SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Strategic Withdrawal of Agencies for Meaningful Placement Act of 2018'' or ``SWAMP Act''. SEC. 2. RELOCATION OF HEADQUARTERS OF EXECUTIVE AGENCIES. (a) Repeal of Headquarters Location Requirement.--Section 72 of title 4, United States Code, is repealed. (b) Prohibition on Location of Headquarters in Washington Metropolitan Area.--With respect to an Executive agency whose headquarters is located in the Washington metropolitan area as of the date of the enactment of this Act, no new construction or major renovations may be undertaken, or lease agreements entered into or renewed, for such headquarters after such date of enactment, except as otherwise expressly provided by law. (c) Competitive Bidding Process for Relocation of Headquarters.-- (1) In general.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of General Services shall establish a process, in accordance with the requirements described in paragraph (2), through which-- (A) the head of an Executive agency may submit a request for the Administrator to issue a solicitation for the relocation of the headquarters of such agency; or (B) if determined necessary, the Administrator may issue a solicitation for the relocation of the headquarters of an Executive agency. (2) Requirements.--With respect to any solicitation issued for the relocation of the headquarters of an Executive agency pursuant to paragraph (1), the Administrator of General Services shall-- (A) allow any State and any political subdivision of a State to submit a bid for the relocation of such headquarters; (B) provide the public with notice and an opportunity to comment on such solicitation; and (C) in consultation with the head of such agency, select a State, or a political subdivision of a State, for the relocation of such headquarters using competitive bidding procedures that consider the following: (i) The extent to which the relocation of such headquarters would impact the economy and workforce development of a State or political subdivision of a State. (ii) Whether a State, or a political subdivision of a State, has expertise in carrying out activities substantially similar to the mission and goals of such agency. (iii) The extent to which the relocation of such headquarters to a State, or a political subdivision of a State, would implicate national security interests. (d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this Act may be construed to prohibit a political subdivision of the State of Maryland or the Commonwealth of Virginia that is located outside the Washington metropolitan area from submitting a bid under subsection (c)(2)(A). (e) Offset allowed.--The Administrator of General Services may use the proceeds from the sale of any Federal building or land to offset the cost of relocating the headquarters of an Executive agency. (f) No Additional Funds Authorized.--No additional funds are authorized to carry out the requirements of this Act. Such requirements shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized. (g) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Executive agency.--The term ``Executive agency'' has the meaning given that term in section 105 of title 5, United States Code, except that the term does not include the Executive Office of the President. (2) Headquarters.--The term ``headquarters'' means the place or building serving as the managerial and administrative center of an Executive agency, except that the term does not include an office that the head of any such agency may maintain separately from such place or building in the Washington metropolitan area. (3) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the 50 States. (4) Washington metropolitan area.--The term ``Washington metropolitan area'' means the geographic area located within the boundaries of the following: (A) The District of Columbia. (B) Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in the State of Maryland. (C) Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties and the City of Alexandria in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Summary: Strategic Withdrawal of Agencies for Meaningful Placement Act of 2018 or the SWAMP Act This bill: (1) repeals the requirement that all offices attached to the seat of government be exercised in the District of Columbia, and not elsewhere; and (2) prohibits new construction or major renovation of certain executive agency headquarters in the Washington Metropolitan area. The General Services Administration (GSA) must: (1) establish a process to allow an executive agency to request GSA to issue a solicitation for the relocation of its headquarters; (2) allow any state to bid for the relocation of the agency's headquarters; and (3) in consultation with the executive agency, select a state for the relocation of the agency's headquarters using a competitive bidding procedure based on certain considerations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Minority Business Development Improvements Act of 2010''. SEC. 2. MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. The Director of the Minority Business Development Agency shall establish the Minority Business Development Program (in this Act referred to as the ``Program'') to assist qualified minority businesses. The Program shall provide to such businesses the following: (1) Technical assistance. (2) Contract procurement assistance. SEC. 3. QUALIFIED MINORITY BUSINESS. (a) Certification.--For purposes of the Program, the Director may certify as a qualified minority business any entity that satisfies each of the following: (1) Not less than 51 percent of the entity is directly and unconditionally owned or controlled by historically disadvantaged individuals. (2) Each officer or other individual who exercises control over the regular operations of the entity is a historically disadvantaged individual. (3) The net worth of each principal of the entity is not greater than $2,000,000. (The equity of a disadvantaged owner in a primary personal residence shall be considered in this calculation.) (4) The principal place of business of the entity is in the United States. (5) Each principal of the entity maintains good character in the determination of the Director. (6) The entity engages in competitive and bona fide commercial business operations in not less than one sector of industry that has a North American Industry Classification System code. (7) The entity submits reports to the Director at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Director may require. (8) Any additional requirements that the Director determines appropriate. (b) Term of Certification.--A certification under this section shall be for a term of 5 years and may not be renewed. SEC. 4. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. (a) In General.--In carrying out the Program, the Director may provide to qualified minority businesses technical assistance with regard to the following: (1) Writing business plans. (2) Marketing. (3) Management. (4) Securing sufficient financing for business operations. (b) Contract Authority.--The Director may enter into agreements with persons to provide technical assistance under this section. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $200,000,000 to the Director to carry out this section. Such sums shall remain available until expended. SEC. 5. SET-ASIDE CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES. (a) In General.--The Director may enter into agreements with the United States Government and any department, agency, or officer thereof having procurement powers for purposes of providing for the fulfillment of procurement contracts and providing opportunities for qualified minority businesses with regard to such contracts. (b) Qualifications on Participation.--The Director shall by rule establish requirements for participation under this section by a qualified minority business in a contract. (c) Annual Limit on Number of Contracts Per Qualified Minority Business.--A qualified minority business may not participate under this section in contracts in an amount that exceeds $10,000,000 for goods and services each fiscal year. (d) Limits on Contract Amounts.-- (1) Goods and services.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a contract for goods and services under this section may not exceed $6,000,000. (2) Manufacturing and construction.--A contract for manufacturing and construction services under this section may not exceed $10,000,000. SEC. 6. TERMINATION FROM THE PROGRAM. The Director may terminate a qualified minority business from the Program for any violation of a requirement of sections 3 through 5 of this Act by that qualified minority business, including the following: (1) Conduct by a principal of the qualified minority business that indicates a lack of business integrity. (2) Willful failure to comply with applicable labor standards and obligations. (3) Consistent failure to tender adequate performance with regard to contracts under the Program. (4) Failure to obtain and maintain relevant certifications. (5) Failure to pay outstanding obligations owed to the Federal Government. SEC. 7. REPORTS. (a) Report of the Director.--Not later than October 1, 2011, and annually thereafter, the Director shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report describing the activities of the Director during the preceding year with respect to the Program. (b) Report of the Secretary of Commerce.--Not later than October 1, 2011, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report describing the activities the Secretary engaged in during the preceding year to build wealth among historically disadvantaged individuals. SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Historically disadvantaged individual.--The term ``historically disadvantaged individual'' means any individual who is a member of a group that is designated as eligible to receive assistance under section 1400.1 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on January 1, 2009. (2) Principal.--The term ``principal'' means any person that the Director determines exercises significant control over the regular operations of a business entity.

