SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Opioid Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. PILOT PROJECT. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this Act as the ``Secretary'') shall award grants to one or more States to carry out a 1-year pilot project to develop a standardized peer review process and methodology to review and evaluate prescribing and pharmacy dispensing patterns, through a review of prescription drug monitoring programs (referred to in this section as ``PDMP'') in the States receiving such grants. (b) Methodology.--The recipients of a grant under this section shall develop a systematic, standardized methodology to identify and investigate questionable or inappropriate prescribing and dispensing patterns of substances on schedule II or III under section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812). Such peer review methodology and prescribing and dispensing patterns shall be shared with the appropriate State regulators and health profession boards. (c) Requirements.--A State receiving a grant under this section-- (1) with respect to controlled substances for which a prescriber is required to be registered with by the Drug Enforcement Administration in order to prescribe such controlled substances, shall make the information with respect to such controlled substances from the PDMP available to State regulators and licensing boards; and (2) with respect to any other controlled substances, may make the information with respect to such controlled substances from the PDMP available to State regulators and licensing boards. (d) Subgrantees.--A quality improvement organization with which the Secretary has entered into a contract under part B of title XI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320c et seq.) may serve as the subgrantee under this subsection to develop peer review processes as described in subsection (a). SEC. 3. PRESCRIPTION DRUG, HEROIN, AND OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION. Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 399V-6. PRESCRIPTION DRUG, HEROIN, AND OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION. ``(a) Training Grants.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award 5-year grants to eligible entities to facilitate training in order to increase the capacity of health care providers to conduct patient screening, brief interventions, and referral to treatment as needed, such as in health care settings to prevent the abuse of prescription drugs, heroin, and other controlled substances. The grant program under this section may be coordinated with the Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment grant program of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or other appropriate programs. ``(2) Eligible entities.--In this subsection, the term `eligible entity' includes-- ``(A) States; ``(B) physician organizations; ``(C) continuing education entities, such as health profession boards or health accrediting bodies; ``(D) peer recovery organizations; and ``(E) other appropriate health or professional education organizations or institutions. ``(b) Expansion of Prescribing Authority.--The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, shall award grants to States for the purpose of evaluating the prospect of the health professions board of such States reviewing and expanding prescribing authorities of providers, such as advance practice nurses and physician's assistants, with respect to prescribing drugs for the treatment of the abuse of prescription drugs, heroin, or other controlled substances.''. SEC. 4. PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE TRAINING AND SCREENING PROGRAMS. (a) Continuing Education Grants.--The Secretary shall award grants to States to develop continuing education criteria and review processes that allow State health profession boards or State agencies to certify appropriate education and training for informed and safe prescribing of opioids and other drugs listed on schedule II or III under section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812). (b) Screening Program.--The Attorney General shall request that a practitioner registered under section 303(f) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 823(f)) conduct patient screening for potential drug misuse or abuse before prescribing a drug listed on schedule II or III under section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812), according to standards established by the applicable State licensing body. SEC. 5. FDA REVIEW OF NALOXONE. The Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall conduct a review of naloxone to consider whether naloxone should cease to be subject to section 503(b) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 353(b)) and be available as an over-the-counter drug, in order to increase access to such drug. SEC. 6. PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISPOSAL. The Secretary shall convene or coordinate with an existing entity an interagency working group-- (1) to encourage States and local governments to increase opportunities for disposal of opiates, such as frequent ``take- back programs'' and fixed medicine disposal sites at law enforcement public buildings; and (2) to reduce opportunities for abuse of opiates, such as establishing opioid dispensing limits at hospital emergency departments. SEC. 7. GAO REPORT. The Comptroller General of the United States shall-- (1) review opioid abuse programs, heroin abuse programs, and policies in Federal agencies and best practices with respect to opioid and heroin abuse and overdose programs of the States; and (2) not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, issue a report to Congress on its findings and recommendations on ways to reduce opioid and heroin abuse and overdoses.

Summary: Opioid Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 2014 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to states to develop a peer review process to identify and investigate questionable or inappropriate prescribing and dispensing patterns of drugs classified as schedule II or III under the Controlled Substances Act, which are drugs with an accepted medical use that have the potential to be abused and addictive. Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary to establish grant programs to: (1) facilitate training to increase the capacity of health care providers to screen and treat patients to prevent drug abuse, and (2) develop continuing education criteria that allow health profession boards or state agencies to certify appropriate education for safe prescribing of schedule II or III drugs. Requires the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration to award grants to evaluate the prospect of state health professions boards expanding the authority of providers to prescribe drugs to treat drug abuse. Requires the Attorney General to request that practitioners registered to dispense controlled substances screen patients for potential drug abuse before prescribing a schedule II or III drug. Directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider whether naloxone (a prescription drug used to rapidly reverse an overdose of heroin or other opioids, which are drugs with effects similar to opium) should be available without a prescription. Requires the Secretary to use an interagency working group to encourage states and local governments to increase opportunities for disposal of opiates (drugs derived from opium) and to reduce opportunities for abuse of opiates. Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review federal opioid abuse activities and make recommendations to reduce opioid abuse and overdoses.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``International Carbon Conservation Act''. SEC. 2. CARBON SEQUESTRATION PROGRAM. (a) Carbon Sequestration Program.--Within 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the implementing panel shall establish a carbon sequestration program to permit project sponsors to make carbon sequestration project proposals to the implementing panel. (b) Implementing Panel.--There is established within the National Institute of Standards and Technology of the Department of Commerce an implementing panel consisting of-- (1) the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, (2) the Secretary of Agriculture, (3) the Secretary of State, (4) the Secretary of Energy, (5) the Chief of the Forest Service, and (6) representatives of nongovernmental organizations who have an expertise and experience in carbon sequestration practices, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The Chief of the Forest Service shall act as chairperson of the implementing panel. (c) Carbon Sequestration Project.--For purposes of this section-- (1) In general.--The term ``carbon sequestration project'' means a project-- (A) which is located outside the United States, (B) the duration of which is not less than 30 years, (C) which is designed to increase the sequestration of carbon, and (D) which is accepted by the implementing panel under the carbon sequestration program. (2) Acceptance of project proposals.-- (A) In general.--Under the carbon sequestration program, the implementing panel shall accept a proposal for a carbon sequestration project from a project sponsor only if-- (i) the proposal includes a needs assessment described in subparagraph (B), (ii) the proposal identifies the benefits of carbon sequestration practices of the sponsored project under criteria developed to evaluate such benefits under subsection (d) and under guidelines instituted to quantify such benefits under subsection (e) and includes an agreement by the sponsor to carry out such practices as described in subparagraph (C), and (iii) the proposal includes an agreement to provide verification of compliance with an approved project as described in subparagraph (D) under standards established under subsection (f). (B) Needs assessment.--A needs assessment described in this subparagraph is an assessment of the need for the carbon sequestration project described in a proposal and the ability of the project sponsor to carry out the carbon sequestration practices related to such project. The assessment shall be developed by the project sponsor, in cooperation with the Agency for International Development, nongovernmental organizations, and independent third-party verifiers. (C) Carbon sequestration practices.--Under a carbon sequestration project proposal, the project sponsor shall agree to contract with other entities, including organizations based in the country in which the sponsored carbon sequestration project is located, to carry out carbon sequestration practices proposed by the project sponsor which (as determined by the implementing panel)-- (i) provide for additional carbon sequestration beyond that which would be provided in the absence of such project, and (ii) contribute to a positive reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere through carbon sequestration over at least a 30-year period. (D) Verification of compliance with approved carbon sequestration project.--Under a carbon sequestration project proposal, the project sponsor shall agree to provide the implementing panel with verification through a third party that such project is sequestering carbon in accordance with the proposal approved by the implementing panel, including an annual audit of the project, an actual verification of the practices at the project site every 5 years, and such random inspections as are necessary. (d) Criteria for Evaluating Benefits of Carbon Sequestration Practices.-- (1) In general.--Under the carbon sequestration program the Chief of the Forest Service, in consultation with other members of the implementing panel, shall develop criteria for prioritizing, determining the acceptability of, and evaluating, the benefits of the carbon sequestration practices proposed in projects for the purpose of determining the acceptability of project proposals. (2) Content.--The criteria shall ensure that carbon sequestration investment credits under section 45E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 are not allocated to projects the primary purpose of which is to grow timber for commercial harvest or to projects which replace native ecological systems with commercial timber plantations. Projects should be prioritized according to-- (A) native forest preservation, especially with respect to land which would otherwise cease to be native forest land, (B) reforestation of former forest land where such land has not been forested for at least 10 years, (C) biodiversity enhancement, (D) the prevention of greenhouse gas emissions through the preservation of carbon storing plants and trees, (E) soil erosion management, (F) soil fertility restoration, and (G) the duration of the project, including any project under which other entities are engaged to extend the duration of the project beyond the minimum carbon sequestration project term. (e) Guidelines for Quantifying Benefits.-- (1) In general.--Under the carbon sequestration program, the Chief of the Forest Service, in consultation with other members of the implementing panel, shall institute guidelines for the development of methodologies for quantifying the amount of carbon sequestered by particular projects for the purposes of determining the acceptability of project proposals. These guidelines should set standards for project sponsors with regard to-- (A) methodologies for measuring the carbon sequestered, (B) measures to assure the duration of projects sponsored, (C) criteria that verifies that the carbon sequestered is additional to the sequestration which would have occurred without the sponsored project, (D) reasonable criteria to evaluate the extent to which the project displaces activity that causes deforestation in another location, and (E) the extent to which the project promotes sustainable development in a project area, particularly with regard to protecting the traditional land tenure of indigenous people. (2) Basis.