SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Covering People With Pre-Existing Conditions Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHING UNIVERSAL ACCESS PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE HIGH RISK POOLS AND REINSURANCE MARKETS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH PRE- EXISTING CONDITIONS. (a) State Requirement.-- (1) In general.--Not later than January 1, 2015, each State shall-- (A) subject to paragraph (3), operate-- (i) a qualified State reinsurance program described in subsection (b); or (ii) qualifying State high risk pool described in subsection (c)(1); and (B) subject to paragraph (3), apply to the operation of such a program from State funds an amount equivalent to the portion of State funds derived from State premium assessments (as defined by the Secretary) that are not otherwise used on State health care programs. (2) Relation to current qualified high risk pool program.-- (A) States not operating a qualified high risk pool.--In the case of a State that is not operating a current section 2745 qualified high risk pool as of the date of the enactment of this Act-- (i) the State may only meet the requirement of paragraph (1) through the operation of a qualified State reinsurance program described in subsection (b); and (ii) the State's operation of such a reinsurance program shall be treated, for purposes of section 2745 of the Public Health Service Act, as the operation of a qualified high risk pool described in such section. (B) State operating a qualified high risk pool.--In the case of a State that is operating a current section 2745 qualified high risk pool as of the date of the enactment of this Act-- (i) as of January 1, 2015, such a pool shall not be treated as a qualified high risk pool under section 2745 of the Public Health Service Act unless the pool is a qualifying State high risk pool described in subsection (c)(1); and (ii) the State may use premium assessment funds described in paragraph (1)(B) to transition from operation of such a pool to operation of a qualified State reinsurance program described in subsection (b). (3) Application of funds.--If the program or pool operated under paragraph (1)(A) is in strong fiscal health, as determined in accordance with standards established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and as approved by the State Insurance Commissioner involved, the requirement of paragraph (1)(B) shall be deemed to be met. (b) Qualified State Reinsurance Program.-- (1) In general.--For purposes of this section, a ``qualified State reinsurance program'' means a program operated by a State program that provides reinsurance for health insurance coverage offered in the small group market in accordance with the model for such a program established (as of the date of the enactment of this Act). (2) Form of program.--A qualified State reinsurance program may provide reinsurance-- (A) on a prospective or retrospective basis; and (B) on a basis that protects health insurance issuers against the annual aggregate spending of their enrollees as well as purchase protection against individual catastrophic costs. (3) Satisfaction of hipaa requirement.--A qualified State reinsurance program shall be deemed, for purposes of section 2745 of the Public Health Service Act, to be a qualified high risk pool under such section. (c) Qualifying State High Risk Pool.-- (1) In general.--A qualifying State high risk pool described in this subsection means a current section 2745 qualified high risk pool that meets the following requirements: (A) The pool must provide at least two coverage options, one of which must be a high deductible health plan coupled with a health savings account. (B) The pool must be funded with a stable funding source. (C) The pool must eliminate any waiting lists so that all eligible residents who are seeking coverage through the pool should be allowed to receive coverage through the pool. (D) The pool must allow for coverage of individuals who, but for the 24-month disability waiting period under section 226(b) of the Social Security Act, would be eligible for Medicare during the period of such waiting period. (E) The pool must limit the pool premiums to no more than 150 percent of the average premium for applicable standard risk rates in that State. (F) The pool must conduct education and outreach initiatives so that residents and brokers understand that the pool is available to eligible residents. (G) The pool must provide coverage for preventive services and disease management for chronic diseases. (2) Verification of citizenship or alien qualification.-- (A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, only citizens and nationals of the United States shall be eligible to participate in a qualifying State high risk pool that receives funds under section 2745 of the Public Health Service Act or this section. (B) Condition of participation.--As a condition of a State receiving such funds, the Secretary shall require the State to certify, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that such State requires all applicants for coverage in the qualifying State high risk pool to provide satisfactory documentation of citizenship or nationality in a manner consistent with section 1903(x) of the Social Security Act. (C) Records.--The Secretary shall keep sufficient records such that a determination of citizenship or nationality only has to be made once for any individual under this paragraph. (3) Relation to section 2745.--As of January 1, 2015, a pool shall not qualify as qualified high risk pool under section 2745 of the Public Health Service Act unless the pool is a qualifying State high risk pool described in paragraph (1). (d) Waivers.--In order to accommodate new and innovative programs, the Secretary may waive such requirements of this section for qualified State reinsurance programs and for qualifying State high risk pools as the Secretary deems appropriate. (e) Funding.--In addition to any other amounts appropriated, there is appropriated to carry out section 2745 of the Public Health Service Act (including through a program or pool described in subsection (a)(1))-- (1) $15,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2015 through 2024; and (2) an additional $10,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2020 through 2024. (f) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Health insurance coverage; health insurance issuer.-- The terms ``health insurance coverage'' and ``health insurance issuer'' have the meanings given such terms in section 2791 of the Public Health Service Act. (2) Current section 2745 qualified high risk pool.--The term ``current section 2745 qualified high risk pool'' has the meaning given the term ``qualified high risk pool'' under section 2745(g) of the Public Health Service Act as in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act. (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (4) Standard risk rate.--The term ``standard risk rate'' means a rate that-- (A) is determined under the State high risk pool by considering the premium rates charged by other health insurance issuers offering health insurance coverage to individuals in the insurance market served; (B) is established using reasonable actuarial techniques; and (C) reflects anticipated claims experience and expenses for the coverage involved. (5) State.--The term ``State'' means any of the 50 States or the District of Columbia.

Summary: Covering People With Pre-Existing Conditions Act of 2014 - Requires each state to mitigate the health costs of high risk individuals in the state through a state reinsurance program or a state high risk pool.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Part D Improvement Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. REFORM OF ``DONUT HOLE''. (a) Counting Certain Expenditures Towards Out-of-Pocket Limits.-- (1) In general.--Section 1860D-2(b)(4)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-102(b)(4)(C)) is amended-- (A) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in clause (ii)-- (i) by striking ``such costs shall be treated as incurred only if'' and inserting ``subject to clause (iii), such costs shall be treated as incurred if''; (ii) by striking ``, under section 1860D- 14, or under a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program''; (iii) by striking ``(other than under such section or such a Program)''; and (iv) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by inserting after clause (ii) the following new clause: ``(iii) such costs shall be treated as incurred and shall not be considered to be reimbursed under clause (ii) if such costs are borne or paid-- ``(I) under section 1860D-14; ``(II) under a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program; ``(III) by the Indian Health Service, an Indian tribe or tribal organization, or an urban Indian organization (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act); ``(IV) by a rural health clinic or Federally qualified health center (as defined in section 1861(aa)); ``(V) under an AIDS Drug Assistance Program under part B of title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act; ``(VI) by a pharmaceutical manufacturer patient assistance program, either directly or through the distribution or donation of covered part D drugs, which shall be valued at the negotiated price of such covered part D drug under the enrollee's prescription drug plan or MA-PD plan as of the date that the drug was distributed or donated; or ``(VII) by a subsection (d) hospital (as defined in section 1886(d)(1)(B) that meets the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) of the section 340B(a)(4)(L) of the Public Health Service Act.''. (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall apply to costs incurred on or after January 1, 2008, for plan years beginning on or after such date. (b) Report on Closing the Gap.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall conduct a study on how to eliminate the gap in Medicare part D prescription drug coverage created through the application of an initial coverage limit and how to finance such elimination. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on such study. SEC. 3. CONFORMING LATE ENROLLMENT PENALTY TO MEDICARE PART B PENALTY STRUCTURE. (a) In General.--Section 1860D-13(b)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-113(b)(3)) is amended by striking ``is the greater of'' and all that follows and inserting the following: ``is 10 percent of the base beneficiary premium (as computed under subsection (a)(2)) for each continuous period of 12 consecutive uncovered months in such period''. (b) Not Counting Periods of Non-Enrollment During First Year of Program.--Subparagraph (B) of such section is amended by inserting ``(after December 2007)'' after ``any month''. (c) Presumption of Errors in Enrollment or Nonenrollment Due to Official Error.--Section 1837(h) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395p(h)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``In applying the previous sentence, an individual's unintentional, inadvertent, or erroneous enrollment or nonenrollment shall be presumed to be the result of an error, misrepresentation, or inaction of an officer, employee, or agent of the Federal Government, or its instrumentalities, unless the Secretary demonstrates otherwise.''. (d) Effective Dates.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply to late enrollment penalties for months beginning with January 2008. The amendment made by subsection (c) shall take effect on January 1, 2008, and shall apply as of such date to enrollments (and non-enrollments) occurring before, on, or after such date. SEC. 4. MORE FREQUENT CHANGES IN PLANS PERMITTED. (a) In General.--Section 1860D-1(b)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-101(b)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(F) Same frequency as changes in formularies.--In the case of an individual enrolled in a prescription drug plan (or MA-PD plan), as often as the Secretary permits such plan to make changes in its formulary.''. (b) Permitting Change in Enrollment During First 3 Months of Each Year as Permitted Under the Medicare Advantage Program.--Section 1860D- 1(b)(1)(B)(iii) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-101(b)(1)(B)(iii)) is amended by striking ``, (C),''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on January 1, 2008. SEC. 5. LOW INCOME SUBSIDY IMPROVEMENTS. (a) Removal of Asset Test.-- (1) In general.--Section 1860D-14(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-114(a)) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking ``and who meets the resources requirement described in paragraph (3)(D)''; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in paragraph (3)(A), by adding ``and'' at the end of clause (i), by striking ``; and'' at the end of clause (ii) and inserting a period, and by striking clause (iii); and (ii) by striking subparagraphs (D) and (E). (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall apply to benefits for months beginning with January 2008. (b) Elimination of Late Enrollment Penalties for Subsidy Eligible Individuals.-- (1) In general.--Section 1860D-13(b)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-113(b)(2)) is amended by inserting ``who is not a subsidy eligible individual and'' after ``an individual''. (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 1860D-14 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-114) is amended-- (A) in subsection (a)(1)(A), by striking ``equal to'' and all that follows and inserting the following: ``100 percent of the amount described in subsection (b)(1), but not to exceed the premium amount specified in subsection (b)(2)(B).''; and (B) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking the last sentence. (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall apply to late enrollment penalties for months beginning with January 2008.

Summary: Medicare Part D Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) of the Social Security Act to revise requirements for the Medicare prescription drug program with respect to: (1) counting certain expenditures towards out-of-pocket limits; (2) conforming the late enrollment penalty to the Medicare part B penalty structure; (3) allowing more frequent changes in plans; and (4) removing the asset test and eliminating late enrollment penalties for low-income subsidy eligible individuals. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report to Congress on how to: (1) eliminate the gap in Medicare part D prescription drug coverage created through the application of an initial coverage limit; and (2) finance such elimination.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Restore Opportunity, Strengthen, and Improve the Economy Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--The Congress of the United States finds the following: (1) The disappearance of good jobs, the shrinking of the middle class, and growing income inequality are the greatest domestic challenges confronting the Nation. (2) The United States Government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the Nation's private-sector economy, spending over $1.5 trillion dollars annually at firms that employ a quarter of American workers. (3)(A) Federal purchasing power is currently creating millions of poverty-level jobs, subsidizing labor law-breakers, and funding ballooning executive compensation. (B) The Federal Government is the Nation's leading creator of low-wage jobs in the private sector, funding more than 2,000,000 jobs paying under $12 per hour. (C) The Federal Government awards taxpayer dollars to a substantial number of firms that violate Federal labor, employment, and occupational safety laws. (D) Federal Government purchasing subsidizes the excessive salaries of private-sector executives who do business with the American people. (4) When Federal purchasing power is used in such a manner, workers have less to spend on the necessities of life and are forced to rely on public assistance. Lack of working purchasing power hurts job creation and undermines economic growth, ultimately imposing significant costs on American taxpayers. (5)(A) Federal purchasing power should be used to create good jobs, rebuild the middle class, and curb rising income inequality. (B) Federal purchasing power should be used to create good jobs for America. Good jobs allow workers and their families to live in dignity without relying on public assistance or private charity. Good jobs pay enough to provide for subsistence, health care, education, housing, and savings, as well as enough disposable income to allow workers to enjoy quality time off with their loved ones. (C) Federal purchasing power should be used to rebuild the middle class. A strong middle class stimulates the economy by increasing consumer spending and job growth. (D) Federal purchasing power should be used to narrow the growing gulf between the richest one percent of the population and ordinary working families that is threatening the survival of participatory democracy. (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are the following: (1) To use Federal purchasing power to incentivize private- sector firms. (2) To create good jobs for America's workers. (3) To rebuild America's middle class. (4) To address America's crisis of income inequality. (5) To invigorate the economy by increasing the purchasing power of working Americans. SEC. 3. GOOD JOBS MODEL EMPLOYER STANDARDS. For purposes of this Act, a Good Jobs Model Employer is one which meets the following standards: (1) Respects employees' rights to bargain collectively with their employers without being forced to take strike action to win better wages and working conditions. (2) Offers to each employee living wages, decent benefits including health care, paid leave for sickness and caregiving, and fair work schedules that are predictable and stable. (3) Affirmatively demonstrates an exemplary standard of compliance with workplace protection laws, including laws governing labor relations, wages and hours, and health and safety, as well as other applicable labor laws. (4) Limits executive compensation to 50 times the median salary paid to the company's workers. (5) Employs a workforce not less than 35 percent of which reside within one or more Historically Underutilized Business Zones. (6) Subcontracts only with other Good Jobs Model Employers. SEC. 4. APPLICATION TO FEDERAL CONTRACTS AND ASSISTANCE. (a) Eligibility for Award of Procurement Contracts.--In the award of a contract for the acquisition of supplies or services, an executive agency may not award the contract to a source that is not a Good Jobs Model Employer, unless there is no offer from a source that is a Good Jobs Model Employer. (b) Eligibility for Award of Financial and Nonfinancial Assistance.--An executive agency may not provide other forms of financial or nonfinancial assistance to entities that are not model employers when there is a similarly situated Good Jobs Model Employer that could receive the assistance, unless doing so would substantially undermine the value of the assistance to the public good. (c) Incorporation Into Future Federal Contracts and Assistance Agreements.--Beginning on January 1, 2015, executive agencies shall incorporate into each new contract, contract-like instrument, or assistance agreement a clause requiring the contractor or recipient to conduct itself as a Good Jobs Model Employer for the duration of the contract. (d) Exclusions.--None of the provisions of this section shall be interpreted to apply to-- (1) direct Federal statutory entitlements; (2) mandatory awards; (3) direct awards to foreign governments or public international organizations; (4) benefits to an individual as a personal entitlement; or (5) Federal employment. SEC. 5. IMPLEMENTATION. (a) Good Jobs Model Employer Standards.--The Secretary of Labor shall promulgate regulations implementing the Good Jobs Model Employer Standards of section 3(a) so as to effect the policy and purposes of this Act within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. The Secretary of Labor shall amend these regulations as necessary so that they continue to effect the policy and purposes of this Act. (b) Procurement Policy.--The Administrator of General Services, the Secretary of Defense, and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in coordination with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act to effect the policy and purposes of this Act, and subsequently as necessary to continue to effect the policy and purposes of this Act. (c) Debarment or Suspension.-- (1) An organization which acquires any form of financial or nonfinancial benefit or a contract from an executive agency through the operation of the procedure described in section 4 shall be placed on the Excluded Parties List enacted by Executive Orders 12549 and 12689 for a period of at least 2 years if it fails to remain a model employer for the duration of the benefit. (2) An organization which violates a Good Job Model Employer clause in a contract or agreement required by section 4(c) shall be placed on the Excluded Parties List enacted by Executive Orders 12549 and 12689 for a period of 3 years. (3) Parties which are suspended multiple times may be debarred permanently. SEC. 6. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Act, or applying such provision to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this Act and the application of the provisions of such to any person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.

Summary: Restore Opportunity, Strengthen, and Improve the Economy Act - Prohibits an executive agency from awarding a contract for the acquisition of supplies or services to a source that is not a Good Jobs Model Employer, unless there is no offer from such an employer. Defines a "Good Jobs Model Employer" as one that: respects employees' rights to bargain collectively with their employers without being forced to take strike action to win better wages and working conditions; offers to each employee living wages, decent benefits including health care, paid leave for sickness and caregiving, and fair work schedules that are predictable and stable; affirmatively demonstrates an exemplary standard of compliance with workplace protection laws, including laws governing labor relations, wages and hours, and health and safety, as well as other applicable labor laws; limits executive compensation to 50 times the median salary paid to the company's workers; employs a workforce not less than 35% of which reside within one or more Historically Underutilized Business Zones; and subcontracts only with other Good Jobs Model Employers. Prohibits an executive agency from providing other forms of assistance to entities that are not model employers when there is a similarly situated Good Jobs Model Employer that could receive the assistance, unless doing so would substantially undermine the value of the assistance to the public good. Requires executive agencies to incorporate into each new contract or assistance agreement a clause requiring the contractor or recipient to conduct itself as a Good Jobs Model Employer for the duration of the contract. Provides for the suspension of a contractor or assistance recipient that fails to do so and for debarment for multiple violations. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Labor to promulgate regulations implementing such Good Jobs Model Employer standards, and (2) specified officials to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to effect the policy and purposes of this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Improved Consumer Access to Travel Information Act''. SEC. 2. NATIONAL COMMISSION TO ENSURE CONSUMER INFORMATION AND CHOICE IN THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY. (a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following: (1) The continued success of a deregulated airline system requires that consumers have full access to complete information concerning airline fares, routes, and other services. (2) The means of distributing information about the products and services of the airline industry are changing; during the past four years, airlines have begun selling a larger percentage of their products and services directly to consumers, and Internet businesses are now offering services that allow consumers to compare prices for these products and services. (3) Airline policies with respect to travel agencies, who historically have sold a majority of the airline industry's products and services, threaten the ability of consumers to gather the information necessary to evaluate market prices, routes, and services. (4) Further reductions in the number of travel agents and greater marketplace reliance on direct airline sales may result in a marketplace in which consumers lack sufficient information and are thereby forced to pay higher prices. (b) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be known as the ``National Commission to Ensure Consumer Information and Choice in the Airline Industry'' (hereinafter in this section referred to as the ``Commission''). (c) Duties.-- (1) Study.--The Commission shall undertake a study of-- (A) consumer access to information about the products and services of the airline industry; (B) the effect on the marketplace of the emergence of new means of distributing such products and services; (C) the effect on consumers of the declining financial condition of travel agents in the United States; and (D) the impediments imposed by the airline industry on distributors of the industry's products and services, including travel agents and Internet-based distributors. (2) Policy recommendations.--Based on the results of the study described in paragraph (1), the Commission shall recommend to the President and Congress policies necessary-- (A) to ensure full consumer access to complete information concerning airline fares, routes, and other services; (B) to ensure that the means of distributing the products and services of the airline industry, and of disseminating information about such products and services, is adequate to ensure that competitive information is available in the marketplace; (C) to ensure that distributors of the products and services of the airline industry have adequate relief from illegal, anticompetitive practices that occur in the marketplace; and (D) to foster healthy competition in the airline industry and the entry of new entrants. (d) Specific Matters To Be Addressed.--In carrying out the study authorized under subsection (c)(1), the Commission shall specifically address the following: (1) Consumer access to information.--With respect to consumer access to information regarding the services and products offered by the airline industry: (A) The state of such access. (B) The effect in the next 5 years of the making of alliances in the airline industry. (C) Whether and to what degree the trends regarding such access will produce benefits to consumers. (2) Means of distribution.--With respect to the means of distributing the products and services of the airline industry: (A) The state of such means of distribution. (B) The roles played by travel agencies and Internet-based providers of travel information and services in distributing such products and services. (C) Whether the policies of the United States promote the access of consumers to multiple means of distribution. (3) Airline reservation systems.--With respect to airline reservation systems: (A) The rules, regulations, policies, and practices of the industry governing such systems. (B) How trends in such systems will affect consumers, including-- (i) the effect on consumer access to flight reservation information; and (ii) the effect on consumers of the use by the airline industry of penalties and promotions to convince distributors to use such systems, and the degree of consumer awareness of such penalties and promotions. (4) Legal impediments to distributors seeking relief for anticompetitive actions.--The policies of the United States with respect to the legal impediments to distributors seeking relief for anticompetitive actions, including-- (A) Federal preemption of civil actions against airlines; and (B) the role of the Department of Transportation in enforcing rules against anticompetitive practices. (e) Membership.-- (1) Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 15 voting members and 11 nonvoting members as follows: (A) 5 voting members and 1 nonvoting member appointed by the President. (B) 3 voting members and 3 nonvoting members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. (C) 2 voting members and 2 nonvoting members appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. (D) 3 voting members and 3 nonvoting members appointed by the majority leader of the Senate. (E) 2 voting members and 2 nonvoting members appointed by the minority leader of the Senate (2) Qualifications.--Voting members appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be appointed from among individuals who are experts in economics, service product distribution, or transportation, or any related discipline, and who can represent consumers, passengers, shippers, travel agents, airlines, or general aviation. (3) Terms.--Members shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. (4) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. (5) Travel expenses.--Members shall serve without pay but shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. (6) Chairman.--The President, in consultation with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the majority leader of the Senate, shall designate the Chairman of the Commission from among its voting members. (f) Commission Panels.--The Chairman shall establish such panels consisting of voting members of the Commission as the Chairman determines appropriate to carry out the functions of the Commission. (g) Staff.--The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of such personnel as it considers appropriate. (h) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Commission, the head of any department or agency of the United States may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of that department or agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this section. (i) Other Staff and Support.--Upon the request of the Commission, or a panel of the Commission, the Secretary of Transportation shall provide the Commission or panel with professional and administrative staff and other support, on a reimbursable basis, to assist the Commission or panel in carrying out its responsibilities. (j) Obtaining Official Data.--The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information (other than information required by any statute of the United States to be kept confidential by such department or agency) necessary for the Commission to carry out its duties under this section. Upon request of the Commission, the head of that department or agency shall furnish such nonconfidential information to the Commission. (k) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date on which initial appointments of members to the Commission are completed, the Commission shall transmit to the President and Congress a report on the activities of the Commission, including recommendations made by the Commission under subsection (c)(2). (l) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on the 30th day following the date of transmittal of the report under subsection (k). All records and papers of the Commission shall thereupon be delivered by the Administrator of General Services for deposit in the National Archives. (m) Applicability of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Commission.

Summary: Improved Consumer Access to Travel Information Act - Establishes the National Commission to Ensure Consumer Information and Choice in the Airline Industry. Sets forth the Commission's duties, including to: (1) study consumer access to airline industry information on products and services, the effect on consumers of the declining financial condition of travel agents in the United States, and the impediments imposed by the airline industry on distributors of the industry's products and services, including travel agents and Internet-based distributors; and (2) recommend, based on the study results, to the President and Congress policies necessary to ensure full consumer access to complete information concerning airline fares, routes, and other services, that the means of distributing the products and services of the airline industry (including information on such items) is adequate to ensure that competitive information is available in the marketplace, and that distributors of such products and services have adequate relief from illegal, anticompetitive practices that occur in the marketplace. Requires the Commission to report to the President and Congress on the Commission's activities, including any recommendations made by it.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``IFQ Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. INDIVIDUAL QUOTA PROGRAMS. (a) Authority To Establish Individual Quota Systems.--Section 303 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1853) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Special Provisions for Individual Quota Systems.-- ``(1) Conditions.--A fishery management plan which establishes an individual quota system for a fishery after September 30, 2002-- ``(A) shall provide for administration of the system by the Secretary in accordance with the terms of the plan; ``(B) shall not create, or be construed to create, any right, title, or interest in or to any fish before the fish is harvested; ``(C) shall include provisions which establish procedures and requirements for each Council having authority over the fishery, for-- ``(i) reviewing and revising the terms of the plan that establish the system; and ``(ii) renewing, reallocating, and reissuing individual quotas if determined appropriate by each Council; ``(D) shall include provisions to-- ``(i) promote sustainable management of the fishery; ``(ii) provide for fair and equitable allocation of individual quotas under the system; ``(iii) minimize negative social and economic impacts of the system on local coastal communities; ``(iv) ensure adequate enforcement of the system, including the use of observers where appropriate at a level of coverage that should yield statistically significant results; and ``(v) take into account present participation and historical fishing practices, in the fishery; and ``(E) include provisions that prevent any person or entity from acquiring an excessive share of individual quotas issued for a fishery. ``(2) Plan characteristics.