Summary: Minority Business Development Improvements Act of 2010 - Requires the Director of the Minority Business Development Agency to establish the Minority Business Development Program to provide qualified minority businesses with technical assistance and contract procurement assistance. Outlines minority business qualification requirements for the Program, including that: (1) not less than 51% of the entity be directly and unconditionally owned or controlled by historically disadvantaged individuals; and (2) each officer or other individual exercising control over regular operations is a historically disadvantaged individual. Outlines specific types of technical assistance authorized under the Program. Authorizes the Director to enter into agreements for the fulfillment of federal procurement contracts by, and contracting opportunities for, qualified minority businesses. Provides contract limits. Allows the Director to terminate a qualified minority business from the Program under specified circumstances.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Climate Change Drinking Water Adaptation Research Act.''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) the consensus among climate scientists is overwhelming that climate change is occurring more rapidly than can be attributed to natural causes, and that significant impacts to the water supply are already occurring; (2) among the first and most critical of those impacts will be change to patterns of precipitation around the world, which will affect water availability for the most basic drinking water and domestic water needs of populations in many areas of the United States; (3) drinking water utilities throughout the United States, as well as those in Europe, Australia, and Asia, are concerned that extended changes in precipitation will lead to extended droughts; (4) supplying water is highly energy-intensive and will become more so as climate change forces more utilities to turn to alternative supplies; (5) energy production consumes a significant percentage of the fresh water resources of the United States; (6) since 2003, the drinking water industry of the United States has sponsored, through a nonprofit water research foundation, various studies to assess the impacts of climate change on drinking water supplies; (7) those studies demonstrate the need for a comprehensive program of research into the full range of impacts on drinking water utilities, including impacts on water supplies, facilities, and customers; (8) that nonprofit water research foundation is also coordinating internationally with other drinking water utilities on shared research projects and has hosted international workshops with counterpart European and Asian water research organizations to develop a unified research agenda for applied research on adaptive strategies to address climate change impacts; (9) research data in existence as of the date of enactment of this Act-- (A) summarize the best available scientific evidence on climate change; (B) identify the implications of climate change for the water cycle and the availability and quality of water resources; and (C) provide general guidance on planning and adaptation strategies for water utilities; and (10) given uncertainties about specific climate changes in particular areas, drinking water utilities need to prepare for a wider range of likely possibilities in managing and delivery of water. SEC. 3. RESEARCH ON THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON DRINKING WATER UTILITIES. (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in cooperation with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, and the Secretary of the Interior, shall establish and provide funding for a program of directed and applied research, to be conducted through a nonprofit water research foundation and sponsored by drinking water utilities, to assist suppliers of drinking water in adapting to the effects of climate change. (b) Research Areas.--The research conducted in accordance with subsection (a) shall include research into-- (1) water quality impacts and solutions, including research-- (A) to address probable impacts on raw water quality resulting from-- (i) erosion and turbidity from extreme precipitation events; (ii) watershed vegetation changes; and (iii) increasing ranges of pathogens, algae, and nuisance organisms resulting from warmer temperatures; and (B) on mitigating increasing damage to watersheds and water quality by evaluating extreme events, such as wildfires and hurricanes, to learn and develop management approaches to mitigate-- (i) permanent watershed damage; (ii) quality and yield impacts on source waters; and (iii) increased costs of water treatment; (2) impacts on groundwater supplies from carbon sequestration, including research to evaluate potential water quality consequences of carbon sequestration in various regional aquifers, soil conditions, and mineral deposits; (3) water quantity impacts and solutions, including research-- (A) to evaluate climate change impacts on water resources throughout hydrological basins of the United States; (B) to improve the accuracy and resolution of climate change models at a regional level; (C) to identify and explore options for increasing conjunctive use of aboveground and underground storage of water; and (D) to optimize operation of existing and new reservoirs in diminished and erratic periods of precipitation and runoff; (4) infrastructure impacts and solutions for water treatment facilities and underground pipelines, including research-- (A) to evaluate and mitigate the impacts of sea level rise on-- (i) near-shore facilities; (ii) soil drying and subsidence; and (iii) reduced flows in water and wastewater pipelines; and (B) on ways of increasing the resilience of existing infrastructure and development of new design standards for future infrastructure; (5) desalination, water reuse, and alternative supply technologies, including research-- (A) to improve and optimize existing membrane technologies, and to identify and develop breakthrough technologies, to enable the use of seawater, brackish groundwater, treated wastewater, and other impaired sources; (B) into new sources of water through more cost- effective water treatment practices in recycling and desalination; and (C) to improve technologies for use in-- (i) managing and minimizing the volume of desalination and reuse concentrate streams; and (ii) minimizing the environmental impacts of seawater intake at desalination facilities; (6) energy efficiency and greenhouse gas minimization, including research-- (A) on optimizing the energy efficiency of water supply and improving water efficiency in energy production; and (B) to identify and develop renewable, carbon- neutral energy options for the water supply industry; (7) regional and hydrological basin cooperative water management solutions, including research into-- (A) institutional mechanisms for greater regional cooperation and use of water exchanges, banking, and transfers; and (B) the economic benefits of sharing risks of shortage across wider areas; (8) utility management, decision support systems, and water management models, including research-- (A) into improved decision support systems and modeling tools for use by water utility managers to assist with increased water supply uncertainty and adaptation strategies posed by climate change; (B) to provide financial tools, including new rate structures, to manage financial resources and investments, because increased conservation practices may diminish revenue and increase investments in infrastructure; and (C) to develop improved systems and models for use in evaluating-- (i) successful alternative methods for conservation and demand management; and (ii) climate change impacts on groundwater resources; (9) reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy demand management, including research to improve energy efficiency in water collection, production, transmission, treatment, distribution, and disposal to provide more sustainability and means to assist drinking water utilities in reducing the production of greenhouse gas emissions in the collection, production, transmission, treatment, distribution, and disposal of drinking water; (10) water conservation and demand management, including research-- (A) to develop strategic approaches to water demand management that offer the lowest-cost, noninfrastructural options to serve growing populations or manage declining supplies, primarily through-- (i) efficiencies in water use and reallocation of the saved water; (ii) demand management tools; (iii) economic incentives; and (iv) water-saving technologies; and (B) into efficiencies in water management through integrated water resource management that incorporates-- (i) supply-side and demand-side processes; (ii) continuous adaptive management; and (iii) the inclusion of stakeholders in decisionmaking processes; and (11) communications, education, and public acceptance, including research-- (A) into improved strategies and approaches for communicating with customers, decisionmakers, and other stakeholders about the implications of climate change on water supply; and (B) to develop effective communication approaches to gain-- (i) public acceptance of alternative water supplies and new policies and practices, including conservation and demand management; and (ii) public recognition and acceptance of increased costs. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2019.

Summary: Climate Change Drinking Water Adaptation Research Act - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and provide funding for a program of directed and applied research, to be conducted through a nonprofit water research foundation and sponsored by drinking water utilities, to assist suppliers of drinking water in adapting to the effects of climate change. Requires research areas to include: (1) water quality and quantity impacts and solutions; (2) impacts on groundwater supplies from carbon sequestration; (3) infrastructure impacts and solutions; (4) desalination, water reuse, and alternative supply technologies; (5) energy efficiency and greenhouse gas minimization; (6) regional and hydrological basin cooperative water management solutions; (7) utilities management, decision support systems, and water management models; (8) greenhouse gas emissions reduction and energy demand management; (9) water conservation and demand management; and (10) communications, education, and public acceptance.


SECTION 1. LIMITATION ON INTEREST DEDUCTION ALLOWED CORPORATIONS. (a) In General.--Section 163 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to deduction for interest) is amended by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l) and by inserting after subsection (j) the following new subsection: ``(k) Limitation on Corporate Interest Payments.-- ``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), in the case of a corporation, the amount otherwise allowed as a deduction under this chapter for interest paid or accrued during the taxable year by such corporation shall be reduced by 20 percent. ``(2) Exception for certain corporations.-- ``(A) In general.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply for any taxable year to any corporation the earnings and profits of which for such taxable year (computed as of the close of the taxable year without diminution by reason of any dividend distributions made during such taxable year) do not exceed the lesser of-- ``(i) the corporation's tax liability under this chapter for such taxable year (determined after the application of paragraph (1)), or ``(ii) $100,000. ``(B) Controlled group.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), all component members of a controlled group (as defined in section 179(d)(7)) shall be treated as 1 corporation. ``(3) Exception for farming businesses.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any corporation substantially all of the assets of which are used in the active conduct of a farming business (as defined in section 448(d)(1)).''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993. SEC. 2. DIVIDEND PAID DEDUCTION. (a) General Rule.--Part VIII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to special deductions for corporations) is amended by striking the table of sections and section 241 and inserting the following: ``Subpart A. Dividend paid deduction. ``Subpart B. Dividend received deduction. ``Subpart C. Miscellaneous provisions. ``SEC. 230. ALLOWANCE OF SPECIAL DEDUCTIONS. ``In addition to the deductions provided in part VI (section 161 and following), there shall be allowed as deductions in computing taxable income the items specified in this part. ``Subpart A--Dividend Paid Deduction ``Sec. 231. Dividend paid deduction. ``Sec. 232. Qualified dividend account. ``Sec. 233. Ineligible corporations. ``Sec. 234. Special rules. ``SEC. 231. DIVIDEND PAID DEDUCTION. ``(a) Allowance of Deduction.--In the case of a corporation, there shall be allowed as a deduction an amount equal to 50 percent of the dividends paid by such corporation during the taxable year. ``(b) Limitation Based on Amount in Qualified Dividend Account.-- The amount of the dividends paid during any taxable year which may be taken into account under subsection (a) shall not exceed the amount in the corporation's qualified dividend account as of the close of such taxable year determined after the application of section 232(b)(1) for the taxable year but before the application of section 232(b)(2) for such taxable year. ``SEC. 232. QUALIFIED DIVIDEND ACCOUNT. ``(a) Establishment of Account.--Each corporation shall establish a qualified dividend account. The opening balance of such account shall be zero. ``(b) Adjustments to Accounts.--As of the close of each taxable year beginning after January 1, 1993, the qualified dividend account-- ``(1) shall be increased by the adjusted taxable income of the corporation for the taxable year, and ``(2) shall be reduced by the amount of the dividends paid by the corporation during the taxable year to the extent the amount so paid does not exceed the limitation of section 231(c). ``(c) Adjusted Taxable Income.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The term `adjusted taxable income' means taxable income adjusted as provided in this subsection. ``(2) Adjustment for certain qualifying dividends.--Taxable income shall be increased by the deduction allowed under section 243 with respect to that portion of any qualifying dividend (as defined in section 243(b)(1)) for which such deduction is determined at a rate of less than 100 percent. Similar rules shall apply in the case of dividends for which deductions are allowable under section 245(b). ``(3) Adjustment for tax credits.-- ``(A) In general.--Taxable income shall be reduced by the deduction equivalent of the tentative nonrefundable credits for the taxable year. ``(B) Deduction equivalent.--For purposes of subparagraph (A), the deduction equivalent of the tentative nonrefundable credits for any taxable year is the amount which (if allowed as a deduction for the taxable year) would reduce the tax liability (as defined in section 26(b)) for the taxable year by an amount equal to the tentative nonrefundable credits. ``(C) Tentative nonrefundable credits.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `tentative nonrefundable credits' means the amount of the credits which would have been allowable under part IV of subchapter A of this chapter for the taxable year (other than the credit allowable under section 34) if no deduction were allowable under section 231. ``(4) Adjustment for corporate minimum tax.--If tax is imposed by section 55 on the corporation for any taxable year, taxable income for the succeeding taxable year shall be increased by an amount equal to \35/100\ of the amount of tax so imposed. ``(5) Dividend paid deduction not taken into account.-- Taxable income shall be determined without regard to the deduction allowed under section 231. ``SEC. 233. INELIGIBLE CORPORATIONS. ``(a) General Rule.--No deduction shall be allowed under section 231 with respect to any dividend paid by-- ``(1) a regulated investment company, ``(2) a real estate investment trust, ``(3) an S corporation, ``(4) any organization taxable under subchapter T of this chapter (relating to cooperative organizations), or ``(5) a FSC or DISC. ``(b) Foreign Corporations.--In the case of a foreign corporation-- ``(1) no deduction shall be allowed under section 231 for dividends paid by such corporation during any taxable year unless the corporation meets the requirements of section 245(a) for such taxable year, ``(2) only adjusted taxable income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States and attributable to the uninterrupted period referred to in section 245(a) shall be added to the qualified dividend account, and ``(3) any distribution shall be treated as made ratably out of income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States and other income. ``SEC. 234. SPECIAL RULES. ``(a) Certain Distributions Not Treated as Dividends.--For purposes of this subpart, the term `dividend' does not include-- ``(1) any distribution in redemption of stock, in liquidation, or in a reorganization (whether or not such distribution is treated as a distribution to which section 301 applies), and ``(2) any dividend described in section 244 (relating to dividends received on certain preferred stock). ``(b) Deduction Not Taken Into Account for Purposes of Certain Limitations Based on Taxable Income.--For purposes of sections 246(c), 613, 613A, and 593, taxable income shall be determined without regard to the deduction allowed under section 231. ``(c) Treatment of Dividends Received by 5-Percent Tax-Exempt Shareholders.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of part III of subchapter F (relating to taxation of unrelated business income of certain exempt organizations), any dividend received by a tax-exempt organization from a corporation in which such organization is a 5-percent shareholder shall be treated as unrelated business taxable income to the extent of the amount of the deduction allowable under section 231 to such corporation with respect to such dividend. Except as provided in regulations, the amount of such deduction shall be determined on the basis of the return filed by the corporation for the taxable year. ``(2) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection-- ``(A) 5-percent shareholder.--The term `5-percent shareholder' means any tax-exempt organization which owns (or is considered as owning within the meaning of section 318)-- ``(i) 5 percent or more (by value) of the outstanding stock of the corporation, or ``(ii) stock possessing 5 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all stock of the corporation. ``(B) Tax-exempt organization.--The term `tax- exempt organization' means any organization which is exempt from the tax imposed by this chapter. ``(C) Related entities.--A tax-exempt organization and 1 or more other tax-exempt organizations which have-- ``(i) significant common purposes and substantial common membership, or ``(ii) directly or indirectly substantial common direction or control, shall be treated as 1 tax-exempt organization for purposes of this paragraph. ``(d) Treatment of Subsequent Adjustments.--If there is any adjustment which affects the amount of the adjusted taxable income of a corporation for any taxable year (whether by reason of any carryback to such taxable year or otherwise) for purposes of this subpart and subpart B, the amount of such adjustment shall be treated as made as of the close of such taxable year. ``(e) Allocation of Qualified Dividend Account in Corporate Separations, Reorganizations, and Redemptions.--Adjustments similar to the adjustments provided in subsection (h) or (n)(7) of section 312 shall be made to the qualified dividend account in the case of a transaction described in either of such subsections. ``(f) Mutual Life Insurance Companies.-- ``(1) General rule.--In the case of a mutual life insurance company, for purposes of this subpart, 80 percent of the differential earnings amount (as defined in section 809(a)(3)) shall be treated as a dividend paid to a shareholder. ``(2) Regulations.--The Secretary may prescribe regulations applying rules consistent with this subpart to mutual life insurance companies. Such regulations may include rules treating an appropriate portion of the recomputed differential earnings amount (as defined in section 809(f)(3)) as an adjustment to the amount described in paragraph (1). ``Subpart B--Dividend Received Deduction ``Sec. 243. Dividends received by corporations. ``Sec. 244. Dividends received on certain preferred stock. ``Sec. 245. Dividends received from certain foreign corporations. ``Sec. 246. Rules applying to deductions for dividends received. ``Sec. 246A. Dividends received deduction reduced where portfolio stock is debt financed. ``Sec. 247. Dividends paid on certain preferred stock of public utilities.''. (b) Compensatory Withholding Tax on Dividends Paid to Nonresident Aliens or Foreign Corporations.-- (1) General rule.--Subpart D of part II of subchapter N of chapter 1 (relating to miscellaneous provisions) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new section: ``SEC. 899. ADDITIONAL TAX ON DIVIDENDS TO REFLECT DIVIDEND PAID DEDUCTION. ``(a) General Rule.--In addition to any tax imposed by section 871 or 881, there is hereby imposed a tax equal to 30.4 percent of the dividends received from sources within the United States by a nonresident alien individual or foreign corporation. ``(b) Tax Not To Apply to Shareholder's Effectively Connected Items.--The tax imposed by this section shall not apply to any dividend to the extent such dividend is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by the shareholder within the United States. ``(c) Corresponding Increase in Withholding Tax.--In the case of any dividend subject to tax under subsection (a), the tax imposed by section 1441 or 1442 (as the case may be) shall be increased by an amount equal to the applicable percentage of such dividend. ``(d) Exception for Certain Treaty Countries.--The tax imposed by subsection (a) shall not apply to any dividend paid to a resident or corporation of a foreign country during any period-- ``(1) in which an income tax treaty between such country and the United States is in effect, and ``(2) during which there is in effect a certification by the Secretary that-- ``(A) such income tax treaty has adequate provisions to prevent treaty shopping, and ``(B) if such foreign country imposes an income tax comparable to the tax imposed by this subtitle and grants relief from such tax to its residents, such country grants relief equivalent to that provided in section 231 with respect to dividends paid to United States persons. The requirements of paragraph (2) shall not apply to dividends paid before January 1, 1994.''. (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of part II of subchapter N of chapter 1 is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new item: ``Sec. 899. Additional tax on dividends to reflect dividend paid deduction.''. (c) Section 381 To Apply to Qualified Dividend Account.--Subsection (c) of section 381 (relating to items of the distributor or transferor corporation) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new paragraph: ``(27) Qualified dividend account.--Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the acquiring corporation shall take into account (to the extent proper to carry out the purposes of this section and subpart A of part VIII of subchapter B of this chapter) the qualified dividend account of the distributor or transferor corporation.''. (d) Clerical Amendment.--Part VIII of subchapter B of chapter 1 is amended by inserting after section 247 the following: ``Subpart C--Miscellaneous Provisions ``Sec. 248. Organizational expenditures. ``Sec. 249. Limitation on deduction of bond premium on repurchase.''.

Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the deduction for corporate interest payments by 20 percent. Excepts small corporations and farming businesses from such reduction. Allows corporations a deduction of 50 percent of the dividends paid during a taxable year. Limits such deduction to the amount in the qualified dividend account established by the corporation for the payment of such dividends. Prohibits the following corporations from using such deduction: (1) regulated investment companies; (2) real estate investment trusts; (3) an S corporation (certain small business corporations); (4) cooperative organizations; and (5) foreign sales corporations and domestic international sales corporations. Provides for an increase in the withholding tax on dividends paid to nonresident aliens or foreign corporations to reflect the dividend paid deduction. Requires, in the case of the acquisition of assets of a corporation by another corporation, that the acquiring corporation carryover the qualified dividend account.


SECTION 1. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) According to a 2003 Government Accountability Office report, even after accounting for factors such as occupation, industry, race, marital status, job tenure, and differing work patterns, all of which affect earnings, women are paid, on average, 80 cents compared to every dollar that men are paid. (2) According to the same report, the earnings gap between men and women has persisted without statistically significant changes for the past two decades. (3) According to a 2001 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the earnings gap among working men and women is widest among parents. (4) Some women choose to trade advancing in their careers or higher earnings for a job offering the flexibility to manage family responsibilities alongside work. (5) According to a 2001 Government Accountability Office study, in 1995 and 2000, female full-time managers earned less than their male counterparts. (6) According to the same study, in 7 of the 10 industries studied, the earnings gap between female and male full-time managers actually widened between 1995 and 2000. (7) Women make up 46 percent of the workforce but represent just 12 percent of all corporate officers. (8) A reason for the continuing earnings disparity might be discrimination as to which roles are considered acceptable for men and women and how women are viewed in the workplace. (9) According to the February 2004 Monthly Labor Review of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Labor projects that the United States work force is growing at a rate of 1 percent per year, in part due to the continually increased presence of women. SEC. 2. CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF WOMEN AND WORKPLACE POLICY. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Labor shall make a grant to an eligible university to establish the ``Center for the Study of Women and Workplace Policy'' (referred to in this Act as the ``Center''). (b) Use of Funds.-- (1) Compilation and analysis of data.--The Center established under subsection (a) shall compile and analyze available data and data sets on the difference between the earnings of men and women, including the Panel Study of Income Dynamic housed at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and to identify factors which affect differences in earnings. (2) Dissemination of findings.--The Center shall-- (A) disseminate its findings annually to the public, using a website and any other appropriate means; and (B) maintain a website to serve as a clearinghouse for the data and findings of relevant recent studies. (3) Best practices guides.--Each year, the Center shall publish one best practices guide, as follows: (A) Best practices guide for businesses.--Not later than one year after the Center is established under subsection (a), the Center shall publish a best practices guide for businesses containing recommended guidelines for-- (i) workplace equity; (ii) retaining women in the workplace; and (iii) promoting a family-friendly workplace. (B) Best practices guide for families.--Not later than one year after the publication of the best practices guide for businesses under subparagraph (A), the Center shall publish a best practices guide for families, containing information about-- (i) the policies of various employers relating to workplace equity, retaining women in the workplace, and promoting a family- friendly workplace; (ii) strategies for addressing inequity in the workplace; and (iii) recent findings on inequity in the workplace. (C) Subsequent editions.--The Center shall update, revise, and publish a subsequent edition of each of the best practices guides under subparagraphs (A) and (B) once every two years after the initial publication of each guide. (c) Eligible University.--In this Act, the term ``eligible university'' means a public university-- (1) with a school of public policy, a school of business, a center devoted to the education of women, and social research facilities; (2) at which research is conducted on-- (A) gender differences and levels of achievement in the careers of faculty members employed by institutions of higher education; (B) work experiences of non-tenure-track faculty members employed by such institutions; (C) policies of such institutions with respect to work and family for tenure-track faculty members; and (D) the number of women employed as chief executive officers and directors at large publicly-held companies; and (3) which has designed or is in the process of designing a national clearinghouse for information concerning gender differences and levels of achievement in the careers of faculty members and work and family policies and issues affecting faculty members which includes citations to research and examples of relevant policies and practices. (d) Report.--Not later than 12 months after receiving a grant under this Act, the recipient shall submit to the Secretary and to Congress a report documenting how the university used the grant funds and evaluating the level of success of the Center funded by the grant. (e) Amount of Grant.--For each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010, the Secretary shall provide a grant in the amount of $1,000,000 to an eligible university to carry out this Act.

Summary: Directs the Secretary of Labor to make a grant, to a public university with specified characteristics, to establish the Center for the Study of Women and Workplace Policy. Requires the Center to: (1) compile and analyze available data and data sets on the difference between the earnings of men and women, including the Panel Study of Income Dynamic housed at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and to identify factors which affect differences in earnings; and (2) disseminate findings, maintain a website as a clearinghouse, and publish an annual best practices guide.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Access to Capital Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. SECTION 7(A) BUSINESS LOANS. Section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2)(A)-- (A) in clause (i), by striking ``75 percent'' and inserting ``90 percent''; and (B) in clause (ii), by striking ``85 percent'' and inserting ``90 percent''; and (2) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``$1,500,000 (or if the gross loan amount would exceed $2,000,000'' and inserting ``$4,500,000 (or if the gross loan amount would exceed $5,000,000''. SEC. 3. LOW INTEREST REFINANCING UNDER THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS LOAN PROGRAM. Section 502(7) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 696(7)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(C) Refinancing not involving expansions.-- ``(i) In general.--A project that does not involve the expansion of a small business concern may include the refinancing of existing indebtedness if-- ``(I) the amount of the financing is not more than 80 percent of the value of the collateral for the financing; ``(II) the small business concern has been in operation for all of the 2- year period ending on the date of the financing; ``(III) the existing indebtedness was not incurred during the 2-year period ending on the date of the financing; ``(IV) the existing indebtedness is not subject to a guarantee by any Federal agency; and ``(V) for a loan for which the Administrator determines there will be an additional cost for making a loan that includes the refinancing of the existing indebtedness, the borrower agrees to pay a fee in an amount equal to the anticipated additional cost. ``(ii) No job creation goals.--A financing may be approved under this subparagraph regardless of whether the project meets the job creation goals under subsection (d) or (e) of section 501.''. SEC. 4. MICROLOANS. (a) Marketing, Management, and Technical Assistance Grants.-- Section 7(m)(4) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(m)(4)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A)-- (A) in the first sentence, by striking ``and subject to subparagraph (B)''; and (B) in the second sentence-- (i) by striking ``each intermediary meeting the requirements of subparagraph (B)'' and inserting ``an intermediary''; and (ii) by striking ``25 percent'' and inserting ``50 percent''; (2) by striking subparagraph (B); and (3) by striking subparagraph (C)(iii). (b) Microloan Amounts.--Section 7(m) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(m)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)(B)(iii), by striking ``$35,000'' and inserting ``$50,000''; (2) in paragraph (3)(E), by striking ``$35,000'' each place it appears and inserting ``$50,000''; and (3) in paragraph (11)(B), by striking ``$35,000'' and inserting ``$50,000''. SEC. 5. MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNTS UNDER 504 PROGRAM. Section 502(2)(A) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 696(2)(A)) is amended-- (1) in clause (i), by striking ``$1,500,000'' and inserting ``$5,000,000''; (2) in clause (ii), by striking ``$2,000,000'' and inserting ``$5,000,000''; and (3) in clause (iii), by striking ``$4,000,000'' and inserting ``$5,500,000''. SEC. 6. NEW MARKETS VENTURE CAPITAL COMPANY INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS. Section 355 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 689d) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Investment Limitations.-- ``(1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `covered New Markets Venture Capital company' means a New Markets Venture Capital company-- ``(A) granted final approval by the Administrator under section 354(e) on or after March 1, 2002; and ``(B) that has obtained a financing from the Administrator. ``(2) Limitation.--Except to the extent approved by the Administrator, a covered New Markets Venture Capital company may not acquire or issue commitments for securities under this title for any single enterprise in an aggregate amount equal to more than 10 percent of the sum of-- ``(A) the regulatory capital of the covered New Markets Venture Capital company; and ``(B) the total amount of leverage projected in the participation agreement of the covered New Markets Venture Capital.''. SEC. 7. EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGET OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH. Title VIII of division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5; 123 Stat. 176) is amended in the matter under the heading ``office of the director'' under the heading ``National Institutes of Health'' under the heading ``DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES'', by inserting after ``638(n)(1):'' the following: ``Provided further, That not later than September 30, 2010, of the amount appropriated under this heading, $150,000,000 shall be obligated to be expended with the programs of the National Institutes of Health described in the previous proviso:''. SEC. 8. BUSINESS STABILIZATION PROGRAM. Section 506(c) of division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5; 123 Stat. 157) is amended by striking ``but shall not include'' and all that follows through ``enactment of this Act''. SEC. 9. PROSPECTIVE REPEALS. (a) Amendments.-- (1) Section 7(a) business loans.--Section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (2)(A)-- (i) in clause (i), by striking ``90 percent'' and inserting ``75 percent''; and (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``90 percent'' and inserting ``85 percent''; and (B) in paragraph (3)(A), by striking ``$4,500,000'' and inserting ``$3,750,000''. (2) Low interest refinancing under the local development business loan program.--Section 502(7) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 696(7)) is amended by striking subparagraph (C). (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2010.

Summary: Small Business Access to Capital Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Act to increase maximum loan amounts under the following Small Business Administration (SBA) programs: (1) the section 7(a) (general small business loans) loan program; (2) the Microloan (small-scale loans to start-up, newly-established, and growing small businesses) program; and (3) the section 504 (state and local development company) program. Amends provisions of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 relating to the local development business loan program to allow a small business borrower under such program to refinance a previous business debt, under specified conditions. Applies single-business investment limits to SBA-recognized new markets venture capital companies. Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to earmark certain Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funds for specified programs of the National Institutes of Health. Repeals as of October 1, 2010: (1) the increase in section 7(a) loan amounts; and (2) the business debt refinancing authority under the local development business loan program.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Commission on Fairness in the Workplace Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) there is an increasing trend toward the use of part- time workers; (2) part-time jobs often have no or limited health or pension benefits and few labor protections; (3) there is a trend toward the creation of more part-time jobs than full-time jobs; (4) questions have been raised regarding the impact of part-time employment on wage levels, benefits, earning potential, and productivity; and (5) a Federal commission should be established to conduct a thorough study of all matters relating to the impact of part- time employment on wage levels, benefits, earning potential, and productivity and to study the practice of providing different wage and benefit levels to part-time and full-time workers. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION. (a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be known as the National Commission on Fairness in the Workplace (hereafter referred to in this Act as the ``Commission''). (b) Membership.--The Commission shall be composed of 9 members of whom-- (1) 3 shall be appointed by the President; (2) 3 shall be appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate, upon the recommendation of the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate; and (3) 3 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in consultation with the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. (c) Period of Appointment; Vacancies.--Members shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. (d) Initial Meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission shall hold its first meeting as directed by the President. (e) Meetings.--After the initial meeting, the Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson. (f) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings. (g) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.--The Commission shall select a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among its members. SEC. 4. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. (a) Study.-- (1) In general.--The Commission shall conduct a comprehensive study of the impact of part-time employment in the United States. (2) Matters to be studied.--The matters to be studied by the Commission under paragraph (1) shall include-- (A) a review of the trend toward creation of more part-time than full-time jobs; (B) an assessment of the relationship between part- time work and wage levels, benefits, earning potential, and productivity; and (C) a review of the practice of providing different wage and benefit levels to part-time and full-time workers. (b) Report.--No later than 12 months after the Commission holds its first meeting, the Commission shall submit a report on the study to the President and Congress. The report shall contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as it considers appropriate. SEC. 5. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION. (a) Hearings.--The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out its duties of this Act. (b) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. Upon request of the Chairperson of the Committee, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission. SEC. 6. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS. (a) Compensation of Members.--Each member of the Commission who is not otherwise an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Commission. Each member of the Commission who is otherwise an officer or employee of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for services as an officer or employee of the United States. (b) Travel Expenses.--The members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of service for the Commission. (c) Staff.-- (1) In general.--The Chairperson of the Commission may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties. The employment and termination of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by a majority of the members of the Commission. (2) Compensation.--The executive director shall be compensated at a rate not to exceed the rate payable for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code. The Chairperson may fix the compensation of other personnel without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for such personnel may not exceed the rate payable for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. (3) Detail of government employees.--Any Federal Government employee, with the approval of the head of the appropriate Federal agency, may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status, benefits, or privilege. (d) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--The Chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. Any sums appropriated shall remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until expended. SEC. 8. TERMINATION. The Commission shall terminate 30 days after submission of its report under section 4(b).

Summary: National Commission on Fairness in the Workplace Act - Establishes the National Commission on Fairness in the Workplace, which shall conduct a comprehensive study of the impact of part-time employment in the United States, including: (1) a review of the trend toward creation of more part-time than full-time jobs; (2) an assessment of the relationship between part-time work and wage levels, benefits, earning potential, and productivity; and (3) a review of the practice of providing different wage and benefit levels to part-time and full-time workers. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Propane Education and Research Act of 1993''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds that-- (1) propane gas, or liquefied petroleum gas, is an essential energy commodity providing heat, hot water, cooking fuel, and motor fuel among its many uses to millions of Americans; (2) the use of propane is especially important to rural citizens and farmers, offering an efficient and economical source of gas energy; (3) propane has been recognized as a clean fuel and can contribute in many ways to reducing the pollution in our cities and towns; and (4) propane is primarily domestically produced and its use provides energy security and jobs for Americans. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. For the purposes of this Act-- (1) the term ``Council'' means the Propane Education and Research Council created pursuant to section 4 of this Act; (2) the term ``industry'' means those persons involved in the production, transportation, and sale of propane, and in the manufacture and distribution of propane utilization equipment, in the United States; (3) the term ``industry trade association'' means an organization exempt from tax, under section 501(c)(3) or (6) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, representing the propane industry; (4) the term ``odorized propane'' means propane which has had odorant added to it; (5) the term ``producer'' means the owner of the propane at the time it is recovered at a manufacturing facility; (6) the term ``propane'' means a hydrocarbon whose chemical composition is predominantly C3H8, whether recovered from natural gas or crude oil; (7) the term ``public member'' means a member of the Council, other than a representative of producers or retail marketers, representing significant users of propane, public safety officials, academia, the propane research community, or other groups knowledgeable about propane; (8) the term ``qualified industry organization'' means the National Propane Gas Association, the Gas Processors Association, a successor association of such associations, or a group of retail marketers or producers who collectively represent 25 percent of the volume of propane sold or produced in the United States; (9) the term ``retail marketer'' means a person engaged primarily in the sale of odorized propane to the ultimate consumer or to retail propane dispensers; (10) the term ``retail propane dispenser'' means a person who sells odorized propane to the ultimate consumer but is not engaged primarily in the business of such sales; and (11) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy. SEC. 4. REFERENDA. (a) Creation of Program.--The Secretary shall conduct a referendum as soon as possible among producers and retail marketers to authorize the creation of the Propane Education and Research Council and the levying of an assessment on odorized propane. Voting rights in such referendum shall be based on the volume of propane sold or produced in the previous calendar year or other representative period. Upon approval of those persons representing two-thirds of the total volume of propane voted in the retail marketer class and two-thirds of all propane voted in the producer class, the Secretary shall issue an order establishing the Council. All persons voting in the referendum shall certify to the Secretary the volume of propane represented by their vote. (b) Termination.--On the Secretary's own initiative, or on petition of the Council or of producers and retail marketers representing 35 percent of the volume of propane in each class, the Secretary shall hold a referendum to determine whether the industry favors termination or suspension of the order issued under subsection (a). Termination or suspension shall not take effect unless it is approved by persons representing more than one-half of the total volume of odorized propane in the retail marketer class and more than one-half of the total volume of propane in the producer class. SEC. 5. PROPANE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH COUNCIL. (a) Appointment of Members.--Upon issuance of an order by the Secretary under section 4(a) establishing the Propane Education and Research Council, the Secretary shall select all retail marketer and producer members of the Council from a list of nominees submitted by qualified industry organizations. Nominees need not be members of a qualified industry organization. The public members of the Council shall be appointed by the Secretary. Vacancies in unfinished terms of Council members shall be filled in the same manner as were the original appointments. (b) Representation.--In making nominations and appointments to the Council, the qualified industry organizations and the Secretary shall give due regard to selecting a Council that is representative of the industry, including representation of-- (1) gas processors and oil refiners among producers; (2) interstate and intrastate operators among retail marketers; (3) large and small companies among producers and retail marketers; and (4) diverse geographic regions of the country. (c) Membership.--The Council shall consist of 21 members, with 9 members representing retail marketers, 9 members representing producers, and 3 public members. Other than the public members, Council members shall be full-time employees or owners of businesses in the industry. No employee of a qualified industry organization or other industry trade association shall serve as a member of the Council, and no member of the Council may serve concurrently as an officer of the Board of Directors of a qualified industry organization or other industry trade association. Only one person at a time from any company or its affiliate may serve on the Council. (d) Compensation.--Council members shall receive no compensation for their services, nor shall Council members be reimbursed for expenses relating to their service, except that public members, upon request, may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses directly related to their participation in Council meetings. (e) Terms.--Council members shall serve terms of 3 years and may serve not more than 2 full terms. Members filling unexpired terms may serve not more than a total of 7 years. Former members of the Council may be returned to the Council if they have not been members for a period of 2 years. Initial appointments to the Council shall be for terms of 1, 2, and 3 years, staggered to provide for the election of 7 members each year. (f) Functions.--The Council shall develop programs and projects and enter into contracts or agreements for implementing this Act, including programs to enhance consumer safety, to provide for research and development of clean and efficient propane utilization equipment, to inform and educate the public, to develop and preserve markets for propane, and to provide for the payment of the costs thereof with funds collected pursuant to this Act. The Council shall coordinate its activities with industry trade association and others as appropriate to provide efficient delivery of services and to avoid unnecessary duplication of activities. (g) Administration.--The Council shall select from among its members a Chairman and other officers as necessary, may establish committees and subcommittees of the Council, and shall adopt rules and bylaws for the conduct of business and the implementation of this Act. The Council shall establish procedures for the solicitation of industry comment and recommendations on any significant plans, programs, and projects to be funded by the Council. The Council may establish advisory committees of persons other than Council members. (h) Employees; Administrative Expenses.--The Council may employ a person to serve as Chief Executive Officer and such other employees as it considers necessary. The Council shall determine the compensation and duties of each employee, and shall protect the handling of Council funds through fidelity bonds. The administrative expenses of operating the Council shall not exceed 10 percent of the funds collected in any fiscal year. (i) Budget.--Before August 1 each year, the Council shall publish for industry review and comment a budget plan for the next calendar year, including the probable costs of all programs, projects, and contracts and a recommended rate of assessment sufficient to cover such costs. Following this review and comment, the Council shall submit the proposed budget to the Secretary. The Secretary shall recommend any changes the Secretary considers appropriate to the budget after an opportunity for public comment. (j) Records; Audits.--The Council shall keep minutes, books, and records that clearly reflect all of the acts and transactions of the Council and regularly report such information to the Secretary, along with such other information as the Secretary may require. The books of the Council shall be audited by a certified public accountant at least once each fiscal year and at such other times as the Council may designate. Copies of such audit shall be provided to the Secretary, all members of the Council, all qualified industry organizations, and to other members of the industry upon request. The Secretary shall receive notice of meetings and may require reports on the activities of the Council, as well as reports on compliance, violations, and complaints regarding the implementation of this Act. (k) Reimbursement of Federal Expenses.--From assessments collected, the Council shall annually reimburse the Secretary for costs incurred in holding the referendum establishing the Council, making appointments to the Council, and other expenses directly related to the Council, not in excess of the cost of three employee years, as determined by the Secretary. SEC. 6. ASSESSMENTS. (a) Amount.--The Council shall set the initial assessment at no greater than one tenth of 1 cent per gallon of odorized propane. Thereafter, annual assessments shall be sufficient to cover the costs of the plans and programs developed by the Council. The assessment shall not be greater than one-half cent per gallon of odorized propane, unless approved by a majority of those voting in a referendum in both the producer and the retail marketer class. The assessment may not be raised by more than one tenth of 1 cent per gallon of odorized propane annually. (b) Ownership.--The owner of odorized propane at the time of odorization, or the time of import of odorized propane, shall pay the assessment based on the volume of odorized propane sold and placed into commerce. Assessments are payable to the Council on a monthly basis by the 25th of the month following the month of such sale. Propane exported from the United States to another country is not subject to the assessment. (c) Alternative Collection Rules.--The Secretary may by regulation, with the concurrence of the Council, establish an alternative means of collecting the assessment if another means is found to be more efficient and effective. The Secretary may by regulation establish a late payment charge and rate of interest to be imposed on any person who fails to remit, collect, or pay to the Council any amount due under this Act. (d) Investment of Funds.--Pending disbursement pursuant to a program, plan, or project, the Council may invest funds collected through assessments, and any other funds received by the Council, only in obligations of the United States or any agency thereof, in general obligations of any State or any political subdivision thereof, in any interest-bearing account or certificate of deposit of a bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System, or in obligations fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States. (e) State Programs.--After consultation with the Council, the Secretary may by regulation establish a program coordinating the operation of the Council with those of any State propane education and research council or similar entity created by State law. This may include a joint or coordinated assessment collection process, a reduced assessment, or an assessment rebate. If adopted, the reduction in assessment or rebate may be in an amount not to exceed 20 percent of the regular assessment collected in that State under this section. Assessment rebates shall be paid only to a State propane education and research council or similar entity that meets the requirements established by the Council, and only for specific projects approved by the Council. SEC. 7. ENFORCEMENT. (a) Cease and Desist Orders; Civil Penalties.--The Secretary, after providing notice and an opportunity for hearing, may, with respect to any person who violates any provision of this Act or any plan, regulation, or order issued under this Act-- (1) issue an order requiring that person to cease and desist from continuing such violation; and (2) assess a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for each such violation. Each day during which a violation continues shall be considered a separate violation. (b) Investigatory Powers.--In order to carry out this Act, the Secretary may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, and documents which are relevant to the inquiry. Such attendance of witnesses and the production of any such records may be required from any place in the United States. The district courts of the United States may punish a failure to comply with a subpoena issued under this subsection as a contempt of the court. SEC. 8. LOBBYING RESTRICTIONS. No funds collected by the Council shall be used in any manner for influencing legislation or elections, except that the Council may recommend to the Secretary changes in this Act or other statutes that would further the purposes of this Act. SEC. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. Nothing in this Act may be construed to preempt or supersede any other program relating to propane education and research organized and operated under the laws of the United States or any State. SEC. 10. ISSUANCE OF REGULATIONS. Within 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations for the implementation of this Act. The Secretary may require such reports or documentation as is necessary to document the referendum process and the nomination process for members of the Council and shall protect the confidentiality of all such documentation provided by industry members.

Summary: Propane Education and Research Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (the Secretary) to conduct a referendum among producers and retail marketers to authorize the creation of the Propane Education and Research Council and the levying of an assessment on odorized propane. Makes it the Council's mission to develop programs and enter into contracts for: (1) propane research and development; (2) consumer education; (3) propane market development; and (4) payment for program costs with funds collected under this Act. Prescribes guidelines under which the Council shall set annual assessments to cover program costs. Authorizes the Secretary to establish a program to coordinate Council operations with any State propane education and research council. Proscribes the use of Council funds for lobbying activities. Directs the Secretary to issue implementation regulations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Renewable Energy Act for Credit on Taxes''. SEC. 2. REFUNDABLE CREDIT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY PROPERTY. (a) In General.--Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to refundable credits) is amended by redesignating section 35 as section 36 and by inserting after section 34 the following new section: ``SEC. 35. RENEWABLE ENERGY PROPERTY. ``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to 35 percent of the expenditures for renewable energy property made by the taxpayer during the taxable year. ``(b) Limitation.-- ``(1) Maximum credit.--The credit allowed under subsection (a) shall not exceed the lesser of-- ``(A) $6,000 ($50,000 in the case of renewable energy property used for nonresidential business purposes) for each system of renewable energy property, or ``(B) $4.50 per watt of rated system electricity output or equivalent. ``(2) Location of structure.--No expenditure may be taken into account under this section unless such expenditure is made by the taxpayer for property installed on or in connection with a structure which is located in the United States. ``(3) Rating system electricity output.--For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), the rated system electricity output or equivalent for-- ``(A) solar water heating property shall be the output determined by the Secretary on the basis of evidence acceptable to the Secretary which is submitted by manufacturers of such property and which includes information relating to one year of reliable operation of such property, ``(B) photovoltaic property shall be the output certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory as meeting the requirements of the Underwriters Laboratory Standard 1703, ``(C) wind energy property shall be the output-- ``(i) certified as meeting the requirements of a small wind turbine-specific safety or performance standard adopted by a national or international standards setting body, including International Electric Code 61400-2, or ``(ii) determined by the Secretary on the basis of evidence acceptable to the Secretary which is submitted by manufacturers of such property and which includes information relating to one year of reliable operation of such property at a site with average annual wind speeds of at least 12 miles per hour, and ``(D) fuel cell property shall be the output certified as meeting the requirements specified by the American Gas Association in document entitled `AGA Requirements for Fuel Cell Power Plants', No. 8-90. The Secretary shall determine who makes the certifications for purposes of subparagraphs (C)(i) and (D). ``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Renewable energy property.--The term `renewable energy property' means property which is-- ``(A) qualified solar water heating property, ``(B) qualified photovoltaic property, ``(C) qualified wind energy property, or ``(D) qualified fuel cell property. ``(2) Qualified solar water heating property.--The term `qualified solar water heating property' means property that uses solar energy to heat water for use in a structure with respect to which a majority of the energy is derived from the sun. ``(3) Qualified photovoltaic property.--The term `qualified photovoltaic property' means property that uses solar energy to generate electricity for use in a structure. ``(4) Solar panels.--No expenditure relating to a solar panel or other property installed as a roof (or portion thereof) shall fail to be treated as property described in paragraph (2) or (3) solely because it constitutes a structural component of the structure on which it is installed. ``(5) Qualified wind energy property.--The term `qualified wind energy property' means property which uses wind energy to generate electricity for use in a structure. ``(6) Qualified fuel cell property.--The term `qualified fuel cell property' means property which uses an electrochemical process to generate electricity for use in a structure. ``(7) Labor costs.--Expenditures for labor costs properly allocable to the onsite preparation, assembly, or original installation of the property described in paragraph (2), (3), (5), or (6) and for piping or wiring to interconnect such property to the dwelling unit shall be taken into account for purposes of this section. ``(d) Special Rules.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Dollar amounts in case of joint occupancy.--In the case of any structure which is jointly occupied and used during any calendar year by 2 or more persons the following shall apply: ``(A) The amount of the credit allowable under subsection (a) by reason of expenditures (as the case may be) made during such calendar year by any of such persons with respect to such structure shall be determined by treating all of such persons as 1 taxpayer whose taxable year is such calendar year. ``(B) There shall be allowable with respect to such expenditures to each of such person, a credit under subsection (a) for the taxable year in which such calendar year ends in an amount which bears the same ratio to the amount determined under subparagraph (A) as the amount of such expenditures made by such person during such calendar year bears to the aggregate of such expenditures made by all of such persons during such calendar year. ``(2) Tenant-stockholder in cooperative housing corporation.--In the case of an individual who is a tenant- stockholder (as defined in section 216) in a cooperative housing corporation (as defined in such section), such individual shall be treated as having made his tenant- stockholder's proportionate share (as defined in section 216(b)(3)) of any expenditures of such corporation. ``(3) Condominiums.-- ``(A) In general.--In the case of an individual who is a member of a condominium management association with respect to a condominium which he owns, such individual shall be treated as having made his proportionate share of any expenditures of such association. ``(B) Condominium management association.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term `condominium management association' means an organization which meets the requirements of paragraph (1) of section 528(c) (other than subparagraph (E) thereof) with respect to a condominium project substantially all of the units of which are used as residences. ``(4) Joint ownership of items of renewable energy property.-- ``(A) In general.--Any expenditure otherwise qualifying as an expenditure described in paragraph (2), (3), (5), or (6) of subsection (c) shall not be treated as failing to so qualify merely because such expenditure was made with respect to 2 or more structures. ``(B) Limits applied separately.--In the case of any expenditure described in subparagraph (A), the amount of the credit allowable under subsection (a) shall (subject to paragraph (1)) be computed separately with respect to the amount of the expenditure made for each structure. ``(5) Allocation in certain cases.--If 80 percent or more of the use of an item is for residential purposes, then the item shall be treated as used only for residential purposes. ``(6) When expenditure made; amount of expenditure.-- ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an expenditure with respect to an item shall be treated as made when the original installation of the item is completed. ``(B) Expenditures part of building construction.-- In the case of an expenditure in connection with the construction or reconstruction of a structure, such expenditure shall be treated as made when the original use of the constructed or reconstructed structure by the taxpayer begins. ``(C) Amount.--The amount of any expenditure shall be the cost thereof. ``(7) Reduction of credit for grants, tax-exempt bonds, and subsidized energy financing.--The rules of section 29(b)(3) shall apply for purposes of this section. ``(8) Denial of double benefit.--No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) for any expense for which a deduction or credit is allowed under any other provision of this chapter. ``(e) Basis Adjustments.--For purposes of this subtitle, if a credit is allowed under this section for any expenditure with respect to any property, the increase in the basis of such property which would (but for this subsection) result from such expenditure shall be reduced by the amount of the credit so allowed. ``(f) Termination.--The credit allowed under this section shall not apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006.''. (b) Conforming and Technical Amendments.-- (1) Subsection (a) of section 1016 of such Code is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (26), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (27) and inserting ``; and'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(28) to the extent provided in section 35(e), in the case of amounts with respect to which a credit has been allowed under section 35.'' (2) Paragraph (2) of section 1324(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``or from section 35 of such Code'' before the period at the end. (3) The table of sections for such subpart C is amended by striking the item relating to section 35 and inserting the following new items: ``Sec. 35. Renewable energy property. ``Sec. 36. Overpayment of taxes.'' (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2001.

Summary: Renewable Energy Act for Credit on Taxes - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable limited credit through tax year 2006 for expenditures for qualifying renewable energy property (solar water heating, photovoltaic, wind energy, or fuel cell properties) installed on or in connection with a U.S.-sited residential or nonresidential structure.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Census Improvement Act''. SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN PLANNING PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM FOR THE 2010 CENSUS. (a) In General.--Participation in the Planning Partnership Program for the 2010 census of population shall not be allowed in the case of-- (1) an organization which has been indicted for a violation under Federal or State law relating to an election for Federal or State office; or (2) an organization which employs applicable individuals. (b) Applicable Individual Defined.--For purposes of this section, the term ``applicable individual'' means an individual who-- (1) is-- (A) employed by the organization in a permanent or temporary capacity; (B) contracted or retained by the organization; or (C) acting on behalf of, or with the express or apparent authority of, the organization; and (2) has been indicted for a violation under Federal or State law relating to an election for Federal or State office. (c) State Defined.--For purposes of this section, the term ``State'' includes the District of Columbia. SEC. 3. TWO-THIRDS VOTE REQUIRED TO REPEAL OR OTHERWISE LIMIT PROVISIONS RELATING TO CONFIDENTIALITY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION. (a) Rulemaking Power.--The succeeding provisions of this section are enacted by Congress-- (1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, and as such shall be deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, and shall supersede other rules only to the extent that they are inconsistent with such other rules; and (2) with the full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedures of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as any other rule of that House. (b) Voting Requirement.--No bill or joint resolution, amendment, or conference report containing a provision which would have the effect of repealing, suspending, or otherwise limiting the application of section 9 of title 13, United States Code (relating to information as confidential; exception) shall be considered as passed or agreed to, by either House of Congress, unless so passed or agreed to by a vote of not less than two-thirds of the Members of such House voting. SEC. 4. REVIEW AND REPORT TO CONGRESS. (a) In General.--Not later than 6 months after the deadline for the submission described in subsection (c), the Government Accountability Office shall review and report to Congress on the questions proposed to be included in the 2010 census of population and the American Community Survey (next scheduled to be carried out after the end of the 6-month period beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act). (b) Requirements.--In carrying out this section, the Government Accountability Office shall specifically address-- (1) the reasons for each question proposed to be included in the survey or census and the purposes for which the information obtained from respondents is likely to be used; (2) alternative means by which the same information could be obtained other than by inclusion in such census or survey, as the case may be; and (3) the relative advantages and disadvantages of obtaining the information through a census or survey (as the case may be) as compared to the alternative means referred to in paragraph (2). (c) Submission of Questions.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the Government Accountability Office-- (1) a copy of each question proposed to be included in the upcoming American Community Survey (as described in subsection (a)) and the 2010 census of population; and (2) with respect to each question under paragraph (1), the views of the Secretary of Commerce (or designee) with respect to paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (b). SEC. 5. PRACTICE OF SEEKING ANSWERS TO SURVEY OR CENSUS QUESTIONS FROM NON-HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS NO LONGER ALLOWED. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no officer, employee, or other person referred to in subchapter II of chapter 1 of title 13, United States Code, may, in the conduct of the American Community Survey or the 2010 census of population, seek answers to any questions relating to any household or any member of such household from any person who is not a member of such household. (b) Implementation.--The Secretary of Commerce shall take such measures as may be necessary to provide for the implementation of subsection (a). SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act-- (1) the term ``census of population'' has the meaning given such term by section 141(g) of title 13, United States Code; and (2) the term ``Member'' means a Member of Congress, as defined by section 2106 of title 5, United States Code.

Summary: Census Improvement Act - Prohibits any organization that has been indicted for a violation of law relating to an election for federal or state office or that employs or otherwise uses the services of an individual who has been indicted for such a violation from participating in the Planning Partnership Program for the 2010 census of population. Provides that no bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report containing a provision which would have the effect of limiting the application of provisions regarding the confidentiality of census information shall be considered as passed or agreed to by either chamber of Congress except by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members voting. Requires: (1) the Secretary of Commerce to submit to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) a copy of each question proposed to be included in the 2010 census and the American Community Survey; (2) GAO to review and report to Congress on such questions; and (3) the Secretary to include his or her views on, and GAO to specifically address, the reasons for each question, the purposes for which the information obtained is likely to be used, alternative means by which the same information could be obtained, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of obtaining the information through a census or survey. Prohibits any person conducting the Survey or 2010 census from seeking answers to any questions relating to a household or any member of such household from any person who is not a member of that household.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Electronic Campaign Disclosure Act of 1998''. SEC. 2. MANDATORY ELECTRONIC PRESERVATION AND FILING OF FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION REPORTS; ACCESS THROUGH INTERNET SITE. (a) Electronic Filing Through the Internet.--Section 304(a)(11) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434(a)(11)) is amended to read as follows: ``(11)(A) Through a competitive bidding process, the Commission shall establish a public Internet site not later than January 1, 1999, with the following features: ``(i) Any person filing a report required by this Act may post the report directly on the site. ``(ii) Any member of the public may obtain the reports posted on the site (together with any other information the Commission may make available through the site) at any time. ``(iii) Any information in a report posted on the site shall be subject to the same prohibition on sale and use as information from a report or statement under paragraph (4). ``(iv) All information posted on the site shall be integrated in a manner which permits users to search the information across categories and sources. ``(B)(i) The Commission shall permit each person required to file a report under this Act to file the report by posting it directly on the Internet site established under subparagraph (A), or by filing it by such electronic method as the Commission may designate to enable the Commission to post the report on such site immediately upon receipt. ``(ii) The Commission shall require a person to file a report under this Act in accordance with the methods described in clause (i) during an election cycle if the aggregate amount of contributions or expenditures reported previously by the person during the cycle exceeds $25,000. ``(C) The Commission shall provide for one or more methods (other than requiring a signature on the report being filed) for verification of reports filed in accordance with the methods described in subparagraph (B)(i). Any verification under the preceding sentence shall be treated for all purposes (including penalties for perjury) in the same manner as a verification by signature. ``(D) As used in this paragraph, the term ``report'' means, with respect to the Commission, a report, designation, or statement required by this Act to be filed with the Commission.''. (b) Requiring Commission To Make Software Available.--Section 311(a) of such Act (2 U.S.C. 438(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (9); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (10) and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(11) through competitive bidding, obtain and provide for computer software required to carry out section 304(a)(11).''. (c) Internet Defined.--Section 301 of such Act (2 U.S.C. 431) is amended by striking paragraph (19) and inserting the following new paragraph: ``(19) The term `Internet' means the international computer network of both Federal and non-Federal interoperable packet-switched data networks.''. SEC. 3. REQUIRING REPORTING OF ALL CONTRIBUTIONS OF $100 OR MORE WITHIN 10 DAYS OF RECEIPT. Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d)(1) If a political committee is required under subsection (a)(11)(B)(ii) to file reports under this Act electronically during an election cycle, the committee shall file a report with the Commission listing each contribution of $100 or more received by the committee during the cycle after the date on which such subsection first applies to the committee. The committee shall file such report not later than 10 days after receipt, and shall include the identification of the contributor, the date of receipt and amount of the contribution, and (in the case of an authorized committee of a candidate) the name of the candidate and the office sought by the candidate. ``(2) The report required under this paragraph shall be in addition to all other reports required under this Act.''. SEC. 4. EXPANDING TYPES OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO PRINCIPAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEES SUBJECT TO EXPEDITED REPORTING; SHORTENING DEADLINE FOR REPORTING TO WITHIN 24 HOURS OF RECEIPT. Section 304(a)(6) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434(a)(6)) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: ``(B) In the case of a principal campaign committee which is required under subsection (a)(11)(B)(ii) to file reports under this Act electronically during an election cycle, subparagraph (A) shall apply with respect to any contribution received by the committee after the date on which such subsection first applies to the committee as if-- ``(i) the reference to `$1,000' were a reference to `$100'; ``(ii) the reference to `20th day' were a reference to `90th day'; and ``(iii) the reference in the second sentence to `48 hours' were a reference to `24 hours'.''. SEC. 5. ELECTION CYCLE DEFINED. Section 301 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 431) is amended by striking paragraph (19) and inserting the following new paragraph: ``(19) The term `election cycle' means-- ``(A) in the case of a candidate or the authorized committees of a candidate, the term beginning on the day after the date of the most recent general election for the specific office or seat which such candidate seeks and ending on the date of the next general election for such office or seat; or ``(B) for all other persons, the term beginning on the first day following the date of the last general election and ending on the date of the next general election.''. SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to elections occurring after January 1999.

Summary: Electronic Campaign Disclosure Act of 1998 - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) to require the Federal Election Commission to: (1) establish a specified public Internet site not later than January 1, 1999; (2) permit persons required to file reports under FECA to file such reports by directly posting them on the Internet site or by filing them electronically to enable the Commission to post reports on such site immediately upon receipt; (3) provide for one or more methods (other than requiring a signature on the reports being filed) for verification of reports filed in accordance with the methods described in the preceding; (4) require a person to file a report in accordance with the methods described during an election cycle if the aggregate amount of contributions and expenditures reported previously by the person during the cycle exceeds $25,000; and (5) obtain and provide for computer software required to carry out this Act through competitive bidding. Requires that if a political committee is required to file reports electronically during an election cycle, the committee shall file a report listing each contribution of $100 or more received by the committee not later than ten days after receipt and include the contributor's identification, the date of receipt and the contribution amount, and (in the case of a candidate's authorized committee) the candidate's name and the office sought by the candidate. Expands the types of contributions required to be reported by principal campaign committees subject to the mandatory electronic reporting requirements under this Act and changes the deadline for reporting such contributions by any authorized committee of a candidate.