--In developing the guidelines, the Chief of the Forest Service shall-- (A) consult with land grant universities and entities which specialize in carbon storage verification and measurement, and (B) use information reported to the Secretary of Energy from projects carried out under the voluntary reporting program of the Energy Information Administration under section 1605 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (42 U.S.C. 13385). (f) Verification Standards.--Under the carbon sequestration program, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, in consultation with other members of the implementing panel and the National Science Foundation, shall establish verification standards for purposes of subsection (c)(2)(D). (g) Program Reporting.--The Administrator of the Energy Information Administration, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall develop forms to monitor carbon sequestration improvements made as a result of the program established under this section and the implementing panel shall use such forms to report to the Administrator on-- (1) carbon sequestration improvements made as a result of the program, (2) carbon sequestration practices of project sponsors enrolled in the program, and (3) compliance with the terms of the implementing panel's approval of projects. (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the program established under subsection (a). SEC. 3. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK FINANCING. An owner or operator of property that is located outside of the United States and that is used in a carbon sequestration project approved by the implementing panel under section 2 may enter into a contract for an extension of credit from the Export-Import Bank of the United States of up to 75 percent of the cost of carrying out the carbon sequestration practices specified in the carbon sequestration project proposal to the extent that the Export-Import Bank determines that the cost sharing is appropriate, in the public interest, and otherwise meets the requirements of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945. SEC. 4. EQUITY INVESTMENT INSURANCE. An owner or operator of property that is located outside of the United States and that is used in a carbon sequestration project approved by the implementing panel under section 2 may enter into a contract for investment insurance issued by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation pursuant to section 234 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2194) if the Corporation determines that issuance of the insurance is consistent with the provisions of such section 234.

Summary: International Carbon Conservation Act - Establishes within the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology an implementing panel, to be headed by the Chief of the Forest Service, which shall: (1) establish a carbon sequestration program; and (2) accept qualifying projects located outside of the United States.Permits an owner or operator of property located outside the United States that is used in a qualifying project to be eligible for: (1) credit extension from the Export-Import Bank of the United States of up to 75 percent of the cost of carrying out the carbon sequestration practices specified in the contract; and (2) investment insurance issued by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Congestion Relief Act of 2005''. SEC. 2. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM. (a) Division of Funds Between Urbanized Areas of Over 200,000 Population and Other Areas.--Section 133(d)(3)(A) of title 23, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``62.5 percent of''; and (2) by striking ``The remaining 37.5 percent may be obligated in any area of the State.''. (b) Obligation Authority.--Section 133(f)(1) of such title is amended by striking ``the period of fiscal years 1998'' and all that follows through ``2003'' and inserting ``the period of fiscal years 2004 through 2006 and the period of fiscal years 2007 through 2009''. SEC. 3. CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. (a) Allocations.--Section 149 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(f) Allocations of Apportioned Funds.-- ``(1) In general.--A State shall allocate the amounts apportioned to the State for a fiscal year under section 104(b)(2) and the amounts apportioned for the congestion mitigation and air quality improvement program under section 110 among metropolitan planning organizations and other agencies responsible for air quality conformity determinations in federally designated air quality areas in the ratio that-- ``(A) the total of all weighted nonattainment and maintenance area populations (as determined under section 104(b)(2)) represented by the metropolitan planning organization or other agency; bears to ``(B) the total of all weighted nonattainment and maintenance area populations (as determined under section 104(b)(2)) in the State. ``(2) Nonapplicability to certain amounts.--Amounts described in subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2) that may be used for any project eligible under the surface transportation program under section 133 shall not be subject to the requirements of paragraph (1). ``(3) Availability of amounts.--A State may reallocate amounts allocated under this subsection as necessary to prevent lapses of funds under section 118. ``(4) Obligation authority.--A State shall make available to a metropolitan planning organization or other agency to which amounts are allocated for a fiscal year under this section an amount of obligation authority distributed to the State for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for use in the area represented by the metropolitan planning organization or other agency that is equal to the amount obtained by multiplying-- ``(A) the aggregate amount of funds that the State is required to obligate in the area under this subsection; and ``(B) the ratio that-- ``(i) the aggregate amount of obligation authority distributed to the State for Federal- aid highways and highway safety construction programs for the fiscal year; bears to ``(ii) the total of the sums apportioned to the State for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs for the fiscal year. ``(5) Joint responsibility.--Each State, each affected metropolitan planning organization or other agency, and the Secretary shall jointly ensure compliance with paragraph (4).''. SEC. 4. NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM. (a) Selection of Projects.--Section 103(a)(6) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``the project selection requirements of section 134(i)(4)(B) and'' after ``Subject to''. (b) Allocation.--Section 103(b) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(7) Allocation to urbanized areas of over 200,000 population.--The funds apportioned to a State under section 104(b)(1) for a fiscal year shall be allocated between urbanized areas with a population of over 200,000 in the State and other areas in the State-- ``(A) 75 percent in the ratio that-- ``(i) the total lane miles on the National Highway System in such urbanized areas in the State; bears to ``(ii) the total lane miles on the National Highway System in all areas in the State; and ``(B) 25 percent in the ratio that-- ``(i) the total vehicle miles traveled on the National Highway System in such urbanized areas in the State; bears to ``(ii) the total vehicle miles traveled on the National Highway System in all areas in the State.''. SEC. 5. MINIMUM GUARANTEE. Section 105(c)(2) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking ``paragraphs (1), (2), and (3)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1) and (2)''. SEC. 6. METROPOLITAN CONGESTION RELIEF PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter I of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 165. Metropolitan congestion relief program ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a metropolitan congestion relief program in accordance with this section. ``(b) Eligible Projects.--A project shall be eligible for assistance under this section if the project is eligible for assistance under the surface transportation program established by section 133 and the project is developed in accordance with the planning requirements of subsection (c). ``(c) Planning.--Programming and expenditure of funds for projects under this section shall be consistent with the requirements of sections 134 and 135. In addition, with respect to each project carried out under this section, the appropriate metropolitan planning organization shall demonstrate, as part of its congestion management system if applicable, that the project will improve congestion in its region. ``(d) Apportionment.-- ``(1) Eligible urbanized areas.--Amounts made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year shall be apportioned directly to a metropolitan planning organization designated for-- ``(A) an urbanized area that has a travel time index of 1.2 or more; and ``(B) an urbanized area with a population of more than 1,000,000 that otherwise would not be eligible under subparagraph (A). ``(2) Formula.--Amounts made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year shall be apportioned among eligible urbanized areas under paragraph (1) as follows: ``(A) 50 percent in the ratio that-- ``(i) the travel time index of the eligible urbanized area; bears to ``(ii) the travel time index of all eligible urbanized areas. ``(B) 50 percent in the ratio that-- ``(i) the passenger miles traveled in the eligible urbanized area; bears to ``(ii) the passenger miles traveled in all eligible urbanized areas. ``(3) Determinations.--Eligibility and apportionment determinations under this subsection shall be made by the Secretary based on data from the most recent year for which data is available. ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out this section $2,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2009. ``(f) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions apply: ``(1) Travel time index.--The term `travel time index' means the travel time index developed by the Texas Transportation Institute and included in the performance plan of the Federal Highway Administration. ``(2) Passenger miles traveled.--The term `passenger miles traveled' includes daily vehicle miles traveled and daily transit ridership as measured by Secretary.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating section 164 the following: ``165. Metropolitan congestion relief program.''. SEC. 7. TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 166. Operational improvement program ``(a) General Authority.--The Secretary shall establish and implement an operational improvement program under which the Secretary shall make grants to States, metropolitan planning organizations, and local governments for projects to improve the operation of the Nation's roadways. ``(b) Eligible Uses.--Grants to States, metropolitan planning organizations, and local governments under this section may be used for the following purposes: ``(1) Incident management projects, including the following: ``(A) Development of a regionwide coordinated plan to mitigate delays due to accidents and breakdowns. ``(B) Purchase or lease of telecommunications equipment for first responders. ``(C) Purchase or lease of towing and recovery equipment. ``(D) Payments to contractors for towing and recovery services. ``(E) Rental of vehicle storage areas immediately adjacent to roadways. ``(F) Service patrols. ``(G) Enhanced hazard materials incident response capacity. ``(H) Incident detection equipment. ``(I) Training. ``(2) Deployment of intelligent transportation systems technology, including the deployment of the national 511 traveler information telephone number. ``(3) Transportation demand management techniques, including the following: ``(A) Commuter benefit programs. ``(B) Parking management programs. ``(C) Carpool and vanpool projects. ``(D) Geographic Information System based ride matching operations. ``(E) Employer based, real-time traveler information programs. ``(F) Telework programs. ``(G) Bicycle and pedestrian programs. ``(H) Access to transit investments. ``(I) Design and implementation of commuter- friendly facilities. ``(J) Employer and employment-site based transit shuttle planning and operation. ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) to carry out this section $500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2009. ``(d) Applicability of NHS Requirements.--All provisions of this chapter that are applicable to National Highway System funds, other than provisions relating to the apportionment formula and provisions limiting the expenditures of such funds to Federal-aid systems, shall apply to funds authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, except as determined by the Secretary to be inconsistent with this section and except that sums authorized by this section shall remain available until expended.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating section 165 the following: ``166. Incident management program.''. SEC. 8. METROPOLITAN PLANNING FUNDS. Section 104(f)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by striking ``1 percent'' and inserting ``2 percent''.

