SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Congressional Accountability and Oversight in Syria Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 mandates that no security assistance may be provided to any country the government of which engages in a consistent pattern of gross violations of internationally recognized human rights. (2) Section 523 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 states that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available pursuant to this Act shall be obligated to finance indirectly any assistance or reparations to Cuba, Iraq, Libya, Iran, Syria, North Korea, or Sudan, unless the President of the United States certifies that the withholding of these funds is contrary to the national interest of the United States. (3) Under the terms of Resolution 2043 of April 21, 2012, the United Nations Security Council established a United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS), for an initial period of 90 days, under the command of a Chief Military Observer, comprising an initial deployment of up to 300 unarmed military observers as well as an appropriate civilian component to fulfill the following mandate: To monitor a cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties and to monitor and support the full implementation of the UNSMIS' six-point plan. (4) On June 15, 2012, UNSMIS suspended its activities owing to an intensification of armed violence across the country. (5) On July 20, 2012, the Security Council extended UNSMIS for a final period of 30 days. According to Resolution 2059, the Council would only consider further extensions to the mission ``in the event that the Secretary-General reports and the Security Council confirms the cessation of the use of heavy weapons and a reduction in the level of violence sufficient by all sides'' to allow UNSMIS to implement its mandate. (6) As the conditions set by the Security Council had not been met, UNSMIS mandate ended at midnight on August 19, 2012. (7) The al-Nusrah Front is designated by the Department of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the Government of Syria should immediately cease the use of heavy weapons in population centers; (2) all parties within Syria should bring about a cessation of armed violence in all its forms; (3) the Secretary of State should continue to list Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism; (4) in accordance with international law, the Government of Syria should immediately cease the use of chemical weapons; and (5) if the President considers initiating military action, including imposition of a ``no fly'' zone or other military operations on Syrian territory, airspace, or waters-- (A) according to article I, section 8, of the United States Constitution, ``The Congress shall have Power To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water.''; (B) according to the War Powers Resolution, ``The constitutional powers of the President as Commander-in- Chief to introduce United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, are exercised only pursuant to (1) a declaration of war, (2) specific statutory authorization, or (3) a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.''; and (C) the President should adhere to the War Powers Resolution and obtain specific statutory authorization for the use of the United States Armed Forces in response to the war in Syria. SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE TO CONDUCT MILITARY OR PARAMILITARY OPERATIONS IN SYRIA. (a) Authorization.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no assistance of any kind may be provided by any United States Government agency for the purpose, or which would have the effect, of promoting, augmenting, directly or indirectly, the capacity of any nation, group, organization, movement, or individual to conduct military or paramilitary operations in Syria, unless and until Congress expressly authorizes such assistance by law enacted after the date of enactment of this section. (b) Exception.--Subsection (a) does not apply to assistance that is solely provided for humanitarian purposes.

Summary: Congressional Accountability and Oversight in Syria Act - Prohibits assistance (except for humanitarian assistance) for the purpose, or which would have the effect, of promoting the capacity of any nation, group, organization, movement, or individual to conduct military or paramilitary operations in Syria, unless and until Congress expressly authorizes such assistance by law.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 2003''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT. (a) Amendments Relating to the Group Market.-- (1) Prohibition of health discrimination on the basis of genetic information in the group market.-- (A) No enrollment restriction for genetic services.--Section 2702(a)(1)(F) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-1(a)(1)(F)) is amended by inserting before the period the following: ``(including information about a request for or receipt of genetic services)''. (B) No discrimination in premiums based on predictive genetic information.--Subpart 2 of part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-4 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 2707. PROHIBITING PREMIUM DISCRIMINATION AGAINST GROUPS ON THE BASIS OF PREDICTIVE GENETIC INFORMATION IN THE GROUP MARKET. ``A group health plan, or a health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage in connection with a group health plan shall not adjust premium or contribution amounts for a group on the basis of predictive genetic information concerning any individual (including a dependent) or family member of the individual (including information about a request for or receipt of genetic services).''. (C) Conforming amendment.--Section 2702(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-1(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Reference to related provision.--For a provision prohibiting the adjustment of premium or contribution amounts for a group under a group health plan on the basis of predictive genetic information (including information about a request for or receipt of genetic services), see section 2707.''. (2) Definitions.--Section 2791(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-91(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(15) Family member.--The term `family member' means, with respect to an individual-- ``(A) the spouse of the individual; ``(B) a dependent child of the individual; and ``(C) all other individuals related by blood to the individual or the spouse or child described in subparagraph (A) or (B). ``(16) Genetic services.--The term `genetic services' means health services for an individual provided to interpret and assess predictive genetic information for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes as well as to counsel individuals regarding the use of specific predictive genetic information. ``(17) Predictive genetic information.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `predictive genetic information' means individually identifiable information which identifies the presence, absence, variation, alteration, or modification of a human gene or genes that-- ``(i) are scientifically or medically identifiable; and ``(ii) are-- ``(I) known to be a primary cause of a disease, disorder, or syndrome in a person, or associated with a significantly increased statistical risk of development of a disease, disorder, or syndrome in a person, but which have not resulted in signs in the person that would otherwise permit diagnosis of the disease, disorder, or syndrome; or ``(II) associated with an increased statistical risk of a person having offspring with a disease, disorder, or syndrome. ``(B) Limitations.--The term `predictive genetic information' does not include-- ``(i) information from which individual identifiers are removed, encoded, or encrypted to prevent disclosure of the individual's identity; ``(ii) information for research conducted in compliance with the regulations and protections provided for under parts 50 and 56 of title 21 and under part 46 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations; or ``(iii) information related to a manifested disease, disorder, impairment, or condition which could be reasonably detected by a health care professional with appropriate training and expertise in the field of medicine involved. ``(18) Predictive genetic test.--The term `predictive genetic test' means a laboratory test on a biological sample of a person performed solely to obtain predictive genetic information.''. (b) Amendments Relating to the Individual Market.--The first subpart 3 of part B of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-51 et seq.) (relating to other requirements) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 2753. PROHIBITION OF HEALTH DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF PREDICTIVE GENETIC INFORMATION. ``(a) Prohibition on Predictive Genetic Information as a Condition of Eligibility.--A health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage in the individual market may not use predictive genetic information as a condition of eligibility of an individual to enroll in individual health insurance coverage (including information about a request for or receipt of genetic services). ``(b) Prohibition on Predictive Genetic Information in Setting Premium Rates.--A health insurance issuer offering health insurance coverage in the individual market shall not adjust premium rates for individuals on the basis of predictive genetic information concerning such an individual (including a dependent) or a family member of the individual (including information about a request for or receipt of genetic services).''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to-- (1) group health plans, and health insurance coverage offered in connection with group health plans, for plan years beginning after 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) health insurance coverage offered, sold, issued, renewed, in effect, or operated in the individual market after 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Genetic Privacy and Nondiscrimination Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit a group or individual health care plan or health insurance issuer from restricting enrollment or adjusting premium or contribution amounts on the basis of predictive genetic information about an individual or family member of such individual.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Victims of Abuse Access to Health Insurance Act''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION OF HEALTH INSURANCE DISCRIMINATION RELATING TO VICTIMS OF CERTAIN CRIMES. (a) In General.--No insurer may engage in a practice that has the effect of denying, canceling, or limiting health insurance coverage or health benefits, or establishing, increasing, or varying the premium charged for the coverage or benefits-- (1) to or for an individual on the basis that the individual is, has been, or may be the victim of domestic violence; or (2) to or for a group or employer on the basis that the group includes or the employer employs, or provides or subsidizes insurance for, an individual described in paragraph (1). (b) Pre-Existing Conditions.-- (1) In general.--A health benefit plan may not consider a condition or injury that occurred as a result of domestic violence as a pre-existing condition. (2) Preexisting condition.--As used in paragraph (1), the term ``preexisting condition'' means, with respect to coverage under a health benefit plan, a condition which was diagnosed, or which was treated, prior to the first date of such coverage (without regard to any waiting period). SEC. 3. CIVIL AND CRIMINAL REMEDIES AND PENALTIES. (a) In General.--Whoever violates the provisions of this Act shall be-- (1) subject to a fine in an amount provided for under title 18, United States Code, for a class A misdemeanor not resulting in death; (2) subject to the imposition of a civil monetary penalty; and (3) subject to the commencement by the aggrieved party of a civil action under subsection (b). (b) Civil Remedies.