SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Block Access to North Korea Act of 2016'' or ``BANK Act of 2016''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) North Korea continues to develop a ballistic missile and nuclear weapons program, despite numerous United States and international sanctions, including United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1695, 1718, 1874, 2087, 2094, and 2270, among others. (2) North Korea tested its fifth and largest nuclear device on September 9, 2016. (3) North Korea has increased the pace of its missile testing, including the test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile, potentially furthering the development of a second- strike capability. (4) North Korea has persistently demonstrated an unwillingness to meaningfully negotiate with the United States regarding denuclearization. (5) By its actions and continued investments in its nuclear program, it is clear that the Government of North Korea has no intention to reduce or eliminate its nuclear weapons program. (6) Specialized financial messaging services allow for messaging and contact, including the transfer of funds, between financial institutions. (7) The Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and certain other financial institutions are currently able to avail themselves to financial messaging systems which could be used in funding the North Korean nuclear program. (8) Experts link North Korea to the hacking of specialized financial messaging institutions, resulting in the theft of $81,000,000 from the central bank of Bangledesh. (9) North Korean provocations continue to endanger its citizens, those of United States allies, and those of Americans. SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) providers of specialized financial messaging services are a critical link to the international financial system; (2) directly providing specialized financial messaging services to, or enabling or facilitating direct or indirect access to such messaging services for, any financial institution is inconsistent with paragraph 11 of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2094; and (3) the United States reaffirms its commitment to its allies in the region, including the Republic of Korea and Japan, which are directly threatened by North Korea. SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE PROVISION OF SPECIALIZED FINANCIAL MESSAGING SERVICES TO THE CENTRAL BANK OF THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND CERTAIN OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND SANCTIONED PERSONS. (a) In General.--The President shall impose sanctions pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) with respect to a person if, on or after the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the person continues to knowingly and directly provide specialized financial messaging services to, or knowingly enable or facilitate direct or indirect access to such messaging services for-- (1) the Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; (2) a financial institution that facilitates any transaction or transactions or provides significant financial services for nuclear development or proliferation for or on behalf of North Korea; or (3) a person identified on the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury by reason of assisting the nuclear development or proliferation efforts of North Korea. (b) Waiver.--The President may waive the requirement to impose sanctions with respect to a person under subsection (a) if-- (1) the person is subject to a sanctions regime under its governing foreign law that requires it to eliminate the knowing provision of such messaging services to, and the knowing enabling and facilitation of direct or indirect access to such messaging services for, the Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, any financial institution described in subsection (a)(2), and any person described in subsection (a)(3); (2) the person has, pursuant to that sanctions regime, terminated the knowing provision of such messaging services to, and the knowing enabling and facilitation of direct or indirect access to such messaging services for, the Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, any financial institution described in subsection (a)(2), and any person described in subsection (a)(3); and (3) the President determines that such a waiver is in the national interest of the United States. (c) Clarification.--For purposes of this section, enabling or facilitating direct or indirect access to specialized financial messaging services for the Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, a financial institution described in subsection (a)(2), or a person described in subsection (a)(3) includes doing so by serving as an intermediary financial institution with access to such messaging services.

Summary: Block Access to North Korea Act of 2016 or BANK Act of 2016 This bill requires the President to impose sanctions pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, with specified waiver authority, against a person that continues to knowingly and directly provide specialized financial messaging services to, or to knowingly enable or facilitate access to such messaging services for: the Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), a financial institution that facilitates any transaction or provides significant financial services for nuclear development or proliferation on North Korea's behalf, or a person identified on the list of specially designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control for assisting North Korea's nuclear development or proliferation efforts.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Education Department Civil Rights Transparency Act''. SEC. 2. REPORT BY THE SECRETARY OF EDUCATION. Section 203(b) of the Department of Education Organization Act (20 U.S.C. 3413(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(3) In addition to the requirements under paragraph (1), the report required under such paragraph shall include the following: ``(A) A list of each of the following: ``(i) Each educational institution against which the Department has received, in the preceding year, 1 complaint alleging that the institution has violated a Federal civil rights law. ``(ii) Each educational institution against which the Department has received, in the preceding year, more than 1 such complaint. ``(iii) Each educational institution against which the Department has received, in the preceding 5 years, more than 3 such complaints. ``(iv) Each educational institution that, during the preceding year, was under investigation by the Department for such a complaint. ``(v) Each educational institution against which the Department has received, in the preceding year, such a complaint for which the Department has not commenced an investigation, and which the Department has not dismissed. ``(vi) Each educational institution against which the Department has received, in the preceding year, such a complaint for which the Department has dismissed without commencing an investigation. ``(B) The list of educational institutions described in subparagraph (A) shall be disaggregated by-- ``(i) each Federal civil rights law that the complaint alleges has been violated by each such institution; ``(ii) type of educational institution; and ``(iii) whether the complaint filed against each such institution was processed by the Department as a systemic or as a class-action complaint. ``(C) The list of educational institutions under subparagraph (A) shall include-- ``(i) the date on which the complaint was filed against each such institution; and ``(ii) the status of the complaint. ``(D) In addition to the requirements of subparagraphs (B) and (C), the list of institutions described in subparagraph (A)(vi) shall include-- ``(i) the procedural or administrative reason for which the complaint was dismissed, including-- ``(I) whether the complaint failed to allege-- ``(aa) a violation of Federal law for which the Department has administrative responsibility or subject matter jurisdiction; or ``(bb) a violation against an educational institution for which the Department has administrative responsibility or personal jurisdiction; and ``(II) whether the complainant failed to submit a consent form; and ``(III) whether the Department offered the complainant an opportunity to correct the procedural or administrative error prior to dismissing the complaint. ``(E) Any resolution agreement or letter between the Department and an educational institution against which a complaint described in paragraph (1) has been filed, which settled the Department's investigation of such complaint. ``(F) Any corrective action levied or remedy obtained for the preceding year against an educational institution for a violation of Federal civil rights law pursuant to a resolution agreement or letter, or other findings document, the status of such corrective actions, and whether the Department is considering extending such corrective actions. ``(G) With respect to each complaint described in subparagraph (A)(vi) which the Department dismissed because the Department lacks the administrative responsibility, or subject matter or personal jurisdiction, for the Federal law that the complaint alleges to have been violated or the educational institution against which the complaint was filed-- ``(i) a list of each such educational institution and each such Federal law; and ``(ii) recommendations on whether Federal legislation is necessary for the Department to address the complaints described in this paragraph. ``(H) With respect to each educational institution against which a complaint described in subparagraph (A) has been filed that the Department investigated and found insufficient evidence to support a finding of a Federal civil rights law violation, a report explaining the basis for such decision. ``(I) With respect to each educational institution that has had a resolution agreement or corrective action that the Department has determined does not need to be extended, a report on the basis for the decision and how such institution improved with respect to compliance with Federal civil rights laws. ``(J) In a case in which a decision by the Department to not pursue a complaint or investigation relating to an alleged violation of a Federal civil rights law was due to the resource constraints of the Department for the preceding year, a description of which resources the Department needs to fully and expeditiously investigate each such complaint received by the Department. ``(K) Any changes made, in the preceding year, to the case processing manual of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department. ``(4) In paragraph (4): ``(A) Complaint.-- ``(i) In general.--The term `complaint' means a written statement to the Department alleging that the rights of one or more persons have been violated and requesting that the Department take action. ``(ii) Exclusions.--The term `complaint' does not include oral allegations that are not reduced to writing, anonymous correspondence, courtesy copies of correspondence or a complaint filed with or otherwise submitted to another person or other entity, or inquiries that seek advice or information but do not seek action or intervention from the Department. ``(B) Educational institution.--The term `educational institution' has the meaning given the term in section 901(c) of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681(c)). ``(C) Federal civil rights law.--The term `Federal civil rights law' includes-- ``(i) title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.); ``(ii) the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000a et seq.); ``(iii) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.); ``(iv) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.); ``(v) the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act (20 U.S.C. 7905); ``(vi) the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 701 et seq.); and ``(vii) any other law for which the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Education has administrative responsibility.''. SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Education should protect any personally identifying information of an individual named in a complaint or other document, which may be subject to public release under paragraph (3) of section 203(b) of the Department of Education Organization Act (20 U.S.C. 3413(b)), as added by this Act.

Summary: Education Department Civil Rights Transparency Act This bill amends the Department of Education Organization Act to require the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Education (ED) to include in an annual report to ED, the President, and Congress specified information regarding federal civil rights violations by educational institutions.


That the following sums are hereby appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and out of applicable corporate or other revenues, receipts, and funds, for the several departments, agencies, corporations, and other organizational units of Government for fiscal year 2017, and for other purposes, namely: TITLE I--CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 Sec. 101. (a) Such amounts as may be necessary, at a rate for operations as provided in the applicable appropriations Acts for fiscal year 2016 and under the authority and conditions provided in such Acts, for continuing projects or activities (including the costs of direct loans and loan guarantees) that are not otherwise specifically provided for in this title, that were conducted in fiscal year 2016, and for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were made available in the following appropriations Acts: (1) The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 (division A of Public Law 114-113). (2) The Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 (division B of Public Law 114-113). (3) The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2016 (division C of Public Law 114-113). (4) The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 (division D of Public Law 114-113). (5) The Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2016 (division E of Public Law 114-113). (6) The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2016 (division F of Public Law 114-113). (7) The Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 (division G of Public Law 114-113). (8) The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 (division H of Public Law 114-113). (9) The Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2016 (division I of Public Law 114-113). (10) The Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2016 (division K of Public Law 114-113), except title IX. (11) The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 (division L of Public Law 114-113). (b)(1) The rate for operations provided by subsection (a) in the revised security category (as defined in section 250(c)(4)(D) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985) is hereby adjusted by the percentage necessary to achieve a rate for operations in such category equal to the excess of $548,091,000,000 over the total amount made available in such category pursuant to section 201. (2) The rate for operations provided by subsection (a) in the revised nonsecurity category (as defined in section 250(c)(4)(E) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985) is hereby adjusted by the percentage necessary to achieve a rate for operations in such category equal to the excess of $518,491,000,000 over the total amount made available in such category pursuant to section 201. Sec. 102. (a) No appropriation or funds made available or authority granted pursuant to section 101 for the Department of Defense shall be used for: (1) the new production of items not funded for production in fiscal year 2016 or prior years; (2) the increase in production rates above those sustained with fiscal year 2016 funds; or (3) the initiation, resumption, or continuation of any project, activity, operation, or organization (defined as any project, subproject, activity, budget activity, program element, and subprogram within a program element, and for any investment items defined as a P-1 line item in a budget activity within an appropriation account and an R-1 line item that includes a program element and subprogram element within an appropriation account) for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were not available during fiscal year 2016. (b) No appropriation or funds made available or authority granted pursuant to section 101 for the Department of Defense shall be used to initiate multi-year procurements utilizing advance procurement funding for economic order quantity procurement unless specifically appropriated later. Sec. 103. Appropriations made by section 101 shall be available to the extent and in the manner that would be provided by the pertinent appropriations Act. Sec. 104. Except as otherwise provided in section 102, no appropriation or funds made available or authority granted pursuant to section 101 shall be used to initiate or resume any project or activity for which appropriations, funds, or other authority were not available during fiscal year 2016. Sec. 105. Appropriations made and authority granted pursuant to this title shall cover all obligations or expenditures incurred for any project or activity during the period for which funds or authority for such project or activity are available under this title. Sec. 106. Unless otherwise provided for in this title or in the applicable appropriations Act for fiscal year 2017, appropriations and funds made available and authority granted pursuant to this title shall be available until whichever of the following first occurs: (1) the enactment into law of an appropriation for any project or activity provided for in this title; (2) the enactment into law of the applicable appropriations Act for fiscal year 2017 without any provision for such project or activity; or (3) December 9, 2016. Sec. 107. Expenditures made pursuant to this title shall be charged to the applicable appropriation, fund, or authorization whenever a bill in which such applicable appropriation, fund, or authorization is contained is enacted into law. Sec. 108. Appropriations made and funds made available by or authority granted pursuant to this title may be used without regard to the time limitations for submission and approval of apportionments set forth in section 1513 of title 31, United States Code, but nothing in this title may be construed to waive any other provision of law governing the apportionment of funds. Sec. 109. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, except section 106, for those programs that would otherwise have high initial rates of operation or complete distribution of appropriations at the beginning of fiscal year 2017 because of distributions of funding to States, foreign countries, grantees, or others, such high initial rates of operation or complete distribution shall not be made, and no grants shall be awarded for such programs funded by this title that would impinge on final funding prerogatives. Sec. 110. This title shall be implemented so that only the most limited funding action of that permitted in the title shall be taken in order to provide for continuation of projects and activities. TITLE II--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2017 AND ZIKA RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS ACT SEC. 201. ENACTMENT BY REFERENCE. (a) In General.--The provisions of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 and Zika Response and Preparedness Act, as printed in the Conference Report accompanying H.R. 2577 (H. Rept. 114-640), are hereby enacted into law. (b) Publication.--In publishing the Act in slip form and in the United States Statutes at Large pursuant to section 112, of title 1, United States Code, the Archivist of the United States shall include after the date of approval at the end appendixes setting forth the texts of the bill referred to in subsection (a) of this section. TITLE III--ENSURING VETTING OF REFUGEES TO KEEP AMERICANS SAFE SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015'' or as the ``American SAFE Act of 2015''. SEC. 302. REVIEW OF REFUGEES TO IDENTIFY SECURITY THREATS TO THE UNITED STATES. (a) Background Investigation.--In addition to the screening conducted by the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall take all actions necessary to ensure that each covered alien receives a thorough background investigation prior to admission as a refugee. A covered alien may not be admitted as a refugee until the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation certifies to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence that each covered alien has received a background investigation that is sufficient to determine whether the covered alien is a threat to the security of the United States. (b) Certification by Unanimous Concurrence.--A covered alien may only be admitted to the United States after the Secretary of Homeland Security, with the unanimous concurrence of the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Director of National Intelligence, certifies to the appropriate Congressional Committees that the covered alien is not a threat to the security of the United States. (c) Inspector General Review of Certifications.--The Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security shall conduct a risk- based review of all certifications made under subsection (b) each year and shall provide an annual report detailing the findings to the appropriate Congressional Committees. (d) Monthly Report.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the appropriate Congressional Committees a monthly report on the total number of applications for admission with regard to which a certification under subsection (b) was made and the number of covered aliens with regard to whom such a certification was not made for the month preceding the date of the report. The report shall include, for each covered alien with regard to whom a certification was not made, the concurrence or nonconcurrence of each person whose concurrence was required by subsection (b). (e) Definitions.--In this Act: (1) Covered alien.--The term ``covered alien'' means any alien applying for admission to the United States as a refugee who-- (A) is a national or resident of Iraq or Syria; (B) has no nationality and whose last habitual residence was in Iraq or Syria; or (C) has been present in Iraq or Syria at any time on or after March 1, 2011. (2) Appropriate congressional committee.--The term ``appropriate Congressional Committees'' means-- (A) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; (B) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; (C) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate; (D) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; (E) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; (F) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; (G) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; (H) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; (I) the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives; (J) the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives; (K) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and (L) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. TITLE IV--STOPPING THE INTERNET GIVEAWAY SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Protecting Internet Freedom Act''. SEC. 402. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) The Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (in this section referred to as the ``NTIA'') should be responsible for maintaining the continuity and stability of services related to certain interdependent Internet technical management functions, known collectively as the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (in this section referred to as the ``IANA''), which includes-- (A) the coordination of the assignment of technical Internet protocol parameters; (B) the administration of certain responsibilities associated with the Internet domain name system root zone management; (C) the allocation of Internet numbering resources; and (D) other services related to the management of the Advanced Research Project Agency and INT top-level domains. (2) The interdependent technical functions described in paragraph (1) were performed on behalf of the Federal Government under a contract between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the University of Southern California as part of a research project known as the Tera-node Network Technology project. As the Tera-node Network Technology project neared completion and the contract neared expiration in 1999, the Federal Government recognized the need for the continued performance of the IANA functions as vital to the stability and correct functioning of the Internet. (3) The NTIA may use its contract authority to maintain the continuity and stability of services related to the IANA functions. (4) If the NTIA uses its contract authority, the contractor, in the performance of its duties, must have or develop a close constructive working relationship with all interested and affected parties to ensure quality and satisfactory performance of the IANA functions. The interested and affected parties include-- (A) the multistakeholder, private sector-led, bottom-up policy development model for the domain name system that the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers represents; (B) the Internet Engineering Task Force and the Internet Architecture Board; (C) Regional Internet Registries; (D) top-level domain operators and managers, such as country codes and generic; (E) governments; and (F) the Internet user community. (5) The IANA functions contract of the Department of Commerce explicitly declares that ``[a]ll deliverables provided under this contract become the property of the U.S. Government.''. One of the deliverables is the automated root zone. (6) Former President Bill Clinton's Internet czar Ira Magaziner stated that ``[t]he United States paid for the Internet, the Net was created under its auspices, and most importantly everything [researchers] did was pursuant to government contracts.''. (7) Under section 3 of article IV of the Constitution of the United States, Congress has the exclusive power to ``dispose of and make all needful Rules and Regulations respecting the Territory or other Property belonging to the United States''. (8) The .gov and .mil top-level domains are the property of the United States Government, and as property, the United States Government should have the exclusive control and use of those domains in perpetuity. SEC. 403. MAINTAINING THE IANA FUNCTIONS CONTRACT. The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information may not allow the responsibility of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with respect to the Internet domain name system functions, including responsibility with respect to the authoritative root zone file and the performance of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority functions, to terminate, lapse, expire, be canceled, or otherwise cease to be in effect unless a Federal statute enacted after the date of enactment of this title expressly grants the Assistant Secretary such authority. SEC. 404. EXCLUSIVE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF .GOV AND .MIL DOMAINS. Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this title, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information shall provide to Congress a written certification that the United States Government has-- (1) secured sole ownership of the .gov and .mil top-level domains; and (2) entered into a contract with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers that provides that the United States Government has exclusive control and use of those domains in perpetuity.

Summary: This bill provides continuing FY2017 appropriations to most federal agencies until the earlier of December 9, 2016, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations legislation. It prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur when FY2017 begins on October 1, 2016, because the FY2017 appropriations bills that fund the federal government have not been enacted. The bill specifies the rates of operations for security and nonsecurity programs for the duration of the continuing appropriations. The bill enacts, by reference, the provisions of the conference report for H.R. 2577 (Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 and Zika Response and Preparedness Act). American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act of 2015 or the American SAFE Act of 2015 The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence must take specified actions to ensure that certain aliens from Iraq or Syria receive thorough background investigations and are certified not to be a security threat prior to being admitted to the United States as refugees. Protecting Internet Freedom Act The Department of Commerce may not allow the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's responsibility for Internet domain name system functions to cease unless a federal statute enacted after enactment of this bill expressly grants Commerce the authority. Commerce must certify to Congress that the United States: (1) secured sole ownership of the .gov and .mil top-level domains, and (2) entered into a contract with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers that provides the U.S. government with exclusive control and use of those domains in perpetuity.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Name Matching for Enforcement and Security Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. INTEROPERABLE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND INTELLIGENCE DATA SYSTEM WITH NAME MATCHING CAPACITY AND TRAINING. (a) Unified Electronic Data System.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, and the Director of Central Intelligence shall develop and implement a unified electronic data system to provide current and immediate access to information in databases of United States law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community that is relevant to determine whether to issue a visa or to determine the admissibility of an alien to the United States. (b) Name Search Capacity and Support.-- (1) In general.--The unified electronic data system required by subsection (a) shall-- (A) have the capacity to match names even when those names are entered and stored in different fields within the different databases referred to in subsection (a); (B) be searchable on a linguistically sensitive basis; (C) provide adequate user support; (D) be developed in consultation with private sector firms; (E) to the extent practicable, utilize commercially available platforms; and (F) be adjusted and improved, based upon experience with the databases and improvements in the underlying technologies and sciences, on a continuing basis. (2) Linguistically sensitive searches.-- (A) In general.--To satisfy the requirement of paragraph (1)(B), the unified electronic database shall be searchable based on linguistically sensitive algorithms that-- (i) account for variations in name formats and transliterations, including varied spellings and varied separation or combination of name elements, within a particular language; and (ii) incorporate advanced linguistic, mathematical, statistical, and anthropological research and methods. (B) Languages required.--Linguistically sensitive algorithms shall be developed and implemented for no fewer than 4 languages designated as high priorities by the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Director of Central Intelligence. (3) Adequate user support.--To satisfy the requirement of paragraph (1)(C), the unified electronic data system shall provide-- (A) authoritative, easily accessed information about the nature, structure, and likely gender of names in different languages, including at least those languages specified pursuant to paragraph (2)(B); and (B) a means for communication of questions to experts. (4) Interim reports.--Beginning not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, and the Director of Central Intelligence shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress on their progress in implementing each requirement of this section. (5) Reports by intelligence agencies.-- (A) Current standards.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of Central Intelligence shall complete the survey and issue the report previously required by section 309(a) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (50 U.S.C. 403-3 note). (B) Guidelines.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of Intelligence shall issue the guidelines and submit the copy of those guidelines previously required by section 309(b) of the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (50 U.S.C. 403-3 note). (6) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this subsection. (c) Consultation Requirement.--In the development and implementation of the data system under this section, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, and the Director of Central Intelligence shall consult with the Director of the Office of Homeland Security, the Foreign Terrorist Tracking Task Force, United States law enforcement agencies, and the intelligence community. (d) Technology Standard.--The data system developed and implemented under this subsection, shall utilize the technology standard established pursuant to section 403(c) of the United and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001. (e) Access to Information in Data System.--Subject to subsection (f), information in the data system under this section shall be readily and easily accessible as follows: (1) To any Foreign Service officer responsible for the issuance of visas. (2) To any Federal agent responsible for determining the admissibility of an alien to the United States. (f) Limitation on Access.--The Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the Director of Central Intelligence shall establish procedures to restrict access to intelligence information in the data system under this section under circumstances in which such information is not to be disclosed directly to Government officials under subsection (e).

Summary: Name Matching for Enforcement and Security Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization, and the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) to develop and implement a unified electronic data system to provide current and immediate access to information in databases of U.S. law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community that is relevant to determine: (1) whether to issue a visa; or (2) the admissibility of an alien to the United States.Sets forth provisions regarding name search capacity and support and languages required. Requires: (1) such officials to consult with the Director of the Office of Homeland Security, the Foreign Terrorist Tracking Task Force, U.S. law enforcement agencies, and the intelligence community; and (2) the system to utilize the technology standard established pursuant to the United and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (PATRIOT) Act of 2001.Directs that system information be readily and easily accessible to any: (1) Foreign Service officer responsible for the issuance of visas; and (2) Federal agent responsible for determining the admissibility of an alien to the United States.Requires the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and the DCI to establish procedures to restrict access to intelligence information in the system under circumstances in which such information is not to be disclosed directly to Government officials.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Reigniting Opportunity for Innovators Act''. SEC. 2. SMALL BUSINESS STARTUP FOUNDER AND EMPLOYEE LOAN DEFERMENT AND CANCELLATION. (a) Deferment Without Interest Accrual for Small Business Startup Founders and Employees.--Section 455(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(5) Deferment without interest accrual for small business startup founders and employees.-- ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), a qualifying small business startup borrower shall be eligible for a deferment, during which periodic installments of principal need not be paid and interest shall not accrue, during any period while the borrower is employed as a founder or full-time employee of a small business startup. ``(B) Limitations.--A qualifying small business startup borrower shall not receive a deferment under this paragraph for any period-- ``(i) in excess of 3 years; or ``(ii) that begins more than 5 years, or ends more than 8 years, after the date the small business startup was established (as determined by the small business development center that approved such borrower under section 21(o)(5) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(o)(5))). ``(C) Definitions.--In this paragraph-- ``(i) the terms `founder', `full-time employee', and `small business startup' have the meanings given the terms in subsection (r)(2); and ``(ii) the term `qualifying small business startup borrower' means a borrower of a loan made under this part whose employment as a small business startup founder or full-time employee is approved by a small business development center under section 21(o)(5) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(o)(5)).''. (b) Loan Cancellation.--Section 455 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(r) Loan Cancellation for Founders and Employees of Small Business Startups in Distressed Areas.-- ``(1) Loan cancellation.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall cancel the balance of interest and principal due, subject to subparagraph (B), on any eligible Federal Direct Loan not in default for a borrower who-- ``(i) at the time of such cancellation, is employed as a founder or full-time employee of a small business startup in a distressed area who-- ``(I) has been approved for loan cancellation by a small business development center under section 21(o)(6) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(o)(6)); and ``(II) began such employment during the 5-year period beginning on the date that the small business startup was established (as determined by such small business development center); and ``(ii) during the time period for which the borrower has been approved by the small business development center, which in no case shall be more than 10 years after the date on which the small business startup was established, has made 24 monthly payments on the eligible Federal Direct Loan pursuant to any repayment plan under subsection (d)(1) or a combination of such plans while so employed. ``(B) Loan cancellation maximum.--The Secretary shall cancel under this subsection not more than an aggregate of $20,000 of the loan obligation on the eligible Federal Direct Loans of a borrower. ``(C) Timing requirements.--Each of the 24 monthly payments required under this subsection shall be made after the date of enactment of this subsection. ``(D) Ineligibility for double benefits.--No borrower may, for the same service, receive a reduction of loan obligations under both this subsection and-- ``(i) subsection (m); or ``(ii) section 428J, 428K, 428L, or 460. ``(2) Definitions.--In this subsection: ``(A) Distressed area.--The term `distressed area' has the meaning given the term in section 21(o)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(o)(1)). ``(B) Eligible federal direct loan.--The term `eligible Federal Direct Loan' means a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Federal Direct PLUS Loan, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, or a Federal Direct Consolidation Loan. ``(C) Founder; full-time employee.--The terms `founder' and `full-time employee' have the meanings given the terms in section 21(o)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(o)(1)). ``(D) Small business startup.--The term `small business startup' means a business that is certified by a small business development center under section 21(o)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(o)(3)).''. (c) Conforming Amendments.--Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a et seq.) is further amended-- (1) in section 428J(g)(2), by striking ``section 455(m)'' and inserting ``subsection (m) or (r) of section 455''; (2) in section 428K(f)-- (A) by inserting ``subsection (m) or (r) of section 455 or'' before ``section 428J''; and (B) by striking ``455(m)''; (3) in section 428L(g), by striking ``455(m)'' and inserting ``subsection (m) or (r) of section 455''; (4) in section 455(m)(4), by inserting ``subsection (r) or'' before ``section 428J''; and (5) in section 460(g)(2)(B), by striking ``section 455(m)'' and inserting ``subsection (m) or (r) of section 455''. SEC. 3. SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS. Section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648) is amended-- (1) in subsection (c)(3)-- (A) in subparagraph (S), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in subparagraph (T), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(U) certifying small business startups under subsection (o)(3); and ``(V) approving loan deferment or cancellation under paragraph (5) or (6) of subsection (o) for founders and full- time employees of certain small business startups.''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(o) Deferment or Cancellation of Certain Loans.-- ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection-- ``(A) the term `distressed area' has the meaning given the term `low-income community' in section 45D(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; ``(B) the term `eligible Federal Direct Loan' has the meaning given the term in section 455(r)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965; ``(C) the terms `founder' and `full-time employee', with respect to a small business startup, have the meanings given the terms by the Administrator; and ``(D) the term `small business startup' means a small business concern that, as of the date that the small business concern submits an application under paragraph (3), has been in existence for not more than 3 years. ``(2) Role of small business development centers.--Any small business development center may, for purposes of eligible Federal Direct Loan deferment or cancellation under subsection (f)(5) or (r) of section 455 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e)-- ``(A) certify a small business startup under paragraph (3); and ``(B) approve eligible Federal Direct Loan deferment or cancellation for a founder or full-time employee of a qualifying small business startup under paragraph (5) or (6). ``(3) Certification.--In order to be certified by a small business development center, a small business startup shall submit to the small business development center an application that includes-- ``(A) a 5-year business plan for the small business startup; ``(B) the number of employees that the small business startup intends to employ on an annual basis; and ``(C) information that demonstrates that the small business startup has the potential for success. ``(4) Publication of distressed areas.--The Administrator shall identify and make publicly available on the website of the Administration a list of distressed areas. ``(5) Loan deferment for founders and full-time employees of a small business startup.-- ``(A) Application.--In order to be approved by a small business development center for eligible Federal Direct Loan deferment under subsection (f)(5) of section 455 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e), a borrower of an eligible Federal Direct Loan shall submit to the small business development center an application that includes such information as the Administrator may require. ``(B) Requirements.--A small business development center shall approve a borrower who applies under subparagraph (A) for eligible Federal Direct Loan deferment if the small business development center determines that-- ``(i) the borrower is, as of the date of the application, a founder or full-time employee of a small business startup that is certified under paragraph (3); and ``(ii) the employment of the borrower with the small business startup began during the 5- year period beginning on the date on which the small business startup was established. ``(6) Loan cancellation for founders and full-time employees of a small business startup in a distressed area.-- ``(A) Application.--In order to be approved by a small business development center for eligible Federal Direct Loan cancellation under subsection (r) of section 455 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087e), a borrower of an eligible Federal Direct Loan shall submit to the small business development center an application that includes such information as the Administrator may require, including an identification of the time period during which the borrower has made 24 monthly payments on the eligible Federal Direct Loan, as required under subparagraphs (A)(ii) and (C) of paragraph (1) of such subsection (r). ``(B) Requirements.--A small business development center shall approve a borrower who applies under subparagraph (A) for eligible Federal Direct Loan cancellation if the small business development center determines that the borrower-- ``(i) as of the date of the application, is employed as a founder or full-time employee of a small business startup that-- ``(I) is located in an area that was a distressed area when the small business startup was established; ``(II) is certified under paragraph (3) by the small business development center; and ``(III) as of the date that the small business development center approves the borrower under this paragraph, has been operating continuously for not less than 5 years and not more than 10 years; and ``(ii) was employed as a founder or a full- time employee by a small business startup described in clause (i) during a period beginning not more than 5 years after the date on which the small business startup was established, as identified by the borrower under subparagraph (A).''.

Summary: Reigniting Opportunity for Innovators Act This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make qualified founders and full-time employees of small business start-ups eligible for deferring for up to three years their loans under the federal Direct Loan program. If the start-up is located in an economically distressed area, qualified founders and employees are also eligible for loan cancellation of up to $20,000 under that program.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``After School Education and Anti- Crime Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. PURPOSE. The purpose of this Act is to improve academic and social outcomes for students and reduce both juvenile crime and the risk that youth will become victims of crime by providing productive activities during after school hours. SEC. 3. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Today's youth face far greater social risks than did their parents and grandparents. (2) Students spend more of their waking hours alone, without supervision, companionship, or activity, than the students spend in school. (3) Law enforcement statistics show that youth who are ages 12 through 17 are most at risk of committing violent acts and being victims of violent acts between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. (4) The consequences of academic failure are more dire in 1999 than ever before. (5) After school programs have been shown in many States to help address social problems facing our Nation's youth, such as drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and gang involvement. (6) Many of our Nation's governors endorse increasing the number of after school programs through a Federal/State partnership. (7) Over 450 of the Nation's leading police chiefs, sheriffs, and prosecutors, along with presidents of the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Union of Police Associations, which together represent 360,000 police officers, have called upon public officials to provide after school programs that offer recreation, academic support, and community service experience, for school-age children and teens in the United States. (8) One of the most important investments that we can make in our children is to ensure that they have safe and positive learning environments in the after school hours. SEC. 4. GOALS. The goals of this Act are as follows: (1) To increase the academic success of students. (2) To promote safe and productive environments for students in the after school hours. (3) To provide alternatives to drug, alcohol, tobacco, and gang activity. (4) To reduce juvenile crime and the risk that youth will become victims of crime during after school hours. SEC. 5. PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION. Section 10903 of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act (20 U.S.C. 8243) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``to Local Educational Agencies for Schools'' after ``Secretary''; and (B) by striking ``rural and inner-city public'' and all that follows through ``or to'' and inserting ``local educational agencies for the support of public elementary schools or secondary schools, including middle schools, that serve communities with substantial needs for expanded learning opportunities for children and youth in the communities, to enable the schools to establish or''; and (C) by striking ``a rural or inner-city community'' and inserting ``the communities''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) by striking ``States, among'' and inserting ``States and among''; and (B) by striking ``United States,'' and all that follows through ``a State'' and inserting ``United States''; and (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``3'' and inserting ``5''. SEC. 6. APPLICATIONS. Section 10904 of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act (20 U.S.C. 8244) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); (2) in subsection (a)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)-- (i) in the first sentence, by striking ``an elementary or secondary school or consortium'' and inserting ``a local educational agency''; and (ii) in the second sentence, by striking ``Each such'' and inserting the following: ``(b) Contents.--Each such''; and (3) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or consortium''; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; and (C) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, including programs under the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.)'' after ``maximized''; (ii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``students, parents, teachers, school administrators, local government, including law enforcement organizations such as Police Athletic and Activity Leagues,'' after ``agencies,''; (iii) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``or consortium''; and (iv) in subparagraph (E)-- (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``or consortium''; and (II) in clause (ii), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and (E) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) information demonstrating that the local educational agency will-- ``(A) provide not less than 35 percent of the annual cost of the activities assisted under the project from sources other than funds provided under this part, which contribution may be provided in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated; and ``(B) provide not more than 25 percent of the annual cost of the activities assisted under the project from funds provided by the Secretary under other Federal programs that permit the use of those other funds for activities assisted under the project; and ``(5) an assurance that the local educational agency, in each year of the project, will maintain the agency's fiscal effort, from non-Federal sources, from the preceding fiscal year for the activities the local educational agency provides with funds provided under this part.''. SEC. 7. USES OF FUNDS. Section 10905 of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act (20 U.S.C. 8245) is amended-- (1) by striking the matter preceding paragraph (1) and inserting: ``(a) In General.--Grants awarded under this part may be used to establish or expand community learning centers. The centers may provide 1 or more of the following activities:''; (2) in subsection (a)(11) (as redesignated by paragraph (1)), by inserting ``, and job skills preparation'' after ``placement''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(14) After school programs, that-- ``(A) shall include at least 2 of the following-- ``(i) mentoring programs; ``(ii) academic assistance; ``(iii) recreational activities; or ``(iv) technology training; and ``(B) may include-- ``(i) drug, alcohol, and gang prevention activities; ``(ii) health and nutrition counseling; and ``(iii) job skills preparation activities. ``(b) Limitation.--Not less than \2/3\ of the amount appropriated under section 10907 for each fiscal year shall be used for after school programs, as described in paragraph (14). Such programs may also include activities described in paragraphs (1) through (13) that offer expanded opportunities for children or youth.''. SEC. 8. ADMINISTRATION. Section 10905 of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act (20 U.S.C. 8245) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Administration.--In carrying out the activities described in subsection (a), a local educational agency or school shall, to the greatest extent practicable-- ``(1) request volunteers from business and academic communities, and law enforcement organizations, such as Police Athletic and Activity Leagues, to serve as mentors or to assist in other ways; ``(2) ensure that youth in the local community participate in designing the after school activities; ``(3) develop creative methods of conducting outreach to youth in the community; ``(4) request donations of computer equipment and other materials and equipment; and ``(5) work with State and local park and recreation agencies so that activities carried out by the agencies prior to the date of enactment of this subsection are not duplicated by activities assisted under this part.''. SEC. 9. COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER DEFINED. Section 10906 of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act (20 U.S.C. 8246) is amended in paragraph (2) by inserting ``, including law enforcement organizations such as the Police Athletic and Activity League'' after ``governmental agencies''. SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Section 10907 of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act (20 U.S.C. 8247) is amended by striking ``$20,000,000 for fiscal year 1995'' and all that follows and inserting ``$600,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2000 through 2004, to carry out this part.''. SEC. 11. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act, and the amendments made by this Act, take effect on October 1, 1999.

Summary: (Sec. 6) Requires an LEA, to be eligible to receive a grant, to submit an application including: (1) information demonstrating that the LEA will provide not less than 35 percent of the annual cost of the activities assisted under the project from sources other than funds provided under the Act, which may be provided in cash or in kind, and provide not more than 25 percent of the annual cost of the activities assisted under the project from funds provided by the Secretary under other Federal programs that permit their use; and (2) an assurance that the LEA, in each year of the project, will maintain the agency's fiscal effort, from non-Federal sources, from the preceding fiscal year. (Sec. 7) Allows the use of grant funds to establish or expand community learning centers. Allows such centers to provide one or more of specified activities, including after school programs that: (1) include (at least two of the following) mentoring programs, academic assistance, recreational activities, or technology training; and (2) may include drug, alcohol, and gang prevention activities, health and nutrition counseling, and job skills preparation activities. Limits the amount of appropriated funds that may be used for after school programs. (Sec. 8) Directs an LEA to: (1) request volunteers from business and academic communities, and law enforcement organizations, to serve as mentors or to assist in other ways; (2) ensure that youth in the local community participate in designing the after school activities; (3) develop creative methods of conducting outreach to youth in the community; (4) request donations of computer equipment and other materials and equipment; and (5) work with State and local park and recreation agencies so that activities carried out by the agencies prior to this Act's enactment are not duplicated. (Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Mary Jo Lawyer Spano Mesothelioma Patient Registry Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. PATIENT REGISTRY FOR MESOTHELIOMA DATA COLLECTION AND RESEARCH. Title III of the Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 399V-5 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 280g-16) the following: ``SEC. 399V-6. PATIENT REGISTRY FOR MESOTHELIOMA DATA COLLECTION AND RESEARCH. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, shall develop a patient registry to collect data on mesothelioma, including information with respect to the incidence and prevalence of the disease in the United States. ``(b) Uses.--The Secretary shall use the registry under subsection (a)-- ``(1) to enhance and expand infrastructure and activities for tracking the epidemiology of mesothelioma patients; ``(2) to collect, consolidate, and report on health information on patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, including with respect to-- ``(A) treatment outcomes, including patient longevity; and ``(B) the number of patients receiving treatment for mesothelioma disaggregated by hospital; ``(3) to better describe the incidence and prevalence of mesothelioma in the United States; ``(4) to facilitate further research on mesothelioma; ``(5) to examine factors, such as environmental and occupational factors, that may be associated with mesothelioma; ``(6) to better outline key demographic factors (such as age, race or ethnicity, gender, and family history) associated with mesothelioma; and ``(7) to make the information in such registry, other than individually identifiable information, available to the public to facilitate and enhance research on, and prevention and treatment of, mesothelioma. ``(c) Content.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary-- ``(1) shall provide for the collection and storage of information on the incidence and prevalence of mesothelioma in the United States; ``(2) when scientifically possible, shall provide for the collection and storage of other available information on mesothelioma, such as information concerning-- ``(A) demographics and other information associated or possibly associated with mesothelioma, such as age, race, ethnicity, sex, geographic location, and family history; ``(B) risk factors associated or possibly associated with mesothelioma, including genetic and environmental risk factors; and ``(C) diagnosis and progression markers; and ``(3) may provide for the collection and storage of information relevant to analysis on mesothelioma, such as information concerning-- ``(A) the epidemiology of the disease; ``(B) the natural history of the disease; ``(C) the prevention of the disease; ``(D) the detection, management, and treatment approaches for the disease; and ``(E) the development of outcomes measures. ``(d) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult with individuals with appropriate expertise, including non-Federal mesothelioma experts including-- ``(1) epidemiologists with experience in disease surveillance or registries; ``(2) representatives of national voluntary associations that focus on mesothelioma or have demonstrated experience in research, care, or patient service for mesothelioma; ``(3) health information technology experts or other information management specialists; ``(4) clinicians with expertise in mesothelioma; and ``(5) research scientists with experience conducting translational research or utilizing surveillance systems for scientific research purposes. ``(e) Coordination With Other Federal Agencies.--The Secretary shall make information in and analysis derived from the registry under this section available, as appropriate, to Federal departments and agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Defense. ``(f) Public Access.--Subject to subsection (g), the Secretary shall make information in, and analysis derived from, the registry under this section available, as appropriate, to the public, including researchers. ``(g) Privacy.--The Secretary shall ensure that privacy and security protections applicable to the registry under this section are at least as stringent as the privacy and security protections under HIPAA privacy and security law (as defined in section 3009). ``(h) Reports to Congress.-- ``(1) Initial report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of the Mary Jo Lawyer Spano Mesothelioma Patient Registry Act of 2015, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report that-- ``(A) shall outline-- ``(i) the findings in the mesothelioma patient registry under subsection (a); ``(ii) future plans for expansion or revision of such registry; and ``(iii) the scope of such registry; and ``(B) may include a description of the activities undertaken by the Secretary to establish partnerships with research and patient advocacy communities to expand such registry. ``(2) Subsequent report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the Mary Jo Lawyer Spano Mesothelioma Patient Registry Act of 2015, the Secretary shall submit a report to the Congress concerning the implementation of this section. Such report should include information on-- ``(A) the development and maintenance of the mesothelioma patient registry under subsection (a); ``(B) the type of information collected and stored in the registry; ``(C) the use and availability of such information, including guidelines for such use; and ``(D) the use and coordination of databases that collect or maintain information on mesothelioma.''.

Summary: Mary Jo Lawyer Spano Mesothelioma Patient Registry Act of 2015 This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry to develop a patient registry to collect data on mesothelioma. The Agency shall use the registry to: enhance and expand infrastructure and activities for tracking the epidemiology of mesothelioma patients; collect, consolidate, and report on health information on mesothelioma patients; describe the incidence and prevalence of mesothelioma in the United States; facilitate research on mesothelioma; examine factors that may be associated with mesothelioma; outline key demographic factors associated with mesothelioma; and make information available to the public to facilitate and enhance research on, and the prevention and treatment of, mesothelioma. The Agency: (1) shall provide for the collection and storage of information on the incidence and prevalence of mesothelioma in the United States and information concerning demographics and other information associated with mesothelioma, such as geographic location and family history, risk factors, and diagnosis and progression markers; (2) may provide for the collection and storage of information relevant to analysis on mesothelioma, such as information concerning the epidemiology, natural history, and prevention of the disease, the detection, management, and treatment approaches for the disease, and the development of outcomes measures; and (3) shall make registry information available to federal agencies and the public.


SECTION 1. AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATED FUNDS FOR INTERNATIONAL MILITARY-TO-CIVILIAN AND CIVILIAN-TO-CIVILIAN CONTACT ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE NATIONAL GUARD. (a) In General.--Chapter 1007 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 10219. International military-civilian contact activities conducted by the National Guard: availability of appropriated funds to support activities ``(a) Availability of Appropriated Funds; Authorized Purposes.-- Funds appropriated to the Department of Defense shall be available for the payment of costs incurred by the National Guard (including the costs of pay and allowances of members of the National Guard) in conducting international military-to-civilian contacts, civilian-to- civilian contacts, and comparable activities for purposes as follows: ``(1) To support the objectives of the commander of the combatant command for the theater of operations in which such contacts and activities are conducted. ``(2) To build international civil-military partnerships and capacity. ``(3) To strengthen cooperation between the departments and agencies of the United States Government and agencies of foreign governments. ``(4) To facilitate intergovernmental collaboration between the United States Government and foreign governments. ``(5) To facilitate and enhance the exchange of information between the United States Government and foreign governments on matters relating to defense and security. ``(b) Limitations.--(1) Funds shall not be available under subsection (a) for contacts and activities described in that subsection that are conducted in a foreign country unless jointly approved by the commander of the combatant command concerned and the chief of mission concerned. ``(2) Funds shall not be available under subsection (a) for the participation of a member of the National Guard in contacts and activities described in that subsection in a foreign country unless the member is on active duty in the Armed Forces at the time of such participation. ``(c) Reimbursement.--In the event of the participation of personnel of a department or agency of the United States Government (other than the Department of Defense) in contacts and activities for which payment is made under subsection (a), the head of such department or agency shall reimburse the Secretary of Defense for the costs associated with the participation of such personnel in such contacts and activities. Amounts reimbursed the Department of Defense under this subsection shall be deposited in the appropriation or account from which amounts for the payment concerned were derived. Any amounts so deposited shall be merged with amounts in such appropriation or account, and shall be available for the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as amounts in such appropriation or account. ``(d) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) The term `military-to-civilian contacts' means the following: ``(A) Contacts between members of the Armed Forces and foreign civilian personnel. ``(B) Contacts between members of foreign Armed Forces and United States civilian personnel. ``(2) The term `civilian-to-civilian contacts' means contacts between United States civilian personnel and foreign civilian personnel. ``(3) The term `United States civilian personnel' means the following: ``(A) Personnel of the United States Government (including personnel of departments and agencies of the United States Government other than the Department of Defense) and personnel of State and local governments of the United States. ``(B) Members and employees of the legislative branch, and non-governmental individuals, if the participation of such individuals in contacts and activities described in subsection (a)-- ``(i) contributes to responsible management of defense resources; ``(ii) fosters greater respect for and understanding of the principle of civilian control of the military; ``(iii) contributes to cooperation between foreign military and civilian government agencies and United States military and civilian governmental agencies; or ``(iv) improves international partnerships and capacity on matters relating to defense and security. ``(4) The term `foreign civilian personnel' means the following: ``(A) Civilian personnel of foreign governments at any level (including personnel of ministries other than ministries of defense). ``(B) Non-governmental individuals of foreign countries, if the participation of such individuals in contacts and activities described in subsection (a) will further the achievement of any matter set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) of paragraph (3)(B).''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``10219. International military-civilian contact activities conducted by the National Guard: availability of appropriated funds to support activities.''.

Summary: Makes funds appropriated to the Department of Defense (DOD) available for costs incurred by the National Guard in conducting international military-to-civilian contacts, civilian-to-civilian contacts, and comparable activities in order to: (1) support objectives of the commander of the combatant command for the theater of operations in which the contacts occur; (2) build international civil-military partnerships and capacity; (3) strengthen cooperation between U.S. and foreign departments and agencies; (4) facilitate intergovernmental collaboration between the U.S. government and foreign governments; and (5) facilitate the exchange of information between the U.S. government and foreign governments on matters relating to defense and security.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Handgun Trigger Safety Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds as follows: (1) It is in the interest of the United States to protect its citizens from handgun violence and accidental firearm deaths. (2) Personalizing handguns would prevent unauthorized users, whether children, criminals, or others, from misusing the weapons. (3) Personalizing handguns would allow authorized users to continue to lawfully own and use their handguns more safely. (4) In 2011, according to the Centers for Disease Control, there were 851 accidental firearm deaths. (5) In 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 62 people under the age of 15 were killed accidentally with firearms. (6) According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, almost 350,000 incidents of firearm theft from private citizens occur each year. (7) According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 45 law enforcement officers were killed with their own firearm between 2002 and 2011. (8) According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, almost half of all murders in the United States in 2011 were committed with handguns. TITLE I--TECHNOLOGY FOR PERSONALIZED HANDGUNS GRANTS SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS. In this title: (1) Handgun.--The term ``handgun'' has the meaning given the term in section 921(a)(29) of title 18, United States Code. (2) Personalized handgun.--The term ``personalized handgun'' means a handgun that-- (A) enables only an authorized user of the handgun to fire the handgun; and (B) was manufactured in such a manner that the firing restriction described in subparagraph (A)-- (i) is incorporated into the design of the handgun; (ii) is not sold as an accessory; and (iii) cannot be readily removed or deactivated. (3) Qualified entity.--The term ``qualified entity'' means-- (A) a State or unit of local government; (B) a nonprofit or for-profit organization; or (C) an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)). (4) Retrofitted personalized handgun.--The term ``retrofitted personalized handgun'' means a handgun fitted with a device that-- (A) enables only an authorized user of the handgun to fire the handgun; and (B) cannot be readily removed or deactivated. SEC. 102. AUTHORIZATION. The Attorney General, acting through the Director of the National Institute of Justice (referred to in this title as the ``Director''), shall make grants to qualified entities to develop technology for personalized handguns. SEC. 103. APPLICATIONS. A qualified entity seeking a grant under this title shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may reasonably require. SEC. 104. USES OF FUNDS. A qualified entity that receives a grant under this title-- (1) shall use not less than 70 percent of the amount of the grant to develop technology for personalized handguns; (2) may use not more than 20 percent of the amount of the grant to develop technology for retrofitted personalized handguns; and (3) may use not more than 10 percent of the amount of the grant for administrative costs associated with the development of technology funded under this title. SEC. 105. TERM; RENEWAL. (a) Term.--A grant awarded under this title shall be for a term of 1 year. (b) Renewal.--A qualified entity receiving a grant under this title may renew the grant by submitting to the Director an application for renewal at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may reasonably require. SEC. 106. REPORTS. (a) Reports to Director.--A qualified entity receiving a grant under this title shall submit to the Director such reports, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may reasonably require. (b) Reports to Congress.--Each year, the Director shall submit to Congress a report that contains a summary of the information submitted to the Director under subsection (a) during the previous year. SEC. 107. REGULATIONS. The Director may promulgate such guidelines, rules, regulations, and procedures as may be necessary to carry out this title. SEC. 108. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 and 2016. TITLE II--CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION SAFETY STANDARD SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS. In this title: (1) Antique firearm; firearm; handgun.--The terms ``antique firearm'', ``firearm'', and ``handgun'' have the meaning given those terms in section 921 of title 18, United States Code. (2) Authorized user.--The term ``authorized user'', with respect to a firearm, means-- (A) the lawful owner of the firearm; and (B) any individual who is-- (i) authorized by the lawful owner of the firearm to use the firearm; and (ii) authorized, under the law of the State where the firearm is being used, to own, carry, or use a firearm in the State. (3) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Consumer Product Safety Commission (4) Consumer product safety rule.--The term ``consumer product safety rule'' has the meaning given such term in section 3(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)). (5) Manufactured and manufacturer.--The terms ``manufactured'' and ``manufacturer'' have the meaning given such terms in section 3(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)). (6) Personalized handgun.--The term ``personalized handgun'' means a handgun that-- (A) enables only an authorized user of a handgun to fire the handgun; and (B) is manufactured in such a manner that the firing restriction described in subparagraph (A)-- (i) is incorporated into the design of the handgun; and (ii) cannot be readily removed or deactivated. (7) Retrofitted personalized handgun.--The term ``retrofitted personalized handgun'' means a handgun fitted with a device that-- (A) enables only an authorized user of a handgun to fire the handgun; and (B) attaches to the handgun in a manner such that the device cannot be readily removed or deactivated. (8) State and united states.--The terms ``State'' and ``United States'' have the meaning given such terms in section 3(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)). (9) To distribute in commerce and distribution in commerce.--The terms ``to distribute in commerce'' and ``distribution in commerce'' have the meaning given such terms in section 3(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)). SEC. 202. PROHIBITION ON MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION OF HANDGUNS THAT ARE NOT PERSONALIZED HANDGUNS. (a) Prohibition.-- (1) Manufacturing.--Beginning on the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, no person may manufacture in the United States a handgun that is not a personalized handgun. (2) Distribution in commerce.--Beginning on the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, no person may distribute in commerce any handgun that is not a personalized handgun or a retrofitted personalized handgun. (3) Exemptions for antique firearms and military firearms.--Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall not apply to-- (A) an antique firearm; (B) the manufacture of a firearm that is sold to the Department of Defense; or (C) the sale or distribution of a firearm to the Department of Defense. (b) Enforcement by Consumer Product Safety Commission.-- (1) Treatment of violation.--Notwithstanding section 3(a)(5)(E) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)(5)(E)), a violation of subsection (a) or any rule promulgated by the Commission pursuant to paragraph (4) shall be treated as a violation of section 19(a)(1) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2068(a)(1)). (2) Treatment as consumer product safety standards.-- Notwithstanding section 3(a)(5)(E) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2052(a)(5)(E)), subsection (a) and any rule promulgated pursuant to paragraph (4) shall be considered consumer product safety rules. (3) Powers of commission.-- (A) In general.--The Commission shall enforce this section in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this section. (B) Privileges and immunities.--Any person who violates this section shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.). (4) Regulations.--The Commission, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of the National Institute of Justice, may promulgate such rules as the Commission considers appropriate to carry out this section. (c) Enforcement by States.--If an attorney general, other official, or agency of a State has reason to believe that an interest of the residents of the State has been or is threatened or adversely affected by a person who violates subsection (a), the attorney general, official, or agency may bring a civil action on behalf of the residents of the State against the person in an appropriate district court of the United States to enjoin any further such violation and for other relief as may be appropriate. (d) Cost of Retrofitting.-- (1) Cost borne by manufacturers.--Upon the request of the owner of a handgun that was manufactured in the United States and that is not a personalized handgun or retrofitted personalized handgun, the manufacturer of the handgun-- (A) shall-- (i) retrofit the handgun so that the handgun is a retrofitted personalized handgun; and (ii) return the handgun to the owner within a reasonable period of time; and (B) may not request compensation for the retrofit from the owner. (2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Director of the National Institute of Justice, shall by regulation establish the maximum period of time within which a manufacturer that receives a request from the owner of a handgun under paragraph (1) shall retrofit and return the handgun to the owner. (3) Reimbursement from department of justice assets forfeiture fund.--Section 524(c) of title 28, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in subparagraph (I), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (I) the following: ``(J) payments to reimburse manufacturers of handguns for the costs of retrofitting handguns to comply with the requirement under section 202(d)(1) of the Handgun Trigger Safety Act of 2014.''. (e) Relation to State Law.--Nothing in this section or the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.) shall be construed to preempt or otherwise affect any State requirement with respect to any handgun not specifically regulated in a consumer product safety standard under the Consumer Product Safety Act. TITLE III--EXEMPTION FROM THE PROTECTION OF LAWFUL COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT SEC. 301. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE PROTECTION OF LAWFUL COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT. Section 4 of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (15 U.S.C. 7903) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (4)-- (A) by striking ``The term `qualified product' means'' and inserting the following: ``The term `qualified product'-- ``(i) except as provided in clause (ii), means''; (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(ii) does not include a handgun that-- ``(I) is manufactured on or after the date that is 2 years after the date of enactment of the Handgun Trigger Safety Act of 2014; and ``(II) is not a-- ``(aa) personalized handgun; or ``(bb) retrofitted personalized handgun.''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(10) Authorized user.--The term `authorized user', with respect to a handgun, means-- ``(A) the lawful owner of the firearm; and ``(B) any individual who is-- ``(i) authorized by the lawful owner of the firearm to use the firearm; and ``(ii) authorized, under the law of the State where the firearm is being used, to own, carry, or use a firearm in the State. ``(11) Handgun.--The term `handgun' has the meaning given the term in section 921(a)(29) of title 18, United States Code. ``(12) Personalized handgun.--The term `personalized handgun' means a handgun that-- ``(A) enables only an authorized user of the handgun to fire the handgun; and ``(B) is manufactured in such a manner that the firing restriction described in subparagraph (A)-- ``(i) is incorporated into the design of the handgun; and ``(ii) cannot be readily removed or deactivated. ``(13) Retrofitted personalized handgun.--The term `retrofitted personalized handgun' means a handgun fitted with a device that-- ``(A) enables only an authorized user of the handgun to fire the handgun; and ``(B) attaches to the handgun in a manner such that the device cannot be readily removed or deactivated.''.

Summary: Handgun Trigger Safety Act of 2014 - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Justice to make one-year grants to qualified entities (states or local governments, organizations, or institutions of higher education) to develop technology for personalized handguns (a handgun that is manufactured to enable only the authorized user to fire it). Provides that a recipient shall use at least 70% of the grant amount to develop technology for personalized handguns and may use not more than 20% to develop technology for retrofitted personalized handguns and not more than 10% for administrative costs. Prohibits any person: (1) beginning two years after enactment of this Act, from manufacturing in the United States a handgun that is not a personalized handgun; or (2) beginning three years after enactment of this Act, from distributing in commerce any handgun that is not a personalized handgun or a retrofitted personalized handgun. Exempts antique firearms and firearms distributed or sold to the Department of Defense (DOD). Provides for the enforcement of such prohibitions by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and by the states. Requires a handgun manufacturer, upon request of the owner of a handgun manufactured in the United States that is not a personalized handgun or a retrofitted personalized handgun, to retrofit the handgun and return it to the owner within a reasonable period of time as established by the CPSC. Makes the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund available to the Attorney General for payments to reimburse handgun manufacturers for the costs of retrofitting handguns. Amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to exclude from the definition of "qualified product" any handgun manufactured after two years after enactment of this Act that is not a personalized handgun or retrofitted personalized handgun.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Family Farmer Bankruptcy Clarification Act of 2013''. SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION OF RULE ALLOWING DISCHARGE TO GOVERNMENTAL CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE DISPOSITION OF FARM ASSETS UNDER CHAPTER 12 BANKRUPTCIES. (a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 12 of title 11, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 1232. Claim by a governmental unit based on the disposition of property used in a farming operation ``(a) Any unsecured claim of a governmental unit against the debtor or the estate that arises before the filing of the petition, or that arises after the filing of the petition and before the debtor's discharge under section 1228, as a result of the sale, transfer, exchange, or other disposition of any property used in the debtor's farming operation-- ``(1) shall be treated as an unsecured claim arising before the date on which the petition is filed; ``(2) shall not be entitled to priority under section 507; ``(3) shall be provided for under a plan; and ``(4) shall be discharged in accordance with section 1228. ``(b) For purposes of applying sections 1225(a)(4), 1228(b)(2), and 1229(b)(1) to a claim described in subsection (a) of this section, the amount that would be paid on such claim if the estate of the debtor were liquidated in a case under chapter 7 of this title shall be the amount that would be paid by the estate in a chapter 7 case if the claim were an unsecured claim arising before the date on which the petition was filed and were not entitled to priority under section 507. ``(c) For purposes of applying sections 523(a), 1228(a)(2), and 1228(c)(2) to a claim described in subsection (a) of this section, the claim shall not be treated as a claim of a kind specified in section 523(a)(1). ``(d)(1) A governmental unit may file a proof of claim for a claim described in subsection (a) that arises after the date on which the petition is filed. ``(2) If a debtor files a tax return after the filing of the petition for a period in which a claim described in subsection (a) arises, and the claim relates to the tax return, the debtor shall serve notice of the claim on the governmental unit charged with the responsibility for the collection of the tax at the address and in the manner designated in section 505(b)(1). Notice under this paragraph shall state that the debtor has filed a petition under this chapter, state the name and location of the court in which the case under this chapter is pending, state the amount of the claim, and include a copy of the filed tax return and documentation supporting the calculation of the claim. ``(3) If notice of a claim has been served on the governmental unit in accordance with paragraph (2), the governmental unit may file a proof of claim not later than 180 days after the date on which such notice was served. If the governmental unit has not filed a timely proof of the claim, the debtor or trustee may file proof of the claim that is consistent with the notice served under paragraph (2). If a proof of claim is filed by the debtor or trustee under this paragraph, the governmental unit may not amend the proof of claim. ``(4) A claim filed under this subsection shall be determined and shall be allowed under subsection (a), (b), or (c) of section 502, or disallowed under subsection (d) or (e) of section 502, in the same manner as if the claim had arisen immediately before the date of the filing of the petition.''. (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.-- (1) In general.--Subchapter II of chapter 12 of title 11, United States Code, is amended-- (A) in section 1222(a)-- (i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``unless--'' and all that follows through ``the holder'' and inserting ``unless the holder''; (ii) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end; (iii) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (iv) by adding at the end the following: ``(5) subject to section 1232, provide for the treatment of any claim by a governmental unit of a kind described in section 1232(a).''; (B) in section 1228-- (i) in subsection (a)-- (I) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)-- (aa) by inserting a comma after ``all debts provided for by the plan''; and (bb) by inserting a comma after ``allowed under section 503 of this title''; and (II) in paragraph (2), by striking ``the kind'' and all that follows and inserting ``a kind specified in section 523(a) of this title, except as provided in section 1232(c).''; and (ii) in subsection (c)(2), by inserting ``, except as provided in section 1232(c)'' before the period at the end; and (C) in section 1229(a)-- (i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or'' at the end; (ii) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) provide for the payment of a claim described in section 1232(a) that arose after the date on which the petition was filed.''. (2) Table of sections.--The table of sections for subchapter II of chapter 12 of title 11, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``1232. Claim by a governmental unit based on the disposition of property used in a farming operation.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to any bankruptcy case that-- (1) is pending on the date of enactment of this Act and relating to which an order of discharge under section 1228 of title 11, United States Code, has not been entered; or (2) commences on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Family Farmer Bankruptcy Clarification Act of 2013 - Amends chapter 12 of federal bankruptcy law (Debt Adjustment of a Family Farmer or Fisherman with Regular Annual Income) with respect to discharge of governmental claims based upon the disposition of property used in a farming operation. Treats any unsecured claim of a governmental unit against the debtor or debtor's estate as an unsecured debt (hence, not entitled to priority payment), if it results from the sale, transfer, exchange, or other disposition of any property used in the debtor's farming operation and it arises either: (1) before the petition in bankruptcy is filed, or (2) after such filing but before the debtor's discharge. Authorizes a governmental unit to file a proof for a claim that arises after the date on which the petition is filed. Requires such debt to be discharged in accordance with specified discharge procedures. States that, for purposes of applying procedures governing plan confirmation, discharge, and modification after plan confirmation, the amount that would be paid on the claim if the estate were liquidated under chapter 7 shall be the amount that would be paid by the estate in a chapter 7 case if the claim were an unsecured claim arising before the date on which the petition was filed and not entitled to priority payment status.


SECTION 1. ENERGY INFORMATION FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS. (a) Requirement of Benchmarking and Disclosure for Leasing Buildings Without Energy Star Labels.--Section 435(b)(2) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17091(b)(2)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and (2) by striking ``signing the contract,'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: ``signing the contract, the following requirements are met: ``(A) The space is renovated for all energy efficiency and conservation improvements that would be cost effective over the life of the lease, including improvements in lighting, windows, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. ``(B)(i) Subject to clause (ii), the space is benchmarked under a nationally recognized, online, free benchmarking program, with public disclosure, unless the space is a space for which owners cannot access whole building utility consumption data, including spaces-- ``(I) that are located in States with privacy laws that provide that utilities shall not provide such aggregated information to multitenant building owners; and ``(II) for which tenants do not provide energy consumption information to the commercial building owner in response to a request from the building owner. ``(ii) A Federal agency that is a tenant of the space shall provide to the building owner, or authorize the owner to obtain from the utility, the energy consumption information of the space for the benchmarking and disclosure required by this subparagraph.''. (b) Study.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy, in collaboration with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall complete a study-- (A) on the impact of-- (i) State and local performance benchmarking and disclosure policies, and any associated building efficiency policies, for commercial and multifamily buildings; and (ii) programs and systems in which utilities provide aggregated information regarding whole building energy consumption and usage information to owners of multitenant commercial, residential, and mixed-use buildings; (B) that identifies best practice policy approaches studied under subparagraph (A) that have resulted in the greatest improvements in building energy efficiency; and (C) that considers-- (i) compliance rates and the benefits and costs of the policies and programs on building owners, utilities, tenants, and other parties; (ii) utility practices, programs, and systems that provide aggregated energy consumption information to multitenant building owners, and the impact of public utility commissions and State privacy laws on those practices, programs, and systems; (iii) exceptions to compliance in existing laws where building owners are not able to gather or access whole building energy information from tenants or utilities; (iv) the treatment of buildings with-- (I) multiple uses; (II) uses for which baseline information is not available; and (III) uses that require high levels of energy intensities, such as data centers, trading floors, and televisions studios; (v) implementation practices, including disclosure methods and phase-in of compliance; (vi) the safety and security of benchmarking tools offered by government agencies, and the resiliency of those tools against cyber attacks; and (vii) international experiences with regard to building benchmarking and disclosure laws and data aggregation for multitenant buildings. (2) Submission to congress.--At the conclusion of the study, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the results of the study. (c) Creation and Maintenance of Database.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act and following opportunity for public notice and comment, the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with other relevant agencies, shall maintain, and if necessary create, a database for the purpose of storing and making available public energy-related information on commercial and multifamily buildings, including-- (A) data provided under Federal, State, local, and other laws or programs regarding building benchmarking and energy information disclosure; (B) information on buildings that have disclosed energy ratings and certifications; and (C) energy-related information on buildings provided voluntarily by the owners of the buildings, only in an anonymous form unless the owner provides otherwise. (2) Complementary programs.--The database maintained pursuant to paragraph (1) shall complement and not duplicate the functions of the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool. (d) Input From Stakeholders.--The Secretary of Energy shall seek input from stakeholders to maximize the effectiveness of the actions taken under this section. (e) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary of Energy shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the progress made in complying with this section.

Summary: This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to require a federal agency leasing space in a building without an Energy Star label to include in its lease provisions requirements that the space's energy efficiency be measured against a nationally-recognized benchmark. The agency must also meet certain energy consumption disclosure requirements. The Department of Energy (DOE) must study and report on: (1) the impact of state and local performance benchmarking and disclosure policies for commercial and multifamily buildings; (2) the impact of programs and systems in which utilities provide aggregated information regarding whole building energy consumption and usage information to owners of multitenant commercial, residential, and mixed-use buildings; and (3) the best practice policy approaches studied in those impact analyses that have resulted in the greatest improvements in building energy efficiency. DOE must maintain a database for storing and making available public energy-related information on commercial and multifamily buildings.