Summary: Congestion Relief Act of 2005 - Amends the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) to provide that 80 percent of specified funds apportioned to a State (currently, 62.5 percent of the remaining 80 percent) shall be obligated in urbanized areas of the State with populations of over 200,000 and in other areas of the State, in proportion to their relative share of the State's population. Modifies: (1) the allocation formula under the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program; and (2) the Minimum Guarantee regarding programmatic distribution of funds. Directs that the funds apportioned to a State for a fiscal year for the National Highway System (NHS) be allocated between urbanized areas with a population of over 200,000 in the State and other areas in the State as follows: (1) 75 percent in the ratio that the total lane miles on the NHS in such urbanized areas in the State bears to the total lane miles on the NHS in all areas in the State; and (2) 25 percent in the ratio that the total vehicle miles traveled on the NHS in such urbanized areas in the State bears to the total vehicle miles traveled on the NHS in all areas in the State. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) establish a metropolitan congestion relief program; and (2) establish and implement an operational improvement program. Increases the percentage set aside for metropolitan planning.


SECTION 1. 100 PERCENT CAPITAL GAINS DEDUCTION. (a) General Rule.--Section 1201 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 1201. CAPITAL GAINS DEDUCTION. ``(a) General Rule.--If for any taxable year a taxpayer has a net capital gain, 100 percent of such gain shall be a deduction from gross income. ``(b) Estates and Trusts.--In the case of an estate or trust, the deduction shall be computed by excluding the portion (if any) of the gains for the taxable year from sales or exchanges of capital assets which, under sections 652 and 662 (relating to inclusions of amounts in gross income of beneficiaries of trusts), is includible by the income beneficiaries as gain derived from the sale or exchange of capital assets. ``(c) Coordination With Treatment of Capital Gain Under Limitation on Investment Interest.--For purposes of this section, the net capital gain for any taxable year shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount which the taxpayer takes into account as investment income under section 163(d)(4)(B)(iii). ``(d) Transitional Rules.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of a taxable year which includes January 1, 1997-- ``(A) the amount taken into account as the net capital gain under subsection (a) shall not exceed the net capital gain determined by only taking into account gains and losses properly taken into account for the portion of the taxable year on or after January 1, 1997, and ``(B) the amount of the net capital gain taken into account in applying section 1(h) for such year shall be reduced by the amount taken into account under subparagraph (A) for such year. ``(2) Special rules for pass-thru entities.-- ``(A) In general.--In applying paragraph (1) with respect to any pass-thru entity, the determination of when gains and losses are properly taken into account shall be made at the entity level. ``(B) Pass-thru entity defined.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term `pass-thru entity' means-- ``(i) a regulated investment company, ``(ii) a real estate investment trust, ``(iii) an S corporation, ``(iv) a partnership, ``(v) an estate or trust, and ``(vi) a common trust fund.'' (b) Deduction Allowable in Computing Adjusted Gross Income.-- Subsection (a) of section 62 of such Code is amended by inserting after paragraph (16) the following new paragraph: ``(17) Long-term capital gains.--The deduction allowed by section 1201.'' (c) Technical and Conforming Changes.-- (1) Section 1 of such Code is amended by striking subsection (h). (2) Section 12 of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (4) and redesignating the following paragraphs accordingly. (3)(A) Subsection (a) of section 57 of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (7). (B) Subclause (II) of section 53(d)(1)(B)(ii) of such Code is amended by striking ``, (5), and (7)'' and inserting ``and (5)''. (4) The first sentence of paragraph (1) of section 170(e) of such Code is amended by striking ``reduced by the sum of--'' and all that follows and inserting ``reduced by the amount of gain which would not have been long-term capital gain if the property contributed had been sold by the taxpayer at its fair market value (determined at the time of such contribution).'' (5) Paragraph (2) of section 172(d) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(2) Capital gains and losses.-- ``(A) Losses of taxpayers other than corporations.--In the case of a taxpayer other than a corporation, the amount deductible on account of losses from sales or exchanges of capital assets shall not exceed the amount includible on account of gains from sales or exchanges of capital assets. ``(B) Deduction for capital gains.--The deduction under section 1201 shall not be allowed.'' (6) The last sentence of section 453A(c)(3) of such Code is amended by striking all that follows ``long-term capital gain,'' and inserting ``the deduction under section 1201 shall be taken into account.'' (7) Paragraph (2) of section 468B(b) of such Code is amended by inserting ``the deduction allowed by section 1201 and by'' after ``reduced by''. (8) Paragraph (2) of section 527(b) of such Code is hereby repealed. (9) Subparagraph (A) of section 641(d)(2) of such Code is amended by striking ``Except as provided in section 1(h), the'' and inserting ``The''. (10) Paragraph (4) of section 642(c) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(4) Adjustments.--To the extent that the amount otherwise allowable as a deduction under this subsection consists of gain from the sale or exchange of capital assets held for more than 1 year, proper adjustment shall be made for any deduction allowable to the estate or trust under section 1201 (relating to capital gains deduction). In the case of a trust, the deduction allowed by this subsection shall be subject to section 681 (relating to unrelated business income).'' (11) The last sentence of section 643(a)(3) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``The deduction under section 1201 (relating to capital gains deduction) shall not be taken into account.'' (12) Subparagraph (C) of section 643(a)(6) of such Code is amended by inserting ``(i)'' before ``there shall'' and by inserting before the period ``, and (ii) the deduction under section 1201 (relating to capital gains deduction) shall not be taken into account''. (13) Paragraph (4) of section 691(c) of such Code is amended by striking ``1(h),''. (14) Paragraph (2) of section 801(a) of such Code is hereby repealed. (15) Subsection (c) of section 831 of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (1) and redesignating the following paragraphs accordingly. (16)(A) Paragraph (3) of section 852(b) of such Code is amended by striking subparagraph (A). (B) Subparagraph (D) of section 852(b)(3) of such Code is amended-- (i) in clause (i) by striking ``shall not exceed'' and all that follows and inserting ``shall not exceed that part of the excess (if any) of the net capital gain over the deduction for dividends paid (as defined in section 561 and determined with reference to capital gain dividends only) which he would have received if all of such amount had been distributed as capital gain dividends by the company to the holders of such shares at the close of its taxable year.'', and (ii) by striking clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv) and redesignating clause (v) as clause (ii). (17)(A) Paragraph (2) of section 857(b) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(G) There shall be excluded the amount of the net capital gain, if any.'' (B) Paragraph (3) of section 857(b) of such Code is amended by striking subparagraph (A). (C) Subparagraph (C) of section 857(b)(3) of such Code is amended by striking ``the excess described in subparagraph (A)(ii) of this paragraph'' and inserting ``the excess (if any) of the net capital gain over the deduction for dividends paid (as defined in section 561 and determined with reference to capital gain dividends only)''. (18) The second sentence of section 871(a)(2) of such Code is amended by striking ``1202'' and inserting ``1201''. (19) Paragraph (1) of section 882(a) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 11, 55, 59A, or 1201(a)'' and inserting ``section 11, 55, or 59A''. (20)(A) Paragraph (2) of section 904(b) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(2) Capital gains.--Taxable income from sources outside the United States shall include gain from the sale or exchange of capital assets only to the extent of foreign source capital gain net income.'' (B) Paragraph (3) of section 904(b) of such Code is amended by striking subparagraphs (B), (D), and (E) and by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B). (21) Section 1202 of such Code is hereby repealed. (22) Subsection (b) of section 1374 of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (4). (23) Subsection (b) of section 1381 of such Code is amended by striking ``or 1201''. (24) Paragraph (1) of section 1402(i) of such Code is amended by inserting ``, and the deduction provided by section 1201 shall not apply'' before the period at the end thereof. (25) Subsection (e) of section 1445 of such Code is amended-- (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``35 percent (or, to the extent provided in regulations, 28 percent)'' and inserting ``the rate specified by the Secretary'', and (B) in paragraph (2) by striking ``35 percent'' and inserting ``the rate specified by the Secretary''. (26) Clause (i) of section 6425(c)(1)(A) of such Code is amended by striking ``or 1201(a)''. (27) Clause (i) of section 6655(g)(1)(A) of such Code is amended by striking ``or 1201(a)''. (28)(A) The second sentence of section 7518(g)(6)(A) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``No tax shall be imposed under the preceding sentence with respect to the portion of any nonqualified withdrawal made out of the capital gain account.'' (B) The second sentence of section 607(h)(6)(A) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, is amended to read as follows: ``No tax shall be imposed under the preceding sentence with respect to the portion of any nonqualified withdrawal made out of the capital gain account.'' (29) The table of sections for part I of subchapter P of chapter 1 of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 1201. Capital gains deduction.'' (d) Effective Dates.-- (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 1996. (2) Repeal of section 1(h).--The amendment made by subsection (c)(1) shall apply to taxable years beginning after January 1, 1997. (3) Contributions.--The amendment made by subsection (c)(4) shall apply only to contributions on or after January 1, 1997. (4) Withholding.--The amendment made by subsection (c)(25) shall apply only to amounts paid after the date of the enactment of this Act. (5) Coordination with prior transition rule.--Any amount treated as long-term capital gain by reason of paragraph (3) of section 1122(h) of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 shall not be taken into account for purposes of applying section 1201 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section).

Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace provisions relating to an alternative tax for corporations on capital gains with provisions making 100 percent of the net capital gain of a taxpayer a deduction from gross income. Provides for the treatment of estates and trusts. Requires reducing net capital gain by the amount the taxpayer takes into account as investment income under specified provisions.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Safe and Timely Interstate Placement of Foster Children Act of 2006''. SEC. 2. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS. It is the sense of the Congress that-- (1) the States should expeditiously ratify the revised Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children recently promulgated by the American Public Human Services Association; (2) this Act and the revised Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children should not apply to those seeking placement in a licensed residential facility primarily to access clinical mental heath services; (3) the States should recognize and implement the deadlines for the completion and approval of home studies as provided in section 4 to move children more quickly into safe, permanent homes; and (4) Federal policy should encourage the safe and expedited placement of children into safe, permanent homes across State lines. SEC. 3. ORDERLY AND TIMELY PROCESS FOR INTERSTATE PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN. Section 471(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (23); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (24) and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(25) provide that the State shall have in effect procedures for the orderly and timely interstate placement of children; and procedures implemented in accordance with an interstate compact, if incorporating with the procedures prescribed by paragraph (26), shall be considered to satisfy the requirement of this paragraph.''. SEC. 4. HOME STUDIES. (a) Orderly Process.-- (1) In general.--Section 471(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)) is further amended-- (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (24); (B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (25) and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(26) provides that-- ``(A)(i) within 60 days after the State receives from another State a request to conduct a study of a home environment for purposes of assessing the safety and suitability of placing a child in the home, the State shall, directly or by contract-- ``(I) conduct and complete the study; and ``(II) return to the other State a report on the results of the study, which shall address the extent to which placement in the home would meet the needs of the child; and ``(ii) in the case of a home study begun on or before September 30, 2008, if the State fails to comply with clause (i) within the 60-day period as a result of circumstances beyond the control of the State (such as a failure by a Federal agency to provide the results of a background check, or the failure by any entity to provide completed medical forms, requested by the State at least 45 days before the end of the 60-day period), the State shall have 75 days to comply with clause (i) if the State documents the circumstances involved and certifies that completing the home study is in the best interests of the child; except that ``(iii) this subparagraph shall not be construed to require the State to have completed, within the applicable period, the parts of the home study involving the education and training of the prospective foster or adoptive parents; ``(B) the State shall treat any report described in subparagraph (A) that is received from another State or an Indian tribe (or from a private agency under contract with another State) as meeting any requirements imposed by the State for the completion of a home study before placing a child in the home, unless, within 14 days after receipt of the report, the State determines, based on grounds that are specific to the content of the report, that making a decision in reliance on the report would be contrary to the welfare of the child; and ``(C) the State shall not impose any restriction on the ability of a State agency administering, or supervising the administration of, a State program operated under a State plan approved under this part to contract with a private agency for the conduct of a home study described in subparagraph (A).''. (2) Report to the congress.--Within 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a written report on-- (A) how frequently States need the extended 75-day period provided for in clause (ii) of section 471(a)(26)(A) of the Social Security Act in order to comply with clause (i) of such section; (B) the reasons given for utilizing the extended compliance period; (C) the extent to which utilizing the extended compliance period leads to the resolution of the circumstances beyond the control of the State; and (D) the actions taken by States and any relevant Federal agencies to resolve the need for the extended compliance period. (3) Sense of the congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that each State should-- (A) use private agencies to conduct home studies when doing so is necessary to meet the requirements of section 471(a)(26) of the Social Security Act; and (B) give full faith and credit to any home study report completed by any other State or an Indian tribe with respect to the placement of a child in foster care or for adoption. (b) Timely Interstate Home Study Incentive Payments.--Part E of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 670-679b) is amended by inserting after section 473A the following: ``SEC. 473B. TIMELY INTERSTATE HOME STUDY INCENTIVE PAYMENTS. ``(a) Grant Authority.--The Secretary shall make a grant to each State that is a home study incentive-eligible State for a fiscal year in an amount equal to the timely interstate home study incentive payment payable to the State under this section for the fiscal year, which shall be payable in the immediately succeeding fiscal year. ``(b) Home Study Incentive-Eligible State.--A State is a home study incentive-eligible State for a fiscal year if-- ``(1) the State has a plan approved under this part for the fiscal year; ``(2) the State is in compliance with subsection (c) for the fiscal year; and ``(3) based on data submitted and verified pursuant to subsection (c), the State has completed a timely interstate home study during the fiscal year. ``(c) Data Requirements.-- ``(1) In general.--A State is in compliance with this subsection for a fiscal year if the State has provided to the Secretary a written report, covering the preceding fiscal year, that specifies-- ``(A) the total number of interstate home studies requested by the State with respect to children in foster care under the responsibility of the State, and with respect to each such study, the identity of the other State involved; ``(B) the total number of timely interstate home studies completed by the State with respect to children in foster care under the responsibility of other States, and with respect to each such study, the identity of the other State involved; and ``(C) such other information as the Secretary may require in order to determine whether the State is a home study incentive-eligible State. ``(2) Verification of data.--In determining the number of timely interstate home studies to be attributed to a State under this section, the Secretary shall check the data provided by the State under paragraph (1) against complementary data so provided by other States. ``(d) Timely Interstate Home Study Incentive Payments.-- ``(1) In general.--The timely interstate home study incentive payment payable to a State for a fiscal year shall be $1,500, multiplied by the number of timely interstate home studies attributed to the State under this section during the fiscal year, subject to paragraph (2). ``(2) Pro rata adjustment if insufficient funds available.--If the total amount of timely interstate home study incentive payments otherwise payable under this section for a fiscal year exceeds the total of the amounts made available pursuant to subsection (h) for the fiscal year (reduced (but not below zero) by the total of the amounts (if any) payable under paragraph (3) of this subsection with respect to the preceding fiscal year), the amount of each such otherwise payable incentive payment shall be reduced by a percentage equal to-- ``(A) the total of the amounts so made available (as so reduced); divided by ``(B) the total of such otherwise payable incentive payments. ``(3) Appropriations available for unpaid incentive payments for prior fiscal years.-- ``(A) In general.--If payments under this section are reduced under paragraph (2) or subparagraph (B) of this paragraph for a fiscal year, then, before making any other payment under this section for the next fiscal year, the Secretary shall pay each State whose payment was so reduced an amount equal to the total amount of the reductions which applied to the State, subject to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. ``(B) Pro rata adjustment if insufficient funds available.--If the total amount of payments otherwise payable under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph for a fiscal year exceeds the total of the amounts made available pursuant to subsection (h) for the fiscal year, the amount of each such payment shall be reduced by a percentage equal to-- ``(i) the total of the amounts so made available; divided by ``(ii) the total of such otherwise payable payments. ``(e) Two-Year Availability of Incentive Payments.--Payments to a State under this section in a fiscal year shall remain available for use by the State through the end of the next fiscal year. ``(f) Limitations on Use of Incentive Payments.--A State shall not expend an amount paid to the State under this section except to provide to children or families any service (including post-adoption services) that may be provided under part B or E. Amounts expended by a State in accordance with the preceding sentence shall be disregarded in determining State expenditures for purposes of Federal matching payments under sections 423, 434, and 474. ``(g) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Home study.--The term `home study' means an evaluation of a home environment conducted in accordance with applicable requirements of the State in which the home is located, to determine whether a proposed placement of a child would meet the individual needs of the child, including the child's safety, permanency, health, well-being, and mental, emotional, and physical development. ``(2) Interstate home study.--The term `interstate home study' means a home study conducted by a State at the request of another State, to facilitate an adoptive or foster placement in the State of a child in foster care under the responsibility of the State. ``(3) Timely interstate home study.--The term `timely interstate home study' means an interstate home study completed by a State if the State provides to the State that requested the study, within 30 days after receipt of the request, a report on the results of the study. The preceding sentence shall not be construed to require the State to have completed, within the 30-day period, the parts of the home study involving the education and training of the prospective foster or adoptive parents. ``(h) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.-- ``(1) In general.