-- (1) In general.--Any individual aggrieved by reason of the conduct prohibited in this Act may commence a civil action for the relief set forth in paragraph (2). (2) Relief.--In any action under paragraph (1), the court may award appropriate relief, including temporary, preliminary, or permanent injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages, as well as the costs of suit and reasonable fees for plaintiffs attorneys and expert witnesses. With respect to compensatory damages, the plaintiff may elect, at any time prior to the rendering of final judgment, to recover, in lieu of actual damages, an award of statutory damages in the amount of $5,000 per violation. (3) Concurrent jurisdiction.--Both Federal and State courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction over actions brought pursuant to this section. SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) Domestic violence.--The term ``domestic violence'' means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between household or family (including in-laws or extended family) members, spouses or former spouses, or individuals engaged in or formerly engaged in a sexually intimate relationship: (A) Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury, rape, assault, sexual assault, or involuntary sexual intercourse. (B) Knowingly engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another individual, including following the individual, without proper authority, under circumstances that place the individual in reasonable fear of bodily injury. (C) Subjecting another to false imprisonment. (2) Insurer.-- (A) In general.--The term ``insurer'' means a health benefit plan, a health care provider, an entity that self-insures, or a Federal or State agency or entity that conducts activities related to the protection of public health. (B) Health benefit plan.--The term ``health benefit plan'' means any public or private entity or program that provides for payments for health care, including-- (i) a group health plan (as defined in section 607 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) or a multiple employer welfare arrangement (as defined in section 3(40) of such Act) that provides health benefits; (ii) any other health insurance arrangement, including any arrangement consisting of a hospital or medical expense incurred policy or certificate, hospital or medical service plan contract, or health maintenance organization subscriber contract; (iii) workers' compensation or similar insurance to the extent that it relates to workers' compensation medical benefits (as defined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services); and (iv) automobile medical insurance to the extent that it relates to medical benefits (as defined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services). SEC. 5. INAPPLICABILITY OF MCCARRAN-FERGUSON ACT. For purposes of section 2(b) of the Act of March 9, 1945 (15 U.S.C. 1012(b); commonly known as the McCarran-Ferguson Act), this Act shall be considered to specifically relate to the business of insurance. SEC. 6. REGULATIONS. The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue regulations to carry out this Act. SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Victims of Abuse Access to Health Insurance Act - Prohibits health insurers from discriminating against an individual or group because the individual is or may be a victim of domestic violence. Prohibits considering a condition or injury resulting from domestic violence as a pre-existing condition. Mandates civil and criminal penalties and provides for injunctive relief and compensatory and punitive damages. Declares that, for the purposes of the McCarran-Ferguson Act, this Act specifically relates to the business of insurance.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Health Care Fraud Enforcement Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. ENHANCEMENTS TO CRIMINAL LAWS RELATING TO HEALTH CARE FRAUD. (a) Fraud Sentencing Guidelines.-- (1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term ``Federal health care offense'' has the meaning given that term in section 24 of title 18, United States Code, as amended by this Act. (2) Review and amendments.--Pursuant to the authority under section 994 of title 28, United States Code, and in accordance with this subsection, the United States Sentencing Commission shall-- (A) review the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of Federal health care offenses; (B) amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of Federal health care offenses involving Government health care programs to provide that the aggregate dollar amount of fraudulent bills submitted to the Government health care program shall constitute prima facie evidence of the amount of the intended loss by the defendant; and (C) amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines to provide-- (i) a 2-level increase in the offense level for any defendant convicted of a Federal health care offense relating to a Government health care program which involves a loss of not less than $1,000,000 and less than $7,000,000; (ii) a 3-level increase in the offense level for any defendant convicted of a Federal health care offense relating to a Government health care program which involves a loss of not less than $7,000,000 and less than $20,000,000; (iii) a 4-level increase in the offense level for any defendant convicted of a Federal health care offense relating to a Government health care program which involves a loss of not less than $20,000,000; and (iv) if appropriate, otherwise amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements applicable to persons convicted of Federal health care offenses involving Government health care programs. (3) Requirements.--In carrying this subsection, the United States Sentencing Commission shall-- (A) ensure that the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements-- (i) reflect the serious harms associated with health care fraud and the need for aggressive and appropriate law enforcement action to prevent such fraud; and (ii) provide increased penalties for persons convicted of health care fraud offenses in appropriate circumstances; (B) consult with individuals or groups representing health care fraud victims, law enforcement officials, the health care industry, and the Federal judiciary as part of the review described in paragraph (2); (C) ensure reasonable consistency with other relevant directives and with other guidelines under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines; (D) account for any aggravating or mitigating circumstances that might justify exceptions, including circumstances for which the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act, provide sentencing enhancements; (E) make any necessary conforming changes to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines; and (F) ensure that the Federal Sentencing Guidelines adequately meet the purposes of sentencing. (b) Intent Requirement for Health Care Fraud.--Section 1347 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(a)'' before ``Whoever knowingly''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(b) With respect to violations of this section, a person need not have actual knowledge of this section or specific intent to commit a violation of this section.''. (c) Kickbacks.--Section 1128B of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7b) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) In addition to the penalties provided for in this section or section 1128A, a claim for items or services that are provided in violation of this section constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 37 of title 31, United States Code.''. (d) Health Care Fraud Offense.--Section 24(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking the semicolon and inserting ``or section 1128B of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7b); or''; and (2) in paragraph (2)-- (A) by inserting ``1349,'' after ``1343,''; and (B) by inserting ``section 301 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 331), or section 411, 501, or 511 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1111, 1131, and 1141),'' after ``title,''. SEC. 3. SUBPOENA AUTHORITY RELATING TO HEALTH CARE. (a) Subpoenas Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.--Section 1510(b) of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``to the grand jury''; and (2) in paragraph (2)-- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``grand jury subpoena'' and inserting ``subpoena for records''; and (B) in the matter following subparagraph (B), by striking ``to the grand jury''. (b) Subpoenas Under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.--The Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (42 U.S.C. 1997 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 3 the following: ``SEC. 3A. SUBPOENA AUTHORITY. ``(a) Authority.--The Attorney General, or at the direction of the Attorney General, any officer or employee of the Department of Justice may require by subpoena access to any institution that is the subject of an investigation under this Act and to any document, record, material, file, report, memorandum, policy, procedure, investigation, video or audio recording, or quality assurance report relating to any institution that is the subject of an investigation under this Act to determine whether there are conditions which deprive persons residing in or confined to the institution of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States. ``(b) Issuance and Enforcement of Subpoenas.-- ``(1) Issuance.--Subpoenas issued under this section-- ``(A) shall bear the signature of the Attorney General or any officer or employee of the Department of Justice as designated by the Attorney General; and ``(B) shall be served by any person or class of persons designated by the Attorney General or a designated officer or employee for that purpose. ``(2) Enforcement.--In the case of contumacy or failure to obey a subpoena issued under this section, the United States district court for the judicial district in which the institution is located may issue an order requiring compliance. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt that court. ``(c) Protection of Subpoenaed Records and Information.--Any document, record, material, file, report, memorandum, policy, procedure, investigation, video or audio recording, or quality assurance report or other information obtained under a subpoena issued under this section-- ``(1) may not be used for any purpose other than to protect the rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States of persons who reside, have resided, or will reside in an institution; ``(2) may not be transmitted by or within the Department of Justice for any purpose other than to protect the rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States of persons who reside, have resided, or will reside in an institution; and ``(3) shall be redacted, obscured, or otherwise altered if used in any publicly available manner so as to prevent the disclosure of any personally identifiable information.''. SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FOR CRIMINAL AND CIVIL ENFORCEMENT OF HEALTH CARE FRAUD. (a) Authorization.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Attorney General, to remain available until expended, $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2016 for the purposes of investigations, prosecutions, and civil or other proceedings relating to fraud and abuse in connection with any health care benefit program, as defined in section 24(b) of title 18, United States Code. (b) Allocations.--With respect to each of fiscal years 2011 through 2016, the amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a) shall be allocated as follows: (1) For the offices of the United States attorneys, $10,000,000. (2) For the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, $5,000,000. (3) For the Civil Division of the Department of Justice, $5,000,000.

Summary: Health Care Fraud Enforcement Act of 2009 - Directs the United States Sentencing Commission to review and amend guidelines and policy statements relating to health care fraud to increase the sentences for such crimes based upon the dollar amount of fraud involved. Expands the definition of "health care fraud" to include anti-fraud provisions of the Social Security Act relating to kickbacks, bribes, or rebates, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Makes a health care fraud violation under such statutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the False Claims Act. Amends the federal criminal code to allow a conviction for health care fraud without actual knowledge of a fraud prohibition or a specific intent to commit a health care fraud violation. Amends the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act to expand the power of the Attorney General to issue subpoenas for records under such Act. Authorizes additional appropriations to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for FY2011-FY2016 for investigations and prosecutions relating to fraud and abuse in connection with any health care benefit program.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Benjamin Franklin True Patriot Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Benjamin Franklin stated: ``Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.''. (2) The First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution were established to protect the civil rights and liberties of all Americans in perpetuity. (3) Federal policies adopted since September 11, 2001, including provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56) and related executive orders, regulations, and actions threaten fundamental rights and liberties, including the First, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution by-- (A) authorizing the indefinite incarceration of noncitizens based on mere suspicion, and the indefinite incarceration of citizens designated by the President as ``enemy combatants'' without access to counsel or meaningful recourse to the Federal courts; (B) limiting the traditional authority of Federal courts to curb law enforcement abuse of electronic surveillance in antiterrorism investigations and ordinary criminal investigations; (C) expanding the authority of Federal agents to conduct so-called ``sneak and peek'' or ``black bag'' searches, in which the subject of the search warrant is unaware that his or her property has been searched; (D) granting law enforcement and intelligence agencies broad access to personal medical, financial, library, and education records with little if any judicial oversight; (E) chilling constitutionally protected speech through overbroad definitions of ``terrorism''; (F) creating divisions between immigrant communities and the police that protect them by encouraging involvement of State and local police in enforcement of Federal immigration law; and the police that protect them; (G) permitting the FBI to conduct surveillance of religious services, internet chatrooms, political demonstrations, and other public meetings of any kind without having any evidence that a crime has been or may be committed; and (H) mandating the closure of certain immigration removal hearings, including denying judges the authority to reject stays of release where bond has been ordered and denying noncitizens the right to a bond hearing. (4) Future legislation, such as legislation drafted entitled the Domestic Security Enhancement Act (DSEA) or PATRIOT II, contains a multitude of new and sweeping law enforcement and intelligence gathering powers many of which are not related to terrorism, and would severely dilute and undermine many basic constitutional rights as well as disturb our unique system of checks and balances by-- (A) diminishing personal privacy by removing important checks on government surveillance authority; (B) reducing the accountability of government to the public by increasing government secrecy; (C) expanding the definition of ``terrorism'' in a manner that threatens the constitutionally protected rights of Americans; and (D) seriously eroding the right of all persons to due process of law. (5) The above new and unprecedented powers pose threats to all Americans and particularly to the civil rights and liberties of the residents of our Nation who are Arab, Muslim, or of South Asian descent. SEC. 3. NINETY-DAY REVIEW PERIOD. Each provision of law, regulation, or other policy directive listed in sections 4 through 10, and any amendments made by that provision, shall cease to have effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. During this 90-day period, the Congress may, at the request of the President, hold hearings to determine whether a particular section should be removed from the list in section 4. SEC. 4. PROVISIONS IN THE USA PATRIOT ACT. The provisions in the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56) to which section 3 applies are: (1) Section 213, relating to ``sneak and peak searches''. (2) Section 214, relating to the use of pen registers for foreign intelligence purposes. (3) Section 215, relating to the obtaining by the Government of certain business records. (4) Section 216, relating to the use of pen registers in criminal cases. (5) Section 218, relating to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. (6) Section 411, relating to new grounds for deportation. (7) Section 412, relating to mandatory detention of certain aliens. (8) Section 505, relating to national security letters. (9) Section 507, relating to educational records. (10) Section 508, relating to collection and disclosure of individually identifiable information under the National Education Statistics Act of 1994. (11) Section 802, relating to the definition of domestic terrorism. SEC. 5. PROVISIONS OF AVIATION SECURITY ACT EXCLUDING PERMANENT RESIDENT ALIENS FROM BEING BAGGAGE CHECKERS. Section 3 also applies to section 44935(e)(2)(A)(ii) of title 49, United States Code. SEC. 6. HOMELAND SECURITY ACT OF 2002 PROVISIONS. Section 3 also applies to the following provisions of the Homeland Security Act of 2002: (1) Section 214, relating to an exemption from the Freedom of Information Act. (2) Section 871, relating to an exemption from the Federal Advisory Committee Act. SEC. 7. IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS PROVISIONS. Section 3 also applies to the following provisions of regulations: (1) The regulation found at 66 Federal Register 48334-35 (September 20, 2001) relating to time held without charges. (2) The regulation found at 66 Federal Register 54909-12 (October 31, 2001) relating to automatic stays for the Government in immigration hearings. (3) The so-called ``Creppy memo'' that mandates closed immigration hearings in certain cases, and 67 Federal Register 54878 (August 26, 2002) relating to restructuring appeals. (4) Any legal opinion or regulation that increases the powers of the Attorney General to authorize State or local law enforcement officers to exercise Federal immigration enforcement beyond those given in 8 CFR Part 2 or 28 CFR Part 65. (5) The regulation found at 67 Federal Register 52584 (August 12, 2002), relating to registration and monitoring of certain aliens, and all notices published pursuant to that regulation. SEC. 8. ATTORNEY-CLIENT MONITORING. Section 3 also applies to the regulation found at 66 Federal Register 55063, relating to monitoring conversations between attorneys and clients. SEC. 9. SECRECY ORDERS. Section 3 also applies to the memorandum of Attorney General Ashcroft dated October 12, 2001 and relating to the disclosure of documents under the Freedom of Information Act. SEC. 10. THORNBURG GUIDELINES ON RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION SPYING. Section 3 also applies to any regulations having the effect of changing the effect of the Attorney General's Guidelines on General Crimes, Racketeering Enterprise and Domestic Security/Terrorism Investigations approved by Attorney General Dick Thornburg for the Department of Justice on March 21, 1989.

Summary: Benjamin Franklin True Patriot Act - Provides that each provision of law, regulation, or other policy directive listed in this Act and any amendments made by that provision, shall cease to have effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Authorizes Congress, during such period and at the request of the President, to hold hearings to determine whether a particular section should be removed from the list with respect to the USA PATRIOT Act. Applies this Act to specified provisions in: (1) the USA PATRIOT Act; (2) the Aviation Security Act excluding permanent resident aliens from being baggage checkers; (3) the Homeland Security Act 2002; (4) certain immigration regulations; (5) the Federal Register relating to monitoring conversations between attorneys and clients; (6) the memorandum of Attorney General Ashcroft dated October 12, 2001, and relating to the disclosure of documents under the Freedom of Information Act; and (7) any regulations having the effect of changing the effect of Attorney General Dick Thornburg's Guidelines on General Crimes, Racketeering Enterprise and Domestic Security/Terrorism Investigations (particularly with respect to religious institution spying), approved March 21, 1989.


SECTION 1. ROCKY FLATS ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY SITE. (a) Definitions.--In this Act: (1) Essential mineral right.--The term ``essential mineral right'' means a right to mine sand and gravel at Rocky Flats, as depicted on the map. (2) Fair market value.--The term ``fair market value'' means the value of an essential mineral right, as determined by an appraisal performed by an independent, certified mineral appraiser under the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. (3) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge'', dated July 25, 2005, and available for inspection in appropriate offices of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Energy. (4) Natural resource damage liability claim.--The term ``natural resource damage liability claim'' means a natural resource damage liability claim under subsections (a)(4)(C) and (f) of section 107 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9607) arising from hazardous substances releases at or from Rocky Flats that, as of the date of enactment of this Act, are identified in the administrative record for Rocky Flats required by the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan prepared under section 105 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 9605). (5) Rocky flats.--The term ``Rocky Flats'' means the Department of Energy facility in the State of Colorado known as the ``Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site''. (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy. (7) Trustees.--The term ``Trustees'' means the Federal and State officials designated as trustees under section 107(f)(2) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9607(f)(2)). (b) Purchase of Essential Mineral Rights.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, such amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (c) shall be available to the Secretary to purchase essential mineral rights at Rocky Flats. (2) Conditions.--The Secretary shall not purchase an essential mineral right under paragraph (1) unless-- (A) the owner of the essential mineral right is a willing seller; and (B) the Secretary purchases the essential mineral right for an amount that does not exceed fair market value. (3) Limitation.--Only those funds authorized to be appropriated under subsection (c) shall be available for the Secretary to purchase essential mineral rights under paragraph (1). (4) Release from liability.--Notwithstanding any other law, any natural resource damage liability claim shall be considered to be satisfied by-- (A) the purchase by the Secretary of essential mineral rights under paragraph (1) for consideration in an amount equal to $10,000,000; (B) the payment by the Secretary to the Trustees of $10,000,000; or (C) the purchase by the Secretary of any portion of the mineral rights under paragraph (1) for-- (i) consideration in an amount less than $10,000,000; and (ii) a payment by the Secretary to the Trustees of an amount equal to the difference between-- (I) $10,000,000; and (II) the amount paid under clause (i). (5) Use of funds.-- (A) In general.--Any amounts received under paragraph (4) shall be used by the Trustees for the purposes described in section 107(f)(1) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9607(f)(1)), including-- (i) the purchase of additional mineral rights at Rocky Flats; and (ii) the development of habitat restoration projects at Rocky Flats. (B) Condition.--Any expenditure of funds under this paragraph shall be made jointly by the Trustees. (C) Additional funds.--The Trustees may use the funds received under paragraph (4) in conjunction with other private and public funds. (6) Exemption from national environmental policy act.--Any purchases of mineral rights under this subsection shall be exempt from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). (7) Rocky flats national wildlife refuge.-- (A) Transfer of management responsibilities.--The Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge Act of 2001 (16 U.S.C. 668dd note; Public Law 107-107) is amended-- (i) in section 3175-- (I) by striking subsections (b) and (f); and (II) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as subsections (b), (c), and (d), respectively; and (ii) in section 3176(a)(1), by striking ``section 3175(d)'' and inserting ``section 3175(c)''. (B) Boundaries.--Section 3177 of the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge Act of 2001 (16 U.S.C. 668dd note; Public Law 107-107) is amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: ``(c) Composition.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the refuge shall consist of land within the boundaries of Rocky Flats, as depicted on the map-- ``(A) entitled `Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge'; ``(B) dated July 25, 2005; and ``(C) available for inspection in the appropriate offices of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Energy. ``(2) Exclusions.--The refuge does not include-- ``(A) any land retained by the Department of Energy for response actions under section 3175(c); ``(B) any land depicted on the map described in paragraph (1) that is subject to 1 or more essential mineral rights described in section 3114(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 over which the Secretary shall retain jurisdiction of the surface estate until the essential mineral rights-- ``(i) are purchased under subsection (b) of that Act; or ``(ii) are mined and reclaimed by the mineral rights holders in accordance with requirements established by the State of Colorado; and ``(C) the land depicted on the map described in paragraph (1) on which essential mineral rights are being actively mined as of the date of enactment of this subparagraph until-- ``(i) the essential mineral rights are purchased; or ``(ii) the surface estate is reclaimed by the mineral rights holder in accordance with requirements established by the State of Colorado. ``(3) Acquisition of additional land.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), upon the purchase of the mineral rights or reclamation of the land depicted on the map described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall-- ``(A) transfer the land to the Secretary of the Interior for inclusion in the refuge; and ``(B) the Secretary of the Interior shall-- ``(i) accept the transfer of the land; and ``(ii) manage the land as part of the refuge.''. (c) Funding.--Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site for fiscal year 2006, $10,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary for the purposes described in subsection (b).

Summary: States that specified funds authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy for the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (Colorado) shall be available to the Secretary for the purchase of essential mineral rights at Rocky Flats. Prescribes related conditions under which any natural resource damage liability claim shall be deemed to be satisfied. Exempts mineral rights purchased under this Act from the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Amends the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge Act of 2001 to repeal the mandate for a Memorandum of Understanding in connection with the transfer to the Secretary of the Interior of management responsibilities and jurisdiction over Rocky Flats. Repeals, also, the prohibiton against any reduction in funds available to the Secretary of Energy for cleanup and closure of Rocky Flats as a result of such transfer. Revises the composition of the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge and excludes specified lands subject to certain essential mineral rights.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Blueprint for Health Act of 2009''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Purpose. Sec. 3. Establishment of a Blueprint for Health for disease prevention, health promotion, and education about and better management of chronic conditions. Sec. 4. Strategic plan. Sec. 5. Chronic care management programs. Sec. 6. Incentives for prevention of chronic disease. Sec. 7. Health information technology. Sec. 8. Recommendations to Congress; annual report. SEC. 2. PURPOSE. It is the purpose of this Act to establish a Blueprint for Health which is designed-- (1) to create a national integrated medical home model of care that enhances primary care, encourages multidisciplinary coordination, and promotes disease prevention, health promotion, and education about and better management of chronic conditions; (2) to increase Americans' access to affordable, appropriate, high quality care through the use of the integrated medical home model; and (3) to reduce costs to the United States health care system through the application of such model. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF A BLUEPRINT FOR HEALTH FOR DISEASE PREVENTION, HEALTH PROMOTION, AND EDUCATION ABOUT AND BETTER MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC CONDITIONS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall create consistent with this Act a program (in this Act referred to as the ``Blueprint for Health'') that provides a national infrastructure for disease prevention, health promotion, and education about and better management of chronic conditions through the use of a nationwide integrated medical home model of care (in this Act referred to as the ``integrated medical home model of care'') in a manner that is designed to initiate, coordinate, and evaluate measures for promoting health and preventing disease in the United States. (b) Elements of Blueprint.--The Blueprint for Health shall include the following elements: (1) Strategic plan.--A strategic plan described in section 4 for designing the integrated medical home model of care. (2) Chronic care management programs.--Chronic care management programs described in section 5. (3) Prevention incentives.--Incentives for the prevention of chronic disease described in section 6. (4) Assessment of hit initiatives.--A plan described in section 7 for the assessment of current health information technology initiatives. (c) Executive Committee.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall convene an executive committee to advise the Secretary on the creation and implementation of the Blueprint for Health. (2) Composition.--The executive committee shall include representation from national and State medical, hospital, and pharmaceutical associations, consumer and patient advocacy groups, labor groups, employer and other purchasing groups, and the health insurance industry. SEC. 4. STRATEGIC PLAN. The Blueprint for Health shall include a strategic plan for designing the integrated medical home model of care that includes the following: (1) Recommended elements of an integrated coordinated chronic care management model that incorporates the following: (A) Medical practices acting as medical homes in being primary caregivers in close coordination with other elements. The elements for such homes may be based on guidelines developed for such homes by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. (B) Early disease detection and risk stratification. (C) Community care teams that provide care support for medical homes and assist in coordinating care among medical homes, hospitals, prevention programs, multidisciplinary specialists, and others. (2) A plan for the formation of such community care teams that may include panel managers, public health prevention specialists, nurse coordinators, social workers, dieticians, community health workers, care coordinators, behavioral health specialists, and other patient support personnel. (3) Incentives for patient self management, community-based initiatives, and system and information technology reforms, intended for use by all providers and health plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Federal employees health benefits program, and other Federal programs. (4) A description of recommended prevention programs and a strategy for integrating them into the integrated medical home model of care. (5) A plan to ensure that chronically ill patients have a low level of cost sharing under the integrated medical home model of care. (6) Alignment of health care information technology initiatives with information technology needs. (7) Development and use of outcome and reporting measures designed to track the progress of patients meeting clinically recommended treatment goals. (8) A strategy for ensuring the broad support of the integrated medical home model of care by health insurers, hospitals, and health care professionals, including specialists and other physicians. (9) Recommendations for better integrating specialty care services into primary care practices to ensure care coordination and the use of best practices. (10) Recommendations for the consultation of providers experienced with the development and implementation of an integrated medical home model of care as this Act's care coordination model is developed. (11) A strategy for standardizing outcome and financial measures to ensure consistency among all health plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Federal employees health benefits program, and other Federal programs. SEC. 5. CHRONIC CARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS. The Secretary shall include in the Blueprint for Health chronic care management programs which provide for at least the following: (1) Methods for identifying and enrolling chronically ill patients and for encouraging primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and others to participate in such programs. (2) Development of health risk appraisal or assessment for individuals enrolled under Medicare, Medicaid, or the Federal employees health benefits program. (3) A process for coordinating care among health professionals including multidisciplinary care teams and specialty care providers. (4) Methods for increasing communication among health care professionals and patients, including patient education, self- management, and follow up plans. (5) Process and outcome measures to provide performance feedback for health care professionals and information on the quality of care. (6) Payment methodologies to create financial incentives for patient participation and to allow primary care physicians to meet specific standards of a medical home program. Such financial incentives shall include-- (A) enhanced payment to medical practices, such as a per member per month fee, based on standards for a medical home, such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance standards for a patient centered medical home; (B) payment for care support services, such as community care teams or other applicable approaches, across all insurers, including multi-payer private plans and Medicare, Medicaid, and other public plans; and (C) the support of a community based savings sharing and reinvestment model, such as an accountable care organization, which incorporates a balanced set of financial and quality incentives, such as the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Triple Aims. SEC. 6. INCENTIVES FOR PREVENTION OF CHRONIC DISEASE. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall include in the Blueprint for Health a plan to provide incentives to prevent chronic diseases, including investments in healthy and sustainable local and regional food systems as well as the broader use of lifestyle changes, such as through diet, exercise, and smoking cessation in the schools, communities, and workplace. (b) Compilation of Effective Practices.--Based on recommendations set forth by the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the Secretary shall compile a list of effective practices that would serve as a basis for establishing programs to prevent chronic disease and that could be included in the Blueprint for Health. (c) Recommendations.--The plan under subsection (a) may include the following: (1) Grant opportunities and Federal tax credits for localities to conduct community assessment, intervention, and activation plans in which public health data are collected and analyzed to identify areas in greatest need of prevention and wellness programs. (2) Federal tax credits and incentive grants to local education agencies, businesses, local departments of public health, communities, hospitals, health care providers, and other entities so that they may adopt effective models of wellness shown to lower costs and improve health. (3) Incentives for individuals to take proactive preventative measures, including weight management and smoking cessation. (4) Federal tax credits and incentive grants to local education agencies, businesses, local departments of public health, communities, hospitals, health care providers and other entities to promote the development of healthy and sustainable local and regional food systems. SEC. 7. HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. (a) In General.--The Blueprint for Health shall promote the effective, efficient, national use of health care information technology initiatives. (b) Assessment.--As part of the Blueprint for Health, the Secretary shall commission an assessment to be presented to Congress not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act that examines the implementation of the health information technology provisions enacted as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This assessment shall evaluate the implementation of such provisions as they apply to chronic care management, and determine if further action is needed to ensure that the funding provided in such Act under such provisions is used effectively and efficiently to help ensure the effective management of chronic disease. SEC. 8. RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONGRESS; ANNUAL REPORT. (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall present to Congress recommendations for legislation to implement the Blueprint for Health, including the establishment of programs designed to enhance primary care, promote multidisciplinary care coordination, prevent disease, improve quality, contain costs, more effectively manage chronic illness, and promote good health and prevention initiatives. (b) Annual Report.--The Secretary shall submit an annual report to Congress on the status of the implementation of the Blueprint for Health.

Summary: Blueprint for Health Act of 2009 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create the Blueprint for Health program to provide a national infrastructure for disease prevention, health promotion, and education about, and better management of, chronic conditions. Sets forth elements to be included in the Blueprint, including: (1) a strategic plan for designing an integrated medical home model of care; (2) chronic management programs; (3) incentives for the prevention of chronic diseases, including investments in health and sustainable local and regional food systems; and (4) a plan for the assessment of current health information technology initiatives. Requires the Secretary to convene an executive committee to advise the Secretary on the creation and implementation of the Blueprint for Health. Requires the Blueprint for Health to promote the effective, efficient, national use of health care information technology initiatives. Directs the Secretary to commission an assessment that examines the implementation of the health information technology provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Requires the Secretary to recommend to Congress legislation to implement the Blueprint for Health, including the establishment of programs designed to enhance primary care, promote multidisciplinary care coordination, prevent disease, improve quality, contain costs, more effectively manage chronic illness, and promote good health and prevention initiatives.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Job Opportunity and Welfare Reduction Act of 1997''. SEC. 2. PILOT PROGRAM FOR PLACING WELFARE RECIPIENTS IN JOBS VACATED BY UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS. (a) In General.--The Attorney General shall conduct a pilot program under which the Attorney General shall provide a written notice to a State of one or more potential employment opportunities for an adult who is receiving assistance under the State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act, where such opportunity arises from-- (1) the removal of one or more unauthorized aliens from a work site in the State by an officer or employee of the Service performing duties relating to the enforcement of the immigration laws; or (2) the issuance of an unauthorized work letter by the Attorney General to an employer. (b) Implementation Deadline; Termination.--The Attorney General shall implement the pilot program not later than October 1, 1998. The Attorney General shall terminate the pilot program at the end of the 4- year period beginning on the first day the pilot program is in effect. (c) Scope of Operation.--The Attorney General shall provide for the operation of the pilot program in each State-- (1) the chief executive officer of which has requested that the Attorney General provide for such operation; and (2) that is receiving a grant under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act. (d) Notice.-- (1) Contents.--The notice required under subsection (a) shall include the following: (A) The name and address of the employer-- (i) from whose work site an unauthorized alien was removed; or (ii) to whom the unauthorized work letter was issued. (B) A classification of the employment position (or positions) formerly held by each unauthorized alien who was removed from the work site or was the subject of the unauthorized work letter, in terms of industry and whether the work performed was skilled or unskilled. (C) The location of the work site. (D) The number of unauthorized aliens who were-- (i) removed; or (ii) the subject of the unauthorized work letter. (2) Deadline.--The Attorney General shall submit the notice required under subsection (a) not later than 8 days after the day on which-- (A) the unauthorized alien is removed (in a case described in subsection (a)(1)); or (B) an officer or employee of the Service enters onto the work site for the purpose of removing an unauthorized alien, following issuance of the unauthorized work letter (in a case described in subsection (a)(2)). (e) Definitions.--For purposes of this Act: (1) Service.--The term ``Service'' has the meaning given such term in section 101(a)(34) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. (2) State.--The term ``State'' has the meaning given such term in section 101(a)(36) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. (3) Unauthorized alien.--The term ``unauthorized alien'' has the meaning given such term in section 274A(h)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. (4) Unauthorized work letter.--The term ``unauthorized work letter'' means a Form I-9 Inspection Result Letter, issued by the Attorney General to an employer, identifying the possible presence of an unauthorized alien worker. SEC. 3. BONUS TO REWARD PARTICIPATING STATES. (a) In General.--Section 403(a)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(4)) (as amended by section 103 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-193; 110 Stat. 2121)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (B)(i), by adding at the end the following: ``In the case of a high performing State that is an immigration pilot program State, such amount shall also be based on the score assigned to the State under subparagraph (D)(iii) for such fiscal year.''; (2) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows: ``(C) Formula for measuring state performance.-- ``(i) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, the Secretary, in consultation with the National Governors' Association and the American Public Welfare Association, shall develop a formula for measuring State performance in operating the State program funded under this part so as to achieve the goals set forth in section 401(a). ``(ii) Immigration pilot program states.-- Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of the Job Opportunity and Welfare Reduction Act of 1997, the Secretary, in consultation with the National Governors' Association and the American Public Welfare Association, shall develop a formula for measuring the performance of immigration pilot program States in placing adults receiving assistance under the State program funded under this part in employment vacancies arising from-- ``(I) the removal of an unauthorized alien (as defined in section 2 of such Act) from a work site in the State by an officer or employee of the Immigration and Naturalization Service performing duties relating to the enforcement of the immigration laws; or ``(II) the issuance by the Attorney General to an employer of an unauthorized work letter (as defined in such section) with respect to a work site in the State.''; (3) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows: ``(D) Scoring of state performance; setting of performance thresholds.--For each bonus year, the Secretary shall-- ``(i) use the formula developed under subparagraph (C)(i) to assign a score to each eligible State for the fiscal year that immediately precedes the bonus year; ``(ii) prescribe a performance threshold, based on the scores assigned under clause (i), in such a manner so as to ensure that-- ``(I) the average annual total amount of grants to be made under this paragraph for each bonus year equals $200,000,000; and ``(II) the total amount of grants to be made under this paragraph for all bonus years equals $1,000,000,000; and ``(iii) use the formula developed under subparagraph (C)(ii) to assign an additional score to each immigration pilot program State for the fiscal year that immediately precedes the bonus year, which score shall be used to reward immigration pilot program States-- ``(I) based on their performance, as measured under subparagraph (C)(ii); and ``(II) in a manner consistent with subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (ii).''; and (4) in subparagraph (E), by adding at the end the following: ``(iii) Immigration pilot program state.-- The term `immigration pilot program State' means, with respect to a fiscal year immediately preceding a bonus year, an eligible State-- ``(I) within which the Attorney General is operating the pilot program under section 2 of the Job Opportunity and Welfare Reduction Act of 1997; ``(II) that, after each receipt of a notice of an employment vacancy (or vacancies) from the Attorney General under such section 2, provided to the employer having the vacancy a list containing, with respect to each such vacancy, the name, address, and telephone number of not more than 3 adults who are receiving assistance under the State program funded under this part and who are determined by the State, based on the adult's training, skills, prior experience, and availability for employment, to be qualified to fill the vacancy; and ``(III) that provided to the Secretary, in such form and manner as the Secretary may have required, a report containing the information necessary for the Secretary to measure the State's performance under subparagraph (C)(ii).''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the later of July 1, 1998, or the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 4. REPORT. Not later than 3 months after the date of the termination of the pilot program under section 2, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to the Congress a report, based on the rate of success of the program in providing referrals leading to job placements, containing the recommendations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services concerning whether the program should be reauthorized, whether the program should be expanded, and how the program could be improved.

Summary: Job Opportunity and Welfare Reduction Act of 1997 - Directs the Attorney General to conduct a temporary pilot program in States participating in the (welfare reform) program under part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act. Requires the Attorney General to notify a State of potential employment opportunities for an adult TANF recipient arising from: (1) removal of an unauthorized alien from a work site by the Immigration and Naturalization Service; or (2) the issuance by the Attorney General to an employer of an unauthorized work letter (Form I-9 Inspection Result Letter, identifying the possible presence of an unauthorized alien). Provides for a bonus under TANF to reward high-performing States.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Army Arsenal Strategic Workload Enhancement Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE USE OF ARSENALS. (a) In General.--Chapter 143 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 2425. Department of Defense use of arsenals ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall develop and promulgate measurable and enforceable guidelines for the Department of Defense, defense agencies, and the military services to have supplies, components, end items, parts, assemblies, and sub-assemblies made in factories or arsenals owned by the United States, to the extent those factories or arsenals can make those supplies, components, end items, parts, assemblies, and sub-assemblies on an economical basis while preserving the ability to provide an effective and timely response to mobilizations, national defense contingency situations, and other emergency requirements. ``(b) Determination of Economical Basis.--For purposes of determining whether supplies, components, end items, parts, assemblies, and sub-assemblies can be made on an `economical basis' under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall analyze the direct costs associated with the manufacture of such supplies, components, end items, parts, assemblies, and sub-assemblies. If an analysis is not performed, the Secretary of Defense or the relevant defense agency or military service shall promptly report to the congressional defense committees the justification for not performing an analysis.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``2425. Department of Defense use of arsenals.''. SEC. 3. ASSIGNMENT OF WORKLOAD AT ARMY FACTORIES AND ARSENALS. (a) In General.--Section 4532 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 4532. Assignment of workload at Army factories and arsenals ``(a) Assignment of Workload.--(1) The Secretary of the Army shall assign Government-owned and Government-operated Department of the Army factories and arsenals sufficient workload to ensure cost efficiency and technical competence in peacetime, while preserving the ability to provide an effective and timely response to mobilizations, national defense contingency situations, and other emergency requirements. ``(2) At a minimum, workload may be derived from manufacturing of supplies, components, parts, systems, subsystems, and foreign military sales. ``(3) The Secretary of the Army shall develop and promulgate guidelines to make the arsenals available to the Department of Defense, defense agencies, and military services for procurement of supplies, components, parts, systems, and subsystems. ``(b) Waiver Authority.--(1) The Secretary of the Army may waive the requirement under subsection (a)(1) if such a waiver is necessary for the national defense. ``(2) A waiver under paragraph (1) shall not take effect until 30 days after the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a notification of the determination, together with the justification for the determination. ``(3) The authority to grant a waiver under paragraph (1) may not be delegated. ``(c) Annual Arsenal Report.--In 2013 and each year thereafter, not later than 60 days after the date on which the budget of the President for a fiscal year is submitted to Congress, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report for the Army identifying, for the relevant fiscal year, each of the following: ``(1) The core arsenal manufacturing capability. ``(2) The workload required to cost-effectively support the arsenals and the manufacturing capability inherent in these installations. ``(3) The Secretary of the Army's performance in maintaining the Department of the Army's factories and arsenals with sufficient workload to ensure affordability and technical competence in peacetime. ``(4) The capital investments required to be made in order to ensure compliance and operational capacity. ``(d) Comptroller General Review.--The Comptroller General shall review each report required under subsection (c) for completeness and compliance and provide findings and recommendations to the congressional defense committees not later than 60 days after the report is submitted to Congress.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 433 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 4532 and inserting the following new item: ``4532. Assignment of workload at Army factories and arsenals.''. (c) Initial Workload Plan Report.--The first report required under subsection (c) of section 4532 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), shall be submitted not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Army Arsenal Strategic Workload Enhancement Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to develop and promulgate guidelines for the Department of Defense (DOD), defense agencies, and military services to have supplies, components, end items, parts, assemblies, and sub-assemblies (supplies and parts) made in factories or arsenals owned by the United States, to the extent that such factories or arsenals can make such supplies and parts on an economical basis while preserving the ability to provide an effective and timely response to mobilizations, national defense contingency situations, and other emergency requirements. Requires the Secretary of the Army to: (1) assign government-owned and operated Army factories and arsenals sufficient workload to ensure cost efficiency and technical competence in peacetime, while preserving the response ability described above; and (2) make Army arsenals available to DOD, the defense agencies, and military services for the procurement of supplies, components, parts, systems, and subsystems. Directs: (1) the Secretary to report annually to Congress on Army arsenal capabilities, workload, performance, and required capital investments; and (2) the Comptroller General to review each report for completeness and compliance and provide findings to the congressional defense committees.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2005''. SEC. 2. POSTAL BENEFITS PROGRAM. (a) In General.--The United States Postal Service and the Secretary of Defense shall provide for a program under which postal benefits shall be made available to the designated representative of each qualified individual in accordance with succeeding provisions of this Act. (b) Qualified Individual Defined.--For purposes of this Act, the term ``qualified individual'' means an individual who is-- (1)(A) a member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) or a civilian who is authorized to use postal services at Armed Forces installations and holds a position or performs one or more functions in support of military operations, as designated by the military theater commander; and (B) serving in an overseas area, as designated by the President, where the Armed Forces of the United States are engaged in action against an enemy of the United States, engaged in military operations involving armed conflict with a hostile foreign force, engaged in temporary military operations under arduous circumstances, serving with a friendly foreign force in an armed conflict in which the United States is not a belligerent, or temporarily deployed overseas for an operational contingency in arduous circumstances, as determined by the Secretary of Defense; or (2) hospitalized in a facility of the Armed Forces of the United States as a result of disease or injury incurred as a result of service in an overseas area designated by the President under paragraph (1)(B). (c) Postal Benefits Described.-- (1) In general.--The postal benefits made available to a designated representative pursuant to this Act shall consist of postage stamps (of such denomination or denominations as the Postal Service may determine) equivalent to $150 in value per calendar quarter, subject to subsection (d)(2)(B). (2) Conditions relating to mailings.--Postal benefits under this Act may not be used for the mailing of any mail matter other than mail matter which-- (A) is described in paragraph (3); (B) is sent-- (i) from within an area served by a United States post office; and (ii) by an individual or a charitable organization; and (C) is addressed to a qualified individual. (3) Mail matter described.-- (A) In general.--The mail matter described in this paragraph is-- (i) any letter mail or sound- or video- recorded communications having the character of personal correspondence; and (ii) any parcel not exceeding-- (I) 10 pounds in weight and 60 inches in length and girth combined, if sent by an individual; or (II) 70 pounds in weight and 180 inches in length and girth combined, if sent by a charitable organization. (B) Restriction.--Postal benefits under this Act may not be used for mail matter that contains any advertising. (4) Design and limitations on use of stamps.