SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Global Autism Assistance Act of 2008''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) In February 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data indicating that-- (A) the occurrence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) increased between 1996 and 2006 from an estimated 1 in 500 to an estimated 1 in 150; and (B) the behaviors of children who were classified as suffering from ASD were consistent with the DSM-IV- TR criteria for Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder--Not Otherwise Specified. (2) Autism is a complex neurological disorder that affects individuals in the areas of social interaction and communication. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, it affects each individual differently and to varying degrees of severity. (3) People afflicted with autism process and respond to information in unique ways. In some cases, coexisting medical issues may be present and aggressive or self-injurious behavior may occur. (4) The increased number of children diagnosed with autism is a growing and urgent concern for families, healthcare professionals, and educators. Health and education systems struggle to respond to the needs of the autistic population in a comprehensive manner. (5) The prevalence of autism in developing countries is growing rapidly. Health and education systems in these countries are particularly ill-equipped to deal with the issues surrounding this growth. According to expert estimates, there are approximately 2,500,000 people with an autism spectrum disorder in China and approximately 2,000,000 with such disorder in India. Although reliable statistics are difficult to come by, a large number of these people are believed to be children. (6) Children with autism who receive intensive and appropriate educational services before 5 years of age often make significant functional improvements. In the United States, significant efforts are being pursued to expand early diagnosis and the provision of these services. (7) In a November 2007 report on the identification, evaluation, and management of children with autism, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that all children should be screened twice for autism before 2 years of age, even if the children have no recognizable symptoms. (8) Early screening and services for autism are sorely lacking in most of the developing world. United States expertise could be used to significantly aid children and families in developing countries for relatively small costs. SEC. 3. AUTISM DEFINED. In this Act, the term ``autism'' means all conditions consistent with the autism spectrum disorders described in section 2(1). SEC. 4. GLOBAL AUTISM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. (a) Establishment and Purpose.--The Administrator, United States Agency for International Development (referred to in this section as the ``Administrator'') shall establish and administer a health and education grant program, to be known as the ``Global Autism Assistance Program'', to-- (1) support activities described in subsection (c)(2) by nongovernmental organizations and other service providers, including advocacy groups, focused on treating autism in developing countries; and (2) establish the ``teach the teachers'' program described in subsection (d) to train health and education professionals working with children with autism in developing countries. (b) Designation of Eligible Regions.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with knowledgeable autism organizations, such as the World Autism Organization, the Autism Society of America, and Autism Speaks, shall designate not fewer than 2 regions in developing countries that the Administrator determines-- (1) require assistance in dealing with autism; and (2) have health and education professionals who are sufficiently familiar with issues related to autism to make effective use of the Global Autism Assistance Program. (c) Selection of Implementing Nongovernmental Organization.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the designation of eligible regions under subsection (b), the Administrator shall select and provide funding to a nongovernmental organization with experience in autism-related issues to implement the Global Autism Assistance Program by awarding grants to local service providers and advocacy groups focused on autism. (2) Support and assistance.--The implementing nongovernmental organization selected under paragraph (1) shall provide, contract for, and coordinate technical assistance in support of its mission in meeting the goals and purposes of this Act. (3) Activities.--A local service provider or advocacy group shall use grant funds received under paragraph (1) to carry out any of the following activities: (A) Education and outreach to the public.--Use public service announcements and other public media to help the public become more aware of the signs of autism so that children with autism can be diagnosed and treated earlier. (B) Support to families.--Develop resources for families, such as online Internet resource centers in local languages. Disseminate materials to parents of newly diagnosed children, such as information contained in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's publication entitled ``Learn the Signs, Act Early'' and other suitable alternatives. Disseminate educational aids and guides to help parents with their children's development. (C) Support to educational institutions.--Provide funding for schools or other educational institutions, focusing on teachers of the youngest students. Distribute equipment or materials referred to in subparagraph (B). (D) Support to clinics and medical centers.-- Provide funding to clinics and medical centers with proven records in addressing autism to assist with operating expenses, including personnel, equipment supplies, and facilities. Develop assessment testing for autism. Acquire specialized equipment, such as augmentative communication devices. (E) Translation.--Translate relevant English- language publications into the local languages spoken in the eligible regions designated pursuant to subsection (b). (4) Applications for grants.-- (A) Submission of applications.--A local service provider or advocacy group desiring a grant under this subsection shall submit an application to the implementing nongovernmental organization at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as such organization may require. (B) Establishment of screening board.-- (i) In general.--The implementing nongovernmental organization selected under paragraph (1) shall establish a screening board, to be known as the ``Project Advisory Board'', to review and evaluate applications from local service providers or advocacy groups submitted under subparagraph (A). (ii) Membership.-- (I) Appointment of voting members.--The implementing nongovernmental organization, in consultation with the Administrator, shall appoint at least 7 voting members of the Project Advisory Board who are members of autism advocacy groups, professionals working with autism, or otherwise associated with the autism community, including-- (aa) at least 2 parents from different families of individuals with autism; (bb) at least 1 medical professional working with autism; (cc) at least 1 teacher of individuals with autism; and (dd) at least 1 individual who has autism. (II) Terms.--Each member appointed under subclause (I)-- (aa) shall serve for a term of 1 year; (bb) may serve up to 3 consecutive terms; and (cc) may continue to serve after the expiration of the term of such member until such time as a successor is appointed. (III) Selection criteria.--In appointing members to the Project Advisory Board under subclause (I), the implementing nongovernmental organization shall attempt to-- (aa) ensure objectivity and balance; (bb) reduce the potential for conflicts of interest; and (cc) include individuals with experience working in the developing world. (IV) Appointment of non-voting members.--The Administrator shall appoint as many non-voting members to the Project Advisory Board as the Administrator determines appropriate. (d) Teach the Teachers.-- (1) In general.--The implementing nongovernmental organization, acting on behalf of the Administrator and in consultation with the Project Advisory Board, shall establish a program, to be known as the ``Teach the Teachers Program'', to-- (A) identify health and education professionals to receive specialized training for teaching and working with youth with autism, including training conducted in 2- or 3-day workshops at locations within 1 of the 2 regions designated pursuant to subsection (b); and (B) conduct training through 2- or 3-day biomedical conferences in the 2 regions designated pursuant to subsection (b), including-- (i) bringing medical and psychological specialists from the United States to train and educate parents and health professionals who deal with autism; (ii) training related to biomedical interventions that can affect autism; (iii) training on how nutrition and various metabolic issues can impact behavior; (iv) training on the role of applied behavioral analysis; and (v) various occupational and speech therapies in fighting autism. (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section-- (1) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; (2) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2010; and (3) $4,000,000 for fiscal year 2011.

Summary: Global Autism Assistance Act of 2008 - Directs the Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish and administer a health and education grant program (Global Autism Assistance Program) to: (1) support activities by nongovernmental organizations and other service providers, including advocacy groups, focused on autism in developing countries; and (2) establish a "teach the teachers" program to train health and education professionals working with autistic children in developing countries.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. REGULATION OF OVER-THE-COUNTER HEARING AIDS. (a) In General.--Section 520 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360j) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(p) Regulation of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids.-- ``(1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `over-the- counter hearing aid' means a device-- ``(A) that uses the same fundamental scientific technology as air conduction hearing aids (as defined in section 874.3300 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations) (or any successor regulation) or wireless air conduction hearing aids (as defined in section 874.3305 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations) (or any successor regulation); ``(B) that is intended to be used by adults over the age of 18 to compensate for perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment; ``(C) that, through tools, tests, or software, allows the user to control the over-the-counter hearing aid and customize it to the user's hearing needs; ``(D) that may-- ``(i) use wireless technology; or ``(ii) include tests for self-assessment of hearing loss; and ``(E) that is available over-the-counter, without the supervision, prescription, or other order, involvement, or intervention of a licensed person, to consumers through in-person transactions, by mail, or online. ``(2) Regulation.--An over-the-counter hearing aid shall be subject to the regulations promulgated in accordance with section 2(b) of the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 and shall be exempt from sections 801.420 and 801.421 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulations).''. (b) Regulations To Establish Category.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the ``Secretary''), not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, shall promulgate proposed regulations to establish a category of over-the-counter hearing aids, as defined in subsection (p) of section 520 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360j) as amended by subsection (a), and, not later than 180 days after the date on which the public comment period on the proposed regulations closes, shall issue such final regulations. (2) Requirements.--In promulgating the regulations under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall-- (A) include requirements that provide reasonable assurances of the safety and efficacy of over-the- counter hearing aids; (B) include requirements that establish or adopt output limits appropriate for over-the-counter hearing aids; (C) include requirements for appropriate labeling of the over-the-counter hearing aid, including how consumers may report adverse events, any conditions or contraindications, and any advisements to consult promptly with a licensed physician; and (D) describe the requirements under which the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids is permitted, without the supervision, prescription, or other order, involvement, or intervention of a licensed person, to consumers through in-person transactions, by mail, or online. (3) Premarket notification.--The Secretary shall make findings under section 510(m) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360(m)) to determine whether over-the- counter hearing aids (as defined in section 520(p) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360j), as amended by subsection (a)) require a report under section 510(k) to provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. (4) Effect on state law.--No State or local government shall establish or continue in effect any law, regulation, order, or other requirement specifically applicable to hearing products that would restrict or interfere with the servicing, marketing, sale, dispensing, use, customer support, or distribution of over-the-counter hearing aids (as defined in section 520(p) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360j), as amended by subsection (a)) through in-person transactions, by mail, or online, that is different from, in addition to, or otherwise not identical to, the regulations promulgated under this subsection, including any State or local requirement for the supervision, prescription, or other order, involvement, or intervention of a licensed person for consumers to access over-the-counter hearing aids. (c) New Guidance Issued.--Not later than the date on which final regulations are issued under subsection (b), the Secretary shall update and finalize the draft guidance of the Department of Health and Human Services entitled, ``Regulatory Requirements for Hearing Aid Devices and Personal Sound Amplification Products'', issued on November 7, 2013. Such updated and finalized guidance shall clarify which products, on the basis of claims or other marketing, advertising, or labeling material, meet the definition of a device in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321) and which products meet the definition of a personal sound amplification product, as set forth in such guidance.