--For payments under this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary-- ``(A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; ``(B) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; ``(C) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and ``(D) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2010. ``(2) Availability.--Amounts appropriated under paragraph (1) are authorized to remain available until expended.''. (c) Repealer.--Effective October 1, 2010, section 473B of the Social Security Act is repealed. SEC. 5. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS. It is the sense of the Congress that State agencies should fully cooperate with any court which has authority with respect to the placement of a child in foster care or for adoption, for the purpose of locating a parent of the child, and such cooperation should include making available all information obtained from the Federal Parent Locator Service. SEC. 6. CASEWORKER VISITS. (a) Purchase of Services in Interstate Placement Cases.--Section 475(5)(A)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 675(5)(A)(ii)) is amended by striking ``or of the State in which the child has been placed'' and inserting ``of the State in which the child has been placed, or of a private agency under contract with either such State''. (b) Increased Visits.--Section 475(5)(A)(ii) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 675(5)(A)(ii)) is amended by striking ``12'' and inserting ``6''. SEC. 7. HEALTH AND EDUCATION RECORDS. Section 475 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 675) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)(C)-- (A) by striking ``To the extent available and accessible, the'' and inserting ``The''; and (B) by inserting ``the most recent information available regarding'' after ``including''; and (2) in paragraph (5)(D)-- (A) by inserting ``a copy of the record is'' before ``supplied''; and (B) by inserting ``, and is supplied to the child at no cost at the time the child leaves foster care if the child is leaving foster care by reason of having attained the age of majority under State law'' before the semicolon. SEC. 8. RIGHT TO BE HEARD IN FOSTER CARE PROCEEDINGS. (a) In General.--Section 475(5)(G) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 675(5)(G)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``an opportunity'' and inserting ``a right''; (2) by striking ``and opportunity'' and inserting ``and right''; and (3) by striking ``review or hearing'' each place it appears and inserting ``proceeding''. (b) Notice of Proceeding.--Section 438(b) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 638(b)) is amended by inserting ``shall have in effect a rule requiring State courts to ensure that foster parents, pre-adoptive parents, and relative caregivers of a child in foster care under the responsibility of the State are notified of any proceeding to be held with respect to the child, and'' after ``highest State court''. SEC. 9. COURT IMPROVEMENT. Section 438(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 629h(a)(1)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C); and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(E) that determine the best strategy to use to expedite the interstate placement of children, including-- ``(i) requiring courts in different States to cooperate in the sharing of information; ``(ii) authorizing courts to obtain information and testimony from agencies and parties in other States without requiring interstate travel by the agencies and parties; and ``(iii) permitting the participation of parents, children, other necessary parties, and attorneys in cases involving interstate placement without requiring their interstate travel; and''. SEC. 10. REASONABLE EFFORTS. (a) In General.--Section 471(a)(15)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)(15)(C)) is amended by inserting ``(including, if appropriate, through an interstate placement)'' after ``accordance with the permanency plan''. (b) Permanency Hearing.--Section 471(a)(15)(E)(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)(15)(E)(i)) is amended by inserting ``, which considers in-State and out-of-State permanent placement options for the child,'' before ``shall''. (c) Concurrent Planning.--Section 471(a)(15)(F) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)(15)(F)) is amended by inserting ``, including identifying appropriate in-State and out-of-State placements'' before ``may''. SEC. 11. CASE PLANS. Section 475(1)(E) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 675(1)(E)) is amended by inserting ``to facilitate orderly and timely in-State and interstate placements'' before the period. SEC. 12. CASE REVIEW SYSTEM. Section 475(5)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 675(5)(C) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``, in the case of a child who will not be returned to the parent, the hearing shall consider in-State and out-of-State placement options,'' after ``living arrangement''; and (2) by inserting ``the hearing shall determine'' before ``whether the''. SEC. 13. USE OF INTERJURISDICTIONAL RESOURCES. Section 422(b)(12) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 622(b)(12)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``develop plans for the'' and inserting ``make''; (2) by inserting ``(including through contracts for the purchase of services)'' after ``resources''; and (3) by inserting ``, and shall eliminate legal barriers,'' before ``to facilitate''. SEC. 14. EFFECTIVE DATE. (a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October 1, 2006, and shall apply to payments under parts B and E of title IV of the Social Security Act for calendar quarters beginning on or after such date, without regard to whether regulations to implement the amendments are promulgated by such date. (b) Delay Permitted If State Legislation Required.--If the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines that State legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds) is required in order for a State plan under part B or E of title IV of the Social Security Act to meet the additional requirements imposed by the amendments made by a provision of this Act, the plan shall not be regarded as failing to meet any of the additional requirements before the 1st day of the 1st calendar quarter beginning after the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act. If the State has a 2-year legislative session, each year of the session is deemed to be a separate regular session of the State legislature. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: Safe and Timely Interstate Placement of Foster Children Act of 2006 - Amends the Social Security Act to require each state plan for foster care and adoption assistance to provide that the state shall: (1) have in effect procedures for orderly and timely interstate placement of children; (2) complete home studies requested by another state within a specified period; (3) accept such studies received from another state; and (4) not impose any restrictions on contracting with a private agency to conduct such a study. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for timely interstate home study incentive payments to states that have approved plans and that have completed, and provided the Secretary a report on, such studies. Expresses the sense of Congress that state agencies should cooperate with courts which have authority with respect to the placement of a child in foster care or for adoption for the purpose of locating a parent of the child. Amends the definition of "case review system" to: (1) increase the required frequency of state caseworker visits to a child who is placed in foster care outside the state in which the child's parents reside; (2) require a child's health and education record to be supplied to the child at no cost when he/she leaves foster care by reason of having attained the age of majority under state law; and (3) provide for a foster parent's right (currently, opportunity) to be heard in any proceeding (currently, review or hearing) respecting their foster child. Requires state courts to ensure that foster parents, pre-adoptive parents, and relative caregivers of a child in foster care are notified of any such proceedings. Includes among the purposes of grants to the highest state courts the assessment of the court's role in carrying out state laws requiring proceedings that determine the best strategy to use to expedite the interstate placement of children. Provides for consideration of out-of-state placements in permanency hearings, case plans, and case reviews. Requires each plan for child welfare services to include the assurance that the state will eliminate legal barriers to facilitate timely adoptive or permanent placements for children.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``World Press Freedom Protection Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means-- (A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Financial Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Homeland Security, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives; and (B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate. (2) Foreign person.--The term ``foreign person'' means an individual who is neither a citizen or national of the United States. SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS FOR RESTRICTIONS ON THE RIGHT TO THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND RESTRICTIONS ON JOURNALISTS. (a) In General.--The President may impose the sanctions described in subsection (b) with respect to a foreign person if the President determines, based on credible information, that the foreign person-- (1) is responsible for severe restrictions on the freedom of expression or freedom of the press, including the arrest, harassment, torture, mistreatment, threats, fines, or the pervasive surveillance of journalists, blockage or censorship of the Internet that hinders the free flow of information from journalists, or other serious violations of the international right to the freedom of expression; or (2) has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, an activity described in paragraph (1) . (b) Inadmissibility to United States.--The sanctions described in this subsection are the following: (1) ineligibility to receive a visa to enter the United States or to be admitted to the United States; or (2) if the foreign person has been issued a visa or other documentation to be used to enter the United States, revocation, in accordance with section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1201(i)), of the visa or other documentation. (c) Consideration of Certain Information in Imposing Sanctions.--In determining whether to impose sanctions under subsection (b), the President shall consider-- (1) information provided by the chairperson and ranking member of each of the appropriate congressional committees; and (2) credible information obtained by other countries and nongovernmental organizations that monitor violations of human rights. (d) Waiver for National Security Interests.--The President may waive the application of subsection (b) with respect to a foreign person if the President determines that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States. (e) Exception To Comply With United Nations Headquarters Agreement.--Subsection (b) shall not apply to a foreign person if admitting the foreign person into the United States is necessary to permit the United States to comply with the Agreement between the United Nations and the United States of America regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force November 21, 1947, and other applicable international obligations of the United States. (f) Termination of Sanctions.