SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Technology and Research Accelerating National Security and Future Economic Resiliency Act of 2014'' or the ``TRANSFER Act''. SEC. 2. INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER GRANT PROGRAM. Section 9(jj) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(jj)) is amended to read as follows: ``(jj) Innovative Approaches to Technology Transfer.-- ``(1) Grant program.-- ``(A) Definitions.--In this subsection-- ``(i) the term `covered agency' means a Federal agency that is required to establish an STTR program under subsection (n); ``(ii) the term `eligible institution' means-- ``(I) an institution of higher education; ``(II) a technology transfer organization that facilitates the commercialization of technologies developed by 1 or more institutions of higher education; ``(III) a Federal laboratory; ``(IV) a public or private nonprofit entity; or ``(V) a consortium of any of the entities described under subclause (I), (II), (III), or (IV); ``(iii) the term `Federal laboratory' has the meaning given that term under section 4(6) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3703(6)); ``(iv) the term `institution of higher education' has the meaning given that term under section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)); and ``(v) the term `program' means an Innovative Approaches to Technology Transfer Grant Program established by a covered agency under subparagraph (B). ``(B) Establishment of program.--The head of each covered agency shall establish a grant program, to be known as the Innovative Approaches to Technology Transfer Grant Program of the covered agency, to make grants to eligible institutions to improve or accelerate the commercialization of high quality and commercially viable federally funded research and technology by small business concerns. ``(C) Use of funds.--Grants awarded under a program may be used to-- ``(i) provide early-stage proof of concept funding for translational research; ``(ii) identify research and technology that have the potential for accelerated commercialization; ``(iii) support technology maturation activities, including prototype construction, experiment analysis, product comparison, and the collection of performance data; ``(iv) provide funding for technical validations, market research, clarifying intellectual property rights position and strategy, and investigating commercial and business opportunities; ``(v) provide advice, mentoring, entrepreneurial education, project management, and technology and business development expertise to innovators and recipients of technology transfer licenses to maximize commercialization potential; and ``(vi) conduct outreach to small business concerns as potential licensees of federally funded research and technology to provide technology transfer services to those small business concerns. ``(D) Application.-- ``(i) In general.--An eligible institution desiring a grant under the program shall submit an application to a covered agency at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the covered agency may require. ``(ii) Required information.--An application submitted for a grant under the program shall include-- ``(I)(aa) a description of innovative approaches to technology transfer, technology development, and commercial readiness that have the potential to increase or accelerate technology transfer outcomes and can be adopted by other eligible institutions; or ``(bb) a demonstration of, or a plan to implement, proven technology transfer and commercialization strategies that can achieve greater commercialization of federally funded research and technology with a grant under the program; ``(II) a description of how the eligible institution will contribute to local and regional economic development efforts; ``(III) a plan for sustainability after grant amounts have been expended; and ``(IV) a plan to assemble an oversight board in accordance with subparagraph (F). ``(E) Competitive basis.--A covered agency shall award grants to eligible institutions under the program of the covered agency on a competitive basis. ``(F) Oversight board.-- ``(i) In general.--An eligible institution that receives a grant under the program shall assemble an oversight board to-- ``(I) establish award programs for individual projects, including an application process; ``(II) provide rigorous evaluation of project applications; ``(III) determine which projects should receive awards from the eligible institution; ``(IV) establish milestones and associated award amounts for projects that reach certain milestones; ``(V) determine whether a project is reaching the established milestones; and ``(VI) develop a process to reallocate outstanding award amounts from projects that are not reaching milestones to other projects with more potential to reach those milestones. ``(ii) Membership and qualifications.-- ``(I) In general.--An oversight board assembled under clause (i) shall be composed of members who shall have demonstrated relevant technical, scientific, or business expertise, of whom three-fifths shall be drawn from relevant industries, start-up companies, venture capital or other equity investment mechanisms, technical enterprises, financial institutions, and business development organizations with a track record of success in commercializing innovations. ``(II) Conflicts of interest.--An oversight board assembled under clause (i) shall adopt policies that-- ``(aa) prohibit conflicts of interest among members of the oversight board; ``(bb) ensure that relevant relationships are disclosed; and ``(cc) establish proper recusal procedures in the event of a conflict of interest. ``(iii) Use of existing oversight boards.-- An eligible institution may use oversight boards in existence on the date of the enactment of the Technology and Research Accelerating National Security and Future Economic Resiliency Act of 2014 that meet the requirements of this subparagraph. ``(G) Grant and award amounts.-- ``(i) Grant amounts.--The amount of a grant made by a covered agency under the program of the covered agency shall be not more than $3,000,000. ``(ii) Award amounts.--An eligible institution that receives a grant under a program shall make awards for individual projects that support the activities of clauses (i), (iii) and (iv) of subparagraph (C), which-- ``(I) shall not be more than $100,000; and ``(II) shall be provided in phased amounts, based on whether the project is reaching the milestones established by the oversight board of the eligible institution. ``(H) Authorized expenditures for the program.-- ``(i) Expenditure amounts.--The percentage of the extramural budget for research, or research and development, required to be expended by a covered agency for the program of the covered agency shall be-- ``(I) 0.05 percent for fiscal year 2015; and ``(II) 0.1 percent for each of fiscal years 2016 and 2017. ``(ii) Treatment of expenditures.--Any portion of the extramural budget expended by a covered agency for the program of the covered agency shall apply toward the STTR expenditure requirements of the covered agency under subsection (n). ``(2) Program evaluation and data collection and dissemination.-- ``(A) Evaluation plan and data collection.-- ``(i) In general.--Each covered agency shall develop a program evaluation plan to collect data to identify outcomes resulting from the transfer of technology under the program of the covered agency, including-- ``(I) specific follow-on funding identified or obtained, including follow-on funding sources, such as Federal sources or private sources, not later than 3 years after the date on which an eligible institution makes an award for a project under the program; ``(II) the number of projects which, not later than 5 years after receiving an award from an eligible institution under the program, result in a license to a start-up company or an established company with sufficient resources for effective commercialization; ``(III) the number of invention disclosures received, United States patent applications filed, and United States patents issued not later than 5 years after the date on which an eligible institution makes an award for a project under the program; ``(IV) the number of projects receiving an award from an eligible institution under the program that secure Phase I or Phase II SBIR or STTR awards; ``(V) available information on revenue, sales, or other measures of products that have been commercialized as a result of projects receiving an award from an eligible institution under the program not later than 5 years after the date on which the eligible institution made the award; ``(VI) the number and location of jobs created as a result of projects receiving an award from an eligible institution under the program; and ``(VII) any other data as the covered agency may determine appropriate. ``(B) Evaluative report to congress.--Not later than September 30, 2018, the head of each covered agency shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives a report evaluating the activities of the program of the covered agency, which shall include-- ``(i) a detailed description of the implementation of the program; ``(ii) a detailed description of selection process used by the covered agency to award a grant to an eligible institution under the program; ``(iii) an accounting of the funds used in the program; and ``(iv) a summary of the data collected under subparagraph (A). ``(C) Data dissemination.--For purposes of program transparency and the dissemination of best practices, the Administrator shall include on the public database under subsection (k)(1) information on the program of each covered agency, including-- ``(i) the program evaluation plan required under subparagraph (A); ``(ii) a list of recipients of awards made by an eligible institution for projects under the program by State; and ``(iii) information on the use by recipients of awards made by an eligible institution for projects under the program.''.

Summary: Technology and Research Accelerating National Security and Future Economic Resiliency Act of 2013 or the TRANSFER Act of 2013 - Amends the Small Business Act to revise the requirement that the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) use funds for a Proof of Concept Partnership pilot program to accelerate the creation of small businesses and the commercialization of research innovations made by certain institutions. Directs the head of each covered federal agency required to establish a small business technology transfer (STTR) program to establish an Innovative Approaches to Technology Transfer Grant Program to make grants to institutions of higher education, technology transfer organizations that facilitate the commercialization of technologies developed by one or more of the institutions, federal laboratories, public or private nonprofit entities, or a consortium of any of these entities in order to improve or accelerate the commercialization of high quality and commercially viable federally funded research and technology by small businesses. Outlines activities eligible for funding, application requirements, and award procedures and amounts. Requires grant recipients to assemble an oversight board to establish award programs for individual projects and evaluate project applications. Prescribes the percentage of each covered agency's extramural budget for research, or research development required to be expended on such Program for FY2015-FY2017. Directs each covered agency to develop a Program evaluation plan to collect data to identify outcomes resulting from the transfer of technology under its Program. Requires the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to include information on each covered agency's Program on the public database of small businesses participating in STTR or Small Business Innovation Research programs.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Enhancing Teaching Standards and License Portability Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. TEACHING STANDARDS AND LICENSE PORTABILITY. Part C of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6671 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Subpart 6--Teaching Standards and License Portability ``SEC. 2371. PURPOSES. ``The purposes of this subpart are the following: ``(1) To support the development of rigorous kindergarten through grade 12 teaching standards that incorporate 21st century learning skills. ``(2) To create incentives for States to adopt, pilot, and implement such rigorous kindergarten through grade 12 teaching standards. ``(3) To create incentives for States to align the States' teacher licensing systems to such rigorous kindergarten through grade 12 teaching standards. ``(4) To create incentives for States to develop policies to facilitate teacher license portability across States in order to improve the capacity of States to collaboratively address teacher shortages. ``SEC. 2372. DEFINITIONS. ``In this subpart: ``(1) Core teaching standards.--The term `core teaching standards' means standards that all beginning teachers should know and be able to teach in order to practice responsibly, regardless of the subject matter or grade level being taught. ``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means an organization representing administrators of State educational agencies in partnership with 1 or more independent professional organizations with expertise in the following areas: ``(A) Teacher preparation and licensure. ``(B) Assessment of teacher knowledge, skills, and competencies. ``(3) 21st century learning skills.--The term `21st century learning skills' means the skills, knowledge, and competencies that students should master to succeed in postsecondary education and the workforce of the 21st century, including creativity and innovation skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, communication and collaboration skills, information and technology literacy, civic and health literacy, adaptability, social and cross-cultural skills, and leadership skills. ``SEC. 2373. GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZED. ``(a) Authorization.--The Secretary is authorized to award a competitive grant to an eligible entity to enable such entity to carry out the following: ``(1) The development or updating of core teaching standards and content-specific kindergarten through grade 12 teaching standards that are rigorous and incorporate 21st century learning skills and recent research and expert knowledge on teaching practices. ``(2) The development of teacher assessments linked to the kindergarten through grade 12 teaching standards that can be used for licensing, are valid and reliable, and are performance-based. ``(3) The awarding of subgrants as described in subsection (b)(2) to State educational agencies. ``(4) The provision of technical assistance to States in the adoption, pilot testing, and implementation of kindergarten through grade 12 teaching standards and teacher assessments as described in paragraph (2). ``(5) The provision of technical assistance to States to facilitate teacher license portability across States through changes in relevant State policies or the creation of new policies for such purpose. ``(b) Uses of Funds.-- ``(1) Direct activities.-- ``(A) First and second years.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall use 100 percent of the funds made available through the grant for the first and second fiscal years-- ``(i) to develop or update the core teaching standards and content-specific kindergarten through grade 12 teaching standards; and ``(ii) to develop and pilot test teacher performance assessments that can be used to supplement or supplant current State licensing exams. ``(B) Third year and beyond.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall use not more than 40 percent of the funds made available through the grant for the third fiscal year, not more than 30 percent of the funds made available through the grant for the fourth fiscal year, and not more than 20 percent of the funds made available through the grant for the fifth fiscal year-- ``(i) to continue pilot testing and validating the teacher performance assessments; ``(ii) to disseminate the kindergarten through grade 12 teaching standards, assessments, and any other materials that States may need to properly evaluate and adopt such standards, assessments, and materials; ``(iii) to provide technical assistance to States in-- ``(I) adopting the kindergarten through grade 12 teaching standards; ``(II) pilot testing the teacher assessments; and ``(III) reliably and accurately administering and interpreting the teacher assessments; and ``(iv) to fund research activities that further the development of kindergarten through grade 12 teaching standards and assessments. ``(2) Subgrants.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall use not less than 60 percent of the funds made available through the grant for the third fiscal year, not less than 70 percent of the funds made available through the grant for the fourth fiscal year, and not less than 80 percent of the funds made available through the grant for the fifth fiscal year to award subgrants to State educational agencies to pay the Federal share of the costs of carrying out the following activities in the States: ``(A) To adopt the core teaching standards and content-specific kindergarten through grade 12 teaching standards developed or updated by the eligible entity. ``(B) To align the States' teacher licensing systems to such standards, which may include the pilot testing and use of teacher assessments developed by the eligible entity under paragraph (1)(A)(ii). ``(C) To change relevant policies or introduce new policies to facilitate teacher license portability across the States. ``SEC. 2374. APPLICATIONS. ``(a) Grant Application.-- ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity that desires a grant under this subpart shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require. ``(2) Contents.--In an application submitted under paragraph (1), an eligible entity shall include, at a minimum, a description of the capability of the entity to carry out section 2373(b). ``(b) Subgrant Application.-- ``(1) In general.--A State educational agency that desires a subgrant under this subpart shall submit an application to the eligible entity at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the eligible entity may require. ``(2) Contents.--In an application submitted under paragraph (1), a State educational agency shall include, at a minimum, a description of how the agency plans to carry out the activities described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of section 2373(b)(2). ``SEC. 2375. FEDERAL SHARE. ``(a) Federal Share.--For State educational agencies receiving a subgrant under section 2371(b)(2), the Federal share of the cost of carrying out the activities described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of section 2371(b)(2) shall be 50 percent. ``(b) Payment of Non-Federal Share.--The non-Federal share may be paid in cash or in kind (fairly evaluated). ``SEC. 2376. REPORTS TO CONGRESS. ``Not later than 2 years after the date funds are first made available to carry out this subpart, and again 2 years thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report regarding activities assisted under this subpart. ``SEC. 2377. SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUPPLANT. ``Funds made available to carry out this subpart shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, other Federal, State, and local funds available to carry out the [purposes described in section 2371]. ``SEC. 2378. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. ``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subpart-- ``(1) $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 and 2009; and ``(2) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010, 2011, and 2012.''.

Summary: Enhancing Teaching Standards and License Portability Act of 2007 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to award a competitive grant to a partnership between an organization representing state educational agency administrators and one or more independent professional organizations that have teacher preparation, licensure, and assessment expertise to: (1) enhance kindergarten through grade 12 teaching standards; (2) develop performance-based teaching assessments that are linked to such standards and can be used for licensing; and (3) provide technical assistance and matching subgrants to states to adopt such teaching standards and assessments, align their licensing systems to such standards, and facilitate teacher license portability across the states.


SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act-- (1) the term ``base closure law'' means the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of Public Law 101-510; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note) and title II of the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act (Public Law 100-526; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note); (2) the term ``closed military installation'' means a military installation closed or approved for closure pursuant to a base closure law; (3) the term ``designated refinery'' means a refinery designated under section 2(a); (4) the term ``Federal refinery authorization''-- (A) means any authorization required under Federal law, whether administered by a Federal or State administrative agency or official, with respect to siting, construction, expansion, or operation of a refinery; and (B) includes any permits, special use authorizations, certifications, opinions, or other approvals required under Federal law with respect to siting, construction, expansion, or operation of a refinery; (5) the term ``refinery'' means-- (A) a facility designed and operated to receive, load, unload, store, transport, process, and refine crude oil by any chemical or physical process, including distillation, fluid catalytic cracking, hydrocracking, coking, alkylation, etherification, polymerization, catalytic reforming, isomerization, hydrotreating, blending, and any combination thereof, in order to produce gasoline or other fuel; or (B) a facility designed and operated to receive, load, unload, store, transport, process, and refine coal by any chemical or physical process, including liquefaction, in order to produce gasoline, diesel, or other liquid fuel as its primary output; (6) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy; and (7) the term ``State'' means a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and any other territory or possession of the United States. SEC. 2. STATE PARTICIPATION AND PRESIDENTIAL DESIGNATION. (a) Designation Requirement.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall designate no less than 3 closed military installations, or portions thereof, subject to subsection (c)(2), that are appropriate for the purposes of siting a refinery. (b) Analysis of Refinery Sites.--In considering any site for possible designation under subsection (a), the President shall conduct an analysis of-- (1) the availability of crude oil supplies to the site, including supplies from domestic production of shale oil and tar sands and other strategic unconventional fuels; (2) the distribution of the Nation's refined petroleum product demand; (3) whether such site is in close proximity to substantial pipeline infrastructure, including both crude oil and refined petroleum product pipelines, and potential infrastructure feasibility; (4) the need to diversify the geographical location of the domestic refining capacity; (5) the effect that increased refined petroleum products from a refinery on that site may have on the price and supply of gasoline to consumers; (6) the impact of locating a refinery on the site on the readiness and operations of the Armed Forces; and (7) such other factors as the President considers appropriate. (c) Sale or Disposal.-- (1) Designation.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), until the expiration of 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Government shall not sell or otherwise dispose of the military installations designated pursuant to subsection (a). (2) Governor's objection.--No site may be used for a refinery under this Act if, not later than 60 days after designation of the site under subsection (a), the Governor of the State in which the site is located transmits to the President an objection to the designation, unless, not later than 60 days after the President receives such objection, the Congress has by law overridden the objection. (d) Redevelopment Authority.--With respect to a closed military installation, or portion thereof, designated by the President as a potentially suitable refinery site pursuant to subsection (a)-- (1) the redevelopment authority for the installation, in preparing or revising the redevelopment plan for the installation, shall consider the feasibility and practicability of siting a refinery on the installation; and (2) the Secretary of Defense, in managing and disposing of real property at the installation pursuant to the base closure law applicable to the installation, shall give substantial deference to the recommendations of the redevelopment authority, as contained in the redevelopment plan for the installation, regarding the siting of a refinery on the installation. SEC. 3. PROCESS COORDINATION AND RULES OF PROCEDURE. (a) Designation as Lead Agency.-- (1) In general.--The Department of Energy shall act as the lead agency for the purposes of coordinating all applicable Federal refinery authorizations and related environmental reviews with respect to a designated refinery. (2) Other agencies.--Each Federal and State agency or official required to provide a Federal refinery authorization shall cooperate with the Secretary and comply with the deadlines established by the Secretary. (b) Schedule.-- (1) Secretary's authority to set schedule.--The Secretary shall establish a schedule for all Federal refinery authorizations with respect to a designated refinery. In establishing the schedule, the Secretary shall-- (A) ensure expeditious completion of all such proceedings; and (B) accommodate the applicable schedules established by Federal law for such proceedings. (2) Failure to meet schedule.--If a Federal or State administrative agency or official does not complete a proceeding for an approval that is required for a Federal refinery authorization in accordance with the schedule established by the Secretary under this subsection, the applicant may pursue remedies under subsection (d). (c) Consolidated Record.--The Secretary shall, with the cooperation of Federal and State administrative agencies and officials, maintain a complete consolidated record of all decisions made or actions taken by the Secretary or by a Federal administrative agency or officer (or State administrative agency or officer acting under delegated Federal authority) with respect to any Federal refinery authorization. Such record shall be the record for judicial review under subsection (d) of decisions made or actions taken by Federal and State administrative agencies and officials, except that, if the Court determines that the record does not contain sufficient information, the Court may remand the proceeding to the Secretary for further development of the consolidated record. (d) Judicial Review.-- (1) In general.--The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction over any civil action for the review of-- (A) an order or action, related to a Federal refinery authorization, by a Federal or State administrative agency or official; and (B) an alleged failure to act by a Federal or State administrative agency or official acting pursuant to a Federal refinery authorization. The failure of an agency or official to act on a Federal refinery authorization in accordance with the Secretary's schedule established pursuant to subsection (b) shall be considered inconsistent with Federal law for the purposes of paragraph (2) of this subsection. (2) Court action.--If the Court finds that an order or action described in paragraph (1)(A) is inconsistent with the Federal law governing such Federal refinery authorization, or that a failure to act as described in paragraph (1)(B) has occurred, and the order, action, or failure to act would prevent the siting, construction, expansion, or operation of the designated refinery, the Court shall remand the proceeding to the agency or official to take appropriate action consistent with the order of the Court. If the Court remands the order, action, or failure to act to the Federal or State administrative agency or official, the Court shall set a reasonable schedule and deadline for the agency or official to act on remand. (3) Secretary's action.--For any civil action brought under this subsection, the Secretary shall promptly file with the Court the consolidated record compiled by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (c). (4) Expedited review.--The Court shall set any civil action brought under this subsection for expedited consideration. (5) Attorney's fees.--In any action challenging a Federal refinery authorization that has been granted, reasonable attorney's fees and other expenses of litigation shall be awarded to the prevailing party. This paragraph shall not apply to any action seeking remedies for denial of a Federal refinery authorization or failure to act on an application for a Federal refinery authorization.

Summary: Requires the President to designate not less than three closed military installations (or portions of them) that are appropriate for siting a refinery for gasoline or other fuel. Designates the Department of Energy as the lead agency for coordinating applicable federal refinery authorizations and related environmental reviews with respect to a designated refinery. Gives the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia exclusive jurisdiction over civil actions relating to federal refinery authorizations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) The term ``victim'' means a teacher, administrator, employee, or paid or unpaid staff member of a public or private elementary or secondary school in the United States who was killed as a result of an act of violence committed by another person while performing school duties. (2) The term ``surviving spouse'' means the spouse of the victim, as determined under applicable State law, at the time of the victim's death. (3) The term ``dependent child'' means a son or daughter of the victim (whether natural or adopted) who is under 25 years old. (4) The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002). (5) The term ``cost of attendance'' has the meaning given that term in section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll). (6) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Education. SEC. 3. TEACHER VICTIM FAMILY ASSISTANCE. The Secretary of Education shall provide to each applicable recipient the following amounts and forms of assistance: (1) Funeral assistance.--A payment of up to $1,500 to the surviving spouse, dependent child, or other next of kin, as determined by the Secretary, to assist with any funeral expenses of the victim. (2) Death benefit.--A payment of $75,000 to the surviving spouse, dependent child, or other next of kin, as determined by the Secretary. (3) Living assistance.--Beginning one year after the date of death of the victim, a payment of-- (A) $900 per month to the surviving spouse, until the earlier of the spouse's death or remarriage; and (B) $225 per month to each dependent child, until reaching the age of 18 years. (4) Dependent undergraduate education assistance.-- (A) In general.--For each dependent child enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a part-time or full-time program of undergraduate instruction at an institution of higher education, an annual amount not to exceed the lesser of $7,500 or half the total annual cost of attendance at such institution. (B) Relation to other assistance.--Assistance provided under this paragraph shall not be considered for the purpose of awarding Federal assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), except that in no case shall the sum of the total amount of student financial assistance awarded to a dependent child under such title and the amount of assistance provided under this paragraph exceed the child's total cost of attendance. (C) Duration of assistance.--A dependent child may receive assistance under this paragraph for not more than a total of 5 years. (D) Good standing required.--The dependent child must maintain good standing at the institution in order to receive assistance under this paragraph. (E) Effect of parental death or remarriage.--The death or remarriage of the surviving spouse does not affect a dependent child's eligibility for assistance under this paragraph. SEC. 4. TAX PROVISIONS RELATING TO ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY SCHOOL STAFF MEMBERS KILLED IN AN ACT OF VIOLENCE WHILE PERFORMING SCHOOL DUTIES. (a) Teacher's Wages in Year of Death Excluded From Income.-- (1) In general.--Part II of subchapter J of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 693. INCOME TAXES OF ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY SCHOOL STAFF MEMBERS KILLED IN AN ACT OF VIOLENCE WHILE PERFORMING SCHOOL DUTIES. ``In the case of any individual who is a victim (as defined by section 2(1) of the Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2017), any tax imposed by this subtitle on any amount received by such individual by reason of school employment shall not apply with respect to the taxable year in which falls the date of death of the individual.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for part II of subchapter J of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting at the end the following new item: ``Sec. 693. Income taxes of elementary or secondary school staff members killed in an act of violence while performing school duties.''. (b) Exclusion of Teacher Victim Family Assistance.-- (1) In general.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code (relating to items specifically excluded from gross income) is amended by inserting after section 139F the following new section: ``SEC. 139G. TEACHER VICTIM FAMILY ASSISTANCE. ``In the case of an individual, gross income does not include any amount received in a taxable year under section 2 of the Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2017.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for such part is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 139F the following new item: ``Sec. 139G. Teacher victim family assistance.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2016. SEC. 5. TEACHER VICTIMS' FAMILY FUND. (a) Establishment.--Subchapter A of chapter 98 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 9512. TEACHER VICTIMS' FAMILY TRUST FUND. ``(a) Creation of Trust Fund.--There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the `Teacher Victims' Family Trust Fund' (referred to in this section as the `Trust Fund'), consisting of such amounts as may be appropriated or credited to the Trust Fund as provided in this section or section 9602(b). ``(b) Transfers to Trust Fund.--There is hereby appropriated to the Trust Fund an amount equivalent to the increase in revenues received in the Treasury by reason of the increase in tax imposed under section 4181 by the Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2017. ``(c) Distribution of Amounts in Trust Fund.--Amounts in the Trust Fund shall be available, as provided in appropriation Acts, to carry out section 3 of the Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2017.''. (b) Increase in Excise Tax on Ammunition.--Section 4181 of such Code is amended-- (1) by striking ``Shells, and cartridges.'', and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``Articles taxable at 13 percent-- ``Shells, and cartridges.''. (c) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Subsection (a) of section 3 of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669b) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to so much of the revenues accruing under section 4181 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as are attributable to the increase in tax imposed under section 4181 by the Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2017.''. (2) The table of sections for subchapter A of chapter 98 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 9512. Teacher Victims' Family Trust Fund.''. (d) Effective Date.-- (1) Except as provided by paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) The amendment made by subsection (b) shall apply to articles sold after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 6. ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER DEATH BENEFITS. For purposes of part L of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796 et seq.)-- (1) a victim shall be deemed to be a public safety officer who has died as the direct and proximate result of a personal injury sustained in the line of duty; (2) the surviving spouse of the victim shall be deemed to be the surviving spouse of such a public safety officer; and (3) the dependent child of the victim shall be deemed to be the surviving child of such a public safety officer. SEC. 7. ASSISTANCE SUPPLEMENTS, NOT SUPPLANTS OTHER BENEFITS. No assistance provided under this Act may supplant any benefit or other compensation paid or payable to the surviving spouse, dependent child, or other next of kin of the victim by the victim's employer, school, school district, or local or State government, or by any insurance coverage of the victim.

Summary: Teacher Victims' Family Assistance Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Education to provide assistance to the immediate families of teachers or other elementary and secondary school employees who are killed by another person's violent act while performing school duties. Such assistance includes funeral assistance, a death benefit, living assistance, and undergraduate education assistance for dependents. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from income tax: (1) the victim's compensation from school employment in the year of death, and (2) the victim's family assistance. The bill also establishes the Teacher Victims' Family Trust Fund funded with an excise tax increase on ammunition.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Jamestown 400th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act of 2003''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) the founding of the colony at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607, the first permanent English colony in America, and the capital of Virginia for 92 years, has major significance in the history of the United States; (2) the Jamestown settlement brought people from throughout the Atlantic Basin together to form a multicultural society, including English, other Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans; (3) the economic, political, religious, and social institutions that developed during the first 9 decades of the existence of Jamestown continue to have profound effects on the United States, particularly in English common law and language, cross cultural relationships, manufacturing, and economic structure and status; (4) the National Park Service, the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, and the Jamestown- Yorktown Foundation of the Commonwealth of Virginia collectively own and operate significant resources related to the early history of Jamestown; (5) in 2000, Congress established the Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission to ensure a suitable national observance of the Jamestown 2007 anniversary and to support and facilitate marketing efforts for a commemorative coin, stamp, and related activities for the Jamestown 2007 observances; (6) a commemorative coin will bring national and international attention to the lasting legacy of Jamestown, Virginia; and (7) the proceeds from a surcharge on the sale of such commemorative coin will assist the financing of a suitable national observance in 2007 of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, Virginia. SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. (a) $5 Gold Coins.--The Secretary of the Treasury (in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall issue not more than 100,000 $5 coins, which shall-- (1) weigh 8.359 grams; (2) have a diameter of 0.850 inches; and (3) contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy. (b) $1 Silver Coins.--The Secretary shall issue not more than 500,000 $1 coins, which shall-- (1) weigh 26.73 grams; (2) have a diameter of 1,500 inches; and (3) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. (c) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code. (d) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5132(a)(1) of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items. (e) Sources of Bullion.-- (1) Gold.--The Secretary shall obtain gold for minting coins under this Act pursuant to the authority of the Secretary under section 5116 of title 31, United States Code. (2) Silver.--The Secretary shall obtain silver for the coins minted under this Act only from stockpiles established under the Strategic and Critical Minerals Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98 et seq.). SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS. (a) Design Requirements.-- (1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this Act shall be emblematic of the settlement of Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in America. (2) Designation and inscriptions.--On each coin minted under this Act, there shall be-- (A) a designation of the value of the coin; (B) an inscription of the year ``2007''; and (C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God We Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E Pluribus Unum''. (b) Design Selection.--Subject to subsection (a), the design for the coins minted under this Act shall be-- (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with-- (A) the Jamestown 2007 Steering Committee, created by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation of the Commonwealth of Virginia; (B) the National Park Service; and (C) the Commission of Fine Arts; and (2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee. SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS. (a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities. (b) Mint Facility.--Only 1 facility of the United States Mint may be used to strike any particular quality of the coins minted under this Act. (c) Period for Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted under this Act only during the period beginning on January 1, 2007, and ending on December 31, 2007. SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS. (a) Sale Price.--The coins minted under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of-- (1) the face value of the coins; (2) the surcharge provided in subsection (c) with respect to such coins; and (3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping). (b) Prepaid Orders.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of such coins. (2) Discount.--Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount. (c) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins minted under this Act at a reasonable discount. (d) Surcharge.--All sales of coins minted under this Act shall include a surcharge of-- (1) $35 per coin for the $5 coin; and (2) $10 per coin for the $1 coin. SEC. 7. GENERAL WAIVER OF PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS. (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), no provision of law governing procurement or public contracts shall be applicable to the procurement of goods and services necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Act. (b) Equal Employment Opportunity.--Subsection (a) shall not relieve any person entering into a contract under the authority of this Act from complying with any law relating to equal employment opportunity. SEC. 8. DISTRIBUTION OF SURCHARGES. (a) Recipients.-- (1) In general.--All surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins minted under this Act shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to the recipients listed under paragraphs (2) and (3). (2) Jamestown-yorktown foundation.--The Secretary shall distribute 50 percent of the surcharges described under paragraph (1) to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation of the Commonwealth of Virginia, to support programs to promote the understanding of the legacies of Jamestown. (3) Other recipients.-- (A) In general.--The Secretary shall distribute 50 percent of the surcharges described under paragraph (1) to the entities specified under subparagraph (B), in equal shares, for the purposes of-- (i) sustaining the ongoing mission of preserving Jamestown; (ii) enhancing the national and international educational programs; (iii) improving infrastructure and archaeological research activities; and (iv) conducting other programs to support the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. (B) Entities specified.--Entities specified under this subparagraph are-- (i) the Secretary of the Department of the Interior; (ii) the President of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities; and (iii) the Chairman of the Jamestown Yorktown Foundation. (b) Audits.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall have the right to examine such books, records, documents, and other data of the entities specified in subsection (a), as may be related to the expenditure of amounts distributed under subsection (a). SEC. 9. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES. (a) No Net Cost to the Government.--The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that minting and issuing coins under this Act will not result in any net cost to the United States Government. (b) Payment for Coins.--A coin shall not be issued under this Act unless the Secretary has received-- (1) full payment for the coin; (2) security satisfactory to the Secretary to indemnify the United States for full payment; or (3) a guarantee of full payment satisfactory to the Secretary from a depository institution, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration.

Summary: Jamestown 400th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury (the Secretary) to mint and issue not more than 100,000 $5 gold coins and 500,000 $1 silver coins, which shall be emblematic of the settlement of Jamestown, Virginia (the first permanent English settlement in America). Prohibits: (1) any provision of law governing procurement or public contracts from being applicable to the procurement of goods and services necessary for carrying out the provisions of this Act; and (2) such general waiver of procurement regulations from relieving any person entering into a contract under the authority of this Act from complying with any law relating to equal employment opportunity. Provides for a $35 per coin surcharge for the $5 dollar coins and $10 per coin for the $1 dollar coins. Directs the Secretary to distribute: (1) 50 percent of the surcharges to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation of Virginia to support programs to promote the understanding of the legacies of Jamestown; and (2) 50 percent to sustain the ongoing mission of preserving Jamestown, to enhance national and international educational programs, to improve infrastructure and archeological research activities, and to conduct other programs to support the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown. States that entities specified for such purposes are the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, the President of the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, and the Chairman of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. Requires the Secretary to take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that minting and issuing coins under this Act will not result in any net cost to the U.S. Government. Prohibits the issuance of a coin unless the Secretary has received: (1) full payment for the coin; (2) security satisfactory to the Secretary to indemnify the United States for full payment; or (3) a guarantee of full payment satisfactory to the Secretary from a depository institution, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Administration.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Senior Safe Corridors Act''. SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is to fund programs that establish corridors of safety for senior citizens in crime-troubled areas. SEC. 3. GRANTS PROGRAMS TO ESTABLISH CORRIDORS OF SAFETY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3711 et seq.) is amended-- (1) by redesignating part Q as part R; (2) by redesignating section 1701 as section 1801; and (3) by inserting after part P the following new part: ``PART Q--PROGRAMS TO ESTABLISH SAFE CORRIDORS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS ``SEC. 1701. GRANT AUTHORIZATION. ``(a) In General.--The Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance may make grants under this part to States, and to units of local government with populations of more than 100,000 individuals, to fund programs that create corridors of safety for senior citizens in high- density senior citizen areas. ``(b) Uses of Funds.--Funds distributed under this part shall be used to fund programs that seek to decrease violent crimes against senior citizens by increasing the numbers, protective presence, and watchfulness of police, community group members, and others, and the watchfulness of business owners and employees, in high-density senior citizen areas. Programs may include escorting senior citizens. ``SEC. 1702. APPLICATIONS. ``(a) In General.--To request a grant under this part, a State, or a unit of local government with a population of more than 100,000 individuals, shall submit an application to the Director in the form and containing the information that the Director reasonably requires. ``(b) Approval.--The Director shall approve or disapprove each application made under subsection (a) within 60 days after the date that the application is received by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. ``SEC. 1703. CRITERIA. ``(a) Criteria.--In order to receive a grant under this part, an applicant shall-- ``(1) demonstrate that there is significant violent crime against senior citizens in the high-density senior citizen areas that will be affected by the applicant's program; ``(2) state the number of senior citizens who will be served by the applicant's program, and define which individuals will be considered senior citizens for purposes of the program; ``(3) describe the manner in which the applicant, including the applicant's local governments and police, will involve other sectors of the community, including local businesses, community groups, religious institutions, and law enforcement personnel such as transit and public housing officers, in the applicant's program; and ``(4) comply with any other requirement established by the Director for purposes of this section. ``(b) Application of Criteria.-- ``(1) In general.--The Director shall determine which applicants receive funding under this part based on the criteria referred to in subsection (a). ``(2) Priority.--If 2 applicants demonstrate equal need under the criteria referred to in paragraphs (1), (2), and (4) of subsection (a), the applicant whose proposed program shows the greatest amount and diversity of community involvement, as described in paragraph (3) of such subsection, shall be given priority in receiving a grant under this part. ``SEC. 1704. LIMIT ON AMOUNT OF GRANT. ``(a) In General.--The amount of a grant made under this part may not exceed 75 percent of the total costs, for the period for which the grant is received, of the program funded by the grant. ``(b) Waiver of Requirement.--The Director may waive the requirement of subsection (a) for a grant made to an applicant that is a unit of local government, if the Director finds that-- ``(1) the applicant has a compelling need for the program for which it is applying for funding under this part; and ``(2) the applicant has severe financial problems. ``SEC. 1705. REPORTS BY GRANT RECIPIENTS. ``(a) In General.--A State or unit of local government that receives funding for a program under this part shall submit, by a deadline established by the Director, an annual report for each fiscal year for which the funding is received, containing any information the Director may require regarding the program. ``(b) Evaluation of Effect on Crime.--The report required by subsection (a) with respect to any program shall include an evaluation of the effect of the program on violent crime against senior citizens in the high-density senior citizen areas in which the program operates. ``(c) Use of Grant Funds for Report.--A State or unit of local government may spend not more than 2 percent of the funds received under this part to compile the report required by subsection (a), or to otherwise comply with subsections (a) and (b). ``SEC. 1706. DEFINITIONS. ``For purposes of this part: ``(1) The term `applicant' means a State, or a unit of local government with a population of over 100,000 individuals, that applies for a grant under this part. ``(2) The term `Director' means the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance. ``(3) The term `high-density senior citizen area' means an area inside, surrounding, or adjacent to facilities or services that specialize in availability to senior citizens, such as a senior citizen program at a community center, a public housing authority or private senior citizen apartment complex, or a medical practice providing care to senior citizens. ``(4) The term `program' means a program described in section 1701(b).''. SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--Section 1001(a) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3793(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(11) There are authorized to be appropriated, to carry out part Q, $50,000,000 for fiscal year 1995 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1996 through 1998.''. (b) Technical Amendment.--Section 1001(a)(3) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3793) is amended by striking ``and O'' and inserting ``O, and Q''. SEC. 5. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. (a) Evaluation of Programs.--Section 801(b) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3782(b)) is amended by striking ``and O'' and inserting ``O, and Q''. (b) Process for Denied Applications.--Section 802(b) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3783(b)) is amended in the 1st sentence by striking ``or O'' and inserting ``O, or Q''. (c) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3711 prec.) is amended by striking the items relating to part Q and inserting the following new items: ``Part Q--Programs To Establish Safe Corridors for Senior Citizens ``Sec. 1701. Grant authorization. ``Sec. 1702. Applications. ``Sec. 1703. Criteria. ``Sec. 1704. Limit on amount of grant. ``Sec. 1705. Reports by grant recipients. ``Sec. 1706. Definitions. ``Part R--Transition--Effective Date--Repealer ``Sec. 1801. Continuation of rules, authorities, and proceedings.''.

Summary: Senior Safe Corridors Act - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to States, and to units of local government with populations exceeding 100,000, to fund programs that create corridors of safety for senior citizens in high-density senior citizen areas. Directs that such grants be used to fund programs that seek to decrease violent crime against senior citizens by increasing the numbers, protective presence, and watchfulness of police, community group members, and others, and the watchfulness of business owners and employees, in high-density senior citizen areas. Specifies that such programs may include escorting senior citizens. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) application requirements; (2) criteria for application approval and priorities; (3) limits on grant amounts; and (4) reports by grant recipients. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Executive Appointee Ethics Improvement Act''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 207 OF TITLE 18. (a) Extension of Post-Employment Ban on Lobbying for Certain Former Government Employees.--Section 207 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (c)-- (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``One- year'' and inserting ``Two-Year''; (B) in paragraph (1)-- (i) by striking ``within 1 year after'' and inserting ``within 2 years after''; and (ii) by striking ``within 1 year before such termination''; and (C) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following: ``(D) Not later than 30 days after a waiver is granted under subparagraph (C), the waiver shall be published in the Federal Register and accompanied by a signed statement by the Director of the Office of Government Ethics describing in detail the reasons for providing such waiver unless such a description would compromise national security.''; (2) in subsection (d)(1), in the matter following subparagraph (C), by striking ``within 2 years'' and inserting ``within 5 years''; and (3) in subsection (d)(2)(A), by striking ``in such position'' and all that follows through ``terminated''. (b) Lifetime Ban on Representation of Foreign Entities for Certain High-Level Former Employees.--Section 207(f) of such title is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``(or, in the case of an individual described in paragraph (2), at any time)'' after ``within 1 year''; (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (2)''; (3) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4); and (4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: ``(2) Description of individuals subject to lifetime ban.-- An individual described in this paragraph is any individual who was-- ``(A) employed in a position described under sections 5312 through 5316 of title 5, United States Code (relating to the Executive Schedule); ``(B) a limited term appointee, limited emergency appointee, or noncareer appointee in the Senior Executive Service, as defined under paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively, of section 3132(a) of title 5, United States Code; or ``(C) employed in a position of a confidential or policy-determining character under schedule C of subpart C of part 213 of title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations.''. SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON PARTICIPATION IN MATTER RELATING TO PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT. (a) In General.--Chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 219 the following new section: ``Sec. 220. Prohibition on participation in matter relating to previous employment ``(a) During the 2-year period beginning on the date an individual is appointed to a covered position at an agency, any such individual who has not received a waiver under subsection (b)-- ``(1) who participates in any particular matter involving specific parties that is directly and substantially related to the individual's former employer or former clients, or ``(2) with respect to any such individual who was a registered lobbyist under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, or who was not a registered lobbyist under such Act but who engaged in lobbying activity as defined in subsection (c), during the 2-year period preceding the date of such appointment, who-- ``(A) participates in any particular matter on which the individual made a lobbying contact (in the case of a registered lobbyist under such Act), or engaged in such activity, during such 2-year period, ``(B) participates in the specific issue area in which such particular matter falls, or ``(C) seeks or accepts employment with any agency with respect to which the individual made a lobbying contact (in the case of a registered lobbyist under such Act), or engaged in such activity, during such 2- year period, shall be punished as provided in section 216 of this title. ``(b)(1) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Counsel to the President, may waive the requirements of subsection (a) with respect to any individual covered by such subsection if the Director certifies, in writing, to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and the appropriate congressional committees of jurisdiction, that it is in the public interest to grant the waiver. ``(2) For purposes of carrying out paragraph (1)-- ``(A) the public interest includes exigent circumstances relating to public health, public safety, or national security; ``(B) de minimis contact with an agency shall be cause for a waiver of subsection (a)(2); and ``(C) any waiver shall take effect when the certification is published in the Federal Register, accompanied by a signed statement by the Director describing in detail the reasons for providing the waiver unless such a description would compromise national security. ``(c)(1) In this section, the term `lobbying activity' means, with respect to an individual, knowingly making, with the intent to influence, any communication to or appearance before any officer or employee of the Federal Government on behalf of another person as an employee of a lobbying firm or lobbying organization, in connection with any matter on which such person seeks official action by such officer or employee of the Federal Government. The previous sentence applies only with respect to an individual who spends greater than 20% of the individual's time as an employee of a lobbying firm or lobbying organization engaged in such lobbying activity. ``(2) In paragraph (1), the term `lobbying firm' means any firm, corporation, or limited liability company in which-- ``(A) employees of the firm in the aggregate make 2 or more lobbying contacts at any time on behalf of a particular client; and ``(B) the firm receives or expects to receive from a particular client for matters related to lobbying activities at least the amount specified in section 4(a)(3)(A) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1603(a)(3)(A)) in the quarterly period during which registration would be made under such Act. ``(3) In paragraph (1), the term `lobbying organization' includes any organization in which-- ``(A) employees of the firm in the aggregate make 2 or more lobbying contacts at any time on its behalf; and ``(B) the organization expends in connection with lobbying activities at least the amount specified in section 4(a)(3)(B) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1603(a)(3)(A)) in the quarterly period during which registration would be made under such Act. ``(4) In this subsection, the term `employee' has the meaning given such term in section 3(5) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602(5)). ``(d) In this section, the following definitions apply: ``(1) The term `agency' means an `Executive agency' (as that term is defined in section 105 of title 5), the Executive Office of the President, the United States Postal Service, and the Postal Regulatory Commission, but does not include the Government Accountability Office. ``(2) The term `covered position'-- ``(A) means any-- ``(i) full-time, non-career position which requires appointment by the President or Vice- President; ``(ii) non-career position within the Senior Executive Service or other SES-type system; or ``(iii) position that has been excepted from the competitive service by reason of being of a confidential or policymaking character, including positions under schedule C of subpart C of part 213 of title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations; and ``(B) does not include any individual appointed as a member of the Senior Foreign Service or solely as a uniformed service commissioned officer. ``(3) The term `directly and substantially related to former employer or former clients' means matters in which the individual's former employer or a former client is a party or represents a party. ``(4) The term `former client' means any person for whom the individual served personally as agent, attorney, or consultant, but does include instances where the service provided was limited to a speech or similar appearance or clients of the individual's former employer to whom the individual did not personally provide services. ``(5) The term `former employer' means any person for whom the individual has within the 2 years prior to the date of appointment served as an employee, officer, director, trustee, or general partner, but does not include any agency or other entity of the Federal Government, Native American tribe, or any United States territory or possession. ``(6) The term `lobbying contact' has the meaning given such term in section 3(8) of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602(8)). ``(7) The term `particular matter' has the meaning given that term in section 207 and section 2635.402(b)(3) of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation. ``(8) The term `participate' means to participate personally and substantially. ``(9) The term `particular matter involving specific parties' has the meaning as set forth in section 2641.201(h) of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation, except that it shall also include any meeting or other communication relating to the performance of an individual's official duties with a former employer or former client, unless the communication applies to a particular matter of general applicability and participation in the meeting or other event is open to all interested parties.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections of chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 219 the following new item: ``220. Prohibition on participation in matter relating to previous employment.''. (c) Application.--The amendments made after subsection (a) shall apply to any individual appointed to a covered position (as that term is defined in section 220(d)(2) of title 18, United States Code, as added by such subsection) after the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Executive Appointee Ethics Improvement Act This bill lengthens from one to two years the ban on certain senior personnel of the executive branch and independent agencies from lobbying the department or agency in which the person served. If the Director of the Office of Government Ethics decides to waive this restriction, such decision shall be published in the Federal Register unless it would compromise national security. The bill lengthens from two to five years the ban on certain very senior personnel of the executive branch and independent agencies, including the Vice President, from lobbying any office or employee of any department or agency in which such person served. Certain high-level employees of the executive branch are subject to a lifetime ban on knowingly representing a foreign entity before any officer or employee of any department or agency of the United States with the intent to influence a decision of such officer or employee. During a two-year period beginning on the date an individual is appointed to a covered position, such individual is banned from participating in any matter involving specific parties that is directly related to the individual's former employer or former clients. Additionally, any individual who was a registered lobbyist or who engaged in lobbying activities during a two-year period prior to appointment is prohibited from participating in any particular matter on which the individual made a lobbying contact or participating in the specific issue area in which the matter falls. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) may waive these requirements if OMB certifies in writing to various congressional committees that it is in the public interest to grant the waiver.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Caring Family Act of 2003''. SEC. 2. ADDITIONAL PERSONAL EXEMPTION FOR DEPENDENTS WITH LONG-TERM CARE NEEDS IN TAXPAYER'S HOME. (a) In General.--Section 151 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to allowance of deductions for personal exemptions) is amended by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (e) and (f), respectively, and by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection: ``(d) Additional Exemption for Dependents With Long-Term Care Needs in Taxpayer's Home.-- ``(1) In general.--An exemption of the applicable amount for each qualified family member of the taxpayer. ``(2) Applicable amount.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the applicable amount is the amount determined in accordance with the following table: ``For taxable years beginning The applicable in calendar year-- applicable amount is-- 2003 and 2004................................. $500 2005 and 2006................................. 1,000 2007 and 2008................................. 1,500 2009 and 2010................................. 2,000 2011 and 2012................................. 2,500 2013 and thereafter........................... 0. ``(3) Qualified family member.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `qualified family member' means, with respect to any taxable year, any individual-- ``(A) who is-- ``(i) the spouse of the taxpayer, or ``(ii) a dependent of the taxpayer with respect to whom the taxpayer is entitled to an exemption under subsection (c), ``(B) who has attained age 60 before the close of the taxable year, ``(C) who is an individual with long-term care needs, and ``(D) who, for more than one-half of the taxable year, has as such individual's principal place of abode the home of the taxpayer and is a member of the taxpayer's household. ``(4) Individuals with long-term care needs.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `individual with long-term care needs' means, with respect to any taxable year, an individual who has been certified during such year by a physician (as defined in section 1861(r)(1) of the Social Security Act) as being, for a period of at least 180 consecutive days which includes the date of the certification-- ``(A) an individual who is unable to perform (without substantial assistance from another individual) at least 2 activities of daily living (as defined in section 7702B(c)(2)(B)) due to a loss of functional capacity, or ``(B) an individual who requires substantial supervision to protect such individual from threats to health and safety due to severe cognitive impairment and is unable to perform, without reminding or cuing assistance, at least 1 activity of daily living (as so defined) or to the extent provided in regulations prescribed by the Secretary (in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services), is unable to engage in age appropriate activities. ``(5) Identification requirement.-- ``(A) In general.--No exemption shall be allowed under this subsection to a taxpayer with respect to any qualified family member unless the taxpayer includes on the return of tax for the taxable year-- ``(i) the name and TIN of such member, and ``(ii) the name and TIN of the physician certifying such member. ``(B) Exception for due diligence.--In the case of a failure to provide the information required under subparagraph (A)(ii), such subparagraph shall not apply if it is shown that the taxpayer exercised due diligence in attempting to provide the information so required. ``(6) Special rules.--Rules similar to the rules of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of section 21(e) shall apply for purposes of this subsection.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Section 1(f)(6)(A) of such Code is amended by striking ``151(d)(4)'' and inserting ``151(e)(4)''. (2) Section 1(f)(6)(B) of such Code, as amended by the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, is amended by striking ``151(d)(3)(A)'' and inserting ``151(e)(3)(A)''. (3) Section 1(f)(6)(B) of such Code, as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, is amended by striking ``151(d)(4)(A)'' and inserting ``151(e)(4)(A)''. (4) Section 3402(f)(1)(A) of such Code is amended by striking ``151(d)(2)'' and inserting ``151(e)(2)''. (5) Section 3402(r)(2)(B) of such Code is amended by striking ``151(d)'' and inserting ``151(e)''. (6) Section 6012(a)(1)(D)(ii) of such Code is amended-- (A) by striking ``151(d)'' and inserting ``151(e)'', and (B) by striking ``151(d)(2)'' and inserting ``151(e)(2)''. (7) Section 6013(b)(3)(A) of such Code is amended by striking ``151(d)'' and inserting ``151(e)''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002.

Summary: Caring Family Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an additional exemption for dependents, residing with the taxpayer, with long-term care needs who are over the age of 60.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Rare Earths Supply Technology and Resources Transformation Act of 2010'' or the ``RESTART Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Significant quantities of rare earths are used in the production of clean energy technologies, including advanced automotive propulsion batteries, electric motors, high- efficiency light bulbs, solar panels, and wind turbines. These technologies are used to advance the United States energy policy of reducing dependence on foreign oil and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions through expansion of cleaner sources of energy. (2) Many modern defense technologies such as radar and sonar systems, precision-guided weapons, cruise missiles, and lasers cannot be built, as designed and specified, without the use of rare earths and materials produced from them. (3) Rare earths also provide core functionality to a variety of high technology applications in computing, pollution abatement, power generation, water treatment, oil refining, metal alloying, communications, health care, agriculture, and other sectors. (4) Though at least 15 percent of the world's rare earth reserves are located within the United States, the country now depends upon imports for nearly 100 percent of its rare earth needs because there are virtually no active rare earth producers in the United States. More than 97 percent of all rare earths for world consumption are produced in China. (5) The ability--and willingness--of China to export rare earths is eroding due to its growing domestic demand, its enforcement of environmental law on current producers, and its mandate to consolidate the industry by decreasing its number of mining permits. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology draft rare earths plan for 2009 to 2015 proposes an immediate ban on the export of dysprosium, terbium, thulium, lutetium, and yttrium, the so-called ``heavy'' rare earths, and a restriction on the exports of all other, light, rare earth metals to a level well below that sufficient to satisfy the demand of Japan in 2008 alone for such metals. (6) Furthermore, the United States has limited rare earth production, remains entirely dependent on overseas refineries for further elemental and alloy processing, and does not currently maintain a ``strategic reserve'' of rare earth compounds, metals, or alloys. (7) Rare earths should qualify as materials either strategic or critical to national security. The United States Government should facilitate the domestic reintroduction of a globally competitive rare earth industry that is self- sufficient in the United States domestic market with multiple sources of mining, processing, alloying, and manufacturing. (8) This self-sufficiency requires an uninterrupted supply of strategic materials critical to national security and innovative commercial product development, including rare earths, to support the clean energy and defense supply chains. (9) The United States currently cannot reclaim valuable rare earths and permanent magnets from scrapped military or consumer products, industrial materials or equipment, which allows entities in other countries to identify and recover such materials for resale to United States manufacturers at considerable cost. (10) There is an urgent need to identify the current global market situation regarding rare earths, the strategic value placed on them by foreign nations including China, and the supply-chain vulnerabilities related to rare earths and products containing rare earths. SEC. 3. ACTIONS TO PROMOTE RARE EARTH DEVELOPMENT. (a) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States that each Federal agency shall take appropriate actions, to the extent consistent with applicable law, to expedite permitting and projects that will increase exploration for, and development of, domestic rare earths. (b) Rare Earth Policy Task Force.-- (1) Establishment.--There is established within the Department of the Interior a task force to be known as the ``Rare Earth Policy Task Force'' (referred to in this section as the ``Task Force''), which shall report to the President through the Secretary of the Interior. (2) Composition.--The Task Force shall be composed of the following: (A) The Secretary of the Interior (or a designee), who shall serve as chair of the Task Force. (B) The Secretary of Energy (or a designee). (C) The Secretary of Agriculture (or a designee). (D) The Secretary of Defense (or a designee). (E) The Secretary of Commerce (or a designee). (F) The Secretary of State (or a designee). (G) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget (or a designee). (H) The Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (or a designee). (I) Such other members as the Secretary of the Interior considers appropriate. (c) Duties.--The Task Force shall-- (1) monitor and assist Federal agencies in expediting the review and approval of permits or other actions, as necessary, to accelerate the completion of projects that will increase investment in, exploration for, and development of domestic rare earths pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), the Act of June 4, 1897 (commonly known as the ``Organic Act of 1897'' (16 U.S.C. 473- 482, 551), the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 1600 et seq.), and any other applicable statutory authorities related to domestic mining operations; (2) assist Federal agencies in reviewing laws (including regulations) and policies that discourage investment in, exploration for, and development of domestic rare earths pursuant to Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the Act of June 4, 1897, the National Forest Management Act of 1976, and any other applicable statutory authorities related to domestic mining operations; and (3) take such other actions to otherwise increase investment in, exploration for, and development of domestic rare earths as the Task Force considers appropriate. (d) Annual Reports.--At least once each year, the Task Force shall submit to the President, the Committee on Natural Resources of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report setting forth the following: (1) A description of the results of the coordinated and expedited review of permits or other actions to promote investment in, exploration for, and development of domestic rare earths, and an identification of the procedures and actions that have proven to be the most useful and appropriate in coordinating and expediting the review of projects that will increase investment in, exploration for, and development of domestic rare earths. (2) An identification of the substantive and procedural requirements of Federal, State, tribal, and local laws (including regulations) and Executive orders that are inconsistent with, duplicative of, or structured so as to restrict effective implementation of the projects described in paragraph (1). (3) Such recommendations as the Task Force considers appropriate to advance the policy set forth in subsection (a). (e) Judicial Review.-- (1) In general.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect any judicial review of an agency action under any other provision of law. (2) Construction.--This section-- (A) is intended to improve the internal management of the Federal Government; and (B) does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by a party against the United States (including an agency, instrumentality, officer, or employee of the United States) or any other person. SEC. 4. ASSESSMENT OF RARE EARTH SUPPLY CHAIN VULNERABILITY. (a) Assessment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy shall jointly, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of State, and the United States Trade Representative-- (1) undertake an assessment of the domestic rare earth supply chain; (2) determine pursuant to such assessment which rare earth elements are critical to clean energy technologies and the national and economic security of the United States; and (3) submit to Congress a report setting forth the results of such assessment and determination. (b) Establishment of Stockpile.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy shall jointly, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of State, and the United States Trade Representative, submit to Congress a report setting forth the following: (1) An assessment whether or not the rare earth materials determined to be critical to clean energy technologies and the national and economic security of the United States pursuant to subsection (a)(2) should be procured and placed in a stockpile. (2) An assessment whether or not adequate legal authorities exist to procure and place in a stockpile the rare earth materials so determined to be critical to clean energy technologies and the national and economic security of the United States. (3) Recommendations on the criteria to be utilized in determining the commencement and termination of the stockpiling of such rare earth materials. (c) Stockpile Defined.--In this section, the term ``stockpile'' means a strategic reserve of rare earth oxides, and storable forms of rare earths and alloys for purposes of clean energy technology and the national and economic security of the United States. SEC. 5. LOAN GUARANTEES FOR THE DOMESTIC RARE EARTH SUPPLY CHAIN. (a) Report to Industry.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the Act, the Secretary of Energy shall issue a report to industry describing available mechanisms for obtaining government loan guarantees for purposes of reestablishing a domestic rare earth supply chain. (b) Department of Energy Support.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the Act, the Secretary of Energy shall issue guidance for the rare earth industry on obtaining loan guarantees under title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58; 22 U.S.C. 16511 et seq.) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-16) for purposes of supporting the reestablishment of mining, separation, purification, metal processing, refining, alloying, and manufacturing operations in the United States relating to rare earths that will support the domestic clean energy technology and defense supply chains. SEC. 6. DEFENSE-RELATED PRODUCTION OF RARE EARTHS. (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the United States faces a shortage of key rare earth materials that form the backbone of both the defense and energy supply chains; and (2) the urgent need to reestablish a domestic rare earth supply chain warrants a prioritization of projects under the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. App. 2061 et seq.) to support the reestablishment of such a supply chain. (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report describing past, current, and future projects under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to support the domestic rare earth supply chain. If no such project is in process or planned as of the date of the report, the report shall include a justification for the lack of projects to support a domestic rare earth supply chain, particularly projects to establish or support domestic manufacturing capability in critical segments of the rare earth market. SEC. 7. SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC RARE EARTH SUPPLY CHAIN. It is the sense of Congress that, in order to reestablish the security of rare earth supplies within the United States, and associated technologies-- (1) there is a pressing need to support innovation, training, and workforce development in the domestic rare earth supply chain; (2) the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Defense should each, utilizing funds available to such department for basic research and development, provide funds to academic institutions, Government laboratories, corporate research and development, not-for-profit research and development, and industry associations in support of innovation, training, and workforce development in the domestic rare earth supply chain; and (3) in providing funds under paragraph (2), the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Defense should give priority to academic institutions, Government laboratories, corporations, not-for-profit entities, and industry associations that will utilize domestically produced rare earths and associated materials. SEC. 8. RESTRICTIONS. (a) Limitation on Divestment of Facilities Created.--No recipient of appropriated funds for the purposes of supporting the reestablishment of a domestic rare earth supply chain, may divest any resources or assets funded, whether in whole or in part, by such appropriated funds to any foreign-owned or controlled entity without the concurrence of the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Commerce. (b) Enhancing National Security.--Any recipient of appropriated funds obtained in connection with the reestablishment of a domestic rare earth supply chain shall be subject to the provisions of section 2538 of title 10, United States Code, in the utilization of such funds, including with respect to any rare earth-related material sold by such recipient in the commercial marketplace. SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Alloy.--The terms ``alloy'' means a partial or complete solid solution of one or more elements in a metallic matrix. (2) Alloying.--The term ``alloying'' means the melting of metal to create a metallic matrix. (3) Clean energy technology.--The term ``clean energy technology'' means a technology related to the production, use, transmission, storage, control, or conservation of energy that will-- (A) reduce the need for additional energy supplies by using existing energy supplies with greater efficiency or by transmitting, distributing, or transporting energy with greater effectiveness through the infrastructure of the United States; (B) diversify the sources of energy supply of the United States to strengthen energy security and to increase supplies with a favorable balance of environmental effects if the entire technology system is considered; or (C) contribute to a stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations through reduction, avoidance, or sequestration of energy-related emissions. (4) Process.--The term ``process'', in the case of a rare earth oxide, means the conversion of the oxide into usable rare earth metals and specialty alloys and powders for domestic magnet and other manufacturing. (5) Rare earth.--The term ``rare earth''-- (A) means the chemical elements in the periodic table from lanthanum (atomic number 57) up to and including lutetium (atomic number 71); and (B) includes the chemical elements yttrium and scandium. (6) Refine.--The term ``refine'', in the case of a rare earth extracted from rock, means the separation and purification of the rare earth to commercial grades of oxides or other salts such as oxalates or chlorides.

Summary: Rare Earths Supply Technology and Resources Transformation Act of 2010 or RESTART Act - Establishes within the Department of the Interior the Rare Earth Policy Task Force to monitor and assist federal agencies in expediting the review and approval of permits to accelerate the completion of projects that will increase investment in, exploration for, and development of domestic rare earths. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and of Energy to assess and report to Congress on: (1) the domestic rare earth supply chain; (2) rare earth elements critical to clean energy technologies and the national security; and (3) whether critical rare earth materials should be stockpiled. Instructs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) report to industry describing available mechanisms for obtaining government loan guarantees to reestablish a domestic rare earth supply chain; and (2) issue guidance for the rare earth industry on obtaining federal loan guarantees. Directs the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on past, current, and future projects to support the domestic rare earth supply chain. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States faces a shortage of key rare earth materials that form the backbone of both the defense and energy supply chains; (2) the urgent need to reestablish a domestic rare earth supply chain warrants a statutory prioritization of projects to support such reestablishment; (3) there is a pressing need to support innovation, training, and workforce development in the domestic rare earth supply chain; and (4) the Departments of Energy, of the Interior, of Commerce, and of Defense should each provide funds to academic institutions, federal laboratories, and private entities for innovation, training, and workforce development in the domestic rare earth supply chain.