Summary: Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to categorize certain hearing aids as over-the-counter hearing aids and issue regulations regarding those hearing aids. The regulations for over-the-counter hearing aids must: (1) provide reasonable assurances of safety and efficacy; (2) establish output limits and labeling requirements; and (3) describe requirements for the sale of hearing aids in-person, by mail, or online, without a prescription. State and local governments may not establish or continue in effect requirements specifically applicable to hearing products that are not identical to FDA requirements and that restrict or interfere with the servicing or sale of over-the-counter hearing aids. The FDA must update and finalize its draft guidance on hearing products. The guidance must clarify which products are medical devices.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Worker Ownership, Readiness and Knowledge Act'' or the ``WORK Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. (a) In this Act: (1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of Employee Ownership and Participation. (2) Existing program.--The term ``existing program'' means a program, designed to promote employee ownership and employee participation in business decisionmaking, that exists on the date the Director is carrying out a responsibility authorized by this Act. (3) New program.--The term ``new program'' means a program, designed to promote employee ownership and employee participation in business decisionmaking, that does not exist on the date the Director is carrying out a responsibility authorized by this Act. (4) Office.--The term ``Office'' means the Office of Employee Ownership and Participation established under section 3. (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Labor. (6) State.--The term ``State'' means any of the 50 States within the United States of America. SEC. 3. OFFICE OF EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish within the Department of Labor an Office of Employee Ownership and Participation to promote employee ownership and employee participation in business decisionmaking. (b) Director.--The Secretary shall appoint a Director of Employee Ownership and Participation to head the Office. (c) Functions.--The functions of the Director are to-- (1) support within the States existing programs designed to promote employee ownership and employee participation in business decisionmaking; and (2) facilitate within the States the formation of new programs designed to promote employee ownership and employee participation in business decisionmaking. (d) Duties.--To carry out the functions enumerated in subsection (c), the Director shall-- (1) support new programs and existing programs by-- (A) making Federal grants authorized under section 5; and (B)(i) acting as a clearinghouse on techniques employed by new programs and existing programs within the States, and disseminating information relating to those techniques to the programs; or (ii) funding projects for information gathering on those techniques, and dissemination of that information to the programs, by groups outside the Office; and (2) facilitate the formation of new programs, in ways that include holding or funding an annual conference of representatives from States with existing programs, representatives from States developing new programs, and representatives from States without existing programs. SEC. 4. PROGRAMS REGARDING EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION. (a) Establishment of Program.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a program, administered by the Director, to encourage new and existing programs within the States, designed to foster employee ownership and employee participation in business decisionmaking throughout the United States. (b) Purpose of Program.--The purpose of the program established under subsection (a) is to encourage new and existing programs within the States that focus on-- (1) providing education and outreach to inform employees and employers about the possibilities and benefits of employee ownership, business ownership succession planning, and employee participation in business decisionmaking, including providing information about financial education, employee teams, open- book management, and other tools that enable employees to share ideas and information about how their businesses can succeed; (2) providing technical assistance to assist employee efforts to become business owners, to enable employers and employees to explore and assess the feasibility of transferring full or partial ownership to employees, and to encourage employees and employers to start new employee-owned businesses; (3) training employees and employers with respect to methods of employee participation in open-book management, work teams, committees, and other approaches for seeking greater employee input; and (4) training other entities to apply for funding under this section, to establish new programs, and to carry out program activities. (c) Program Details.--The Secretary may include, in the program established under subsection (a), provisions that-- (1) in the case of activities under subsection (b)(1)-- (A) target key groups such as retiring business owners, senior managers, unions, trade associations, community organizations, and economic development organizations; (B) encourage cooperation in the organization of workshops and conferences; and (C) prepare and distribute materials concerning employee ownership and participation, and business ownership succession planning; (2) in the case of activities under subsection (b)(2)-- (A) provide preliminary technical assistance to employee groups, managers, and retiring owners exploring the possibility of employee ownership; (B) provide for the performance of preliminary feasibility assessments; (C) assist in the funding of objective third-party feasibility studies and preliminary business valuations, and in selecting and monitoring professionals qualified to conduct such studies; and (D) provide a data bank to help employees find legal, financial, and technical advice in connection with business ownership; (3) in the case of activities under subsection (b)(3)-- (A) provide for courses on employee participation; and (B) provide for the development and fostering of networks of employee-owned companies to spread the use of successful participation techniques; and (4) in the case of training under subsection (b)(4)-- (A) provide for visits to existing programs by staff from new programs receiving funding under this Act; and (B) provide materials to be used for such training. (d) Regulations.--The Secretary shall promulgate regulations pursuant to this Act that require new and existing programs established or funded under this Act to be-- (1) proactive in encouraging actions and activities that promote employee ownership of, and participation in, businesses; and (2) comprehensive in emphasizing both employee ownership of, and participation in, businesses so as to increase productivity and broaden capital ownership. SEC. 5. GRANTS. (a) In General.--In carrying out the program established under section 4, the Director may make grants for use in connection with new programs and existing programs within a State for any of the following activities: (1) Education and outreach as provided in section 4(b)(1). (2) Technical assistance as provided in section 4(b)(2). (3) Training activities for employees and employers as provided in section 4(b)(3). (4) Activities facilitating cooperation among employee- owned firms. (5) Training as provided in section 4(b)(4) for new programs provided by participants in existing programs dedicated to the objectives of this Act, except that, for each fiscal year, the amount of the grants made for such training shall not exceed 10 percent of the total amount of the grants made under this Act. (b) Amounts and Conditions.--The Director shall determine the amount and any conditions for a grant made under this section. The amount of the grant shall be subject to subsection (f), and shall reflect the capacity of the applicant for the grant. (c) Applications.--Each entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Director may reasonably require. (d) State Applications.--Each State may sponsor and submit an application under subsection (c) on behalf of any local entity consisting of a unit of State or local government, State-supported institution of higher education, or nonprofit organization, meeting the requirements of this Act. (e) Applications by Entities.-- (1) Entity applications.--If a State fails to support or establish a program pursuant to this Act during any fiscal year, the Director shall, in the subsequent fiscal years, allow local entities described in subsection (d) from that State to make applications for grants under subsection (c) on their own initiative. (2) Application screening.--Any State failing to support or establish a program pursuant to this Act during any fiscal year may submit applications under subsection (c) in the subsequent fiscal years but may not screen applications by local entities described in subsection (d) before submitting the applications to the Director. (f) Limitations.--A recipient of a grant made under this section shall not receive, during a fiscal year, in the aggregate, more than the following amounts: (1) For fiscal year 2010, $300,000. (2) For fiscal year 2011, $330,000. (3) For fiscal year 2012, $363,000. (4) For fiscal year 2013, $399,300. (5) For fiscal year 2014, $439,200. (g) Annual Report.--For each year, each recipient of a grant under this section shall submit to the Director a report describing how grant funds allocated pursuant to this section were expended during the 12- month period preceding the date of the submission of the report. SEC. 6. OFFICE REPORTING. Not later than the expiration of the 36-month period following the date of enactment of this Act, the Director shall prepare and submit to Congress a report-- (1) on progress related to employee ownership and participation in businesses in the United States; and (2) containing an analysis of critical costs and benefits of activities carried out under this Act. SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of making grants pursuant to section 5 the following: (1) For fiscal year 2010, $3,500,000. (2) For fiscal year 2011, $5,500,000. (3) For fiscal year 2012, $8,000,000. (4) For fiscal year 2013, $10,500,000. (5) For fiscal year 2014, $13,500,000. (b) Administrative Expenses.--There are authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of funding the Office, for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014, an amount not in excess of-- (1) $350,000; or (2) 5.0 percent of the maximum amount available under subsection (a) for that fiscal year.