--The President may terminate the application of sanctions under subsection (b) with respect to a foreign person if the President determines and reports to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 15 days before the termination of the sanctions that-- (1) credible information exists that the foreign person did not engage in the activity for which sanctions were imposed; (2) the foreign person has been prosecuted appropriately for the activity for which sanctions were imposed; or (3) the foreign person has credibly demonstrated a significant change in behavior, has paid an appropriate consequence for the activity for which sanctions were imposed, and has credibly committed to not engage in an activity described in subsection (a) in the future. (g) Regulatory Authority.--The President shall issue such regulations, licenses, and orders as are necessary to carry out this section. SEC. 4. REPORTS BY PRESIDENT TO CONGRESS. (a) In General.--The President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an annual report that includes-- (1) a list of each foreign person with respect to which the President imposed sanctions pursuant to section 3 during the year preceding the submission of the report; (2) the number of foreign persons with respect to which the President terminated sanctions under section 3 during that year; (3) the dates on which such sanctions were imposed or terminated, as the case may be; (4) the reasons for imposing or terminating such sanctions; and (5) a description of the efforts of the President to encourage the governments of other countries to impose sanctions that are similar to the sanctions authorized by section 3. (b) Dates for Submission.-- (1) Initial report.--The President shall submit the initial report required by this subsection not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Subsequent reports.-- (A) In general.--The President shall submit each subsequent report required by this subsection on December 10, or the first day thereafter on which both Houses of Congress are in session, of-- (i) the calendar year in which the initial report is submitted if the initial report is submitted before December 10 of such calendar year; and (ii) each subsequent calendar year. (B) Congressional statement.--Congress notes that December 10 of each calendar year has been recognized in the United States and internationally since 1950 as ``Human Rights Day'' and thus the importance of December 10 of each calendar year as the date of submission of the subsequent reports required by this subsection. (c) Form.--The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex if necessary. (d) Public Availability.-- (1) In general.--The unclassified portion of the report required by subsection (a) shall be made available to the public, including through publication in the Federal Register. (2) Nonapplicability of confidentiality requirement with respect to visa records.--If the President decides to publish the names of individuals sanctioned in a report required under this section, the President may do so without regard to the requirements of section 222(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1202(f)) with respect to confidentiality of records pertaining to the issuance or refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States. SEC. 5. LIMITING VISAS TO EXECUTIVES OF STATE-OWNED NEWS AND MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS OPERATING IN THE UNITED STATES. (a) Policy Statement.--Given the critical importance of the press freedoms and the free flow of cross-border information for diplomatic, political, and financial relations globally, and for purposes of investors, businesses, and politicians making informed decisions, it should be the policy of the United States Government to respond strongly and persuasively to the growing number of restrictions, threats, detentions, harassment, arrests, pervasive surveillance, killings, and delays or denials of visas faced by foreign journalists and their domestic employees, especially the blockage and censorship of the websites of news corporations. (b) Limitation on I-Visas.--Section 101(a)(15)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(I)) is amended by inserting ``subject to section 214(s),'' before ``upon a basis''. (c) Restrictions on Visas to Executives of State-Owned Media.-- Section 214 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(s) Restrictions on Visas to Executives of State-Owned Media.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of an alien who is an executive of a state-owned media organization of a foreign state and is applying for a visa under section 101(a)(15)(I) during a fiscal year, the visa shall be refused if any United States journalist or news organization personnel were expelled, had visas denied, or faced intimidation or violence or other restrictions in the course of working in the foreign state during the previous fiscal year. ``(2) Definition.--For purposes of this subsection, the term `executive of a state-owned media organization of a foreign state' means a representative, operating in a managerial or executive capacity of a media organization that is majority owned, operated, or controlled by a foreign government operating in the United States.''. (d) Transition Rule.-- (1) In general.--The President may order the immediate revocation, delay, or refusal of visas under section 101(a)(15)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(I)) issued to, or sought by, executives of a state- owned media organization of a foreign state before the date of the enactment of this Act in proportion to the expulsions, visa delays or denials, and intimidation experienced by United States journalists or news organization personnel in the course of working in the foreign state during the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which this Act is enacted. (2) Definition.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the term ``executive of a state-owned media organization of a foreign state'' means a representative, operating in a managerial or executive capacity of a media organization that is majority owned, operated, or controlled by a foreign government operating in the United States. SEC. 6. INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO RESTRICTIONS FACED BY JOURNALISTS WORLDWIDE IN THE ANNUAL COUNTRY REPORTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS PRACTICES. The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended-- (1) in section 116(d)(12) (22 U.S.C. 2151n(d)(12))-- (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(D) for each country-- ``(i) a detailed description of the restrictions imposed against journalists and their domestic personnel, including a description of surveillance, harassment, detentions, death threats or physical attacks, censorship, including on the Internet, denials or delays of visas or travel documents, direct sources of pressure or intimidation, or any other restrictions that limit the ability to report information freely or restricts the free flow of information whether by governments, military, intelligence or police forces or criminal groups, armed extremists, or rebel groups; and ``(ii) a brief assessment of the country's practices with respect to foreign journalists and their domestic personnel by describing the country's practices as `very restrictive', `restrictive', `partially restrictive', or `mostly free'; and''; and (2) in the first subsection (i) of section 502B (22 U.S.C. 2304)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) for each country-- ``(5) ``(A) a detailed description of the restrictions imposed against journalists and their domestic personnel, including a description of surveillance, harassment, detentions, death threats or physical attacks, censorship, including on the Internet, denials or delays of visas or travel documents, direct sources of pressure or intimidation, or any other restrictions that limit the ability to report information freely or restricts the free flow of information whether by governments, military, intelligence or police forces or criminal groups, armed extremists, or rebel groups; and ``(B) a brief assessment of the country's practices with respect to foreign journalists and their domestic personnel by describing the country's practices as `very restrictive', `restrictive', `partially restrictive', or `mostly free'.''. SEC. 7. RESTRICTIONS ON THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND CENSORSHIP OF THE INTERNET TREATED AS A RESTRICTION ON TRADE. (a) Finding.--Congress finds that restrictions on the activities of United States journalists and media personnel and the censorship and blockage of websites and the cross-border flow of information damages the competitiveness of United States corporations and limits access to information critical for investors, consumers, and others making market and financial decisions and should be considered a restriction of trade and an unfair competitive advantage benefitting foreign government- controlled news organizations and other news and media corporations. (b) Statement of Policy.--Congress declares the following: (1) The United States Government should seek as part of international treaty negotiations and in negotiations and bilateral discussions with China, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and other countries rated ``Not Free'' by Freedom House's annual ``Freedom of the Press'' survey, conditions for a free and unfettered operation of websites, an end to visas restrictions for journalists, an end to harassment, intimidation, and surveillance of foreign journalists and an end to the abuse of state secrets laws, including China's restrictions on the sharing of information between Chinese and foreign journalists. (2) In addition, the United States Government should seek to link expansion of the free flow of information with ongoing and future trade agreements, and other bilateral agreements and communiques, by seeking language eliminating any and all limitations on market access for news agency services and eliminate any restrictions on cross-border data flows involving journalists and the media, including in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Bilateral Investment Treaties, or any other trade negotiations planned or in progress and seek stipulations guaranteeing fair treatment of United States and other foreign journalists and their publications, consistent with the treatment received by foreign journalists operating in the United States and free and unfettered operation of websites in China and other countries where they are blocked or censored. (c) Sense of Congress.--In order to promote freedom of the press and recognize the importance of that internationally recognized right to economic freedom and economic security, it is the sense of Congress that-- (1) restrictions on journalists and media websites and the censorship of the Internet are significant foreign trade barriers; (2) the United States Trade Representative should include a list of United States websites blocked in foreign countries in reporting on trade barriers in its annual report on foreign trade barriers; and (3) the United States Government should pursue, at the World Trade Organization (WTO) , disputes to end blockage of United States websites by foreign governments, which would include requirements for other members of the WTO to regularly publish a list of any banned or censored websites and provide website owners an opportunity to appeal.

