SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements Act of 2007''. SEC. 2. TREATMENT OF SERVICE-CONNECTED DISABILITY RATED AND CERTIFIED AS TOTAL BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AS DISABILITY FOR PURPOSES OF TITLE II OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT . (a) Disability for Purposes of Entitlement to Disability Insurance Benefits and Other Benefits Based on Disability.-- (1) In general.--Section 223(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 423(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(7)(A) Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this subsection, any individual who has a service-connected disability rated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as total for purposes of benefits under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, and presents written certification of such rating determination to the Commissioner of Social Security shall be deemed to be under a disability (within the meaning of the preceding paragraphs of this subsection) for each month-- ``(i) beginning with the month during which such certification is presented to the Commissioner, and ``(ii) ending with the earlier of-- ``(I) any month during which certification is made to the Commissioner pursuant to subparagraph (B) that such service-connected disability has ceased, or ``(II) any month during which the Commissioner determines, subject to subparagraph (C), that such individual is able to engage in substantial gainful activity. ``(B) In any case in which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines that an individual who has been determined by such Secretary to be totally disabled for purposes of benefits under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, and with respect to whom a certification has been made to the Commissioner pursuant to subparagraph (A) that such individual has ceased to be so disabled, such Secretary shall promptly certify to the Commissioner such Secretary's determination that such individual has ceased to be so disabled. ``(C) Any determination by the Commissioner under subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) shall be made on the basis of evidence of earnings, without consideration of any evidence of medical recovery. ``(D) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to preclude a determination under this title that an individual who is not deemed to be under a disability under subparagraph (A) is under a disability (within the meaning of the preceding paragraphs of this subsection). ``(E) The Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into such arrangements as are necessary and appropriate for purposes of carrying out the provisions of this paragraph.''. (2) Other benefits based on disability.-- (A) Child's insurance benefits.--Section 202(d)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(d)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``Under regulations of the Commissioner of Social Security, the provisions of section 223(d)(7) shall apply with respect to benefits under this section (and determinations of disability made for purposes of determinations of entitlement to such benefits) in the same manner and to the same extent as such provisions apply with respect to benefits under section 223 (and determinations of disability made for purposes of determinations of entitlement to benefits under section 223).''. (B) Widow's insurance benefits.--Section 202(e)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(e)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``Under regulations of the Commissioner of Social Security, the provisions of section 223(d)(7) shall apply with respect to benefits under this section (and determinations of disability made for purposes of determinations of entitlement to such benefits) in the same manner and to the same extent as such provisions apply with respect to benefits under section 223 (and determinations of disability made for purposes of determinations of entitlement to benefits under section 223).''. (C) Widower's insurance benefits.--Section 202(f)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(f)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``Under regulations of the Commissioner of Social Security, the provisions of section 223(d)(7) shall apply with respect to benefits under this section (and determinations of disability made for purposes of determinations of entitlement to such benefits) in the same manner and to the same extent as such provisions apply with respect to benefits under section 223 (and determinations of disability made for purposes of determinations of entitlement to benefits under section 223).''. (b) Determinations of Periods of Disability.--Section 216(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 416(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3)(A) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), any individual who has a service-connected disability rated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as total for purposes of benefits under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, and presents written certification of such rating determination to the Commissioner of Social Security shall be deemed to be under a disability (within the meaning of paragraph (1)) for each month-- ``(i) beginning with the month during which such certification is presented to the Commissioner, and ``(ii) ending with the earlier of-- ``(I) any month during which certification is made to the Commissioner pursuant to subparagraph (B) that such service-connected disability has ceased, or ``(II) any month during which the Commissioner determines, subject to subparagraph (C), that such individual is able to engage in substantial gainful activity. ``(B) In any case in which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines that an individual who has been determined by such Secretary to be totally disabled for purposes of benefits under chapter 11 of title 38, United States Code, and with respect to whom a certification has been made to the Commissioner pursuant to subparagraph (A) that such individual has ceased to be so disabled, such Secretary shall promptly certify to the Commissioner such Secretary's determination that such individual has ceased to be so disabled. ``(C) Any determination by the Commissioner under subparagraph (A)(ii)(II) shall be made on the basis of evidence of earnings, without consideration of any evidence of medical recovery. ``(D) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to preclude a determination under this title that an individual who is not deemed to be under a disability under subparagraph (A) is under a disability (within the meaning of paragraph (1)). ``(E) The Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall enter into such arrangements as are necessary and appropriate for purposes of carrying out the provisions of this paragraph.''. SEC. 3. TREATMENT OF DISABILITY RATED AND CERTIFIED AS TOTAL BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AS DISABILITY FOR PURPOSES OF TITLE XVI OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT. Section 1614(a)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1382c(a)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(K) In making determinations with respect to disability under this title, the provisions of section 223(d)(7) shall apply in the same manner as they apply to determinations of disability under title II.''. SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to determinations of disability in connection with applications for benefits or periods of disability filed or pending on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Benefit Rating Acceleration for Veteran Entitlements Act of 2007 - Amends titles II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) and XVI (Supplemental Security Income) (SSI) of the Social Security Act to treat as a disability for OASDI and SSI disability payment purposes any service-connected total disability, as rated and certified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Applies the same treatment to related child's insurance and widow's and widower's insurance benefits.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Greater Sage Grouse Protection and Recovery Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. PROTECTION AND RECOVERY OF GREATER SAGE GROUSE. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Federal resource management plan.--The term ``Federal resource management plan'' means-- (A) a land use plan prepared by the Bureau of Land Management for public lands pursuant to section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712); or (B) a land and resource management plan prepared by the Forest Service for National Forest System lands pursuant to section 6 of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604). (2) Greater sage grouse.--The term ``Greater Sage Grouse'' means a sage grouse of the species Centrocercus urophasianus. (3) State management plan.--The term ``State management plan'' means a State-approved plan for the protection and recovery of the Greater Sage Grouse. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is-- (1) to facilitate implementation of State management plans over a period of multiple, consecutive Greater Sage Grouse life cycles; and (2) to demonstrate the efficacy of the State management plans for the protection and recovery of the Greater Sage Grouse. (c) Delay in Making Endangered Species Act of 1973 Finding.-- (1) Delay required.--In the case of any State with a State management plan, the Secretary of the Interior may not make a finding under clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(3)(B)) with respect to the Greater Sage Grouse in that State before September 30, 2026. (2) Effect on other laws.--The delay imposed by paragraph (1) is, and shall remain, effective without regard to any other statute, regulation, court order, legal settlement, or any other provision of law or in equity. (3) Effect on conservation status.--Until the date specified in paragraph (1), the conservation status of the Greater Sage Grouse shall remain not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). (d) Coordination of Federal Land Management and State Management Plans.-- (1) Prohibition on withdrawals and modifications of federal resource management plans.--In order to foster coordination between a State management plan and Federal resource management plans that affect the Greater Sage Grouse, upon notification by the Governor of a State with a State management plan, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, as applicable, may not exercise authority under section 204 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1714) to make, modify, or extend any withdrawal, nor amend or otherwise modify any Federal resource management plan applicable to Federal land in the State, in a manner inconsistent with the State management plan for a period, to be specified by the Governor in the notification, of at least five years beginning on the date of the notification. (2) Retroactive effect.--In the case of any State that provides notification under paragraph (1), if any withdrawal was made, modified, or extended or if any amendment or modification of a Federal resource management plan applicable to Federal lands in the State was issued during the three-year period preceding the date of the notification and the withdrawal, amendment, or modification altered management of the Greater Sage Grouse or its habitat, implementation and operation of the withdrawal, amendment, or modification shall be stayed to the extent that the withdrawal, amendment, or modification is inconsistent with the State management plan. The Federal resource management plan, as in effect immediately before the amendment or modification, shall apply instead with respect to management of the Greater Sage Grouse and its habitat, to the extent consistent with the State management plan. (3) Determination of inconsistency.--Any disagreement regarding whether a withdrawal, or an amendment or other modification of a Federal resource management plan, is inconsistent with a State management plan shall be resolved by the Governor of the affected State. (e) Relation to National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.--With regard to any major Federal action consistent with a State management plan, any findings, analyses, or conclusions regarding the Greater Sage Grouse or its habitat under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)) shall not have a preclusive effect on the approval or implementation of the major Federal action in that State. (f) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter through 2026, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall jointly submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report on the Secretaries' implementation and effectiveness of systems to monitor the status of Greater Sage Grouse on Federal lands under their jurisdiction. (g) Judicial Review.--Notwithstanding any other provision of statute or regulation, the requirements and implementation of this section, including determinations made under subsection (d)(3), are not subject to judicial review.

Summary: Greater Sage Grouse Protection and Recovery Act of 2016 This bill delays findings by the Department of the Interior with respect to the greater sage grouse under the Endangered Species Act until September 30, 2026. Additionally, Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA)are prohibited from amending any federal resource management plans that affect the greater sage grouse in a state in which the governor has notified Interior or USDA that a state management plan is in place.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Tapping America's Energy Potential through Research and Development Act of 2012''. SEC. 2. ACTIVITIES. The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary, shall carry out under this Act research, development, and demonstration activities of technologies that increase energy security and affordability by enabling the safe and responsible production of the vast domestic unconventional oil and gas resources of the United States. In carrying out the activities, the Secretary may conduct research and shall provide grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or other assistance through a competitive selection process to eligible entities. SEC. 3. OIL SHALE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES. (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary, shall carry out research, development, and demonstration activities to facilitate commercial application of energy technologies related to the exploration, development, and production of oil shale resources. (b) Objectives.--The objectives of such activities shall be-- (1) to address scientific and technological barriers to enable economically feasible production of oil shale; and (2) to minimize potential associated environmental impacts. (c) Implementation Plan.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a program implementation plan that-- (A) details constraints and opportunities affecting oil shale development; (B) identifies strategies to enable such development; and (C) identifies and prioritizes research, development, and demonstration activities necessary to advance program objectives. (2) Consultation.--The Assistant Secretary shall consult with a broad range of stakeholders in the development and implementation of the plan. (d) Activities.--The Assistant Secretary may conduct research and shall make awards to eligible entities for research, development, and demonstration activities in areas that include the following: (1) Oil shale resource characterization. (2) Modeling and simulation of oil shale exploration and production technologies, including-- (A) advanced diagnostics and imaging systems; and (B) advanced computing applied to the physics and chemistry of oil shale production. (3) Minimization and re-use of water, including-- (A) benchmarking of current water use rates for multiple production methods; (B) potential reduction in water volume needed for operations; and (C) recovery, utilization, reduction, and improved management of produced water from exploration and production activities. (4) Efficient use of energy in exploration and production activities. (5) Utilization of exploration and production methods and materials that reduce the potential impact of such activities on the environment, including improved production methods for in-situ mining and ex-situ mining. (e) Activity Update.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the progress of the activities under this section. (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Assistant Secretary to carry out the activities of this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017. SEC. 4. SHALE EXTRACTION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES. (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary, shall carry out research, development, and demonstration activities to facilitate commercial application of energy technologies related to the exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and other liquid resources from shale formations. (b) Objectives.--The objectives of such activities shall be-- (1) to maximize the benefits of the United States shale oil and natural gas resources by advancing safe and responsible exploration, development, and production of these resources; (2) to minimize surface impacts from activities related to shale oil and natural gas production; (3) to focus on areas that provide benefits to the public and to industry; and (4) to advance the scientific and technological foundation available to producers, Federal and State Government agencies, and other stakeholders in identified research areas. (c) Activities.--The Assistant Secretary may conduct research and shall make awards to eligible entities for research, development, and demonstration activities in areas that include the following: (1) Water use and demand, which may include-- (A) potential reduction in the volume of water utilized for shale oil and natural gas production; and (B) alternative materials, substances, or ingredients for use in shale oil and natural gas operations that could mitigate the need for or volume of water used. (2) Water sourcing, which may include-- (A) expanding options for sources of water used in shale oil and natural gas operations; and (B) alternatives to groundwater or freshwater, such as water recovered from industrial or agricultural operations, brackish water, or surface water unsuitable for human or agricultural use, in areas with water supply concerns. (3) Materials used in shale oil and natural gas operations, which may include-- (A) increasing the efficiency of shale oil and natural gas operations by minimizing fluid use; (B) improving the understanding of the relationship between additives used in fracturing and the chemical and physical properties of different shale formations; and (C) enhancing permeability through improved proppants and other materials. (4) Diagnostic imaging and monitoring, which may include-- (A) increasing understanding of the propagation of fractures within target zones; and (B) advancing fundamental technologies that enable improved tracking and enhanced understanding of fracture movements. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Assistant Secretary to carry out the activities of this section $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2015. SEC. 5. PRODUCED WATER UTILIZATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES. (a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Assistant Secretary, shall carry out research, development, and demonstration activities to facilitate commercial application of energy technologies for environmentally sustainable utilization of produced water for agricultural, irrigational, recreational, power generation, municipal, and industrial uses, or other environmentally sustainable purposes. (b) Activities.--The Assistant Secretary may conduct research and shall make awards to eligible entities for research, development, and demonstration activities, including improving safety and minimizing environmental impacts of activities, in areas that include the following: (1) Produced water recovery, including research for desalination and demineralization to reduce total dissolved solids in the produced water. (2) Produced water utilization for agricultural, irrigational, recreational, power generation, municipal, and industrial uses, or other environmentally sustainable purposes. (3) Re-injection of produced water into subsurface geological formations to increase energy production. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the Assistant Secretary to carry out the activities of this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017. SEC. 6. ELIGIBLE ENTITIES. To be eligible for a grant, cooperative agreement, contract, or other assistance under this Act, an applicant shall be-- (1) an institution of higher education; (2) a National laboratory; (3) a private sector entity; (4) a nonprofit organization; or (5) a consortium of two or more entities described in paragraphs (1) through (4). SEC. 7. ADMINISTRATION. In carrying out the activities under this Act, the Secretary may enter into an agreement with a consortium whose members have collectively demonstrated capabilities and experience in planning and managing research, development, demonstration, and commercial application programs for unconventional natural gas and other petroleum production and produced water utilization. SEC. 8. COORDINATION. To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that the activities under this Act are coordinated with, and do not duplicate the efforts of, programs at the Department of Energy and other Government agencies. SEC. 9. COST SHARING. All activities authorized by this Act shall adhere to the cost sharing guidelines established by section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16352). SEC. 10. LIMITATIONS. (a) In General.--All research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities authorized by this Act shall be limited to technology areas that industry by itself is not likely to undertake because of technical and financial uncertainty. (b) Effect on Regulation.--Nothing in this Act creates any new authority for any Federal agency, or may be used by any Federal agency, to support the establishment of regulatory standards or regulatory requirements. SEC. 11. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Assistant secretary.--The term ``Assistant Secretary'' means the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Fossil Energy. (2) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801). (3) National laboratory.--The term ``National laboratory'' has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801). (4) Oil shale.--The term ``oil shale'' means the geologic deposits in which the petroleum component kerogen has not fully transformed into oil or gas. (5) Produced water.--The term ``produced water'' means water from an underground source that is brought to the surface as a part of the process of exploration for or development of coalbed methane, oil, natural gas, or any other substance to be used as an energy source. (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy. (7) Shale oil and natural gas.--The term ``shale oil and natural gas'' means oil, natural gas, and other liquid resources produced from shale formations.

Summary: Tapping America's Energy Potential through Research and Development Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (Secretary), acting through the Assistant Secretary of Energy for Fossil Energy, to implement research, development, and demonstration (R&D) activities of technologies to: (1) enable safe and responsible production of domestic unconventional oil and gas resources; (2) facilitate commercial application of energy technologies for the exploration, development, and production of oil shale resources including oil, natural gas, and other liquid resources from shale formations; and (3) use produced water, in an environmentally sustainable manner, for agricultural, irrigational, recreational, power generation, municipal, and industrial purposes. Requires oil shale R&D activities to include: (1) oil shale resource characterization, (2) modeling and simulation of oil shale exploration and production technologies, and (3) minimization and re-use of water. Requires shale extraction R&D activities to include: (1) water use and demand, (2) water sourcing, (3) materials used in shale oil and natural gas operations, and (4) diagnostic imaging and monitoring. Includes among produced water utilization R&D activities: (1) produced water recovery, (2) use of produced water for specified environmentally sustainable purposes, and (3) re-injection of produced water into subsurface geological formations to increase energy production. Limits such activities to technology areas that industry by itself is not likely to undertake because of technical and financial uncertainty.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Value-Added Development Act for American Agriculture''. SEC. 2. AGRICULTURE INNOVATION CENTER DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM. (a) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are to carry out a demonstration program under which agricultural producers are provided-- (1) technical assistance, including engineering services, applied research, scale production, and similar services to enable the producers to establish businesses for further processing of agricultural products; (2) marketing, market development, and business planning; (3) overall organizational, outreach, and development assistance to increase the viability, growth, and sustainability of value-added agricultural businesses. (b) Nature of Program.--The Secretary of Agriculture (in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall-- (1) make grants to eligible applicants for the purposes of enabling the applicants to obtain the assistance described in subsection (a); and (2) provide assistance to eligible applicants through the research and technical services of the Department of Agriculture. (c) Eligibility Requirements.-- (1) In general.--An applicant shall be eligible for a grant and assistance described in subsection (b) to establish an Agriculture Innovation Center if-- (A) the applicant-- (i) has provided services similar to those described in subsection (a); or (ii) shows the capability of providing the services; (B) the application of the applicant for the grant and assistance sets forth a plan, in accordance with regulations which shall be prescribed by the Secretary, outlining support of the applicant in the agricultural community, the technical and other expertise of the applicant, and the goals of the applicant for increasing and improving the ability of local producers to develop markets and processes for value-added agricultural products; (C) the applicant demonstrates that resources (in cash or in kind) of definite value are available, or have been committed to be made available, to the applicant, to increase and improve the ability of local producers to develop markets and processes for value- added agricultural products; and (D) the applicant meets the requirement of paragraph (2). (2) Board of directors.--The requirement of this paragraph is that the applicant shall have a board of directors comprised of representatives of the following groups: (A) The 2 general agricultural organizations with the greatest number of members in the State in which the applicant is located. (B) The Department of Agriculture or similar State organization or department, for the State. (C) Organizations representing the 4 highest grossing commodities produced in the State, according to annual gross cash sales. (d) Grants and Assistance.-- (1) In general.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall make annual grants to eligible applicants under this section, each of which grants shall not exceed the lesser of-- (A) $1,000,000; or (B) twice the dollar value of the resources (in cash or in kind) that the applicant has demonstrated are available, or have been committed to be made available, to the applicant in accordance with subsection (c)(1)(C). (2) Initial limitation.--In the first year of the demonstration program under this section, the Secretary shall make grants under this section, on a competitive basis, to not more than 10 eligible applicants. (3) Expansion of demonstration program.--In the second year of the demonstration program under this section, the Secretary may make grants under this section to not more than 10 eligible applicants, in addition to any entities to which grants are made under paragraph (2) for such year. (4) State limitation.--In the first 3 years of the demonstration program under this section, the Secretary shall not make a Agricultural Innovation Center Demonstration Program grant under this section to more than 1 entity in any State. (e) Use of Funds.--An entity to which a grant is made under this section may use the grant only for the following purposes: (1) Applied research. (2) Consulting services. (3) Office equipment. (4) Hiring of employees, at the discretion of the board of directors of the entity. (5) The making of matching grants, each of which shall be not more than $5,000, to agricultural producers, so long as the aggregate amount of all such matching grants shall be not more than $50,000. (6) Legal services. (f) Limitations on Authorization of Appropriations.--For grants and assistance under this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than-- (1) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2002; (2) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2003 and 2004. (g) Report on Best Practices.-- (1) Effects on the agricultural sector.--The Secretary shall utilize $300,000 per year of the funds appropriated pursuant to this section to support research at a land-grant university into the effects of value-added projects on agricultural producers and the commodity markets. The research should systematically examine possible effects on demand for agricultural commodities, market prices, farm income, and Federal outlays on commodity programs using linked, long-term, global projections of the agricultural sector. (2) Department of agriculture.--Not later than 3 years after the first 10 grants are made under this section, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives a written report on the effectiveness of the demonstration program conducted under this section at improving the production of value-added agricultural products and on the effects of the program on the economic viability of the producers, which shall include the best practices and innovations found at each of the Agriculture Innovation Centers established under the demonstration program under this section, and detail the number and type of agricultural projects assisted, and the type of assistance provided, under this section.

Summary: Value-Added Development Act for American Agriculture - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants to eligible applicants for an agricultural innovation center demonstration program to assist value-added agricultural businesses.Authorizes up to ten initial grants. Sets forth permitted fund uses.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Civil Rights Voting Restoration Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Correctional institution or facility.--The term ``correctional institution or facility'' means any prison, penitentiary, jail, or other institution or facility for the confinement of individuals convicted of criminal offenses, whether publicly or privately operated, except that such term does not include any residential community treatment center (or similar public or private facility). (2) Election.--The term ``election'' means-- (A) a general, special, primary, or runoff election; (B) a convention or caucus of a political party held to nominate a candidate; (C) a primary election held for the selection of delegates to a national nominating convention of a political party; or (D) a primary election held for the expression of a preference for the nomination of persons for election to the office of President. (3) Federal office.--The term ``Federal office'' means the office of President or Vice President of the United States, or of Senator or Representative in, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the Congress of the United States. (4) Non-violent criminal offense.--The term ``non-violent criminal offense'' means any offense that is not a crime of violence (as defined in section 16 of title 18, United States Code). (5) Probation.--The term ``probation'' means probation or parole supervision, imposed by a Federal, State, or local court or parole board, with or without a condition on the individual involved concerning-- (A) the individual's freedom of movement; (B) the payment of damages by the individual; (C) periodic reporting by the individual to an officer of the court or parole board; or (D) supervision of the individual by an officer of the court or parole board. SEC. 3. RIGHTS OF CITIZENS. (a) Right To Vote.--The right of an individual who is a citizen of the United States to vote in any election for Federal office shall not be denied or abridged because the individual has been convicted of a non-violent criminal offense, unless, at the time of the election, the individual-- (1) is serving a sentence in a correctional institution or facility; or (2) subject to subsection (b), is serving a term of probation. (b) Restoration of Voting Rights for Individuals on Probation.--An individual who is serving a term of probation shall have the right to vote restored in any election for Federal office-- (1) on the date on which the term of probation ends, if the term of probation is less than 1 year; or (2) on the date that is 1 year after the date on which the individual begins serving the term of probation, if the term of probation is 1 year or longer. (c) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act. SEC. 4. ATTORNEY GENERAL DESIGNATION. (a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall determine which criminal offenses under Federal law and the laws of each State are non-violent criminal offenses and establish a list of all such offenses. (b) Requirements.--The list established under subsection (a) shall be-- (1) made publically available, in a searchable format, on the website of the Department of Justice; and (2) updated no less frequently than every year. SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT. (a) Attorney General.--The Attorney General may, in a civil action, obtain such declaratory or injunctive relief as is necessary to remedy a violation of this Act. (b) Private Right of Action.-- (1) In general.--A person who is aggrieved by a violation of this Act may provide written notice of the violation to the chief election official of the State involved. (2) Relief.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), if the violation is not corrected within 90 days after receipt of a notice under paragraph (1), or within 20 days after receipt of the notice if the violation occurred within 120 days before the date of an election for Federal office, the aggrieved person may, in a civil action, obtain declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to the violation. (3) Exception.--If the violation occurred within 30 days before the date of an election for Federal office, the aggrieved person need not provide notice to the chief election official of the State under paragraph (1) before bringing a civil action to obtain declaratory or injunctive relief with respect to the violation. SEC. 6. NOTIFICATION OF RESTORATION OF VOTING RIGHTS. (a) State Notification.-- (1) Notification.--On the date determined under paragraph (2), each State shall notify in writing any individual who has been convicted of a non-violent criminal offense under the law of that State that the individual has, pursuant to this Act, the right to vote in an election for Federal office and to register to vote in any such election, subject to section 7(c). (2) Date of notification.-- (A) Felony conviction.--In the case of such an individual who has been convicted of a felony, the notification required under paragraph (1) shall be given on the date on which the individual-- (i) is sentenced to serve only a term of probation; or (ii) is released from the custody of that State (other than to the custody of another State or the Federal Government to serve a term of imprisonment for a felony conviction). (B) Misdemeanor conviction.--In the case of such an individual who has been convicted of a misdemeanor, the notification required under paragraph (1) shall be given on the date on which the individual is sentenced by a State court. (b) Federal Notification.-- (1) Notification.--On the date determined under paragraph (2), the Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall notify in writing any individual who has been convicted of a non-violent criminal offense under Federal law that the individual has, pursuant to this Act, the right to vote in an election for Federal office and to register to vote in any such election, subject to section 7(c). (2) Date of notification.-- (A) Felony conviction.--In the case of such an individual who has been convicted of a felony, the notification required under paragraph (1) shall be given on the date on which the individual-- (i) is sentenced to serve only a term of probation by a court established by an Act of Congress; or (ii) is released from the custody of the Bureau of Prisons (other than to the custody of a State to serve a term of imprisonment for a felony conviction). (B) Misdemeanor conviction.--In the case of such an individual who has been convicted of a misdemeanor, the notification required under paragraph (1) shall be given on the date on which the individual is sentenced by a State court. SEC. 7. RELATION TO OTHER LAWS. (a) State Laws Relating to Voting Rights.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit the States from enacting any State law which affords the right to vote in any election for Federal office on terms less restrictive than those established by this Act. (b) Certain Federal Acts.--The rights and remedies established by this Act-- (1) are in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law; and (2) shall not supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.) or the National Voter Registration Act (42 U.S.C. 1973-gg). (c) State Laws Relating to Voter Registration.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to preempt State laws relating to the timing of voter registration for any election for Federal office. SEC. 8. FEDERAL PRISON FUNDS. (a) In General.--No State, unit of local government, or other person may receive or use, to construct or otherwise improve a prison, jail, or other place of incarceration, any Federal grant amounts unless that person has in effect a program under which each individual incarcerated in that person's jurisdiction is notified, upon release from such incarceration, of that individual's rights under section 3. (b) State Non-Compliance With Notification Requirements.--No State may receive or use, to construct or otherwise improve a prison, jail, or other place of incarceration, any Federal grant amounts unless the State is in compliance with the notification requirements under section 6(a).

Summary: Civil Rights Voting Restoration Act of 2014 - Declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because the individual has been convicted of a non-violent criminal offense, unless, at the time of the election, the individual is serving a sentence in a correctional facility or a term of probation. Restores the right to vote of an individual on probation: (1) on the date the term of probation ends, if such term is less than one year; or (2) one year after the date the individual begins serving the term of probation, if such term is one year or longer. Directs the Attorney General to determine and establish a list of the criminal offenses under federal and state law that are non-violent criminal offenses. Provides for enforcement of, and remedies for violations of, this Act. Sets forth requirements for state and federal notification of individuals of their voting rights pursuant to this Act. Prohibits a state, local government, or other person from receiving or using federal grant amounts to construct or improve a place of incarceration unless that person has in effect a program under which each incarcerated individual is notified, upon release, of his or her rights under this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``National Care Corps Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall apply: (1) Corps.--The term ``Corps'' means the National Care Corps established under section 3 of this Act. (2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of the Corps appointed under section 3(b)(1) of this Act. (3) Local care corps program.--The term ``local Care Corps program'' means a program funded with a grant awarded under section 10(b) of this Act that hosts Corps volunteers and arranges for them to provide approved services to individuals in need. (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health and Human Services. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL CARE CORPS. (a) In General.--There is established in the Department of Health and Human Services a program to be known as the ``National Care Corps'' through which Corps volunteers provide approved services to individuals in need via participation in local Care Corps programs. (b) Staff.-- (1) Appointment of director.--The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living, shall appoint a Director of the Corps. (2) Duties of director.--The Director shall-- (A) design, develop, and administer Corps programs; (B) manage the daily operations of the Corps; and (C) report to the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living. (3) Authority to employ staff.--The Director may employ such staff as is necessary to carry out this Act. SEC. 4. SELECTION AND ELIGIBILITY OF VOLUNTEERS. (a) In General.-- (1) Selection.--The Director shall select eligible individuals as Corps volunteers. (2) Nondiscrimination.--In selecting Corps volunteers, the Director shall comply with all applicable provisions of State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity. (b) Eligible Individuals.--To be eligible to serve as a volunteer in the Corps, an individual shall-- (1) be at least 18 years of age on or before December 31 of the calendar year in which the individual begins participation in the Corps; (2) agree to participate in the Corps for a period of not more than 24 months, consisting of not more than 2 terms of up to 12 months; (3) submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require; (4) pass a criminal background check as described in subsection (c); and (5) agree to comply with such terms and conditions as the Director may require. (c) Criminal Background Check.-- (1) In general.--Before selecting any individual to serve as a volunteer in the Corps, the Director shall request a criminal background check of such individual on a nationwide basis. (2) Volunteer prohibitions.--An individual shall be ineligible to be a Corps volunteer if-- (A) such individual refuses to consent to the criminal background check; or (B) the criminal background check does not demonstrate to the Director's satisfaction that such individual is fit for Corps service. SEC. 5. AUTHORIZED BENEFITS FOR CORPS VOLUNTEERS. (a) In General.--The Director shall provide for Corps volunteers to receive allowances, health insurance, and post-service educational awards authorized by this section. (b) Allowances.--The Director shall provide each Corps volunteer with such living, travel, and leave allowances, and such housing, transportation, supplies, equipment, and subsistence as the Director determines to be necessary for the volunteer's maintenance and to ensure the volunteer's health and capacity to serve effectively. (c) Health Insurance.-- (1) In general.--The Director shall provide for each Corps volunteer to receive health insurance coverage. (2) Minimum essential coverage.--The health insurance coverage described paragraph (1) shall meet the requirements of section 5000A(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (d) Post-Service Educational Award.-- (1) In general.--The Director shall establish an educational award for Corps volunteers. (2) Amounts.-- (A) Number of awards.--A Corps volunteer may receive up to 2 educational awards under this subsection, one for each term of service as a volunteer. (B) Amount for full term of service.--In the case of a Corps volunteer who completes a term of full-time service in the Corps for a period of 12 months, as determined by the Director, such volunteer shall receive an educational award having a value equal to the maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant under section 401 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a) that a student eligible for such grant may receive in the aggregate (without regard to whether the funds are provided through discretionary or mandatory appropriations) for the award year. (C) Incentive to pursue a degree in a health care profession.--In the case of a Corps volunteer who commits to using his or her educational award (or awards, if applicable) under this subsection for completion of a degree, a certificate, or training in a health care profession, the value of such awards shall be twice the value that would otherwise be applicable under subparagraph (B). (D) Amount for other periods of service.-- (i) In the case of a Corps volunteer who completes less than a 12-month term of full- time service in the Corps, as determined by the Director, such volunteer may receive a portion of the educational award described in subparagraph (B) or (C) (as applicable) that corresponds to the quantity of service actually completed by the volunteer. (ii) In the case of a Corps volunteer who completes more than 12 months of full-time service in the Corps, and less than 24 months of such service, as determined by the Director, such volunteer may receive, for the portion of service exceeding 12 months, a portion of the educational award described in subparagraph (B) or (C) (as applicable) that corresponds to the quantity of service actually completed by the volunteer. (3) Uses of award.--An educational award shall be used to pay-- (A) costs of attendance at an institution of higher education; or (B) government or commercial loans received by an individual for the cost of attendance at an institution of higher education. (4) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection, the following definitions shall apply: (A) Cost of attendance.--The term ``cost of attendance'' has the meaning given such term by section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087ll). (B) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given such term under subsection (a) or (b) of section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). (e) Federal Hiring Preference.--In the case of a Corps volunteer who completes at least one term of full-time service in the Corps for a total period of 12 months or more, as determined by the Director, such volunteer shall be eligible for appointment in the competitive service in the same manner as Peace Corps volunteers as prescribed in Executive Order Number 11103 (April 10, 1963). (f) Regulations.--The Director shall issue any regulations that the Director determines to be necessary to carry out this section. SEC. 6. ASSIGNMENT OF CORPS VOLUNTEERS TO SENIORS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. (a) Assignment of Corps Volunteers.-- (1) In general.--The Director shall assign each Corps volunteer to participate in a local Care Corps program. (2) Priority of assignment.--In assigning Corps volunteers to local Care Corps programs, the Director shall-- (A) take into consideration the population and geographic preferences of the volunteers; and (B) assign not less than 20 percent of volunteers to programs that serve geographic areas in which the Director determines there is a shortage of approved services available to individuals in need, with consideration given to low-income and minority populations. (b) Services Provided by Corps Volunteers.-- (1) In general.--The Director shall assign Corps volunteers only for providing approved services to individuals in need through participation in local Care Corps programs. (2) Approved services.--Approved services are services provided directly to individuals in need in home-based or community-based settings that-- (A) result in person-to-person, supportive relationships with each individual served; (B) support the achievement and maintenance of the highest level of independent living for each individual in need; (C) are supported by appropriate orientation, training, and supervision; and (D) are provided in support of, or in coordination with, a caregiver, if applicable. (3) Prohibited services.--In performing duties as a Corps volunteer, no volunteer shall provide-- (A) professional medical services; (B) administrative support services to a local Corps program; (C) care in an institutional setting; (D) care prohibited under State law; or (E) any other services determined by the director to be inconsistent with the purposes of the Corps. (4) Guidance regarding scope of services.--The Director shall issue guidance describing the scope of services that may be provided by Corps volunteers. In issuing such guidance, the Director shall provide for a public notice and comment period of not less than 60 days before issuing the guidance in final form. (c) Individual In Need.--The term ``individual in need'' means an individual who-- (1) is at least 65 years of age or has a disability as defined in section 3 of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102); (2) has difficultly with self-care or living independently; and (3) meets such other criteria as the Director determines to be appropriate. SEC. 7. TRAINING AND STANDARDS OF CONDUCT. (a) Pre-Assignment Training Program.--The Director shall develop a training program that provides Corps volunteers with instruction in the skills necessary to carry out an assignment in a local Care Corps program. Such training program shall include-- (1) at least 40 hours of instruction for each Corps volunteer for each term (of 12 months or less) to be served in the Corps by the volunteer; (2) additional training for volunteers whose assignment requires further instruction; and (3) any other requirements the Director determines to be appropriate. (b) Standards of Conduct.--The Director shall establish and enforce standards to promote proper conduct and discipline within the Corps. SEC. 8. STATUS OF CORPS VOLUNTEERS UNDER FEDERAL LAW. (a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, Corps volunteers shall not, by reason of their status as volunteers, be treated as Federal employees or be subject to the provisions of law relating to Federal employment. (b) Work-Related Injuries.-- (1) In general.--For purposes of subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, relating to the compensation of Federal employees for work injuries, Corps volunteers shall be treated as employees of the United States within the meaning of the term ``employee'', as defined in section 8101 of such title. (2) Special rule.--In the application of the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, to a Corps volunteer, the volunteer shall not be treated to be in the performance of duty while absent from the volunteer's assigned post of duty unless the absence is authorized in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Director. (c) Tort Claims Procedure.--A Corps volunteer shall be treated an employee of the United States for purposes of chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, relating to tort claims liability and procedure. SEC. 9. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living, shall transmit to Congress at least once in each fiscal year a report on the Corps. At minimum, such report shall include-- (1) a description of the population served by the Corps during the preceding fiscal year, including-- (A) an estimate of the number of individuals served in each State, disaggregated by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status; and (B) identification of the type of settings in which the services were provided; (2) an evaluation of Corps operations; and (3) recommendations, if any, for improving Corps operations. SEC. 10. LOCAL CARE CORPS PROGRAMS. (a) Functions of Local Care Corps Programs.--Local Care Corps programs shall-- (1) conduct in-person orientation and training for Corps volunteers; (2) develop and monitor volunteer assignments, which shall include selecting the individuals in need to be served by Corps volunteers, matching volunteers to assignments, and supervising volunteers; (3) maintain records and prepare reports as required by the Director; and (4) carry out any other activities determined to be appropriate by the Director. (b) Grants for Local Care Corps Programs.--The Director may award grants to qualified entities for the operation of local Care Corps programs. (1) Qualified entity.--The term ``qualified entity'' means a public or private nonprofit entity that is-- (A) part of an aging network, as defined by section 102(5) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002(5)); (B) a time-banking or volunteer organizing agency; (C) a State, county, or local government; or (D) any other entity determined to be appropriate by the Director. (2) Application process.--To be eligible for a grant under this subsection, a qualified entity shall-- (A) submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require; and (B) abide by such terms and conditions as the Director determines to be appropriate. SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. (a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated $350,000,000 for each of the fiscal years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Continued Availability of Funds.--Amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a) for a fiscal year are authorized to remain available for that fiscal year and the subsequent fiscal year.

Summary: National Care Corps Act of 2015 Establishes in the Department of Health and Human Services the National Care Corps through which Corps volunteers provide certain services to individuals in need who are age 65 or older or have a disability and have difficulty with self-care or living independently.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Arlington National Cemetery Burial Eligibility Act''. SEC. 2. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR BURIAL IN ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY. (a) In General.--Chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 2412. Arlington National Cemetery: persons eligible for burial ``(a) Primary Eligibility.--The remains of the following individuals may be buried in Arlington National Cemetery: ``(1) Any member of the Armed Forces who dies while on active duty. ``(2)(A) Any retired member of the Armed Forces. ``(B) Any member or former member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces-- ``(i) who served on active duty; ``(ii) who was honorably discharged from such active duty service; ``(iii) who, at the time of death, was under 60 years of age; and ``(iv) who, but for age, would have been eligible at the time of death for retired pay under chapter 1223 of title 10. ``(3) Any former member of the Armed Forces separated for physical disability before October 1, 1949, who-- ``(A) served on active duty; and ``(B) would have been eligible for retirement under the provisions of section 1201 of title 10 (relating to retirement for disability) had that section been in effect on the date of separation of the member. ``(4) Any former member of the Armed Forces whose last active duty military service terminated honorably and who has been awarded one of the following decorations: ``(A) Medal of Honor. ``(B) Distinguished Service Cross, Air Force Cross, or Navy Cross. ``(C) Distinguished Service Medal. ``(D) Silver Star. ``(E) Purple Heart. ``(5) Any former prisoner of war who dies on or after November 30, 1993. ``(6) Any member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who dies in the performance of duty while on active duty for training or inactive duty training. ``(7) The President or any former President. ``(b) Eligibility of Family Members.--The remains of the following individuals may be buried in Arlington National Cemetery: ``(1) The spouse, surviving spouse (which for purposes of this paragraph includes any remarried surviving spouse, section 2402(5) of this title notwithstanding), minor child, and, at the discretion of the Superintendent, unmarried adult child of a person listed in subsection (a), but only if buried in the same gravesite as that person. ``(2)(A) The spouse, minor child, and, at the discretion of the Superintendent, unmarried adult child of a member of the Armed Forces on active duty if such spouse, minor child, or unmarried adult child dies while such member is on active duty. ``(B) The individual whose spouse, minor child, and unmarried adult child is eligible under subparagraph (A), but only if buried in the same gravesite as the spouse, minor child, or unmarried adult child. ``(3) The parents of a minor child or unmarried adult child whose remains, based on the eligibility of a parent, are already buried in Arlington National Cemetery, but only if buried in the same gravesite as that minor child or unmarried adult child. ``(4)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the surviving spouse, minor child, and, at the discretion of the Superintendent, unmarried adult child of a member of the Armed Forces who was lost, buried at sea, or officially determined to be permanently absent in a status of missing or missing in action. ``(B) A person is not eligible under subparagraph (A) if a memorial to honor the memory of the member is placed in a cemetery in the national cemetery system, unless the memorial is removed. A memorial removed under this subparagraph may be placed, at the discretion of the Superintendent, in Arlington National Cemetery. ``(5) The surviving spouse, minor child, and, at the discretion of the Superintendent, unmarried adult child of a member of the Armed Forces buried in a cemetery under the jurisdiction of the American Battle Monuments Commission. ``(c) Disabled Adult Unmarried Children.--In the case of an unmarried adult child who is incapable of self-support up to the time of death because of a physical or mental condition, the child may be buried under subsection (b) without requirement for approval by the Superintendent under that subsection if the burial is in the same gravesite as the gravesite in which the parent, who is eligible for burial under subsection (a), has been or will be buried. ``(d) Family Members of Persons Buried in a Group Gravesite.--In the case of a person eligible for burial under subsection (a) who is buried in Arlington National Cemetery as part of a group burial, the surviving spouse, minor child, or unmarried adult child of the member may not be buried in the group gravesite. ``(e) Exclusive Authority for Burial in Arlington National Cemetery.--(1) Eligibility for burial of remains in Arlington National Cemetery prescribed under this section is the exclusive eligibility for such burial. ``(2)(A) In the case of an individual not otherwise eligible for burial under subsection (a) whose acts, service, or contributions to the Armed Forces are so extraordinary as to justify burial in Arlington National Cemetery, the President may deem such individual eligible for burial under subsection (a). ``(B) If the President deems an individual eligible for burial in Arlington National Cemetery under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of the Army shall immediately notify the chairmen and the ranking members of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives. ``(C)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), the authority under subparagraph (A) may not be delegated. ``(ii) The President may only delegate the authority under subparagraph (A) to the Secretary of the Army. ``(f) Application for Burial.--(1) A request for burial of remains of an individual in Arlington National Cemetery shall be made to the Secretary of the Army or to any other Federal official that the Secretary of the Army may specify. ``(2) The Secretary, or other Federal official, may not consider a request referred to in paragraph (1) that is made before the death of the individual for whom burial in Arlington National Cemetery is requested. ``(3) The President, or the Secretary, as the case may be, may not consider a request to deem an individual eligible for burial in Arlington National Cemetery under subsection (e)(2) that is made before the death of the individual for whom burial in Arlington National Cemetery is requested. ``(g) Register of Buried Individuals.--(1) The Secretary of the Army shall maintain a register of each individual buried in Arlington National Cemetery and shall make such register available to the public. ``(2) With respect to each such individual buried on or after January 1, 2002, the register shall include a brief description of the basis of eligibility of the individual for burial in Arlington National Cemetery. ``(h) Definitions.--For purposes of this section: ``(1) The term `retired member of the Armed Forces' means-- ``(A) any member of the Armed Forces on a retired list who served on active duty and who is entitled to retired pay; ``(B) any member of the Fleet Reserve or Fleet Marine Corps Reserve who served on active duty and who is entitled to retainer pay; and ``(C) any member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces who has served on active duty and who has received notice from the Secretary concerned under section 12731(d) of title 10, of eligibility for retired pay under chapter 1223 of title 10, United States Code. ``(2) The term `former member of the Armed Forces' includes a person whose service is considered active duty service pursuant to a determination of the Secretary of Defense under section 401 of Public Law 95-202 (38 U.S.C. 106 note). ``(3) The term `Superintendent' means the Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery.''. (b) Publication of Updated Pamphlet.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall publish an updated pamphlet describing eligibility for burial in Arlington National Cemetery. The pamphlet shall reflect the provisions of section 2412 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``2412. Arlington National Cemetery: persons eligible for burial.''. (d) Technical Amendment.--Section 2402(5) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``, except section 2412(b)(1) of this title,'' after ``which for purposes of this chapter''. (e) Conforming Repeal.--Section 1176 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (Public Law 103-160; 38 U.S.C. 2402 note) is repealed. (f) Effective Date.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), section 2412 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to individuals dying on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. (2) In the case of an individual buried in Arlington National Cemetery before the date of the enactment of this Act, the surviving spouse of such individual is deemed to be eligible for burial in Arlington National Cemetery under subsection (b) of such section, but only in the same gravesite as such individual. SEC. 3. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR PLACEMENT IN THE COLUMBARIUM IN ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY. (a) In General.--Chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 2412, as added by section 2(a) of this Act, the following new section: ``Sec. 2413. Arlington National Cemetery: persons eligible for placement in columbarium ``The cremated remains of the following individuals may be placed in the columbarium in Arlington National Cemetery: ``(1) A person eligible for burial in Arlington National Cemetery under section 2412 of this title. ``(2)(A) A veteran whose last period of active duty service (other than active duty for training) ended honorably. ``(B) The spouse, surviving spouse, minor child, and, at the discretion of the Superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, unmarried adult child of such a veteran.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 2412, as added by section 2(c) of this Act, the following new item: ``2413. Arlington National Cemetery: persons eligible for placement in columbarium.''. (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 11201(a)(1) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after subparagraph (B), the following new subparagraph: ``(C) Section 2413 (relating to placement in the columbarium in Arlington National Cemetery).''. (d) Effective Date.--Section 2413 of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), and section 11201(a)(1)(C), as added by subsection (c), shall apply with respect to individuals dying on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 4. MONUMENTS IN ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY. (a) In General.--Chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 2413, as added by section 3(a) of this Act, the following new section: ``Sec. 2414. Arlington National Cemetery: authorized headstones, markers, and monuments ``(a) Gravesite Markers Provided by the Secretary.--A gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery shall be appropriately marked in accordance with section 2404 of this title. ``(b) Gravesite Markers Provided at Private Expense.--(1) The Secretary of the Army shall prescribe regulations for the provision of headstones or markers to mark a gravesite at private expense in lieu of headstones and markers provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in Arlington National Cemetery. ``(2) Such regulations shall ensure that-- ``(A) such headstones or markers are of simple design, dignified, and appropriate to a military cemetery; ``(B) the person providing such headstone or marker provides for the future maintenance of the headstone or marker in the event repairs are necessary; ``(C) the Secretary of the Army shall not be liable for maintenance of or damage to the headstone or marker; ``(D) such headstones or markers are aesthetically compatible with Arlington National Cemetery; and ``(E) such headstones or markers are permitted only in sections of Arlington National Cemetery authorized for such headstones or markers as of January 1, 1947. ``(c) Monuments.--(1) No monument (or similar structure as determined by the Secretary of the Army in regulations) may be placed in Arlington National Cemetery except pursuant to the provisions of this subsection. ``(2) A monument may be placed in Arlington National Cemetery if the monument commemorates-- ``(A) the service in the Armed Forces of the individual, or group of individuals, whose memory is to be honored by the monument; or ``(B) a particular military event. ``(3) No monument may be placed in Arlington National Cemetery until the end of the 25-year period beginning-- ``(A) in the case of commemoration of service under paragraph (1)(A), on the last day of the period of service so commemorated; and ``(B) in the case of commemoration of a particular military event under paragraph (1)(B), on the last day of the period of the event. ``(4) A monument may be placed only in those sections of Arlington National Cemetery designated by the Secretary of the Army for such placement.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding after section 2413, as added by section 3(b) of this Act, the following new item: ``2414. Arlington National Cemetery: authorized headstones, markers, and monuments.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to headstones, markers, or monuments placed in Arlington National Cemetery on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 5. PUBLICATION OF REGULATIONS. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall publish in the Federal Register any regulation proposed by the Secretary to carry out sections 2 through 4. SEC. 6. APPLICATION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS BENEFIT FOR GOVERNMENT MARKERS FOR MARKED GRAVES OF VETERANS AT PRIVATE CEMETERIES TO VETERANS DYING ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 11, 2001. (a) In General.--Subsection (d) of section 502 of the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-103; 115 Stat. 994; 38 U.S.C. 2306 note) is amended by striking ``the date of the enactment of this Act'' and inserting ``September 11, 2001''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect as if included in the enactment of such section 502. Passed the House of Representatives July 22, 2002. Attest: JEFF TRANDAHL, Clerk.

Summary: Arlington National Cemetery Burial Eligibility Act - Allows the remains of the following persons to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery: (1) any member of the armed forces who dies while on active duty; (2) any retired member of the armed forces; (3) any member or former member of a reserve component of the armed forces who served on active duty, who was honorably discharged from active duty, who was under 60 years of age, and who, but for such age, would have been eligible for retired pay; (4) any former member who was separated for physical disability before October 1, 1949, who served on active duty, and who would have been eligible for disability retirement if such provisions had been in effect on such date; (5) any former member whose last active military service was terminated honorably and who has been awarded one of a number of specified military decorations; (6) any former prisoner of war who dies on or after November 30, 1993; (7) any reserve member who dies while on active duty for training or inactive duty training; (8) the President or any former President; (9) the spouse, surviving spouse, minor child, and, in the discretion of the Cemetery's Superintendent, unmarried adult child of an interred member (but only if buried in the same grave site); (10) the spouse, minor child, and unmarried adult child (discretionary) of a member on active duty if such person dies while the member is on active duty; (11) the individual whose spouse, minor child, and unmarried adult child (discretionary) is eligible under (10), above, but only if buried in the same grave site; (12) the parents of a minor child or unmarried adult child whose remains, based on the parent's eligibility, are already buried in the Cemetery, but only if buried in the same grave site; (13) the surviving spouse, minor child, and unmarried adult child (discretionary) of a member who was lost, buried at sea, or officially determined to be permanently absent in a status of missing or missing in action; and (14) the surviving spouse, minor child, and unmarried adult child (discretionary) of a member buried in a cemetery under the jurisdiction of the American Battle Monuments Commission.Authorizes the President to deem an otherwise ineligible individual as eligible for such burial for extraordinary acts, services, or contributions to the armed forces. Prohibits the consideration of a request for burial under such extraordinary circumstances that is made before the death of the individual involved.Directs the Secretary of the Army to: (1) maintain a register of each individual buried in the Cemetery that describes the basis of burial eligibility for individuals buried on or after January 1, 2002; and (2) publish an updated pamphlet describing eligibility for Cemetery burial.(Sec. 3) Authorizes the cremated remains of the following individuals to be placed in the Cemetery columbarium: (1) any person described above who is eligible for Cemetery burial; (2) a veteran whose last period of active duty service (other than for training) ended honorably; and (3) the spouse, surviving spouse, minor child, and, at the Superintendent's discretion, the unmarried adult child of a veteran whose last period of active service ended honorably.(Sec. 4) Requires a Cemetery grave site to be appropriately marked. Requires the Secretary to prescribe regulations for the provision of Cemetery headstones or markers at private expense in lieu of Cemetery headstones and markers provided by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Allows for the placement of Cemetery monuments for particular military service or a military event, but requires a 25-year wait after such service or event before the placing of such monument. (Sec. 6) Amends the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 to make a provision authorizing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish a headstone or marker for the graves of eligible veterans buried in private cemeteries effective with respect to veterans dying on or after September 11, 2001 (currently December 27, 2001).


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Safe, Convenient, Reliable, Efficient, Effective, Next-Generation, Functional, and Secure TSA Act of 2016'' or the ``SCREEN FAST Act''. SEC. 2. PILOT PROGRAM FOR INCREASED EFFICIENCY AND SECURITY AT CATEGORY X AIRPORTS. (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall establish a pilot program at 3 airports to reconfigure and install security systems that increase efficiency and reduce vulnerabilities in airport terminals, particularly at airports that have large open areas where screening is conducted. (b) Selection of Airports.--In selecting airports for the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Administrator shall-- (1) select airports from among airports classified by the Transportation Security Administration as category X airports and that are able to begin the reconfiguration and installation of security systems expeditiously; and (2) give priority to an airport that-- (A) submits a proposal that seeks Federal funding for reconfiguration of the airport's security systems; (B) has the space needed to reduce vulnerabilities and reconfigure the existing security systems; and (C) is able to enter into a cost-sharing arrangement with the Transportation Security Administration under which the airport will provided funding equal to 25 percent of the cost of the pilot program. SEC. 3. PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF PROTOTYPES FOR AIRPORT SECURITY SYSTEMS. (a) In General.--The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall establish a pilot program at 3 airports to develop and test prototypes of screening security systems and security checkpoint configurations to expedite the movement of passengers by deploying a range of technologies including passive and active systems, new types of security baggage and personal screening systems, and new systems to review and address passenger and baggage anomalies. (b) Selection of Airports.--In selecting airports for the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Administrator shall-- (1) select airports from among airports classified by the Transportation Security Administration as category X airports that are able to begin the reconfiguration and installation of security systems expeditiously; (2) consider the space available at airports and the ability of airports to test prototypes; and (3) give priority to an airport that-- (A) submits a proposal that seeks Federal funding to test prototypes for new airport security systems; (B) has the space needed to reduce vulnerabilities and reconfigure the existing security systems; and (C) is able to enter into a cost-sharing arrangement with the Transportation Security Administration under which the airport will provided funding equal to 25 percent of the cost of the pilot program. SEC. 4. REPORT REQUIRED. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives a report on the pilot programs established under sections 2 and 3. SEC. 5. FUNDING. The Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration shall carry out the pilot programs established under sections 2 and 3 using amounts-- (1) appropriated to the Transportation Security Administration before the date of the enactment of this Act and available for obligation as of such date of enactment; and (2) amounts obtained as reimbursements from airports under those pilot programs. SEC. 6. ACCEPTANCE AND PROVISION OF RESOURCES BY THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION. Section 114(m) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Acceptance and provision of resources.--In carrying out the functions of the Administration, the Under Secretary shall have the authority-- ``(A) to provide or accept services, supplies, equipment, personnel, and facilities, with or without reimbursement, to or from any other public or private entity on such terms as the Under Secretary may consider appropriate and notwithstanding sections 1341 and 1501 through 1519 of title 31; and ``(B) upon the request of any person, to accept a monetary gift or bequest, to be available until expended, in accordance with the terms of the monetary gift or bequest, to the greatest extent practicable.''.

Summary: Safe, Convenient, Reliable, Efficient, Effective, Next-Generation, Functional, and Secure TSA Act of 2016 or the SCREEN FAST Act This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the Department of Homeland Security to establish a pilot program at three category X airports to reconfigure and install security systems that increase efficiency and reduce vulnerabilities in airport terminals, particularly those that have large open areas where screening occurs. The TSA shall also establish a pilot program at those airports to develop and test prototypes of screening security systems and security checkpoint configurations to expedite the movement of passengers by deploying an array of technologies including passive and active systems, new types of security baggage and passenger screening systems, and new systems to address passenger and baggage anomalies.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Microenterprise and Asset Development Act''. SEC. 2. DISREGARD OF INCOME AND RESOURCES DESIGNATED FOR EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EMPLOYABILITY. (a) Disregard as Resource.--Section 402(a)(7)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(7)(B)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``or'' before ``(iv)''; and (2) by inserting ``, or (v) in the case of a family receiving aid under the State plan (and a family not receiving such aid but which received such aid in at least 1 of the preceding 4 months or became ineligible for such aid during the preceding 12 months because of excessive earnings), any amount not to exceed $10,000 in a qualified asset account (as defined in section 406(i)) of such family'' before ``; and''. (b) Disregard as Income.-- (1) In general.--Section 402(a)(8)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(8)(A)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (vii); and (B) by inserting after clause (viii) the following new clause: ``(ix) shall disregard any interest or income earned on a qualified asset account (as defined in section 406(i)); and''. (2) Nonrecurring lump sum exempt from lump sum rule.-- Section 402(a)(17) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(17)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``; and that this paragraph shall not apply to earned or unearned income received in a month on a nonrecurring basis to the extent that such income is placed in a qualified asset account (as defined in section 406(i)) the total amounts in which, after such placement, does not exceed $10,000;''. (3) Treatment as income.--Section 402(a)(7) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 602(a)(7)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B); (B) by striking the semicolon at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(D) shall treat as income any distributions from a qualified asset account (as defined in section 406(i)(1)) which do not meet the definition of a qualified distribution under section 406(i)(2);''. (c) Qualified Asset Accounts.--Section 406 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 606) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(i)(1) The term `qualified asset account' means a mechanism approved by the State (such as individual retirement accounts, escrow accounts, or savings bonds) that allows savings of a family receiving aid to families with dependent children to be used for qualified distributions. ``(2) The term `qualified distributions' means distributions for expenses directly related to 1 or more of the following purposes: ``(A) The attendance of a member of the family at any education or training program. ``(B) The improvement of the employability (including self- employment) of a member of the family (such as through the purchase of an automobile). ``(C) The purchase of a home for the family. ``(D) A change of the family residence.''. (d) Study of Use of Qualified Asset Accounts; Report.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall conduct a study of the use of qualified asset accounts established pursuant to the amendments made by this section, and shall report on such study and any recommendations for modifications of such amendments to the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives not later than January 1, 1996. (e) Report on AFDC Asset Limit on Automobiles.--Within 3 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to the Congress a report on-- (1) the need to revise the limitation, established in regulations pursuant to section 402(a)(7)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act, on the value of a family automobile required to be disregarded by a State in determining the eligibility of the family for aid to families with dependent children under the State plan approved under part A of title IV of such Act; and (2) the extent to which such a revision would increase the employability of recipients of such aid. (f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 1993. SEC. 3. DISREGARD OF INCOME AND RESOURCES RELATED TO SELF-EMPLOYMENT. (a) State Plan Requirements.--Section 402(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 602(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (44); (2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (45) and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (45) the following: ``(46) provide that the State agency-- ``(A)(i) shall not include as a resource of the family of which a child referred to in paragraph (7)(A) is a member, for purposes of paragraph (7)(B), the first $10,000 of the net worth (assets reduced by liabilities with respect thereto) of all microenterprises (as defined in section 406(j)(1)) owned, in whole or in part, by the child or by a relative or other individual referred to in paragraph (7)(A), for a period not to exceed 2 years; and ``(ii) shall take into consideration as earned income of the family of which the child is a member, only the net profits (as defined in section 406(j)(2)) of such microenterprises, for a period not to exceed 2 years; and ``(B) shall ensure that caseworkers are able to properly advise recipients of aid under the State plan of the option of microenterprise as a legitimate route towards self-sufficiency, and that caseworkers encourage recipients of such aid who are interested in starting a microenterprise to participate in a program designed to assist them in such effort.''. (b) Definitions.--Section 406 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 606), as amended by section 2(c) of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(j)(1) The term `microenterprise' means a commercial enterprise which has 5 or fewer employees, 1 or more of whom owns the enterprise. ``(2) The term `net profits' means, with respect to a microenterprise, the gross receipts of the business, minus-- ``(A) payments of principal or interest on a loan to the microenterprise; ``(B) transportation expenses; ``(C) inventory costs; ``(D) expenditures to purchase capital equipment; ``(E) cash retained by the microenterprise for future use by the business; ``(F) taxes paid by reason of the business; ``(G) if the business is covered under a policy of insurance against loss-- ``(i) the premiums paid for such insurance; and ``(ii) the losses incurred by the business that are not reimbursed by the insurer solely by reason of the existence of a deductible with respect to the insurance policy; ``(H) the reasonable costs of obtaining 1 motor vehicle necessary for the conduct of the business; and ``(I) the other expenses of the business.''. (c) Inclusion of Microenterprise Training and Activities in the JOBS Program.-- (1) In general.--Section 482(d)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 682(d)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(C) The services and activities referred to in subparagraph (A)-- ``(i) in the case that at least 3 percent of the adult recipients of aid under the State plan approved under part A (as of the close of the immediately preceding fiscal year) elect to participate in microenterprise activities, shall include programs described in paragraph (4); or ``(ii) in the case that not more than 3 percent of the adult recipients of such aid elect to participate in microenterprise activities, may include programs described in paragraph (4).''. (2) Microenterprise programs.--Section 482(d) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 682(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(4) The programs described in this paragraph are programs of public and private organizations, agencies, and other entities (including nonprofit and for-profit entities) to enable such entities to facilitate economic development by-- ``(A) providing technical assistance, advice, and business support services (including assistance, advice, and support relating to business planning, financing, marketing, and other microenterprise development activities) to owners of microenterprises and persons developing microenterprises; and ``(B) providing general support (such as peer support and self-esteem programs) to owners of microenterprises and persons developing microenterprises.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to payments under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act for calendar quarters beginning on or after October 1, 1993.

Summary: Microenterprise and Asset Development Act - Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) (AFDC) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to exclude from AFDC eligibility determinations certain income and resources that are to be used for education, training, and employability purposes. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to the Congress on a revision of the AFDC limit on automobiles in order to increase the employability of AFDC recipients. Provides for State agency exclusion from AFDC eligibility determinations of certain resources related to microenterprise initiatives by AFDC recipients towards self-sufficiency. Requires State agencies to ensure that caseworkers advise AFDC recipients of the option for microenterprises. Provides for the inclusion of microenterprise training and activities in the JOBS program under SSA title IV part F (Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program).