--An individual quota issued under an individual quota system established by a fishery management plan-- ``(A) shall be considered a grant, to the holder of the individual quota, of permission to engage in activities permitted by the individual quota; ``(B) may be revoked or limited at any time, in accordance with the terms of the plan and regulations issued by the Secretary or the Council having authority over the fishery for which it is issued, if necessary for the conservation and management of the fishery (including as a result of a violation of this Act or any regulation prescribed under this Act); ``(C) if revoked or limited by the Secretary or a Council, shall not confer any right of compensation to the holder of the individual quota; ``(D) may be received and held in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary under this Act; ``(E) shall, except in the case of an individual quota allocated under an individual quota system established before the date of enactment of the IFQ Act of 2001, expire not later than 5 years after the date it is issued, in accordance with the terms of the fishery management plan; and ``(F) upon expiration under subparagraph (E), may be renewed, reallocated, or reissued if determined appropriate by each Council having authority over the fishery. ``(3) Eligible holders.-- ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), any fishery management plan that establishes an individual quota system for a fishery may authorize individual quotas to be held by or issued under the system to fishing vessel owners, fishermen, and crew members. ``(B) Non-citizens not eligible.--An individual who is not a citizen of the United States may not hold an individual quota issued under a fishery management plan. ``(4) Permitted provisions.--Any fishery management plan that establishes an individual quota system for a fishery may include provisions that-- ``(A) allocate individual quotas under the system among categories of vessels; and ``(B) provide a portion of the annual harvest in the fishery for entry-level fishermen, small vessel owners, or crewmembers who do not hold or qualify for individual quotas. ``(5) Termination or limitation.-- ``(A) Grounds.--An individual quota system established for a fishery may be limited or terminated at any time if necessary for the conservation and management of the fishery, by-- ``(i) the Council which has authority over the fishery for which the system is established, through a fishery management plan or amendment; or ``(ii) the Secretary, in the case of any individual quota system established by a fishery management plan developed by the Secretary. ``(B) Effect on other authority.--This paragraph does not diminish the authority of the Secretary under any other provision of this Act. ``(6) Required provisions; reallocations.--Any individual quota system established for a fishery after the date of enactment of the IFQ Act of 2001-- ``(A) shall not allow individual quota shares under the system to be sold, transferred, or leased; ``(B) shall prohibit a person from holding an individual quota share under the system unless the person participates in the fishery for which the individual quota share is issued; and ``(C) shall require that if any person that holds an individual quota share under the system does not engage in fishing under the individual quota share for 3 or more years in any period of 5 consecutive years, the individual quota share shall revert to the Secretary and shall be reallocated under the system to qualified participants in the fishery in a fair and equitable manner. ``(7) Exceptions.-- ``(A) Hardship.--The Secretary may suspend the applicability of paragraph (6) for individuals on a case-by-case basis due to death, disablement, undue hardship, retirement, or in any case in which fishing is prohibited by the Secretary or the Council. ``(B) Transfer to family members.--Notwithstanding paragraph (6)(A), the Secretary may permit the transfer of an individual fishing quota, on a case-by-case basis, from an individual to a member of that individual's family under circumstances described in subparagraph (A) through a simple and expeditious process. ``(8) Definitions.--In this subsection: ``(A) individual quota system.--The term `individual quota system' means a system that limits access to a fishery in order to achieve optimum yield, through the allocation and issuance of individual quotas. ``(B) individual quota.--The term `individual quota' means a grant of permission to harvest a quantity of fish in a fishery, during each fishing season for which the permission is granted, equal to a stated percentage of the total allowable catch for the fishery.''. (b) Approval of Fishery Management Plans Establishing Individual Quota Systems.--Section 304 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1854) is further amended by adding after subsection (h) the following: ``(i) Referendum Procedure.-- ``(1) A Council may prepare and submit a fishery management plan, plan amendment, or regulation that creates an individual fishing quota or other quota-based program only if both the preparation and the submission of such plan, amendment or regulation are approved in separate referenda conducted under paragraph (2). ``(2) The Secretary, at the request of a Council, shall conduct the referenda described in paragraph (1). Each referendum shall be decided by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast by eligible permit holders. The Secretary shall develop guidelines to determine procedures and eligibility requirements for referenda and to conduct such referenda in a fair and equitable manner. ``(j) Action on Limited Access Systems.-- ``(1) In addition to the other requirements of this Act, the Secretary may not approve a fishery management plan that establishes a limited access system that provides for the allocation of individual quotas (in this subsection referred to as an `individual quota system') unless the plan complies with section 303(e). ``(2) Within 1 year after receipt of recommendations from the review panel established under paragraph (3), the Secretary shall issue regulations which establish requirements for establishing an individual quota system. The regulations shall be developed in accordance with the recommendations. The regulations shall-- ``(A) specify factors that shall be considered by a Council in determining whether a fishery should be managed under an individual quota system; ``(B) ensure that any individual quota system is consistent with the requirements of sections 303(b) and 303(e), and require the collection of fees in accordance with subsection (d)(2) of this section; ``(C) provide for appropriate penalties for violations of individual quotas systems, including the revocation of individual quotas for such violations; ``(D) include recommendations for potential management options related to individual quotas, including the use of leases or auctions by the Federal Government in the establishment or allocation of individual quotas; and ``(E) establish a central lien registry system for the identification, perfection, and determination of lien priorities, and nonjudicial foreclosure of encumbrances, on individual quotas. ``(3)(A) Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of the IFQ Act of 2001, the Secretary shall establish a review panel to evaluate fishery management plans in effect under this Act that establish a system for limiting access to a fishery, including individual quota systems, and other limited access systems, with particular attention to-- ``(i) the success of the systems in conserving and managing fisheries; ``(ii) the costs of implementing and enforcing the systems; ``(iii) the economic effects of the systems on local communities; and ``(iv) the use of auctions in the establishment or allocation of individual quota shares. ``(B) The review panel shall consist of-- ``(i) the Secretary or a designee of the Secretary; ``(ii) the Commandant of the Coast Guard; ``(iii) a representative of each Council, selected by the Council; and ``(iv) 5 individuals with knowledge and experience in fisheries management. ``(C) Based on the evaluation required under subparagraph (A), the review panel shall, by September 30, 2003-- ``(i) submit comments to the Councils and the Secretary with respect to the revision of individual quota systems that were established prior to June 1, 1995; and ``(ii) submit recommendations to the Secretary for the development of the regulations required under paragraph (2).''.

Summary: IFQ Act of 2001 - Amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to authorize, subject to referenda approval, the establishment of, and conditions for, individual fishery quota systems.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``International Rule of Law and Antiterrorism Act of 2003''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) It is in the national security interest of the United States to support efforts to restore the rule of law in post- conflict and failed countries in order to prevent such countries from becoming safe havens for terrorist organizations and organized crime networks that threaten the security of United States interests, citizens, and its allies. (2) The responsibility of a civilian police force within a United Nations international peace operation is to help establish and maintain the rule of law and provide for the security necessary for post-conflict reconstruction to take place. (3) The restoration of the rule of law, despite its importance, remains a significant weakness of current United Nations international peace operations. SEC. 3. SUPPORT FOR THE CREATION OF A PROFESSIONAL UN CIVILIAN POLICE CORPS (UNCPC). (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) The creation of a professional United Nations civilian police corps (UNCPC) would-- (A) greatly reduce the current need for combat soldiers to engage in civilian policing activities; (B) allow combat soldiers who are deployed to be withdrawn earlier from a post-conflict situation without compromising security; (C) allow the United Nations to more rapidly and effectively take responsibility for maintaining a secure environment that allows aid providers to move forward with relief, development, and democracy- building tasks; (D) permit the United Nations to recruit civilian police personnel with the appropriate levels of expertise and training in police procedures and United Nations international peace operations, as determined by international standards to be established by the United Nations member states through negotiations; and (E) institute a system of accountability for civilian police in United Nations international peace operations, augmenting present civil disciplinary procedures with a standard code of conduct and an enforcement mechanism implemented in collaboration with United Nations member states. (2) The right of the United States to exercise its veto within the United Nations Security Council ensures that no action taken by the United Nations would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. (b) Negotiations to Establish a UN Civilian Police Corps.--The President shall-- (1) direct the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to establish negotiations with the United Nations and United Nations member states to establish a professional United Nations civilian police corps (UNCPC); (2) direct the Secretary of State to request that the United Nations Secretariat prepare a report concerning the establishment of a professional United Nations civilian police corps; and (3) direct the Secretary of State to work with the United Nations Secretariat and other United Nations member states to establish standards and training programs for international civilian police. (c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that a professional United Nations civilian police corps established in accordance with subsection (b)-- (1) should be composed of the appropriate number of law enforcement professionals recruited and employed by the United Nations who are appropriately trained and equipped for civilian policing functions in United Nations international peace operations and available for rapid deployment to such international peace operations as needed; (2) should be able to deploy not later than 15 days after the date on which a deployment is authorized pursuant to a United Nations Security Council resolution; (3) should be managed by the United Nations Civilian Police Division, established in October 2000 and mandated to plan and support the work of United Nations civilian police officers in United Nations peacekeeping operations; and (4) should be given the appropriate resources to do its job properly, including funding, equipment, training, logistical support, and staffing, including support personnel as well as corrections and judicial law enforcement professionals. SEC. 4. REPORT ON STATUS OF NEGOTIATIONS. Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the President shall transmit to the Committee on International Relations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report that contains a detailed description of the progress of negotiations to establish a professional United Nations civilian police corps in accordance with section 3(b). SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Rule of law.--The term ``rule of law'' means the ability of a country, through institutions and other means, to ensure the security and well being of its citizens through the enforcement of public laws. (2) United nations international peace operation.--The term ``United Nations international peace operation'' means a field operation conducted by the United Nations, or under the authority of the United Nations Security Council, for the purpose of implementing a peace agreement, the mandate of which may include establishing a secure post-conflict environment and restoring the rule of law, to enable reconstruction and development efforts to be established and carried out.

Summary: International Rule of Law and Antiterrorism Act of 2003 - Requires the President to direct: (1) the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) to use the U.S. vote to establish negotiations with the UN to establish a professional UN civilian police corps (UNCPC); (2) the Secretary of State (Secretary) to request that the UN Secretariat prepare a report concerning the UNCPC's establishment; and (3) the Secretary to work with the UN Secretariat and other UN member states to establish standards and training programs for international civilian police.Expresses the sense of Congress that the UNCPC should: (1) be composed of enforcement professionals who are appropriately trained and equipped for civilian policing functions in UN international peace operations and available for rapid deployment to such operations as needed; (2) be able to deploy not later than 15 days after deployment is authorized pursuant to a UN Security Council resolution; (3) be managed by the UN Civilian Police Division (established in October 2000 and mandated to plan and support the work of the UN civilian police officers in UN peacekeeping operations); and (4) be given the appropriate resources to properly do its job.Requires the President to report annually to specified congressional committees on the progress to establish a UNCPC.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) The greater Southern California metropolitan region is the second largest urban concentration in the United States, with almost one-tenth of the total population of the country, yet it has one of the lowest ratios of park-and-recreation- lands-per-thousand-population of any urban area in the country. Unless action is taken soon, this situation will only become worse as the region continues to be subjected to intense growth. (2) The lack of park, recreation, natural open space, and habitat protection in close proximity to the greater Southern California metropolitan region deprives the individuals who reside there of-- (A) the health and spiritual welfare benefits of proximity to nature; and (B) the quantifiable benefits of reduced crime, lower social tension, and increased educational opportunities that are associated with the provision of open space in geographic proximity to and accessible to urban populations. (3) The Rim of the Valley Corridor encircling the San Fernando and La Crescenta valleys provides important scenic, environmental, recreational, educational, scientific, and economic assets to the greater Southern California metropolitan region. These assets are deserving of increased protection so that they can continue to provide public benefit in the 21st century and beyond. (4) The Rim of the Valley Corridor, consisting of parts of the Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Susanna Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills, and adjacent connector areas to the Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests, contains significant examples of-- (A) the world's most endangered habitat area, the Mediterranean chaparral ecosystem; and (B) significant examples of separate ecotones indigenous to the area. (5) A key element of the Rim of the Valley Corridor is the escarpment of the San Gabriel Mountains that is largely contained within the Angeles National Forest. That national forest is primarily managed for watershed, recreational, and habitat values and not for commercial exploitation of forest resources. (6) Privately owned lands within the Rim of the Valley Corridor are critical to providing additional scenic, environmental, recreational, and open space values. These lands should be brought within public protection through the use of voluntary incentives, respecting at all times the legitimate private property values of existing property owners. (7) The State of California has adopted the Rim of the Valley Master Plan, and local governments within the Rim of the Valley Corridor have made significant progress toward protecting the unique natural and recreational resources of the area. However, these efforts have been hampered by a lack of financial resources, technical assistance, and resource management expertise that can be provided by the Federal Government. SEC. 3. STUDY OF RIM OF THE VALLEY CORRIDOR FOR ESTABLISHMENT AS UNIT OF THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior shall conduct a special resource study of the lands, waters, and interests of the area comprising the Rim of the Valley Corridor in Southern California, as depicted on the maps on file on June 15, 2001, in the office of the Secretary of the State of California pursuant to Division 23 of the California Public Resources Code (section 33000 et seq.). (b) Study Topics.--The study shall evaluate the national significance of the area and the suitability and feasibility of establishing it as a unit of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area of the National Park System. (c) Criteria.--In conducting the study authorized by this section, the Secretary shall use the criteria for the study of areas for potential inclusion in the National Park System contained in section 8 of Public Law 91-383 (16 U.S.C. 1a-5). (d) Consultation.--In conducting the study authorized by this section, the Secretary shall regularly consult with the Rim of the Valley Corridor and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Advisory Committee established by section 4. SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE. (a) Establishment.--There is established the Rim of the Valley Corridor and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the ``Committee''). (b) Recommendation of Boundaries for Expanded Recreation Area.-- (1) In general.--The Committee shall-- (A) advise the Secretary of the Interior regarding the conduct of the study under section 3; and (B) recommend to the Secretary of the Interior boundaries for a Santa Monica Mountains and Rim of the Valley National Recreation Area. (2) Boundary requirements.--The boundaries recommended by the Committee shall-- (A) reflect the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act; and (B) generally include the lands, waters, and interests comprising the Rim of the Valley Corridor as depicted on the maps as on file on June 15, 2001, in the office of the Secretary of the State of California pursuant to Division 23 of the California Public Resources Code (section 33000 et seq.). (3) Submission.--The Committee shall-- (A) submit a recommendation to the Secretary of the Interior under this subsection within 365 days after the first meeting of the Committee; and (B) include in the recommendation maps depicting the boundaries proposed for a Santa Monica Mountains and Rim of the Valley National Recreation Area. (4) Public participation.--The Committee shall provide opportunities for public participation in and comment on the recommendation of boundaries under this subsection. (c) Membership.--The Committee consists of 24 members appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, as follows: (1) 17 representatives of local governments having jurisdiction over areas in the vicinity of the recreation area, of whom one shall be nominated by each of-- (A) the mayor of the city of Los Angeles; (B) the board of supervisors of the county of Los Angeles; (C) the board of supervisors of the county of Ventura; (D) the city council of the city of Thousand Oaks; (E) the city council of the city of Agoura Hills; (F) the city council of the city of Westlake Village; (G) the city council of the city of Malibu; (H) the city council of the city of Calabasas; (I) the city council of the city of Burbank; (J) the city council of the city of Glendale; (K) the city council of the city of La Canada- Flintridge; (L) the city council of the city of Pasadena; (M) the city council of the city of Sierra Madre; (N) the city council of the city of South Pasadena; (O) the city council of the city of Santa Clarita; (P) the city council of the city of Moorpark; and (Q) the board of supervisors of Los Angeles county to represent the unincorporated communities within the jurisdiction of the East Rim of the Valley Trail Corridor, after consultation with the Town Council of Altadena and the Crescenta Valley Town Council. (2) The Superintendent of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, or a designee of such Superintendent. (3) The Supervisor of the Angeles National Forest, or a designee of such Supervisor. (4) The Superintendent of the Angeles District of the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation, or a designee of such Superintendent. (5) The Director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, or a designee of such Director. (6) One representative of the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, nominated by the Board of Directors of such district. (7) One representative of the Conejo Recreation and Park District, nominated by the Board of Directors of such district. (8) One representative of the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District, nominated by the Board of Directors of such district. (d) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.--The Committee shall select from among its members a chairperson and a vice chairperson. (e) Compensation and Expenses.--The members of the Committee shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed by the Secretary of the Interior for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. (f) Quorum.--13 members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. (g) Termination.--The Committee shall terminate upon the submittal by the Secretary of the special resources study under section 3 to the Congress.

Summary: Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the lands, waters, and interests of the Rim of the Valley Corridor in Southern California to evaluate its national significance and the suitability and feasibility of establishing it as a unit of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area of the National Park System.Establishes the Rim of the Valley Corridor and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Advisory Committee to: (1) advise the Secretary regarding such study; and (2) recommend to the Secretary boundaries for a Santa Monica Mountains and Rim of the Valley National Recreation Area.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States Grain Standards Act Reauthorization Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF UNITED STATES GRAIN STANDARDS ACT. (a) Official Inspection and Weighing Requirements.-- (1) Weighing requirements at export elevators.--Section 5(a)(2) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 77(a)(2)) is amended in the proviso by striking ``intracompany shipments of grain into an export elevator by any mode of transportation, grain transferred into an export elevator by transportation modes other than barge,'' and inserting ``shipments of grain into an export elevator by any mode of transportation''. (2) Disruption in grain inspection or weighing.--Section 5 of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 77) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(d) Disruption in Grain Inspection or Weighing.--In the case of a disruption in official grain inspections or weighings, including if the Secretary waives the requirement for official inspection due to an emergency under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall-- ``(1) immediately take such actions as are necessary to address the disruption and resume inspections or weighings; ``(2) not later than 24 hours after the start of the disruption in inspection or weighing, submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes-- ``(A) the disruption; and ``(B) any actions necessary to address the concerns of the Secretary relating to the disruption so that inspections or weighings may resume; and ``(3) once the initial report in paragraph (2) has been made, provide daily updates until official inspection or weighing services at the site of disruption have resumed.''. (b) Official Inspection Authority and Funding.-- (1) Delegation of official inspection authority.--Section 7(e)(2) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79(e)(2)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``(2) If the Secretary'' and inserting the following: ``(2) Delegation of authority to state agencies.-- ``(A) In general.--If the Secretary''; (B) in the first sentence-- (i) by striking ``and (A)'' and inserting ``and (i)''; (ii) by striking ``or (B)(i)'' and inserting ``or (ii)(I)''; (iii) by striking ``(ii)'' and inserting ``(II)''; and (iv) by striking ``(iii)'' and inserting ``(III)''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(B) Certification.-- ``(i) In general.--Every 5 years, the Secretary shall certify that each State agency with a delegation of authority is meeting the criteria described in subsection (f)(1)(A). ``(ii) Process.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the United States Grain Standards Act Reauthorization Act of 2015, the Secretary shall establish a process for certification under which the Secretary shall-- ``(I) publish in the Federal Register notice of intent to certify a State agency and provide a 30-day period for public comment; ``(II) evaluate the public comments received and, in accordance with paragraph (3), conduct an investigation to determine whether the State agency is qualified; ``(III) make findings based on the public comments received and investigation conducted; and ``(IV) publish in the Federal Register a notice announcing whether the certification has been granted and describing the basis on which the Secretary made the decision. ``(C) State agency requirements.-- ``(i) In general.--If a State agency that has been delegated authority under this paragraph intends to temporarily discontinue official inspection or weighing services for any reason, except in the case of a major disaster, the State agency shall notify the Secretary in writing of the intention of the State agency to do so at least 72 hours in advance of the discontinuation date. ``(ii) Secretarial consideration.--The Secretary shall consider receipt of a notice described in clause (i) as a factor in administering the delegation of authority under this paragraph.''. (2) Consultation.--Section 7(f)(1) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79(f)(1)) is amended-- (A) in subparagraph (A)(xi), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) the Secretary-- ``(i) periodically conducts a consultation with the customers of the applicant, in a manner that provides opportunity for protection of the identity of the customer if desired by the customer, to review the performance of the applicant with regard to the provision of official inspection services and other requirements of this Act; and ``(ii) works with the applicant to address any concerns identified during the consultation process.''. (3) Duration of designation authority.--Section 7(g)(1) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79(g)(1)) is amended by striking ``triennially'' and inserting ``every 5 years''. (4) Fees.--Section 7(j) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79(j)(1)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``(j)(1) The Secretary'' and inserting the following: ``(j) Fees.-- ``(1) Inspection fees.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary''; (B) in paragraph (1)-- (i) the second sentence, by striking ``The fees'' and inserting the following: ``(B) Amount of fees.--The fees''; (ii) in the third sentence, by striking ``Such fees'' and inserting the following: ``(C) Use of fees.--Fees described in this paragraph''; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(D) Export tonnage fees.--For an official inspection at an export facility performed by the Secretary, the portion of the fees based on export tonnage shall be based on the rolling 5-year average of export tonnage volumes.''; (C) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); (D) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: ``(4) Adjustment of fees.--In order to maintain an operating reserve of not less than 3 and not more than 6 months, the Secretary shall adjust the fees described in paragraphs (1) and (2) not less frequently than annually.''; and (E) in paragraph (5) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C)), in the first sentence, by striking ``2015'' and inserting ``2020''. (c) Weighing Authority.--Section 7A of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79a) is amended-- (1) in subsection (c)(2), in the last sentence, by striking ``subsection (g) of section 7'' and inserting ``subsections (e) and (g) of section 7''; and (2) in subsection (l)-- (A) by striking ``(l)(1) The Secretary'' and inserting the following: ``(l) Fees.-- ``(1) Weighing fees.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary''; (B) in paragraph (1)-- (i) the second sentence, by striking ``The fees'' and inserting the following: ``(B) Amount of fees.--The fees''; (ii) in the third sentence, by striking ``Such fees'' and inserting the following: ``(C) Use of fees.--Fees described in this paragraph''; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(D) Export tonnage fees.--For an official weighing at an export facility performed by the Secretary, the portion of the fees based on export tonnage shall be based on the rolling 5-year average of export tonnage volumes.''; (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: ``(3) Adjustment of fees.--In order to maintain an operating reserve of not less than 3 and not more than 6 months, the Secretary shall adjust the fees described in paragraphs (1) and (2) not less frequently than annually.''; and (E) in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by subparagraph (C)), in the first sentence, by striking ``2015'' and inserting ``2020''. (d) Limitation and Administrative and Supervisory Costs.--Section 7D of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 79d) is amended by striking ``2015'' and inserting ``2020''. (e) Issuance of Authorization.--Section 8(b) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 84(b)) is amended by striking ``triennially'' and inserting ``every 5 years''. (f) Appropriations.--Section 19 of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 87h) is amended by striking ``2015'' and inserting ``2020''. (g) Advisory Committee.--Section 21(e) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7 U.S.C. 87j(e)) is amended by striking ``2015'' and inserting ``2020''. SEC. 3. REPORT ON DISRUPTION IN FEDERAL INSPECTION OF GRAIN EXPORTS. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, and the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a report that describes-- (1) the specific factors that led to disruption in Federal inspection of grain exports at the Port of Vancouver in the summer of 2014; (2) any factors that contributed to the disruption referred to in paragraph (1) that were unique to the Port of Vancouver, including a description of the port facility, security needs and available resources for that purpose, and any other significant factors as determined by the Secretary; and (3) any changes in policy that the Secretary has implemented to ensure that a similar disruption in Federal inspection of grain exports at the Port of Vancouver or any other location does not occur in the future. SEC. 4. REPORT ON POLICY BARRIERS TO GRAIN PRODUCERS. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a report that describes-- (1) the policy barriers to United States grain producers in countries the grain of which receives official grading in the United States but which do not offer official grading for United States grain or provide only the lowest designation for United States grain, including an analysis of possible inconsistencies with trade obligations; and (2) any actions the Executive Branch is taking to remedy the policy barriers so as to put United States grain producers on equal footing with grain producers in countries imposing the barriers.

Summary: . United States Grain Standards Act Reauthorization Act of 2015 This bill reauthorizes and amends provisions of the United States Grain Standards Act. The Act authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish official marketing standards for grains, and to provide procedures for grain inspection and weighing. The bill reauthorizes several expiring provisions through FY2020, establishes procedures in the event of an interruption of inspection and weighing services, revises the process for delegating inspections to state agencies, and revises fees for inspection and weighing services. (Sec. 2) The bill provides that transfers of grain into an export elevator by any mode of transportation are not required to be officially weighed. In the case of a disruption in official grain inspection or weighing services, the bill requires USDA to immediately take the actions necessary to address the disruption and resume services. USDA must also report to Congress on the disruption and provide daily updates until services have resumed. The bill ends the permanent delegation to state agencies to carry out export inspection and weighing services. Every five years, USDA must certify that each state agency with a delegation of authority is meeting specified criteria. The certification process must include public notice and a comment period. State agencies that have been delegated authority and intend to temporarily discontinue official inspection or weighing services, except in the case of a major disaster, must notify USDA in advance. In order to review the performance of states, local agencies, and individuals that have applied to perform official inspections other than at export port locations, USDA must periodically consult with customers of the applicant and work with the applicant to address any concerns. The bill extends the duration of licenses for inspectors from three to five years. Designations of official agencies terminate at a time specified by USDA that is no later than every five years. The bill changes the fee calculation for inspection and weighing services and extends the authority to collect fees through FY2020. The bill extends the limitation on total administrative and supervisory costs, the authorization of appropriations, and the authorization of the advisory committee through FY2020. (Sec. 3) USDA must report to Congress on the disruption in federal inspection of grain exports at the Port of Vancouver in the summer of 2014. The report must include factors that led or contributed to the disruption and changes in policy USDA has implemented to ensure that a similar disruptions does not occur in the future. (Sec. 4) USDA must report to Congress on policy barriers to U.S. grain producers in countries that: (1) produce grain that receives official grading in the United States, and (2) do not offer official grading for U.S. grain or provide only the lowest designation for U.S. grain.


SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR UNITED STATES CUSTOMS SERVICE AND IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE. (a) In General.-- (1) Customs service.--In order to enhance border investigative resources on the Southwest border, enhance investigative resources for anticorruption efforts, intensify efforts against drug smuggling and money-laundering organizations, process cargo, reduce commercial and passenger traffic waiting times, and open all primary lanes during peak hours at certain ports on the Southwest and Northern borders, in addition to any other amount appropriated, there are authorized to be appropriated for salaries, expenses, and equipment for the United States Customs Service for purposes of carrying out this section-- (A) $161,248,584 for fiscal year 1999; (B) $185,751,328 for fiscal year 2000; and (C) such sums as may be necessary in each fiscal year thereafter. (2) INS.--In order to enhance enforcement and inspection resources on the Southwest land border of the United States, enhance investigative resources for anticorruption efforts and efforts against drug smuggling and money-laundering organizations, process cargo, reduce commercial and passenger traffic waiting times, and open all primary lanes during peak hours at major land border ports of entry on the Southwest and Northern land borders of the United States, in addition to any other amounts appropriated, there are authorized to be appropriated for salaries, expenses, and equipment for the Immigration and Naturalization Service for purposes of carrying out this section-- (A) $113,604,000 for fiscal year 1999; (B) $121,064,000 for fiscal year 2000; and (C) such sums as may be necessary in each fiscal year thereafter. (b) Fiscal Year 1999.-- (1) Customs service.--Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a)(1)(A) for fiscal year 1999 for the United States Customs Service, $48,404,000 shall be available until expended for acquisition and other expenses associated with implementation and full deployment of narcotics enforcement and cargo processing technology along the Southwest border, including-- (A) $6,000,000 for 8 Vehicle and Container Inspection Systems (VACIS); (B) $11,000,000 for 5 mobile truck x-rays with transmission and backscatter imaging; (C) $12,000,000 for the upgrade of 8 fixed-site truck x-rays from the present energy level of 450,000 electron volts to 1,000,000 electron volts (1-MeV); (D) $7,200,000 for 8 1-MeV pallet x-rays; (E) $1,000,000 for 200 portable contraband detectors (busters) to be distributed among ports where the current allocations are inadequate; (F) $600,000 for 50 contraband detection kits to be distributed among all Southwest border ports based on traffic volume; (G) $500,000 for 25 ultrasonic container inspection units to be distributed among all ports receiving liquid-filled cargo and to ports with a hazardous material inspection facility; (H) $2,450,000 for 7 automated targeting systems; (I) $360,000 for 30 rapid tire deflator systems to be distributed to those ports where port runners are a threat; (J) $480,000 for 20 Portable Treasury Enforcement Communications System (TECS) terminals to be moved among ports as needed; (K) $1,000,000 for 20 remote watch surveillance camera systems at ports where there are suspicious activities at loading docks, vehicle queues, secondary inspection lanes, or areas where visual surveillance or observation is obscured; (L) $1,254,000 for 57 weigh-in-motion sensors to be distributed among the ports with the greatest volume of outbound traffic; (M) $180,000 for 36 AM radio ``Welcome to the United States'' stations, with 1 station to be located at each border crossing; (N) $1,040,000 for 260 inbound vehicle counters to be installed at every inbound vehicle lane; (O) $950,000 for 38 spotter camera systems to counter the surveillance of Customs inspection activities by persons outside the boundaries of ports where such surveillance activities are occurring; (P) $390,000 for 60 inbound commercial truck transponders to be distributed to all ports of entry; (Q) $1,600,000 for 40 narcotics vapor and particle detectors to be distributed to each border crossing; and (R) $400,000 for license plate reader automatic targeting software to be installed at each port to target inbound vehicles. (2) INS.--Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a)(2)(A) for fiscal year 1999 for the Immigration and Naturalization Service, $15,090,000 shall be available until expended for acquisition and other expenses associated with implementation and full deployment of narcotics enforcement and cargo processing technology along the Southwest land border of the United States, including-- (A) $11,000,000 for 5 mobile truck x-rays with transmission and backscatter imaging to be distributed to border patrol checkpoints; (B) $200,000 for 10 ultrasonic container inspection units to be distributed to border patrol checkpoints; (C) $240,000 for 10 Portable Treasury Enforcement Communications System (TECS) terminals to be distributed to border patrol checkpoints; (D) $1,000,000 for 20 remote watch surveillance camera systems to be distributed to border patrol checkpoints; (E) $175,000 for 35 AM radio ``Welcome to the United States'' stations, with 1 station to be located at each permanent border patrol checkpoint; (F) $875,000 for 35 spotter camera systems, with 1 system to be located at each permanent border patrol checkpoint; and (G) $1,600,000 for 40 narcotics vapor and particle detectors to be distributed to border patrol checkpoints. (c) Fiscal Year 2000 and Thereafter.-- (1) Customs service.--Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection (a)(1) for the United States Customs Service for fiscal year 2000 and each fiscal year thereafter, $4,840,400 shall be for the maintenance and support of the equipment and training of personnel to maintain and support the equipment described in subsection (b)(1), based on an estimate of 10 percent of the cost of such equipment. (2) INS.--Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under subparagraphs (B) and (C) of subsection (a)(2) for the Immigration and Naturalization Service for fiscal year 2000 and each fiscal year thereafter, $1,509,000 shall be for the maintenance and support of the equipment and training of personnel to maintain and support the equipment described in subsection (b)(2), based on an estimate of 10 percent of the cost of such equipment. (d) New Technologies; Use of Funds.-- (1) In general.--The Commissioner of Customs may use the amounts authorized to be appropriated for equipment under this section for equipment other than the equipment specified in subsection (b)(1) if such other equipment-- (A)(i) is technologically superior to the equipment specified in subsection (b)(1); and (ii) will achieve at least the same results at a cost that is the same or less than the equipment specified in subsection (b)(1); or (B) can be obtained at a lower cost than the equipment authorized in subparagraphs (A) through (R) of such subsection. (2) Transfer of funds.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Commissioner of Customs may reallocate an amount not to exceed 10 percent of the amount specified in any of subparagraphs (A) through (R) of subsection (b)(1) for equipment specified in any other of such subparagraphs (A) through (R). (3) INS.--With respect to the amounts and equipment specified in subsection (b)(2), the Attorney General shall have the same authority as is granted the Commissioner of Customs by paragraphs (1) and (2) with respect to the amounts and equipment specified in subsection (b)(1). (e) Peak Hours and Investigative Resource Enhancement.-- (1) Customs service.--Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a)(1) for fiscal years 1999 and 2000, $112,844,584 in fiscal year 1999 and $180,910,928 for fiscal year 2000 shall be for-- (A) a net increase of 535 inspectors and 60 special agents for the Southwest border and 375 inspectors for the Northern border, in order to open all primary lanes on the Southwest and Northern borders during peak hours and enhance investigative resources; (B) a net increase of 285 inspectors and canine enforcement officers to be distributed at large cargo facilities as needed to process and screen cargo (including rail cargo) and reduce commercial waiting times on the Southwest border; (C) a net increase of 360 special agents, 40 intelligence analysts, and additional resources to be distributed among offices that have jurisdiction over major metropolitan drug or narcotics distribution and transportation centers for intensification of efforts against drug smuggling and money-laundering organizations; (D) a net increase of 50 positions and additional resources to the Office of Internal Affairs to enhance investigative resources for anticorruption efforts; and (E) the costs incurred as a result of the increase in personnel hired pursuant to this section. (2) INS.--Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a)(2) for fiscal years 1999 and 2000, $98,514,000 in fiscal year 1999 and $119,555,000 for fiscal year 2000 shall be for-- (A) a net increase of 535 inspectors for the Southwest land border and 375 inspectors for the Northern land border, in order to open all primary lanes on the Southwest and Northern borders during peak hours and enhance investigative resources; (B) a net increase of 100 inspectors and canine enforcement officers for border patrol checkpoints; (C) 100 canine enforcement vehicles to be used by the Border Patrol for inspection and enforcement, and to reduce waiting times, at the Southwest land border of the United States; (D) a net increase of 40 intelligence analysts and additional resources to be distributed among border patrol sectors that have jurisdiction over major metropolitan drug or narcotics distribution and transportation centers for intensification of efforts against drug smuggling and money-laundering organizations; (E) a net increase of 50 positions and additional resources to the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Justice to enhance investigative resources for anticorruption efforts; and (F) the costs incurred as a result of the increase in personnel hired pursuant to this section.