Summary: World Press Freedom Protection Act of 2015 This bill authorizes the President to impose U.S. admissibility sanctions against a foreign person who: is responsible for severe restrictions on the freedom of expression or freedom of the press; or has materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, such an activity. The President may waive such sanctions if in U.S. national security interests, and terminate them under specified conditions. Sanctions shall not apply if necessary to comply with the Agreement between the United Nations (U.N.) and the United States regarding the U.N. Headquarters or other applicable international obligations of the United States. The President shall report to Congress annually regarding each foreign person sanctioned, and the dates and reason for the imposition of any sanctions. It should be U.S. policy to respond strongly to the growing number of restrictions, arrests, killings, and visa delays or denials faced by foreign journalists and their domestic employees. An executive of a foreign state-owned media organization who is applying for a nonimmigrant I-visa (foreign media representative) shall be refused the visa if any U.S. journalist or news organization personnel were expelled, had visas denied, or faced violence in the course of working in such foreign state during the previous fiscal year. Annual country reports of human rights practices under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 shall now include information about the country's practices with respect to foreign journalists and their domestic personnel. It is the sense of Congress that: restrictions on journalists and media websites and Internet censorship are significant foreign trade barriers; the United States Trade Representative should include a list of blocked U.S. websites in its annual report on foreign trade barriers; and the United States should pursue disputes to end foreign blockage of U.S. websites at the World Trade Organization.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Detergent Poisoning And Child Safety Act of 2015'' or the ``Detergent PACS Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. SPECIAL PACKAGING AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR LIQUID DETERGENT PACKETS. (a) Definitions.--In this Act: (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Consumer Product Safety Commission. (2) Consumer product.--The term ``consumer product'' has the meaning given such term in section 3(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)). (3) Detergent packet.--The term ``detergent packet'' means a consumer product that consists of a detergent enclosed in a water soluble outer layer. (4) Liquid detergent packet.--The term ``liquid detergent packet'' means a consumer product that consists of a substantially liquid or gel detergent enclosed in a water soluble outer layer. (5) Special packaging.--The term ``special packaging'' has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 (15 U.S.C. 1471). (b) Safety Standards Required.-- (1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection (c)(1), not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate a final rule that establishes safety standards for liquid detergent packets to protect children who are younger than 5 years of age from injury or illness caused by exposure to such packets. (2) Elements.--The final rule promulgated under paragraph (1) shall-- (A) require special packaging for liquid detergent packets; (B) include standards to address the design and color of liquid detergent packets to-- (i) make them less attractive to children; (ii) reduce the likelihood of exposure to detergent; and (iii) otherwise reduce risks related to the ingestion or aspiration of, or ocular contact with, detergent and other potential injury risks of liquid detergent packets; (C) include standards to address the composition of liquid detergent packets to make the consequences of exposure less severe; and (D) prescribe warning labels that-- (i) adequately inform consumers of the potential risks of injury and death caused by liquid detergent packets; (ii) are conspicuous and visible at the point of sale; (iii) clarify hazard patterns, including known consequences of such hazards; and (iv) identify actions needed to avoid injury. (3) Treatment as consumer product safety standard.--A rule promulgated under paragraph (1) shall be treated as a consumer product safety standard described in section 7(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2056(a)). (4) Rulemaking.-- (A) In general.--A rule under paragraph (1) shall be promulgated in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code. (B) Inapplicability of certain requirements.-- Section 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2058) shall not apply to a rulemaking under paragraph (1). (c) Adoption of Voluntary Standard.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (b)(1) shall not apply if the Commission determines that-- (A) a voluntary standard pertaining to liquid detergent packets manufactured or imported for use in the United States protects children as described in subsection (b)(1); (B) such voluntary standard is or will be in effect not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act; and (C) such voluntary standard is developed by ASTM International Subcommittee F15.71 on Liquid Laundry Packets, or such other entity as the Commission considers a successor to ASTM International Subcommittee F15.71. (2) Publication of determination.--If the Commission makes a determination under paragraph (1), the Commission shall publish such determination in the Federal Register. (3) Treatment of voluntary standard.--If the Commission determines that a voluntary standard meets the conditions in paragraph (1), such standard shall be treated as a consumer product safety standard described in section 7(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2056(a)) beginning on the date that is the later of-- (A) the date that is 180 days after the date of the publication under paragraph (2) of such determination; or (B) the effective date specified in the voluntary standard. (4) Revision of voluntary standard.-- (A) Notice of revision.--If a voluntary standard is treated as a consumer product safety standard under paragraph (3) and such standard is revised by ASTM International after the Commission makes a determination under paragraph (1), ASTM International shall notify the Commission of such revision not later than 60 days after making such revision. (B) Treatment of revisions.--A voluntary standard with respect to which the Commission receives notice under subparagraph (A) shall be treated as a consumer product safety standard described in section 7(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2056(a)), promulgated in lieu of the prior version, effective 180 days after the date the Commission is notified of the revision under subparagraph (A), unless not later than 90 days after receiving that notice the Commission determines that the revised voluntary standard does not meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(A), in which case the Commission shall continue to enforce the prior version. (d) Future Rulemaking.-- (1) In general.--The Commission may, at any time after promulgating a final rule under subsection (b)(1) or making a determination under subsection (c)(1), promulgate such rules in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, as the Commission considers appropriate to protect, to the maximum degree practicable, children as described in subsection (a)(1). (2) Treatment as consumer product safety standard.--A rule promulgated under paragraph (1) shall be treated as a consumer product safety standard described in section 7(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2056(a)). (3) Inapplicability of certain requirements.--Section 9 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2058) shall not apply to a rulemaking under paragraph (1). (e) Report to Congress.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on risks posed by detergent packets to young children and how the Commission is working to protect such children from such risks. (2) Matters covered.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A quantitative assessment of annual national pediatric exposure to detergent packets, including the number of exposure incidents, the means of exposure (whether by ingestion, aspiration, or ocular contact), the clinical effects of the exposures, and medical outcomes. (B) An assessment as to whether the rule promulgated under subsection (b)(1) or the voluntary standard adopted under subsection (c), as the case may be, has been effective in protecting young children from injury or illness caused by exposure to detergent packets. (C) Such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Commission may have to protect young children as described in subparagraph (B). (3) Publication.--The Commission shall make the report required by paragraph (1) available to the public on the Internet website of the Commission.

Summary: Detergent Poisoning And Child Safety Act of 2015 or the Detergent PACS Act of 2015 Requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish safety standards for liquid detergent packets to protect children who are younger than five years of age from injury or illness. Directs the CPSC to establish such standards by promulgating a rule or adopting voluntary ASTM International standards. Provides for any final rule that is promulgated to include: (1) requirements for special packaging and warning labels, (2) standards to make the color and design of packets less attractive to children, and (3) liquid composition standards to make the consequences of exposure less severe. Requires the rule or standards to be treated as consumer product safety standards under the Consumer Product Safety Act.