Summary: Worker Ownership, Readiness and Knowledge Act or the WORK Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish within the Department of Labor an Office of Employee Ownership and Participation to promote employee ownership and employee participation in business decisionmaking. Requires the Office Director, with federal grants and acting as an information clearinghouse, to: (1) support existing programs in the states designed to promote employee ownership and employee participation in business decisionmaking; and (2) promote the formation of new such programs. Directs the Secretary to establish a program, administered by the Director, which is designed to foster employee ownership and employee participation in business decisionmaking throughout the United States.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Red Cliffs Desert Reserve Completion Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) in the early 1980s, James Doyle, doing business as Rocky Mountain Ventures and Environmental Land Technologies, Ltd., began assembling land for a massive real estate development in the rapidly growing St. George area of Utah; (2) the centerpieces of this development were 9 golf courses surrounded by luxury homes; (3) during the 1980s, James Doyle acquired 2,440 acres and held preferential rights to an additional 11,000 acres for this development; (4) throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s, James Doyle invested large amounts of money to acquire and develop this land, including-- (A) procuring the water rights and engineering studies; (B) developing proposals and designs for transportation corridors; (C) constructing 1 golf course and designing nine more; (D) developing utility layouts and placements; (E) installing necessary sewer, water, and power for the various properties; and (F) securing all necessary zoning adjustments and development permissions; (5) with planning and preparation essentially complete by 1989, James Doyle was prepared to break ground for the initial phase of his project; (6) on April 2, 1990, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule listing the Mojave population of the desert tortoise as ``threatened'' under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); (7) on February 8, 1994, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service published a final rule designating all of James Doyle's land as critical habitat for the Mojave population of the desert tortoise; (8) the listing of the desert tortoise and designation of James Doyle's land as critical habitat for the tortoise made James Doyle's planned land development, as well as that of other nearby lands, unlawful without the issuance of an incidental take permit by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (9) in response to the designation, James Doyle, as a member of the Habitat Conservation Plan Steering Committee, worked with other landowners, as well as Federal, State, and county officials, to create a Habitat Conservation Plan covering Washington County that would have allowed James Doyle to develop a portion of his land; (10) the United States Fish and Wildlife Service rejected the plan, stating that the plan set aside insufficient land to protect the tortoise; (11) James Doyle and the Steering Committee prepared a revised Habitat Conservation Plan, which the United States Fish and Wildlife Service approved on February 23, 1996; (12) the approved Habitat Conservation Plan allowed the development of 350,000 acres of tortoise habitat, and set aside 61,022 acres, including all of James Doyle's land, as protected tortoise habitat reserve where no development was allowed; (13) to this end, the Habitat Conservation Plan expressly provided that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service would issue no incidental take permits for desert tortoises on reserve lands; (14) in return for placing the land in the tortoise reserve, the United States promised that it would acquire title to all of the private land, including James Doyle's, by exchange or purchase at fair market value; (15) despite extensive negotiations, the United States acquired only about 400 acres of James Doyle's land for the tortoise reserve, leaving the remainder of his acreage vacant and unproductive; (16) as the years passed, James Doyle's inability to develop or sell this remaining acreage resulted in severe financial limitations, leaving him unable to service the mortgages he had incurred on the land to finance acquisition and development costs; (17) on March 30, 2004, unable to develop, exchange, or sell the land, in which James Doyle had invested millions of dollars, James Doyle was forced to seek bankruptcy protection; (18) in 2010, James Doyle completed, and the bankruptcy court approved, a plan under which James Doyle was required to transfer to his creditors all but 274 acres of his land, which he still owns but cannot develop; (19) in 2015, James Doyle filed suit in the United States Court of Federal Claims, seeking just compensation for the land that has served as a tortoise reserve since 1996, and was taken without compensation; (20) the United States Court of Federal Claims dismissed James Doyle's claim, without prejudice, ruling that he must first seek and be denied a United States Fish and Wildlife Service permit to develop his land, even though it is within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve where no development is allowed; and (21) the permit process would take several years and would be futile. SEC. 3. SETTLEMENT OF CLAIM. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall pay James Doyle, out of money not otherwise appropriated, a sum of money, in an amount to be determined by the United States Court of Federal Claims, representing the amount to which James Doyle may be entitled in order to make James Doyle whole for any damages and losses sustained by James Doyle by reason of the Federal Government's taking of approximately 2,000 acres of his land located in the St. George area of Utah, now designated as the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and set aside as habitat for the Mojave desert tortoise, a species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). (b) Full Satisfaction of Claims.--The payment made under subsection (a) shall be in full satisfaction of all claims of James Doyle against the United States.

Summary: Provides for the relief of James Doyle, doing business as Rocky Mountain Ventures and Environmental Land Technologies, Ltd.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Estate Tax Repeal Acceleration (ExTRA) for Family-Owned Businesses and Farms Act''. SEC. 2. REPEAL OF ESTATE TAX ON FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESSES AND FARMS. (a) Carryover Business Interest Exclusion.--Part IV of subchapter A of chapter 11 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to taxable estate) is amended by inserting after section 2058 the following new section: ``SEC. 2059. CARRYOVER BUSINESS INTERESTS. ``(a) General Rules.-- ``(1) Allowance of deduction.--For purposes of the tax imposed by section 2001, in the case of an estate of a decedent to which this section applies, the value of the taxable estate shall be determined by deducting from the value of the gross estate the adjusted value of the carryover business interests of the decedent which are described in subsection (b)(2). ``(2) Application of carryover basis rules.--With respect to the adjusted value of the carryover business interests of the decedent which are described in subsection (b)(2), the rules of section 1023 shall apply. ``(b) Estates to Which Section Applies.-- ``(1) In general.--This section shall apply to an estate if-- ``(A) the decedent was (at the date of the decedent's death) a citizen or resident of the United States, ``(B) the executor elects the application of this section under rules similar to the rules of paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 2032A(d) and files the agreement referred to in subsection (e), and ``(C) during the 8-year period ending on the date of the decedent's death there have been periods aggregating 5 years or more during which-- ``(i) the carryover business interests described in paragraph (2) were owned by the decedent or a member of the decedent's family, and ``(ii) there was material participation (within the meaning of section 2032A(e)(6)) by the decedent, a member of the decedent's family, or a qualified heir in the operation of the business to which such interests relate. ``(2) Includible carryover business interests.--The carryover business interests described in this paragraph are the interests which-- ``(A) are included in determining the value of the gross estate, ``(B) are acquired by any qualified heir from, or passed to any qualified heir from, the decedent (within the meaning of section 2032A(e)(9)), and ``(C) are subject to the election under paragraph (1)(B). ``(3) Rules regarding material participation.--For purposes of paragraph (1)(C)(ii)-- ``(A) in the case a surviving spouse, material participation by such spouse may be satisfied under rules similar to the rules under section 2032A(b)(5), ``(B) in the case of a carryover business interest in an entity carrying on multiple trades or businesses, material participation in each trade or business is satisfied by material participation in the entity or in 1 or more of the multiple trades or businesses, and ``(C) in the case of a lending and finance business (as defined in section 6166(b)(10)(B)(ii)), material participation is satisfied under the rules under subclause (I) or (II) of section 6166(b)(10)(B)(i). ``(c) Adjusted Value of the Carryover Business Interests.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) In general.--The adjusted value of any carryover business interest is the value of such interest for purposes of this chapter (determined without regard to this section), as adjusted under paragraph (2). ``(2) Adjustment for previous transfers.--The Secretary may increase the value of any carryover business interest by that portion of those assets transferred from such carryover business interest to the decedent's taxable estate within 3 years before the date of the decedent's death. ``(d) Carryover Business Interest.-- ``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the term `carryover business interest' means-- ``(A) an interest as a proprietor in a trade or business carried on as a proprietorship, or ``(B) an interest in an entity carrying on a trade or business, if-- ``(i) at least-- ``(I) 50 percent of such entity is owned (directly or indirectly) by the decedent and members of the decedent's family, ``(II) 70 percent of such entity is so owned by members of 2 families, or ``(III) 90 percent of such entity is so owned by members of 3 families, and ``(ii) for purposes of subclause (II) or (III) of clause (i), at least 30 percent of such entity is so owned by the decedent and members of the decedent's family. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a decedent shall be treated as engaged in a trade or business if any member of the decedent's family is engaged in such trade or business. ``(2) Lending and finance business.--For purposes of this section, any asset used in a lending and finance business (as defined in section 6166(b)(10)(B)(ii)) shall be treated as an asset which is used in carrying on a trade or business. ``(3) Limitation.--Such term shall not include-- ``(A) any interest in a trade or business the principal place of business of which is not located in the United States, ``(B) any interest in an entity, if the stock or debt of such entity or a controlled group (as defined in section 267(f)(1)) of which such entity was a member was readily tradable on an established securities market or secondary market (as defined by the Secretary) at any time, ``(C) that portion of an interest in an entity transferred by gift to such interest within 3 years before the date of the decedent's death, and ``(D) that portion of an interest in an entity which is attributable to cash or marketable securities, or both, in any amount in excess of the reasonably anticipated business needs of such entity. In any proceeding before the United States Tax Court involving a notice of deficiency based in whole or in part on the allegation that cash or marketable securities, or both, are accumulated in an amount in excess of the reasonably anticipated business needs of such entity, the burden of proof with respect to such allegation shall be on the Secretary to the extent such cash or marketable securities are less than 35 percent of the value of the interest in such entity. ``(4) Rules regarding ownership.-- ``(A) Ownership of entities.--For purposes of paragraph (1)(B)-- ``(i) Corporations.--Ownership of a corporation shall be determined by the holding of stock possessing the appropriate percentage of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote and the appropriate percentage of the total value of shares of all classes of stock. ``(ii) Partnerships.--Ownership of a partnership shall be determined by the owning of the appropriate percentage of the capital interest in such partnership. ``(B) Ownership of tiered entities.--For purposes of this section, if by reason of holding an interest in a trade or business, a decedent, any member of the decedent's family, any qualified heir, or any member of any qualified heir's family is treated as holding an interest in any other trade or business-- ``(i) such ownership interest in the other trade or business shall be disregarded in determining if the ownership interest in the first trade or business is a carryover business interest, and ``(ii) this section shall be applied separately in determining if such interest in any other trade or business is a carryover business interest. ``(C) Individual ownership rules.--For purposes of this section, an interest owned, directly or indirectly, by or for an entity described in paragraph (1)(B) shall be considered as being owned proportionately by or for the entity's shareholders, partners, or beneficiaries. A person shall be treated as a beneficiary of any trust only if such person has a present interest in such trust. ``(e) Agreement.--The agreement referred to in this subsection is a written agreement signed by each person in being who has an interest (whether or not in possession) in any property designated in such agreement consenting to the application of this section with respect to such property. ``(f) Other Definitions and Applicable Rules.--For purposes of this section-- ``(1) Qualified heir.--The term `qualified heir' means a United States citizen who is-- ``(A) described in section 2032A(e)(1), or ``(B) an active employee of the trade or business to which the carryover business interest relates if such employee has been employed by such trade or business for a period of at least 10 years before the date of the decedent's death. ``(2) Member of the family.--The term `member of the family' has the meaning given to such term by section 2032A(e)(2). ``(3) Applicable rules.--Rules similar to the following rules shall apply: ``(A) Section 2032A(b)(4) (relating to decedents who are retired or disabled). ``(B) Section 2032A(e)(10) (relating to community property). ``(C) Section 2032A(e)(14) (relating to treatment of replacement property acquired in section 1031 or 1033 transactions). ``(D) Section 2032A(g) (relating to application to interests in partnerships, corporations, and trusts). ``(4) Safe harbor for active entities held by entity carrying on a trade or business.--For purposes of this section, if-- ``(A) an entity carrying on a trade or business owns 20 percent or more in value of the voting interests of another entity, or such other entity has 15 or fewer owners, and ``(B) 80 percent or more of the value of the assets of each such entity is attributable to assets used in an active business operation, then the requirements under subsections (b)(1)(C)(ii) and (d)(3)(D) shall be met with respect to an interest in such an entity.''. (b) Carryover Basis Rules for Carryover Business Interests.--Part II of subchapter O of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to basis rules of general application) is amended by inserting after section 1022 the following new section: ``SEC. 1023. TREATMENT OF CARRYOVER BUSINESS INTERESTS. ``(a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this section-- ``(1) qualified property acquired from a decedent shall be treated for purposes of this subtitle as transferred by gift, and ``(2) the basis of the person acquiring qualified property from such a decedent shall be the lesser of-- ``(A) the adjusted basis of the decedent, or ``(B) the fair market value of the property at the date of the decedent's death. ``(b) Qualified Property.--For purposes of this section, the term `qualified property' means the carryover business interests of the decedent with respect to which an election is made under section 2059(b)(1)(B). ``(c) Property Acquired From the Decedent.--For purposes of this section, the following property shall be considered to have been acquired from the decedent: ``(1) Property acquired by bequest, devise, or inheritance, or by the decedent's estate from the decedent. ``(2) Property transferred by the decedent during his lifetime-- ``(A) to a qualified revocable trust (as defined in section 645(b)(1)), or ``(B) to any other trust with respect to which the decedent reserved the right to make any change in the enjoyment thereof through the exercise of a power to alter, amend, or terminate the trust. ``(3) Any other property passing from the decedent by reason of death to the extent that such property passed without consideration. ``(d) Coordination With Section 691.--This section shall not apply to property which constitutes a right to receive an item of income in respect of a decedent under section 691. ``(e) Certain Liabilities Disregarded.-- ``(1) In general.--In determining whether gain is recognized on the acquisition of property-- ``(A) from a decedent by a decedent's estate or any beneficiary other than a tax-exempt beneficiary, and ``(B) from the decedent's estate by any beneficiary other than a tax-exempt beneficiary, and in determining the adjusted basis of such property, liabilities in excess of basis shall be disregarded. ``(2) Tax-exempt beneficiary.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the term `tax-exempt beneficiary' means-- ``(A) the United States, any State or political subdivision thereof, any possession of the United States, any Indian tribal government (within the meaning of section 7871), or any agency or instrumentality of any of the foregoing, ``(B) an organization (other than a cooperative described in section 521) which is exempt from tax imposed by chapter 1, ``(C) any foreign person or entity (within the meaning of section 168(h)(2)), and ``(D) to the extent provided in regulations, any person to whom property is transferred for the principal purpose of tax avoidance. ``(f) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.''. (c) Clerical Amendments.-- (1) The table of sections for part IV of subchapter A of chapter 11 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2058 the following new item: ``Sec. 2059. Carryover business exclusion.''. (2) The table of sections for part II of subchapter O of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1022 the following new item: ``Sec. 1023. Treatment of carryover business interests.''. (d) Effective Dates.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to estates of decedents dying, and gifts made-- (1) after the date of the enactment of this Act, and before January 1, 2010, and (2) after December 31, 2010.

Summary: Estate Tax Repeal Acceleration (ExTRA) for Family-Owned Businesses and Farms Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise the estate tax exclusion provisions applicable to family-owned business interests. Allows an exclusion from the gross estate for the adjusted value of certain family business interests acquired from a decedent (carryover business interests). Defines "carryover business interests" and revises ownership requirements and material participation rules applicable to such interests. Provides that carryover business interests acquired from a decedent shall be treated as transferred by gift and that the basis of such property shall be the lesser of the adjusted basis of the decedent, or the fair market value of such property at the date of the decedent's death (thus eliminating the estate tax on such property).


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Teaching Children to Save Lives Act of 2011''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. (2) Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes. (3) Sudden cardiac arrest kills an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 children and young people per year--nearly 20 per day. (4) The American Heart Association estimates that the lives of 40,000 cardiac arrest victims could be saved each year through initiating a course of action known as the chain of survival. (5) The chain of survival includes prompt notification of emergency services and early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (hereinafter referred to as ``CPR''), defibrillation, and advanced cardiac life support. (6) Only 36 States have a law or curriculum standard encouraging CPR or automated external defibrillator (hereinafter referred to as ``AED'') training in schools. (7) A person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest has a 90 percent chance of survival if CPR and an AED is used within the first minute after collapse. (8) Over 64 percent of young athletes and others have survived sudden cardiac arrest that occurred in a high school with an AED program. (9) An important part of school children's education is learning healthy behaviors, including proper nutrition and physical activity. This health education should also include basic emergency life-saving skills. (10) Teaching school children to perform the life-saving skill of CPR, identify and respond to choking victims, and recognize the signs of stroke and heart attack can improve their confidence in responding to an emergency and encourage continued efforts to update these skills after graduation, thereby potentially reducing the rate of death from sudden cardiac arrest, choking, and stroke. SEC. 3. GRANTS FOR CPR TRAINING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. (a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Education shall carry out a program under which the Secretary is authorized to award grants to eligible local educational agencies or targeted schools for implementing nationally recognized CPR and AED training courses. (b) Use of Funds.--A local educational agency or targeted school under this Act may use the grant for-- (1) training individuals in CPR and AED skills and instruction; (2) obtaining printed informational or instructional materials; (3) obtaining manikins; (4) obtaining AED training devices; and (5) obtaining other equipment as determined appropriate by the Secretary. (c) Grant Eligibility.-- (1) Application.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a local educational agency or targeted school shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information and certifications as the Secretary may reasonably require. (2) AED training devices.--To be eligible to use the grant to obtain an AED training device, a local agency or targeted school shall demonstrate to the Secretary that such agency or school has implemented or intends to implement an AED training program in conjunction with a CPR training program as of the date of the submission of the application for the grant. (d) Priority of Award.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall award such grants based on 1 or more of following priorities: (1) Demonstrated need for initiating a CPR or AED training program in a targeted school or community served by targeted schools. (2) Demonstrated need for continued support of an existing CPR or AED training programs in targeted schools or communities served by targeted schools. (3) Demonstrated need for expanding an existing CPR or AED training program by adding training in the use of an AED. (4) Opportunities to encourage and foster partnerships with and among community organizations, including emergency medical service providers, fire and police departments, nonprofit organizations, public health organizations, and parent-teacher associations to aid in providing CPR or AED training. (5) Options to maximize the use of funds provided under this section. (e) Report Required.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which funds are first appropriated to carry out the program, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress describing-- (1) grant amounts and recipients; (2) how the funds were used; and (3) the impact of the funds on the development of CPR and AED training programs in schools implementing the grants. (f) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Targeted school.--The term ``targeted school'' means a public elementary school or secondary school that provides education to students in any of grades 6 through 12. (2) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational agency'' has the meaning given such term in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801). SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2012 through 2017.

Summary: Teaching Children to Save Lives Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to local educational agencies or public elementary or secondary schools to implement nationally recognized cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) training courses. Allows a grant to be used to purchase an AED training device if the grantee implements or has implemented an AED training program in conjunction with a CPR training program.


SECTION 1. BASIC PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS. (a) Program Description.--Paragraph (2) of section 1011 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act is amended by inserting ``the training of teachers, librarians, counselors, and other instructional and pupil services personnel in gender-equitable education methods, techniques, and practices; the evaluation of the degree of gender equity in the programs and projects assisted under this chapter;'' after ``school year);''. (b) Innovative Projects.--Subsection (b) of section 1011 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended-- (1) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (2) in paragraph 7, by striking the period and adding ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(8) training of parents, teachers, and other instructional pupil services personnel regarding the impact of gender-role socialization on the educational needs of eligible children and the use of gender-equitable educational practices.''. SEC. 2. SCHOOLWIDE PROJECTS. Subsection (b) of section 1015 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as (E) and (F), respectively; and (B) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: ``(D) describes the methods used to ensure gender- equitable instruction in programs supported under this part;''; and (2) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``including training in the impact of gender role socialization on learning and gender- equitable teaching practices'' after ``the plan''. SEC. 3. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT. Paragraph (3) of section 1016(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting ``, including training in the impact of gender-role socialization on learning and on gender- equitable teaching practices'' before the period. SEC. 4. PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT. Subsection (b) of section 1021 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: ``(2) A local educational agency that demonstrates a substantial difference in the participation or achievement of students by sex shall include a description of planned efforts to implement gender equity training for chapter 1 personnel;''. SEC. 5. EVEN START USES OF FUNDS. Paragraph (4) of section 1054(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting ``, including training on the impact of gender-role socialization on learning and gender- equitable education practices'' after ``programs''. SEC. 6. SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICATIONS. Subsection (b) of section 1104 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (10), (11), and (12) as paragraphs (11), (12), and (13), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following: ``(10) describe the methods used to ensure gender-equitable instruction in the programs supported under this part;''. SEC. 7. AWARD OF GRANTS. Subsection (a) of section 1105 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended-- (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (2) in paragraph (4) by striking the period and adding ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(5) demonstrate the greatest degree of effort to promote gender equity and to incorporate gender-equitable instruction into the program.''. SEC. 8. LOCAL TARGETED ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. Subsection (b) of section 1531 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (7) and (8), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following: ``(6) programs designed to promote gender equity in education by eliminating gender bias in instruction and educational materials, identifying and analyzing gender inequities in education, and implementing and evaluating educational policies and practices designed to achieve gender equity, including training in gender-equitable instruction for teachers and other educational personnel and community education programs to enhance the leadership and academic skills of girls and young women;''. SEC. 9. ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS. Paragraph (1) of section 2006(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``or'' after the semicolon; (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period and adding ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(F) preservice, inservice, and retraining of teachers and other school personnel in gender-equitable instruction in mathematics and science.''. SEC. 10. NATIONAL PROGRAMS. Paragraph (3) of section 2012(e) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period and adding ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(F) demonstrate a commitment to achieving gender equity both in access to the computer-use program and in the teaching practices used in the program.''. SEC. 11. WOMEN'S EDUCATIONAL EQUITY. (a) Application; Participation.--Paragraph (1) of section 4002(a) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (B)-- (A) by inserting ``the development and implementation of'' before ``model''; and (B) by inserting ``gender and'' after ``to provide''. (2) in subparagraph (D); (A) by inserting ``the development and implementation of'' before ``guidance''; and (B) by inserting ``career education programs and'' after ``including''. SEC. 12. GIFTED AND TALENTED CHILDREN. Subsection (b) of section 4104 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as (5) and (6), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: ``(4) training of personnel involved in talented and gifted programs with respect to the impact of gender-role socialization on the educational needs of gifted and talented children and in gender-equitable education methods, techniques and practices;''. SEC. 13. SECRETARY'S FUND FOR INNOVATION IN EDUCATION. Subsection (b) of section 4604 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: ``(2) training programs for teachers and instructional personnel on the impact of gender-role socialization on computer learning styles and gender-equitable methods, techniques, and practices for computer-based instruction;''.