--Stamps made available pursuant to this Act-- (A) shall bear a design or other markings to identify the military operation to which they relate; and (B) may not be used-- (i) after the date (following the conclusion of such military operation) designated by the Secretary of Defense; or (ii) with respect to any other military operation. (5) Coordination rule.--Postal benefits under this Act shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, any reduced rates of postage or other similar benefits which might otherwise be available by or under law, including any rates of postage resulting from the application of section 3401(b) of title 39, United States Code. (d) Regulations.--The Postal Service and the Secretary of Defense shall jointly prescribe any regulations necessary to carry out this Act, including regulations to provide for the following: (1) Identification of designated representatives.--The identification of designated representatives shall be made using procedures under which-- (A) determinations shall be made based on the most current next-of-kin data available to or obtainable by the Secretary of Defense; and (B) a qualified individual may supersede a determination under subparagraph (A), to the extent procedures to carry out this subparagraph are practicable. (2) Notice to and elections by designated representatives.-- (A) Notice.--Notice shall be provided to all designated representatives informing them of their eligibility for postal benefits under this Act and the procedures (including any deadlines) for making an initial and any subsequent election of benefits. (B) Elections.--A designated representative shall not receive any postal benefits under this Act for any calendar quarter except upon the filing of an appropriate written election. A separate election under this subparagraph shall be required for each calendar quarter, and each such election shall require the individual to indicate whether full, partial (in the increments allowed), or no benefits are requested for the quarter. Failure to make an effective election shall be treated as a declination of benefits for the calendar quarter involved. (C) No carryover.--Any benefits declined with respect to a calendar quarter shall not be available for purposes of any subsequent calendar quarter. (e) Direct Benefits for Charitable Organizations.--In addition to the benefits under subsections (a) through (d), the Postal Service and the Secretary of Defense shall by regulation allow any charitable organization to apply for direct postal benefits. Applications for benefits under this subsection shall be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with such criteria as shall apply under the regulations. Any benefits approved under this subsection shall be governed by subsection (c), subject to any modifications or special rules established by the regulations which may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection (including an alternative to the limitation set forth in subsection (c)(1)). (f) Definition.--For purposes of this Act, the term ``charitable organization'' means an organization that is described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code. SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Supply Our Soldiers Act of 2005 - Directs the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the Secretary of Defense to provide a program under which postal benefits are made available for personal correspondence and other mail matter sent from within the United States by designated representatives (next-of-kin) to members of the Armed Forces who are: (1) serving on active duty abroad in support of military operations or against an enemy of the United States or other hostile force; or (2) hospitalized in a U.S. military facility as a result of disease or injury incurred during service overseas. Limits postal benefits to $150 per calendar quarter, and limits the size and weight of allowable parcels. Allows charitable organizations to apply for such benefits.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States Mint Bicentennial Coin Act''. SEC. 2. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. (a) Five Dollar Gold Coins.--The Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall mint and issue not more than 350,000 five dollar coins each of which shall weigh 8.359 grams, have a diameter of .0850 inches, and shall contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy. (b) One Dollar Silver Coins.--The Secretary shall issue not more than 1,000,000 one dollar coins each of which shall weigh 26.73 grams, have a diameter of 1.5 inches, and be composed of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. (c) Half Dollar Silver Coins.--The Secretary shall issue not more than 1,750,000 half dollar coins each of which shall weigh 12.50 grams, have a diameter of 1.205 inches, and be composed of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. SEC. 3. SOURCES OF BULLION. (a) Gold.--The Secretary shall obtain gold for the coins minted under this Act pursuant to the authority of the Secretary under existing law. (b) Silver.--The Secretary shall obtain silver for the coins minted under this Act from stockpiles established under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98 et seq.). SEC. 4. DESIGN. (a) Design of Five Dollar Gold Coins.--The design of the five dollar coins shall portray Alexander Hamilton on the obverse. The reverse shall display the scene of the inspection of the first United States coins. On each coin authorized hereunder there shall be a designation of the value of the coin, and inscriptions of the words ``United States of America'', ``E Pluribus Unum'', ``In God We Trust'' and ``Liberty''. (b) Design of One Dollar Silver Coins.--The obverse of the one dollar coins shall portray Thomas Jefferson, the first Secretary of State, and shall honor his 250th birthday. The reverse shall display the first coining press--United States Mint. On each coin authorized hereunder there shall be a designation of the value of the coin and inscriptions of the words ``United States of America'', ``E Pluribus Unum'', ``In God We Trust'' and ``Liberty''. (c) Design of the Half Dollar Silver Coins.--The design of the half dollar silver coins shall depict on the obverse David Rittenhouse, the first Director of the United States Mint. The reverse shall show the first mint building. On each coin authorized hereunder there shall be a designation of the value of the coin and inscriptions of the words ``United States of America'', ``E Pluribus Unum'', ``In God We Trust'' and ``Liberty''. SEC. 5. SALE OF COINS. (a) Sale Price.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the coins issued under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the face value, plus the cost of designing and issuing such coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing and shipping). (b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales at a reasonable discount. (c) Surcharge Required.--All sales shall include a surcharge of $30 per coin for the five dollar coins, $7 per coin for the one dollar coins and $2 per coin for the half dollar coins. (d) Reports to Congress.-- (1) Not later than 15 days after the last day of each month, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate. (2) Each report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include a review of all marketing activities under this section and a financial statement which details sources of funds, surcharges generated, and expenses incurred for manufacturing, materials, overhead, packaging, marketing and shipping. SEC. 6. ISSUANCE OF THE COINS. (a) Period of Issuance.--The coins authorized under this Act shall be minted and available for issue no later than July 15, 1993, but shall be issued only during 1993. (b) Proof of Uncirculated Coins.--The coins authorized under this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities. (c) Bureau of the Mint.--Not more than one facility of the Bureau of the Mint may be used to strike any particular combination of denomination and quality. 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 or 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) In General.--All surcharges which are received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Smithsonian Institution for the National Numismatic Collection. (b) Use of Proceeds.--Amounts received under subsection (a) shall be used by the Executive Director of the National Numismatic Collection to establish-- (1) an endowment fund for the purpose of purchasing needed reference materials and numismatic items for the National Numismatic Collection; and (2) an endowment fund to promote numismatic study, finance symposia and travel and publicize the results of any advancements; and (3) establish a fund to renovate the permanent and temporary exhibit facilities of the National Numismatic Collection. SEC. 9. AUDITS. The Comptroller General of the United States shall have the right to examine such books, records, documents and other data of the organizing committee as may be related to the expenditure of amounts paid under section 208. SEC. 10. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES. (a) No Net Cost.--The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that the minting and issuance of the coins referred to in section 202 shall not result in any net cost to the Federal Government. (b) Payment Assurances.--No coin shall be issued under this Act unless the Secretary has received-- (1) full payment for such 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 are insured by the 20 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporations or the National Credit Union Administration.

Summary: United States Mint Bicentennial Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Mint. Prescribes the designs for the ensuing five-dollar gold coins, one-dollar silver coins, and half-dollar silver coins. Restricts issuance of such coins to 1993. Mandates that all surcharges received from the sale of such coins be paid to the Smithsonian Institution for the National Numismatic Collection. Requires the Executive Director of the National Numismatic Collection to establish specified funds with the surcharge proceeds. Prescribes financial assurances.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Janey Ensminger Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. REVIEW OF ILLNESSES AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO VETERANS STATIONED AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS. (a) Review and Publication of Illness or Condition.--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-6. REVIEW AND PUBLICATION OF ILLNESSES AND CONDITIONS. ``(a) In General.--Consistent with section 104(i) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and not less frequently than once every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, shall-- ``(1)(A) review the scientific literature relevant to the relationship between the employment or residence of individuals at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for not fewer than 30 days during the period beginning on August 1, 1953, and ending on December 21, 1987, and specific illnesses or conditions incurred by those individuals; ``(B) determine each illness or condition for which there is evidence that exposure to a toxic substance at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, during the period specified in subparagraph (A) may be a cause of the illness or condition; and ``(C) with respect to each illness or condition for which a determination has been made under subparagraph (B), categorize the evidence of the connection of the illness or condition to exposure described in that subparagraph as-- ``(i) sufficient to conclude with reasonable confidence that the exposure is a cause of the illness or condition; ``(ii) modest supporting causation, but not sufficient to conclude with reasonable confidence that exposure is a cause of the illness or condition; or ``(iii) no more than limited supporting causation; ``(2) publish in the Federal Register and on the Internet website of the Department of Health and Human Services-- ``(A) a list of each illness or condition for which a determination has been made under paragraph (1)(B), including the categorization of the evidence of causal connection relating to the illness or condition under paragraph (1)(C); and ``(B) the bibliographic citations for all literature reviewed under paragraph (1) for each illness or condition listed under such paragraph; and ``(3) update the list under paragraph (2), as applicable, to add an illness or condition for which a determination has been made under paragraph (1)(B), including the categorization of the evidence of causal connection relating to the illness or condition under paragraph (1)(C), since such list was last updated consistent with the requirements of this subsection.''. (b) Eligibility for Health Care From Department of Veterans Affairs.-- (1) In general.--Section 1710(e)(1)(F) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (A) by redesignating clauses (i) through (xv) as subclauses (I) through (XV), respectively; (B) by striking ``(F) Subject to'' and inserting ``(F)(i) Subject to''; (C) by striking ``any of the following'' and inserting ``any of the illnesses or conditions for which the evidence of connection of the illness or condition to exposure to a toxic substance at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, during such period is categorized as sufficient or modest in the most recent list published under section 399V-6(a)(2) of the Public Health Service Act, which may include any of the following''; and (D) by adding at the end the following new clause: ``(ii) For the purposes of ensuring continuation of care, any veteran who has been furnished hospital care or medical services under this subparagraph for an illness or condition shall remain eligible for hospital care or medical services for such illness or condition notwithstanding that the evidence of connection of such illness or condition to exposure to a toxic substance at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, during the period described in clause (i) is not categorized as sufficient or modest in the most recent list published under section 399V-6(a)(2) of the Public Health Service Act.''. (2) Family members.--Section 1787 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(c) Continuation of Care.--For the purposes of ensuring continuation of care, any individual who has been furnished hospital care or medical services under this section for an illness or condition shall remain eligible for hospital care or medical services for such illness or condition notwithstanding that the illness or condition is no longer described in section 1710(e)(1)(F) of this title.''. (3) Transfer of amounts for program.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall transfer $2,000,000 from amounts made available to the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical support and compliance to the Chief Business Office and Financial Services Center of the Department to be used to continue building and enhancing the claims processing system, eligibility system, and web portal for the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program of the Department.

Summary: Janey Ensminger Act of 2016 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, at least every three years, to: review the scientific literature relevant to the relationship between the employment or residence of individuals at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for at least 30 days during the period of August 1, 1953, to December 21, 1987, and specific illnesses or conditions incurred by those individuals and determine whether and to what extent the evidence shows that toxic substance exposure is a cause of an illness or condition; and publish and update a list of each illness and the categorization of evidence for which a determination of cause has been made. A veteran who served on active duty at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during such period is eligible for hospital care and medical services for any of the illnesses or conditions for which the evidentiary connection between toxic exposure and the illness or condition is categorized in such list as sufficient or modest. Such a veteran who has been furnished hospital care or medical services shall remain eligible for such care or services for such illness or condition even if the evidentiary connection is not categorized as sufficient or modest. A family member of such veteran who has been furnished hospital care or medical services shall remain eligible for hospital care or medical services for such illness or condition. The Department of Veterans Affairs shall transfer for each of FY2017 and FY2018 specified finds to enhance the claims processing system, eligibility system, and web portal for the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Equal Treatment Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation (VERA) formula, established by the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 429 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public Law 104-204; 110 Stat. 2929), has proved to be an ineffective means of allocating veterans medical care dollars fairly across the 22 national service regions, known as Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), of the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) The VERA formula has resulted in a system of inequitable care at veterans hospitals in different regions of the country. (3) The VERA formula has resulted in a system in which veterans in some regions of the country are forced to compete with veterans in other regions for critical medical care funding, when the system should be providing funding for medical care for all veterans, regardless of where they live, to ensure that all veterans have access to the level and quality of medical care that they have all earned and deserve. (4) The VERA formula should be replaced with a new funding formula that puts the funds provided to the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical care into the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers that are treating patients. SEC. 3. REVISION TO MEDICAL CARE FUNDING ALLOCATION FORMULA FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) Termination of Vera Formula.--The funding allocation formula for the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care system known as the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation system, established pursuant to section 429 of the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant to section 429 of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public Law 104-204; 110 Stat. 2929), shall be discontinued by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs effective at the end of the fiscal year during which this Act is enacted. (b) Development of Replacement Formula.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop a new formula for the allocation of funds appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for Medical Care to the national service regions, known as Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), of the Department. In developing such formula, the Secretary shall take the following requirements into account: (1) For any fiscal year for which the amount appropriated for Medical Care is an increase from the preceding year, the funding level provided under the new formula to any VISN may not be less than the amount provided for the preceding year. (2) The new formula shall take into account additional costs incurred by a VISN due to any of the following factors at that VISN being in excess of the median for all VISNs: (A) The number of veterans moving into the geographic area of that VISN. (B) The median age of veterans in that VISN. (C) The number of veterans in that VISN requiring complex care or nursing home care. (D) The age of Department health care facilities in that VISN. (c) Transition Formula.--If as of the date specified in subsection (a) for the termination of the funding allocation formula referred to in that subsection the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has not implemented a replacement funding allocation formula in accordance with subsection (b), then effective as of that date and until such replacement funding allocation formula is implemented, the funding allocation formula to be applied to amounts appropriated for veterans medical care shall be the formula in effect before the formula referred to in subsection (a). SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) Authorization of Appropriations for Replacement Allocation Formula.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2004, $10,000,000 for development and implementation of a replacement funding allocation formula in accordance with section 3(b). (b) Additional Authorization of Appropriations for Medical Care.-- There is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2004, $100,000,000 for ``Medical Care'' for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Such amount is in addition to any other amount authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 2004 and shall be allocated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to the national service regions, known as Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), of the Department of Veterans Affairs on the basis of need, as follows: (1) First, to the VISN that has experienced the greatest reduction in funding from the funding levels for fiscal year 1997. (2) Second, to any other VISN that has experienced an overall funding decrease during the six-fiscal-year period beginning with fiscal year 1997. (3) Third, if any amount appropriated pursuant to such authorization remains after allocations pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2), such amount shall be allocated equally among the remaining 22 VISNs before implementation of the new formula.

Summary: Veterans Equal Treatment Act - Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to: (1) discontinue the funding allocation formula for the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care system known as the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation system at the end of the fiscal year in which this Act is enacted; and (2) develop a new formula for the allocation of funds to the national service regions, known as Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), that takes into account specified requirements, including additional costs incurred by a VISN because the age of veterans, or the number of veterans requiring complex care, in that VISN exceeds the median for all VISNs.Authorizes additional appropriations to be allocated to VISNs that have experienced funding reductions.