SECTION 1. EXPANSION OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAM TO INCLUDE RETIRED MEMBERS AND DEPENDENTS WHO ARE MEDICARE ELIGIBLE. (a) Federal Employee Health Benefits Program Option.--The Secretary of Defense, after consulting with the other administering Secretaries under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, shall enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management under which certain persons are offered enrollment in a health benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, in lieu of receiving care in treatment facilities of the uniformed services or through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services or the TRICARE program. The agreement may provide for enrollment limitations if the Office of Personnel Management determines that the limitations are necessary to allow for adequate planning for access for services under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code. (b) Eligible Persons.--(1) The following persons shall be eligible for enrollment under this section: (A) A member or former member of the uniformed services described in section 1074(b) of title 10, United States Code, who is or becomes entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq.). (B) A dependent of a person described in subparagraph (A) if the dependent is otherwise eligible for health care under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code and is or becomes entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq.). (2) Persons described in paragraph (1) shall not be required to satisfy any eligibility criteria specified in chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, as a condition for enrollment in a health benefits plan offered through the Federal Employee Health Benefits program pursuant to subsection (a). (c) Contributions.--(1) In the case of a person described in subsection (b) who enrolls in a health benefits plan offered through the Federal Employee Health Benefits program pursuant to subsection (a), the administering Secretary concerned shall be responsible for Government contributions that the Office of Personnel Management determines are necessary to cover all costs in excess of beneficiary contributions under paragraph (2). (2) The contribution required from an enrolled person under this section shall be equal to the amount that would be withheld from the pay of a similarly situated Federal employee who enrolls in a health benefits plan under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code. (d) Management of Participation.--The authority responsible for approving retired or retainer pay or equivalent pay in the case of a member or former member shall manage the participation of the member or former member, and dependents of the member or former member, who enroll in a health benefits plan offered through the Federal Employee Health Benefits program pursuant to subsection (a). The Office of Personnel Management shall maintain separate risk pools for persons described in subsection (b) until such time as the Director of the Office of Personnel Management determines that complete inclusion chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, of persons described in subsection (b) will not adversely affect Federal employees and annuitants enrolled in health benefits plans under such chapter. (e) Effect of Cancellation.--The cancellation by a person described in subsection (b) of coverage under the Federal Employee Health Benefits program shall be irrevocable for purposes of this section. (f) Reporting Requirements.--Not later than November 1 of each year, the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall jointly submit a report to Congress describing the provision of health care services to persons under this section during the preceding fiscal year. The report shall address or contain the following: (1) The number of persons enrolled in health benefits plans offered through the Federal Employee Health Benefits program pursuant to subsection (a), both in terms of total number and as a percentage of all persons receiving health care through the health care system of the uniformed services. (2) The out-of-pocket cost to enrollees under such health benefits plans. (3) The cost to the Government (including the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Health and Human Services) of providing care under such health benefits plans. (4) A comparison of the costs determined under paragraphs (2) and (3) and the costs that would have otherwise been incurred by the Government and enrollees under alternative health care options available to the administering Secretaries. (5) The effect of this section on the cost, access, and utilization rates of other health care options under the health care system of the uniformed services. (g) Time for Option.--The Secretary of Defense shall begin to offer the health benefits option under subsection (a) not later than October 1, 1997. (h) Conforming Amendments.--Chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in section 8905-- (A) by redesignating subsections (d) through (f) as subsections (e) through (g), respectively; and (B) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection: ``(d) An individual whom the Secretary of Defense determines is an eligible person under the special authority provided to the Secretary may enroll in a health benefits plan under this chapter in accordance with the agreement between the Secretary and the Office and applicable regulations under this chapter.''; (2) in section 8906(b)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraphs (2) and (3)'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) In the case of individuals who enroll in a health plan in accordance with section 8905(d) of this title, the Government contribution shall be determined in accordance with the agreement between the Secretary and the Office.''; and (3) in section 8906(g)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``paragraphs (2) and (3)''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) The Government contribution described in subsection (b)(4) for beneficiaries who enroll in accordance with section 8905(d) of this title shall be paid in accordance with the agreement between the Secretary and the Office.''.

Summary: Directs the Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) under which current or former military personnel who are or become entitled to hospital insurance benefits under part A of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act are offered enrollment in a Federal employees health benefits plan in lieu of receiving care in military treatment facilities or through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS). Allows such enrollment for any dependent of such individual if the dependent is entitled to health care under CHAMPUS and is or becomes entitled to hospital insurance benefits under Medicare. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) contributions for such coverage; (2) management of member participation; and (3) cancellation of coverage. Directs the Secretary and the OPM Director to report jointly to the Congress each year on the provision of such services to eligible persons during the preceding fiscal year. Requires the Secretary to offer such health benefits option no later than October 1, 1997.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Kids 2000 Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) There is an increasing epidemic of juvenile crime throughout the United States. (2) It is well documented that the majority of juvenile crimes take place during after-school hours. (3) Knowledge of technology is becoming increasingly necessary for children in school and out of school. (4) The Boys and Girls Clubs of America have 2,300 clubs throughout all 50 States, serving over 3,000,000 boys and girls primarily from at-risk communities. (5) The Boys and Girls Clubs of America have the physical structures in place for immediate implementation of an after- school technology program. (6) Building technology centers and providing integrated content and full-time staffing at those centers in the Boys and Girls Clubs of America nationwide will help foster education, job training, and an alternative to crime for at-risk youth. (7) Partnerships between the public sector and the private sector are an effective way of providing after-school technology programs in the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. (8) PowerUp: Bridging the Digital Divide is an entity comprised of more than a dozen nonprofit organizations, major corporations, and Federal agencies that have joined together to launch a major new initiative to help ensure that America's underserved young people acquire the skills, experiences, and resources they need to succeed in the digital age. (9) Bringing PowerUp into the Boys and Girls Clubs of America will be an effective way to ensure that our youth have a safe, crime-free environment in which to learn the technological skills they need to close the divide between young people who have access to computer-based information and technology-related skills and those who do not. SEC. 3. AFTER-SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY GRANTS TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA. (a) Purposes.--The Attorney General shall make grants to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for the purpose of funding effective after- school technology programs, such as PowerUp, in order to provide-- (1) constructive technology-focussed activities that are part of a comprehensive program to provide access to technology and technology training to youth during after-school hours, weekends, and school vacations; (2) supervised activities in safe environments for youth; and (3) full-time staffing with teachers, tutors, and other qualified personnel. (b) Subawards.--The Boys and Girls Clubs of America shall make subawards to local boys and girls clubs authorizing expenditures associated with providing technology programs such as PowerUp, including the hiring of teachers and other personnel, procurement of goods and services, including computer equipment, or such other purposes as are approved by the Attorney General. SEC. 4. APPLICATIONS. (a) Eligibility.--In order to be eligible to receive a grant under this Act, an applicant for a subaward (specified in section 3(b)) shall submit an application to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, in such form and containing such information as the Attorney General may reasonably require. (b) Application Requirements.--Each application submitted in accordance with subsection (a) shall include-- (1) a request for a subgrant to be used for the purposes of this Act; (2) a description of the communities to be served by the grant, including the nature of juvenile crime, violence, and drug use in the communities; (3) written assurances that Federal funds received under this Act will be used to supplement and not supplant, non- Federal funds that would otherwise be available for activities funded under this Act; (4) written assurances that all activities funded under this Act will be supervised by qualified adults; (5) a plan for assuring that program activities will take place in a secure environment that is free of crime and drugs; (6) a plan outlining the utilization of content-based programs such as PowerUp, and the provision of trained adult personnel to supervise the after-school technology training; and (7) any additional statistical or financial information that the Boys and Girls Clubs of America may reasonably require. SEC. 5. GRANT AWARDS. In awarding subgrants under this Act, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America shall consider-- (1) the ability of the applicant to provide the intended services; (2) the history and establishment of the applicant in providing youth activities; and (3) the extent to which services will be provided in crime- prone areas and technologically underserved populations, and efforts to achieve an equitable geographic distribution of the grant awards. SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated $20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2001 through 2006 to carry out this Act. (b) Source of Funds.--Funds to carry out this Act may be derived from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund. (c) Continued Availability.--Amounts made available under this section shall remain available until expended.

Summary: Directs the Boys and Girls Clubs of America to make sub-awards to local boys and girls clubs authorizing expenditures associated with providing technology programs, including the hiring of teachers and other personnel and the procurement of goods and services, including computer equipment. Sets forth provisions regarding grant eligibility, application requirements, and criteria for making grant awards. Authorizes appropriations. Allows funds to carry out this Act to be derived from the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund.