-- (A) the types of benefits described in section 8904 of title 5, United States Code; and (B) benefits required by regulation or guidance under FEHBP. (2) Preventive benefits and mental health parity.-- Qualified CCHBP health plans shall provide a minimum level of preventive benefits determined by the Director, in consultation with the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force, which shall include vaccines for both children and adults, an annual physical, cancer screening (including mammographies for women of an appropriate age), and mental health parity. (b) No Exclusion for Pre-Existing Conditions.--Subject to section 6(b)(2), qualified CCHBP health plans shall not impose pre-existing condition exclusions or otherwise discriminate against any individual based on the health status of such individual (including genetic information relating to such enrollee, or any disease or condition). (c) Annual and Lifetime Out-Of-Pocket Limit Information.--An entity offering a qualified CCHBP health plan must provide notice to any individual covered by such plan of any benefit or service that is not included in the calculation of the annual or lifetime out-of-pocket limit under such plan. SEC. 5. ELIGIBILITY. (a) In General.--An individual is eligible to enroll in a qualified CCHBP health plan if-- (1) the individual resides in the United States; and (2) the individual is-- (A) a citizen or national of the United States; (B) an alien lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence; (C) an alien admitted into the United States under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (relating to refugees); (D) an alien otherwise permanently residing in the United States under color of law (as specified by the Director); or (E) an alien with the status of a nonimmigrant who is within a class of long-term nonimmigrants under section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act that the Director determines, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to be appropriate. (b) Exceptions.--The following individuals are not eligible to enroll in a qualified CCHBP health plan: (1) Individuals enrolled under public health insurance programs.--An individual who is enrolled under the Federal employees health benefits program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code (except for a member of Congress, as defined by section 2106 of title 5, United States Code; or the President); the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act; the Medicaid program under title XIX of such Act; the Children's Health Insurance Program under title XXI of such Act; or Tricare under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code. (2) Incarcerated individuals.--An individual who is incarcerated (as specified by the Director). (c) Treatment of Elected Officials.--A member of Congress (as defined under section 2106 of title 5, United States Code) or the President may enroll in either a qualified CCHBP health plan under this Act or an FEHBP plan under title 5, United States Code, but may not be enrolled in both types of plans at the same time. (d) Confirmation of Immigration Status.--The Director, in consultation with each entity offering a qualified CCHBP plan, shall promulgate regulations for the use of the automated system known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, as provided for by section 404 of the Illegal Immigrations Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (110 Stat. 3009-664) to verify the legal presence of the status of an individual, other than a United States citizen, who seeks to enroll in a qualified CCHBP plan. (e) Employer Option.-- (1) In general.--An employer may choose to participate in CCHBP and offer qualified CCHBP health plans to employees of such employer as employer-sponsored health insurance. (2) Notice.--The employer shall inform the Director that the employer is taking such option in a form and manner determined by the Director. (3) Maintenance of effort required.--An employer who provides notice under paragraph (2) must pay the percentage of the cost of the premium, as determined under section 7, for each employee that enrolls in a qualified CCHBP health plan, that is the same as the percentage of the cost of the premium of the health insurance plan that such employer offered to its employees before the employer provided notice under paragraph (2). (4) Tax treatment.--For purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, a qualified CCHBP health plan offered by an employer under this subsection shall not fail to be treated as employer-provided coverage solely because such employer provides such plan through the CCHBP. SEC. 6. ENROLLMENT. (a) Enrollment Process.--The Director shall establish a process to enroll eligible individuals and their families in qualified CCHBP health plans. Such process shall be conducted in a manner that is similar to the manner enrollment is conducted under FEHBP. To the extent consistent with eligibility under section 3, the Director shall provide rules similar to the rules under FEHBP for the enrollment of family members who are CCHBP-eligible individuals in the same plan. (b) Enrollment Period.-- (1) Enrollment upon initial eligibility.-- (A) In general.--An eligible individual may enroll in a qualified CCHBP health plan-- (i) at any time during the 1-year period beginning on the date that the Citizen's Congressional Health Benefits Program begins to operate; or, if later, (ii) at any time during the 3-month period beginning on the date that such individual becomes eligible to enroll in any qualified CCHBP health plan. (B) Treatment of preexisting conditions.--An individual who enrolls during the periods under paragraph (1) shall not be subject to exclusions or additional costs due to any preexisting conditions that such individual developed before the date such individual enrolled in a qualified CCHBP plan. (2) Annual enrollment.-- (A) In general.--An eligible individual who does not enroll in a qualified CCHBP health plan under paragraph (1) may enroll in such a plan during an annual enrollment period of not more than 1 month, as determined by the Director. (B) Treatment of preexisting conditions.--Subject to rules developed by the Director, the entity offering the qualified CCHBP health plan may exclude such individual from enrolling in such a plan under this paragraph due to any preexisting condition which such individual develops before the date of such annual enrollment period. Upon excluding such individual, the entity offering the qualified CCHBP health plan shall provide such individual with notice of such exclusion and information about enrolling in a high risk pool. (c) Changes in Enrollment.--The Director shall establish enrollment procedures that include an annual open season of at least 1 month and permit changes in enrollment with qualified health plans at other times (such as by reason of changes in marital or dependent status or eligibility). Such procedures shall be based on the enrollment procedures established under FEHBP. The Director shall provide for termination of such enrollment for an individual at the time the individual is no longer an eligible individual. (d) Enrollment of Employees.--Notwithstanding subsection (b)(2), the employees of an employer that provides notice to the Director under section 5(e)(2) may enroll in a qualified CCHBP health plan during either the 3-month period beginning on the date that such employer provides such notice or the 3-month period beginning on the date that such employee begins working for such employer, whichever is later. Such employee shall not be subject to any costs related to such employee's pre-existing conditions if so enrolled during such period. (e) Enrollment Guides.--The Director shall provide for the broad dissemination of information on qualified CCHBP health plans offered under this title. Such information shall be provided in a comparative manner, similar to that used under FEHBP, and shall include information, collected through surveys of enrollees, on measures of enrollee satisfaction with the different plans. SEC. 7. PREMIUMS. The premiums established for a qualified CCHBP health plan under this Act for individual or family coverage-- (1) based on the rating system used under FEHBP; and (2) shall not vary based on age, gender, health status (including genetic information), or other factors. SEC. 8. HIGH-RISK REINSURANCE FUND. The Director shall establish an arrangement among the entities offering qualified health plans under which such entities contribute in an equitable manner (as determined by the Director) into a fund that provides payment to plans for a percentage (specified by the Director and not to exceed 90 percent) of the costs that they incur for enrollees beyond a predetermined threshold specified by the Director. Such fund shall be funded exclusively by such entities. SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) The term ``CCHBP-eligible individual'' means an individual described in section 5. (2) The term ``Director'' means the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. (3) The term ``FEHBP'' means the program under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code. (4) The term ``qualified CCHBP health plan'' means a fee- for-service plan, health maintenance organization plan, high deductible health insurance plan, or other health insurance plan that meets the requirements for a health insurance plan under FEHBP and is offered through the CCHBP under this Act by an entity that is qualified to offer such plans. SEC. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TREATMENT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS. (a) Effective Date.--Benefits shall first be made available under this title for items and services furnished on or after the last day of the 9-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Non-Preemption of Existing Collective Bargaining Agreements.-- Nothing in this Act shall be construed as preempting any collective bargaining agreement that is in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act, during the period in which such agreement is in effect (without regard to any extension of such agreement effected as of such date of enactment).

Summary: Simple Universal Healthcare Act of 2009 - Requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a Citizen's Congressional Health Benefits Program (CCHBP) to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage similar to coverage that has been provided to Members of Congress and federal employees, retirees, and their dependents under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) to: (1) federal elected officials; and (2) U.S. residents who are not covered under FEHBP. Authorizes the Director to enter into contracts with entities for the offering of qualified CCHBP health plans in a manner similar to the process by which the Director is authorized to enter into contracts with entities under FEHBP. Requires any FEHBP health plan to be treated as a qualified CCHBP health plan. Requires CCHBP health plans to: (1) provide for the same scope and type of benefits that are provided under FEHBP; (2) provide a minimum level of preventive benefits determined by the Director, including vaccines for children and adults, an annual physical, cancer screening, and mental health parity; and (3) provide notice to any covered individual of any benefit or service that is not included in the calculation of the annual or lifetime out-of-pocket limit. Prohibits CCHBP health plans from imposing preexisting condition exclusions or otherwise discriminating based on health status with respect to individuals who enroll upon initial eligibility. Allows a plan to exclude an individual from enrolling based on a preexisting condition during an annual enrollment period after such individual's initial eligibility period. Lists eligibility requirements. Excludes individuals enrolled under FEHBP or other specified public health insurance programs and incarcerated individuals. Requires the Director to promulgate regulations for the use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system to verify the legal presence and status of an individual, other than a U.S. citizen, who seeks to enroll in a qualified CCHBP plan. Permits an employer to choose to participate in CCHBP and offer employees qualified CCHBP health plans as employer-sponsored health insurance.