Summary: Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish gender equity requirements and training programs for teachers and other educational personnel (or parents) with respect to: (1) basic program requirements (under chapter 1 of title I for educationally disadvantaged children), innovative projects, schoolwide projects, parental involvement, and program improvement; (2) Even Start progam uses of funds; (3) secondary school programs (for basic skills improvement and dropout prevention and reentry) applications and award of grants; (4) local targeted assistance programs (under chapter 2 educational improvement partnership); (5) Eisenhower Mathematics and Science program school teacher training and national programs; (6) Women's Educational Equity personnel training and career education programs; (7) gifted and talented students personnel training; and (8) computer-based instruction personnel training under the Secretary's fund for innovation in education.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Renewable Energy Assistance Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. INCREASE AND EXTENSION OF CREDIT FOR RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENT PROPERTY. (a) Extension.--Subsection (g) of section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``December 31, 2008'' and inserting ``December 31, 2016''. (b) Repeal of Maximum Dollar Limitation.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (b) of section 25D of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(b) Certification of Solar Water Heating Property.--No credit shall be allowed under this section for an item of property described in subsection (d)(1) unless such property is certified for performance by the non-profit Solar Rating Certification Corporation or a comparable entity endorsed by the government of the State in which such property is installed.''. (2) Conforming amendments.-- (A) Subsection (e) of section 25D of such Code is amended by striking paragraph (4) and by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (9) as paragraphs (4) through (8), respectively. (B) Paragraph (1) of section 25C(e) of such Code is amended by striking ``(8), and (9)'' and inserting ``and (8) (and paragraph (4) as in effect before its repeal)''. (c) Credit Allowed Against Alternative Minimum Tax.-- (1) In general.--Subsection (c) of section 25D of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(c) Limitation Based on Amount of Tax; Carryforward of Unused Credit.-- ``(1) Limitation based on amount of tax.--In the case of a taxable year to which section 26(a)(2) does not apply, the credit allowed under subsection (a) for the taxable year shall not exceed the excess of-- ``(A) the sum of the regular tax liability (as defined in section 26(b)) plus the tax imposed by section 55, over ``(B) the sum of the credits allowable under this subpart (other than this section) and section 27 for the taxable year. ``(2) Carryforward of unused credit.-- ``(A) Rule for years in which all personal credits allowed against regular and alternative minimum tax.-- In the case of a taxable year to which section 26(a)(2) applies, if the credit allowable under subsection (a) exceeds the limitation imposed by section 26(a)(2) for such taxable year reduced by the sum of the credits allowable under this subpart (other than this section), such excess shall be carried to the succeeding taxable year and added to the credit allowable under subsection (a) for such succeeding taxable year. ``(B) Rule for other years.--In the case of a taxable year to which section 26(a)(2) does not apply, if the credit allowable under subsection (a) exceeds the limitation imposed by paragraph (1) for such taxable year, such excess shall be carried to the succeeding taxable year and added to the credit allowable under subsection (a) for such succeeding taxable year.''. (2) Conforming amendments.-- (A) Section 23(b)(4)(B) of such Code is amended by inserting ``and section 25D'' after ``this section''. (B) Section 24(b)(3)(B) of such Code is amended by striking ``and 25B'' and inserting ``, 25B, and 25D''. (C) Section 25B(g)(2) of such Code is amended by striking ``section 23'' and inserting ``sections 23 and 25D''. (D) Section 26(a)(1) of such Code is amended by striking ``and 25B'' and inserting ``25B, and 25D''. (d) Effective Dates.-- (1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section shall apply to expenditures made after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) Extension.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2008. (3) Allowance against alternative minimum tax.-- (A) In general.--The amendments made by subsection (c) shall apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. (B) Application of egtrra sunset.--The amendments made by subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (c)(2) shall be subject to title IX of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 in the same manner as the provisions of such Act to which such amendments relate. SEC. 3. EXTENSION AND MODIFICATION OF ENERGY CREDIT. (a) Extension of 30 Percent Credit for Solar Energy.--Subclause (II) of section 48(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``January 1, 2009'' and inserting ``January 1, 2017''. (b) Extension for Qualified Fuel Cells.--Subparagraph (E) of section 48(c)(1) of such Code is amended by striking ``December 31, 2008'' and inserting ``December 31, 2016''. (c) Public Electric Utility Property Taken Into Account.-- (1) In general.--Paragraph (3) of section 48(a) of such Code is amended by striking the second sentence thereof. (2) Conforming amendment.--Paragraph (1) of section 48(c) of such Code, after amendment under subsection (b), is amended by striking subparagraph (D) and redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (D). (3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection shall apply to periods after June 20, 2007, in taxable years ending after such date, under rules similar to the rules of section 48(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990). SEC. 4. EXTENSION OF CREDIT FOR NONBUSINESS ENERGY PROPERTY. Subsection (g) of section 25C of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``December 31, 2007'' and inserting ``December 31, 2015''. SEC. 5. MODIFICATIONS OF ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCE CREDIT FOR APPLIANCES PRODUCED AFTER 2007. (a) In General.--Subsection (b) of section 45M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows: ``(b) Applicable Amount.--For purposes of subsection (a)-- ``(1) Dishwashers.--The applicable amount is-- ``(A) $45 in the case of a dishwasher which is manufactured in calendar year 2008 or 2009 and which uses no more than 324 kilowatt hours per year and 5.8 gallons per cycle, and ``(B) $75 in the case of a dishwasher which is manufactured in calendar year 2008, 2009, or 2010 and which uses no more than 307 kilowatt hours per year and 5.0 gallons per cycle (5.5 gallons per cycle for dishwashers designed for greater than 12 place settings). ``(2) Clothes washers.--The applicable amount is-- ``(A) $75 in the case of a residential top-loading clothes washer manufactured in calendar year 2008 which meets or exceeds a 1.72 modified energy factor and does not exceed a 8.0 water consumption factor, ``(B) $125 in the case of a residential top-loading clothes washer manufactured in calendar year 2008 or 2009 which meets or exceeds a 1.8 modified energy factor and does not exceed a 7.5 water consumption factor, ``(C) $150 in the case of a residential or commercial clothes washer manufactured in calendar year 2008, 2009 or 2010 which meets or exceeds 2.0 modified energy factor and does not exceed a 6.0 water consumption factor, and ``(D) $250 in the case of a residential or commercial clothes washer manufactured in calendar year 2008, 2009, or 2010 which meets or exceeds 2.2 modified energy factor and does not exceed a 4.5 water consumption factor. ``(3) Refrigerators.--The applicable amount is-- ``(A) $50 in the case of a refrigerator which is manufactured in calendar year 2008, and consumes at least 20 percent but not more than 22.9 percent less kilowatt hours per year than the 2001 energy conservation standards, ``(B) $75 in the case of a refrigerator which is manufactured in calendar year 2008 or 2009, and consumes at least 23 percent but no more than 24.9 percent less kilowatt hours per year than the 2001 energy conservation standards, ``(C) $100 in the case of a refrigerator which is manufactured in calendar year 2008, 2009 or 2010, and consumes at least 25 percent but not more than 29.9 percent less kilowatt hours per year than the 2001 energy conservation standards, and ``(D) $200 in the case of a refrigerator manufactured in calendar year 2008, 2009 or 2010 and which consumes at least 30 percent less energy than the 2001 energy conservation standards. ``(4) Dehumidifiers.--The applicable amount is-- ``(A) $15 in the case of a dehumidifier manufactured in calendar year 2008 that has a capacity less than or equal to 45 pints per day and is 7.5 percent more efficient than the applicable Department of Energy energy conservation standard effective October 2012, and ``(B) $25 in the case of a dehumidifier manufactured in calendar year 2008 that has a capacity greater than 45 pints per day and is 7.5 percent more efficient than the applicable Department of Energy energy conservation standard effective October 2012.''. (b) Eligible Production.-- (1) Similar treatment for all appliances.--Subsection (c) of section 45M of such Code is amended-- (A) by striking paragraph (2), (B) by striking ``(1) In general'' and all that follows through ``the eligible'' and inserting ``The eligible'', and (C) by moving the text of such subsection in line with the subsection heading and redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively. (2) Modification of base period.--Paragraph (2) of section 45M(c) of such Code, as amended by paragraph (1) of this section, is amended by striking ``3-calendar year'' and inserting ``2-calendar year''. (c) Types of Energy Efficient Appliances.--Subsection (d) of section 45M of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(d) Types of Energy Efficient Appliance.--For purposes of this section, the types of energy efficient appliances are-- ``(1) dishwashers described in subsection (b)(1), ``(2) clothes washers described in subsection (b)(2), ``(3) refrigerators described in subsection (b)(3), and ``(4) dehumidifiers described in subsection (b)(4).''. (d) Aggregate Credit Amount Allowed.-- (1) Increase in limit.--Paragraph (1) of section 45M(e) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(1) Aggregate credit amount allowed.--The aggregate amount of credit allowed under subsection (a) with respect to a taxpayer for any taxable year shall not exceed $75,000,000 reduced by the amount of the credit allowed under subsection (a) to the taxpayer (or any predecessor) for all prior taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007.''. (2) Exception for certain refrigerator and clothes washers.--Paragraph (2) of section 45M(e) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(2) Amount allowed for certain refrigerators and clothes washers.--Refrigerators described in subsection (b)(3)(D) and clothes washers described in subsection (b)(2)(D) shall not be taken into account under paragraph (1).''. (e) Qualified Energy Efficient Appliances.-- (1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 45M(f) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(1) Qualified energy efficient appliance.--The term `qualified energy efficient appliance' means-- ``(A) any dishwasher described in subsection (b)(1), ``(B) any clothes washer described in subsection (b)(2), ``(C) any refrigerator described in subsection (b)(3), and ``(D) any dehumidifier described in subsection (b)(4).''. (2) Clothes washer.--Section 45M(f)(3) of such Code is amended by inserting ``commercial'' before ``residential'' the second place it appears. (3) Top-loading clothes washer.--Subsection (f) of section 45M of such Code is amended by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), (6), and (7) as paragraphs (5), (6), (7), and (8), respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph: ``(4) Top-loading clothes washer.--The term ``top-loading clothes washer'' means a clothes washer which has the clothes container compartment access located on the top of the machine and which operates on a vertical axis.''. (4) Dehumidifier.--Subsection (f) of section 45M of such Code, as amended by paragraph (3), is amended by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (7), (8) and (9), respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new paragraph: ``(6) Dehumidifier.--The term `dehumidifier' means a self- contained, electrically operated, and mechanically refrigerated encased assembly consisting of-- ``(A) a refrigerated surface that condenses moisture from the atmosphere, ``(B) a refrigerating system, including an electric motor, ``(C) an air-circulating fan, and ``(D) means for collecting or disposing of condensate.''. (5) Replacement of energy factor.--Section 45M(f)(7) of such Code, as amended by paragraph (4), is amended to read as follows: ``(7) Modified energy factor.--The term `modified energy factor' means the modified energy factor established by the Department of Energy for compliance with the Federal energy conservation standard.''. (6) Gallons per cycle; water consumption factor.--Section 45M(f) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(10) Gallons per cycle.--The term `gallons per cycle' means, with respect to a dishwasher, the amount of water, expressed in gallons, required to complete a normal cycle of a dishwasher. ``(11) Water consumption factor.--The term `water consumption factor' means, with respect to a clothes washer, the quotient of the total weighted per-cycle water consumption divided by the cubic foot (or liter) capacity of the clothes washer.''. (f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to appliances produced after December 31, 2007.

Summary: Renewable Energy Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) eliminate the dollar limitation on the tax credit for residential energy efficiency property expenditures and extend such credit through 2016; (2) extend through 2016 the energy tax credit for solar energy and qualified fuel cell property; (3) allow public electric utility property to qualify for the energy tax credit; (4) extend through 2015 the tax credit for nonbusiness energy property; and (5) modify energy efficient appliance tax credit amounts for appliances (e.g., dishwashers, clothes washers, refrigerators, and dehumidifiers) produced after 2007.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Independent Counsel Accountability and Reform Act of 1996''. SEC. 2. BASIS FOR INVESTIGATION. (a) Preliminary Investigation.--Section 591 of title 28, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``information'' and inserting ``specific information from a credible source that is''; and (B) by striking ``may have'' and inserting ``has''; and (2) in subsection (c)(1)-- (A) by striking ``information'' and inserting ``specific information from a credible source that is''; and (B) by striking ``may have'' and inserting ``has''. (b) Further Investigation.--Section 592(c)(2) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by striking ``information'' and inserting ``specific information from a credible source that is''. SEC. 3. SUBPOENA POWER. Section 592(a)(2) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by striking ``grant immunity, or issue subpoenas'' and inserting ``or grant immunity, but may issue subpoenas duces tecum''. SEC. 4. AUTHORITY OF ATTORNEY GENERAL. Section 592(a)(2) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraph (B), by striking ``(A)'', and by running the text of subparagraph (A) into the paragraph heading. SEC. 5. PROSECUTORIAL JURISDICTION OF INDEPENDENT COUNSEL. (a) Prosecutorial Jurisdiction.--Section 593(b) of title 28, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)-- (A) by striking ``define'' and inserting ``, with specificity, define''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``Such jurisdiction shall be limited to the alleged violations of criminal law with respect to which the Attorney General has requested the appointment of the independent counsel and matters directly related to such criminal violations.''; and (2) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows: ``(3) Scope of prosecutorial jurisdiction.--In defining the independent counsel's prosecutorial jurisdiction, the division of the court shall assure that the independent counsel has adequate authority to fully investigate and prosecute the alleged violations of criminal law with respect to which the Attorney General has requested the appointment of the independent counsel and matters directly related to such criminal violations, including perjury, obstruction of justice, destruction of evidence, and intimidation of witnesses.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 592(d) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by striking ``subject matter and all matters related to that subject matter'' and inserting ``the alleged violations of criminal law with respect to which the application is made and matters directly related to such criminal violations''. SEC. 6. ATTORNEYS' FEES. Section 593(f) of title 28, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in the first sentence of paragraph (1)-- (A) by striking ``the court may'' and inserting ``the court shall''; (B) by inserting after ``pursuant to that investigation,'' the following: ``if such individual is acquitted of all charges, or no conviction is obtained against such individual, at a trial brought pursuant to that investigation, or if the conviction of such individual at such a trial is overturned on appeal,''; and (C) by inserting ``, trial, and appeal (if any)'' after ``during that investigation''; and (2) by striking paragraph (2) and striking ``(1) Award of fees.--'' and running the matter in paragraph (1) into the subsection heading. SEC. 7. ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT. (a) Administrator of General Services.--Section 594(l)(2) of title 28, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts'' and inserting ``Administrator of General Services''; and (2) by striking ``Administrative Office of the United States Courts'' and inserting ``General Services Administration''. (b) Office Space.--Section 594(l)(3) of title 28, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(3) Office space.--The Administrator of General Services shall promptly provide appropriate office space for each independent counsel. Such office space shall be within a Federal building unless the Administrator of General Services determines that other arrangements would cost less.''. SEC. 8. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF INDEPENDENT COUNSEL. (a) Compliance With Policies of the Department of Justice.--Section 594(f) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by striking ``enforcement of the criminal laws'' and inserting ``the enforcement of criminal laws and the release of information relating to criminal proceedings''. (b) Limitation on Expenditures.--Section 594 of title 28, United States Code is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(m) Limitation on Expenditures.--No funds may be expended for the operation of any office of independent counsel after the end of the 2- year period after its establishment, except to the extent that an appropriations Act enacted after such establishment specifically makes available funds for such office for use after the end of that 2-year period.''. SEC. 9. TREATMENT OF CLASSIFIED INFORMATION. Section 594(a) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``An independent counsel appointed under this chapter who gains access to classified information shall follow all procedures established by the United States Government regarding the maintenance, use, and disclosure of such information. The failure to follow such procedures shall be grounds for removal for good cause under section 596(a)(1), in addition to any penalty provided in section 798 of title 18 or any other law that may apply.''. SEC. 10. OUTSIDE LEGAL WORK. Section 594(j)(1) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the period the following: ``and any such independent counsel may not during such period engage in any legal work which is additional to the legal work the counsel is engaged in as such a counsel''. SEC. 11. ELIMINATION OF REPORTS. (a) Section 594.--Section 594(h) of title 28, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), by striking the dash, and by striking ``(A)'' and running the text of subparagraph (A) after ``shall''; (2) by striking everything after the first sentence in paragraph (2); and (3) by striking paragraph (3). (b) Section 595.--Section 595(a) of title 28, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking paragraph (2); and (2) by striking the heading for paragraph (1) and running the text of such paragraph into the heading for subsection (a). (c) Section 596.--Section 596(b) of title 28, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), by striking the dash, and by striking ``(A)'' and running the text of subparagraph (A) after ``when''; and (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the second sentence. SEC. 12. REMOVAL, TERMINATION, AND PERIODIC REAPPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT COUNSEL. (a) Grounds for Removal.--Section 596(a)(1) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Failure of the independent counsel to comply with-- ``(A) the established policies of the Department of Justice as required by section 594(f), and ``(C) section 594(j), may be grounds for removing that independent counsel from office for good cause under this subsection.''. (b) Termination.--Section 596(b)(2) of title 28, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(2) Termination by division of the court.--The division of the court may terminate an office of independent counsel at any time-- ``(A) on its own motion, or ``(B) upon the request of the Attorney General, on the ground that the investigation conducted by the independent counsel has been completed or substantially completed and that it would be appropriate for the Department of Justice to complete such investigation or to conduct any prosecution brought pursuant to such investigation, or on the ground that continuation of the investigation or prosecution conducted by the independent counsel is not in the public interest.''. (c) Quarterly Expenditures.-- (1) Amendment.--Section 596(c) of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(3) On or before the end of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, an independent counsel shall report to the committees listed in paragraph (2)(B) the aggregate amount expended in the previous quarter. The requirement to report such amount shall not be construed to require a disclosure of the investigation for which such amount was expended.''. (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1), shall take effect at the end of the 1st quarter beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) Periodic Reappointment.--Section 596 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(d) Periodic Reappointment of Independent Counsel.--If an office of independent counsel has not terminated before-- ``(1) the date that is 2 years after the original appointment to that office, or ``(2) the end of each succeeding 2-year period, such counsel shall apply to the division of the court for reappointment. The court shall first determine whether the office of that independent counsel should be terminated under subsection (b)(2). If the court determines that such office will not be terminated under such subsection, the court shall reappoint the applicant if the court determines that such applicant remains the appropriate person to carry out the duties of the office. If not, the court shall appoint some other person whom it considers qualified under the standards set forth in section 593 of this title. If the court has not taken the actions required by this subsection within 90 days after the end of the applicable 2-year period, then that office of independent counsel shall terminate at the end of that 90-day period.''. SEC. 13. TRAVEL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS. (a) In General.--Section 594(b)(3)(A) of title 28, United States Code, is amended in the second sentence by-- (1) striking ``by 6 months'' and inserting ``for successive 6-month periods''; and (2) inserting ``on each occasion'' after ``certifies''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to independent counsels and their appointees effective on or after December 31, 1995. SEC. 14. EFFECTIVE DATE. Except as provided in section 13, the amendments made by this Act shall not apply with respect to any investigation which is pending before the independent counsel on the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Independent Counsel Accountability and Reform Act of 1996 - Amends the Federal judicial code to require specific information from a credible source sufficient to constitute grounds to investigate whether a person covered by the independent counsel statute (the Act) has violated specified criminal laws. Authorizes the Attorney General (AG) to issue subpoenas duces tecum in conducting preliminary investigations. Repeals provisions authorizing the AG to make certain determinations during such preliminary investigations. Requires the division of the court that appoints an independent counsel (IC) to: (1) define with specificity the IC's prosecutorial jurisdiction; and (2) assure that the IC has adequate authority to fully investigate and prosecute the alleged violations of criminal law with respect to which the AG has requested the appointment as well as matters directly related to such criminal violations. Requires such court division to award attorney's fees when an individual is acquitted of all charges or no conviction is obtained against such individual, or when a conviction at a trial is overturned on appeal. Requires the Administrator of General Services (currently, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts) to provide appropriate administrative support to ICs under the Act, including the provision of adequate office space. Requires an IC to: (1) comply with Department of Justice policies concerning the release of information relating to criminal proceedings; (2) limit office expenditures to a two-year period, unless an appropriations Act specifically makes funds available for such expenditures after the end of such period; (3) follow U.S. Government procedures regarding the treatment of classified information; and (4) refrain from engaging in outside legal work during the period of appointment as an IC. Eliminates certain IC reporting requirements. Revises provisions concerning the removal, termination, and periodic reappointment of an IC. Requires quarterly reports to specified congressional committees on aggregate amounts expended by an IC in the previous quarter. Provides travel expense reimbursements for successive six-month periods during the period of appointment as an IC.


SECTION 1. FINDINGS. The Congress finds the following: (1) As a Member of Congress from the Tenth Congressional District of Texas, as Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate, Vice- President and President of the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson's accomplishments in the fields of civil rights, education, and economic opportunity rank among the greatest achievements of the past half century. (2) As President, Lyndon Johnson proposed, championed, led to passage, and signed into law on August 6, 1965, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which swept away barriers impeding millions of Americans from meaningful participation in American political life. (3) On July 30, 1965, President Johnson signed into law the Social Security Amendments Act of 1965, popularly known as Medicare, which has transformed the delivery of health care in the United States and which, along with Social Security, reduced the rate of poverty among the elderly from 28.5 percent in 1966 to 9.1 percent in 2012. (4) On July 2, 1964, President Johnson secured passage and signed into law the most sweeping civil rights legislation since Reconstruction, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in employment, education, and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, or national origin. (5) On November 8, 1965, President Johnson signed into law the Higher Education Act, which provided need-based financial aid to students in the form of scholarships, work-study grants, and loans, and thus made higher education more accessible to populations of persons who were previously unable to attend college because of economic circumstances. (6) On October 3, 1965, President Johnson signed into law the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965, which transformed the Nation's immigration system by abolishing the racially based quota system that had defined American immigration policy for four decades and replaced it with a policy whose central purpose was family reunification, with a preference for immigrants with specific skill sets. (7) According to Robert A. Caro, the preeminent biographer of Lyndon Baines Johnson, with the single exception of Lincoln, President Johnson was the greatest champion of the poor and underprivileged in the history of the Republic and was the President ``who wrote mercy and justice into the statute books by which America was governed''. SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. (a) Presentation Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the posthumous award, on behalf of Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design to Lyndon Baines Johnson in recognition of his contributions to the Nation, including passage of the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Social Security Amendments Act (Medicare) of 1965, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Higher Education Act of 1965, and the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965. (b) Design and Striking.--For purposes of the presentation referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (referred to in this Act as the ``Secretary'') shall strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions to be determined by the Secretary. (c) Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.-- (1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal under subsection (a), the gold medal shall be given to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, where it will be available for display as appropriate and available for research. (2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum should make the gold medal awarded pursuant to this Act available for display elsewhere, particularly at appropriate locations associated with Lyndon Baines Johnson. SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS. The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal struck pursuant to section 2 under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, at a price sufficient to cover the cost thereof, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and overhead expenses, and the cost of the gold medal. SEC. 4. STATUS OF MEDALS. (a) National Medals.--The medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code. (b) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, United States Code, all medals struck under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items.

Summary: This bill directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Lyndon Baines Johnson in recognition of his contributions to the nation, including passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Social Security Amendments Act (Medicare) of 1965, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Higher Education Act of 1965, and the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965. Requires such medal to be given to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum following its award, where it will be available for display and research.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act of 2011''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Problem gambling is a public health disorder characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, loss of control, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop gambling, and continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences. (2) Over 6,000,000 adults met criteria for a gambling problem last year. (3) The estimated social cost to families and communities from bankruptcy, divorce, job loss, and criminal justice costs associated with problem gambling was $6,700,000,000 last year. (4) Problem gambling is associated with higher incidences of bankruptcy, domestic abuse, and suicide. (5) People who engage in problem gambling have high rates of co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. (6) In response to current budget shortfalls, many States are considering enacting or have enacted legislation to expand legal gambling activities with the intent of raising State revenues. (7) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is the lead Federal agency for substance abuse and mental health services. (8) There are no agencies or individuals in the Federal Government with formal responsibility for problem gambling. SEC. 3. INCLUSION OF AUTHORITY TO TREAT GAMBLING IN SAMHSA AUTHORITIES. Section 501(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa(d)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (17); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (18) and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(19) establish and implement programs for the prevention, treatment, and research of pathological and other problem gambling.''. SEC. 4. PROGRAMS TO RESEARCH, PREVENT, AND ADDRESS PROBLEM GAMBLING. Title V of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 290aa et seq.) is amended-- (1) by redesignating part G (42 U.S.C. 290kk et seq.), relating to services provided through religious organizations and added by section 144 of the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (114 Stat. 2763A-619), as enacted into law by section 1(a)(7) of Public Law 106-554, as part J; (2) by redesignating sections 581 through 584 of that part J as sections 596 through 596C, respectively; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``PART K--PROGRAMS TO RESEARCH, PREVENT, AND ADDRESS PROBLEM GAMBLING ``SEC. 597. PUBLIC AWARENESS. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall carry out a national campaign to increase knowledge and raise awareness within the general public with respect to problem gambling issues. In carrying out the campaign, the Secretary shall carry out activities that include augmenting and supporting existing (as of the date of the support) national campaigns and producing and placing public service announcements. ``(b) Voluntary Donations.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary may-- ``(1) coordinate the voluntary donation of, and administer, resources to assist in the implementation of new programs and the augmentation and support of existing national campaigns to provide national strategies for dissemination of information, intended to treat problem gambling, from-- ``(A) television, radio, motion pictures, cable communications, and the print media; ``(B) the advertising industry; ``(C) the business sector of the United States; and ``(D) professional sports organizations and associations; and ``(2) encourage media outlets throughout the country to provide information, aimed at preventing problem gambling, including public service announcements, documentary films, and advertisements. ``(c) Focus.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall target radio and television audiences of events including sporting and gambling events. ``(d) Evaluation.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall evaluate the effectiveness of activities under this section. The Secretary shall submit a report to the President and Congress containing the results of the evaluation. ``SEC. 597A. RESEARCH. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall establish and implement a national program of research on problem gambling. ``(b) National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consider the recommendations that appear in chapter 8 of the June 18, 1999, report of the National Gambling Impact Study Commission. ``SEC. 597B. TREATMENT. ``The Secretary shall develop a treatment improvement protocol specific to problem gambling. ``SEC. 597C. PREVENTION. ``The Secretary, acting through the Administrator, shall integrate problem gambling into existing alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention programs, where practical.''.

Summary: Comprehensive Problem Gambling Act of 2011 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to: (1) establish and implement programs for the prevention, treatment, and research of pathological and other problem gambling; (2) carry out a national campaign to increase knowledge and raise awareness of problem gambling; and (3) establish and implement a national program of research on problem gambling. Authorizes the Administrator, in carrying out the national campaign, to: (1) administer and coordinate the voluntary donation of resources to assist in implementing new programs and augmenting and supporting existing national campaigns, and (2) encourage media outlets to provide information aimed at preventing problem gambling. Requires the Administrator to target radio and television audiences of events including sporting and gambling events. Directs: (1) the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a treatment improvement protocol for problem gambling; and (2) the Administrator to integrate problem gambling into existing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention programs where practical.