Summary: Authorizes additional appropriations for personnel and equipment for the United States Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Seniors' Medicare Choices from Obamacare Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. ELIMINATING PPACA ENHANCED MEDICAID FMAP FOR PRISONERS AND APPLYING SAVINGS TO MEDICARE ADVANTAGE IMPROVEMENT FUND. (a) Elimination of PPACA Enhanced Medicaid FMAP for Prisoners.-- (1) In general.--Section 1905 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d) is amended-- (A) in subsection (y)(2)(A), by adding at the end the following: ``Such term does not include an individual described in such subparagraph during the period in which the individual is an inmate in a public institution or in which the public institution maintains jurisdiction over the individual.''; and (B) in subsection (z)(1)(A), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``and who are not inmates of a public institution (or individuals over whom a public institution maintains jurisdiction)''. (2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall apply to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2015. (b) Application of Savings to 2015 to Establishment of 2015 Medicare Advantage Stabilization Program.--Section 1859 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-28) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) 2015 Medicare Advantage Stabilization Program.-- ``(1) Establishment.--There is established a Medicare Advantage stabilization program (in this subsection referred to as the `stabilization program') under which the Secretary shall, subject to paragraph (6), provide a PMPM stabilization funding amount to each eligible Medicare Advantage plan in accordance with this subsection to be used by such plan for plan year 2015 to address the beneficiary plan inadequacies applicable to such plan (as described in paragraph (5)). ``(2) Eligible medicare advantage plans.--For purposes of this subsection, an eligible Medicare Advantage plan is a Medicare Advantage plan to be offered for plan year 2015 that the Secretary determines, based on the bid of such plan submitted under section 1854 for such plan year, satisfies at least one of the following criteria: ``(A) Increased beneficiary costs.--The total costs (including premiums, cost-sharing responsibilities, and deductibles) projected to be applicable to individuals who enroll in such plan for such plan year are at least 7 percent more than the such total costs that were applicable to individuals enrolled in such plan for plan year 2014. ``(B) Decreased supplemental benefits.--The supplemental benefits to be offered under such plan for such plan year 2015 are less than the supplemental benefits offered under such plan for plan year 2014. ``(C) Decreased provider network.--The number of physicians in the plan's network has been reduced by 3 percent or more from plan year 2014 to plan year 2015. ``(3) Distribution of pmpm stabilization funding amounts.-- ``(A) In general.--Subject to the availability of funds under paragraph (6), under the stabilization program, the Secretary shall distribute, not later than December 31, 2014, to each eligible Medicare Advantage plan a PMPM stabilization funding amount, as determined by the Secretary in accordance with subparagraph (B). ``(B) PMPM stabilization funding amount.--A PMPM stabilization funding amount, with respect to an eligible Medicare Advantage plan, shall be determined in accordance with the following: ``(i) Such amount shall be an amount, with respect to each month of plan year 2015, for each individual projected to be enrolled in such plan for such plan year. ``(ii) Subject to paragraph (6) and clause (iii), such amount shall be an amount determined by the Secretary to be sufficient for such plan to address for plan year 2015 each beneficiary plan inadequacy specified in paragraph (4) applicable to such plan. ``(iii) Such amount shall not be more than $85 per member per month. ``(4) Timing of determinations.--Under the stabilization program, the Secretary shall determine which Medicare Advantage plans are eligible Medicare Advantage plans under paragraph (2), and the PMPM stabilization funding amount to be distributed to each such eligible Medicare Advantage plan under paragraph (3), by not later than October 15, 2014. ``(5) Applicable beneficiary plan inadequacies.--For purposes of this subsection, a beneficiary plan inadequacy applicable to an eligible Medicare Advantage plan is each of the criteria described in paragraph (2) that the Secretary determined the plan satisfied for qualifying as such an eligible Medicare Advantage plan. ``(6) Funding.-- ``(A) In general.--There shall be available to the Secretary from amounts in the general fund in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated an amount, not to exceed $3,000,000,000, to carry out this subsection. Such amounts shall remain so available until December 31, 2015. Any amounts made so available but not expended on or before such date shall be transferred to the general fund in the Treasury. ``(B) Clarification.--Payments under the stabilization program shall not be taken into account for purposes of determining the premium payments applicable under part B.''.

Summary: Protecting Seniors' Medicare Choices from Obamacare Act of 2014 - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to eliminate the increased Medicaid federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP, or federal matching amount) for prisoners with respect to their hospital care under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Amends SSA title XVIII (Medicare) part C (Medicare+Choice) to establish a Medicare Advantage (MA) stabilization program under which the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall distribute a stabilization funding amount to each eligible MA plan for plan year 2015 to address any beneficiary plan inadequacies.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Hygiene Assistance for Families of Infants and Toddlers Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. IMPROVING OPPORTUNITY DIAPER DISTRIBUTION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT. Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 399V-7. DIAPER DISTRIBUTION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Administration for Children and Families, shall make grants to eligible entities to conduct demonstration projects that implement and evaluate strategies to help families with eligible children to address the diapering needs of such children. ``(b) Use of Funds.--Amounts provided through a grant under this section shall be used to-- ``(1) fund diaper distribution demonstration projects that will reduce the substantial cost of diapers and diapering supplies by making diapers and diapering supplies available to low-income families; ``(2) evaluate the effects of such demonstration projects on mitigating health risks, including diaper dermatitis, urinary tract infections, and increased rates of parental and child depression and anxiety, that can arise when low-income families do not have an adequate supply of diapers for infants and toddlers; and ``(3) integrate the diaper distribution demonstration projects with other assistance programs serving families with eligible children. ``(c) Application.--An entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary an application that includes such information as the Secretary may require to ensure a likelihood of success in achieving the purposes of the grant listed in subsection (b). ``(d) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, an entity shall be-- ``(1) a State or local governmental entity; ``(2) an Indian tribe or tribal organization (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act); or ``(3) a nonprofit organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code. ``(e) No Effect on Other Programs.--Any assistance or benefits provided to a family pursuant to a grant under this section shall be disregarded for purposes of determining the family's eligibility for, or amount of, benefits under-- ``(1) any other Federal needs-based program; or ``(2) in the case of a grant under this section to a State, any State-funded, needs-based program that is financed in whole or in part with Federal funds. ``(f) Reports.--As a condition of receiving a grant under this section for a fiscal year, an entity shall submit to the Secretary, not later than 6 months after the end of the fiscal year, a report that specifies-- ``(1) the number of children and the number of families receiving assistance under the diaper distribution demonstration projects funded through such grant for each month of the fiscal year; ``(2) the number of diapers, and the number of each type of diapering supply distributed through such projects for each month of the fiscal year; ``(3) the method or methods the entity uses to distribute diapers and diapering supplies through such projects; and ``(4) such other information as the Secretary may require. ``(g) Evaluation.--The Secretary, in consultation with each entity that receives a grant under this section, shall-- ``(1) not later than September 30, 2019-- ``(A) complete an evaluation of the effectiveness of the diaper distribution demonstration projects carried out pursuant to this section; ``(B) submit to the relevant congressional committees a report on the results of such evaluation; and ``(C) publish the results of the evaluation on the Internet Web site of the Department of Health and Human Services; and ``(2)(A) not later than September 30, 2022, update the evaluation described in paragraph (1)(A); and ``(B) not later than 90 days after completion of the updated evaluation under subparagraph (B)-- ``(i) submit to the relevant congressional committees a report describing the results of such evaluation; and ``(ii) update the Web site described in paragraph (1)(C) to include the results of such evaluation. ``(h) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) The term `diaper' means an absorbent garment that is washable or disposable that is worn by a child who is not toilet-trained. ``(2) The term `diapering supplies' means items, including diaper wipes and diaper cream, necessary to ensure that a child using a diaper is properly cleaned and protected from diaper rash. ``(3) The term `eligible child' means a child who-- ``(A) is not toilet-trained; ``(B) has not attained 4 years of age, unless the entity determines that the child has a substantial physical or mental impairment that requires the child to wear diapers; and ``(C) is a member of a family whose income is not more than 130 percent of the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget, and revised annually in accordance with section 673(2) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981) applicable to a family of the size involved. ``(4) The term `toilet-trained' means able and willing to use a toilet consistently such that diapers are not necessary on a daily basis. ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.-- ``(1) In general.--To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022, $25,000,000. ``(2) Availability of funds.--Funds provided to an entity under this section for a fiscal year may be expended only in the fiscal year or the succeeding fiscal year.''.

Summary: Hygiene Assistance for Families of Infants and Toddlers Act of 2017 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Administration for Children and Familes of the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to states or local governments, Indian tribes or tribal organizations, or nonprofit organizations to conduct demonstration projects to help low-income families address the diapering needs of their children.