SECTION 1. CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM. (a) Definitions.--Section 8331 of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking out ``and'' at the end of paragraph (25); (2) by striking out the period at the end of paragraph (26) and inserting in lieu thereof a semicolon and ``and''; and (3) by adding at the end thereof the following new paragraph: ``(27) `fish and wildlife officer' means a law enforcement officer of the Refuge Division of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior.''. (b) Deductions, Contributions, and Deposits.--Section 8334 of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking out ``a law enforcement officer,'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``a law enforcement officer, a fish and wildlife officer''; and (2) in the table in subsection (c), by striking out ``and firefighter for firefighter service.'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``, firefighter for firefighter service, and a fish and wildlife officer for fish and wildlife service.''. (c) Immediate Retirement.--Section 8336(c)(1) of such title is amended by striking out ``law enforcement officer or firefighter,'' and inserting ``law enforcement officer, a firefighter, or a''. SEC. 2. FEDERAL EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM. (a) Definitions.--Section 8401 of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking out ``and'' at the end of paragraph (31); (2) by striking out the period at the end of paragraph (32) and inserting in lieu thereof a semicolon and ``and''; and (3) by adding at the end thereof the following new paragraph: ``(33) `fish and wildlife officer' means a law enforcement officer of the Refuge Division of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior.''. (b) Immediate Retirement.--Section 8412(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1) by striking out ``or firefighter,'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``firefighter, or fish and wildlife officer,''; and (2) in paragraph (2) by striking out ``or firefighter,'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``firefighter, or fish and wildlife officer''. (c) Computation of Basic Annuity.--Section 8415(g)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended in the sentence following subparagraph (B) by inserting ``fish and wildlife officer,'' after ``firefighter,''. (d) Deductions.--Section 8422(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ``fish and wildlife officer,'' after ``air traffic controller,''; and (2) in subparagraph (B) by inserting ``fish and wildlife officer,'' after ``air traffic controller,''. (e) Government Contributions.--Section 8423(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)(B)(i) by inserting ``fish and wildlife officer,'' after ``law enforcement officer,''; and (2) in paragraph (3)(A) by inserting ``fish and wildlife officer,'' after ``law enforcement officer,''. (f) Mandatory Separation.--Section 8425(b) of title 5, United States Code, is amended in the second sentence by inserting ``or fish and wildlife officer'' after ``law enforcement officer''. SEC. 3. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS. (a) Employee Contributions.--Any individual who has served as a fish and wildlife officer before the effective date of this Act, shall have such service credited and annuities determined in accordance with the amendments made by sections 1 and 2 of this Act, if such individual makes payment into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund of an amount, determined by the Office of Personnel Management, which would have been deducted and withheld from the basic pay of such individual (including interest thereon) under chapters 83 and 84 of title 5, United States Code, as if such amendments had been in effect during the periods of such service. (b) Agency Contributions.--No later than 90 days after a payment made by an individual under subsection (a), the Department of the Interior shall make a payment into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund of an amount, determined by the Office of Personnel Management, which would have been contributed as a Government contribution (including interest thereon) under chapters 83 and 84 of title 5, United States Code, for the service credited and annuities determined for such individual, as if the amendments made by sections 1 and 2 of this Act had been in effect during the applicable periods of service. (c) Regulations.--The Office of Personnel Management shall determine the amount of interest to be paid under this section and may promulgate regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. The provisions of this Act and amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date occurring 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: Amends Federal law to extend certain retirement-related provisions of the Civil Service and Federal Employees' Retirement Systems for Federal law enforcement officers to law enforcement officers of the Refuge Division of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Assault Weapons Prohibition Act of 1993''. SEC. 2. PROHIBITION AGAINST POSSESSION OR TRANSFER OF ASSAULT WEAPONS. Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(s)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful for any person-- ``(A) to transfer an assault weapon; or ``(B) to possess an assault weapon after the 90-day period that begins with the effective date of this subsection. ``(2)(A)(i) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a transfer to or by, or a possession by or under the authority of, the United States or any department or agency thereof, or any State or a department, agency, or political subdivision thereof. ``(B) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to the otherwise lawful possession of an assault weapon by a person who-- ``(i) has lawfully possessed the weapon since before the effective date of this subsection; and ``(ii) has submitted to the Secretary, in such form and in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe by regulation-- ``(I) the name (and any former name), address, date of birth, and any driver's license number of the person; and ``(II) the serial number of the weapon. ``(3) Within 90 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out this subsection.''. SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF ASSAULT WEAPON. Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(29) The term `assault weapon' means-- ``(A)(i) Norinco, Mitchell, and Poly Technologies Avtomat Kalashnikovs (all models); ``(ii) Action Arms Israeli Military Industries UZI and Galil; ``(iii) Beretta AR-70 (SC-70); ``(iv) Colt AR-15 and CAR-15; ``(v) Fabrique Nationale FN/FAL, FN/LAR, and FNC; ``(vi) MAC 10 and 11; ``(vii) Steyr AUG; ``(viii) INTRATEC TEC-9; ``(ix) Street Sweeper and Striker 12; ``(x) Auto Ordnance 27A1 Thompson, 27A5 Thompson, M1 Thompson; ``(xi) Springfield BM59, SAR48, and G3SA; ``(xii) All Ruger Mini-14 models with folding stocks; and ``(xiii) Armscorp FAL; ``(B) any firearm which is functionally equivalent to any firearm specified in subparagraph (A); ``(C) a firearm having threads, lugs, or other characteristics which are designed to facilitate the direct attachment of a silencer, bayonet, grenade launcher, flash suppressor, or folding stock to the firearm; ``(D) any part or combination of parts designed to facilitate the attachment of a silencer, bayonet, grenade launcher, flash suppressor, or folding stock to a firearm; ``(E) a detachable magazine, drum, belt, feed strip, or similar device which has a capacity of, or can be readily restored or converted to accept, 10 or more rounds of ammunition; and ``(F) any combination of parts-- ``(i) designed and intended solely and exclusively for assembling-- ``(I) a firearm specified in subparagraph (A), or described in subparagraph (B) or (C); or ``(II) a device described in subparagraph (E); and ``(ii) from which a firearm or device referred to in clause (i) could be assembled if such parts were possessed or controlled by 1 person.''. SEC. 4. AUTHORITY TO RECOMMEND MODIFICATIONS TO THE DEFINITION OF ASSAULT WEAPON. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Attorney General, may recommend to the Congress that the definition of an assault weapon in section 921(a)(29) of title 18, United States Code, be modified-- (1) to include firearms not covered by the definition which should be so covered; and (2) to exclude firearms covered by the definition which should not be so covered. SEC. 5. ENHANCED PENALTIES. Section 924(c)(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by inserting ``and if the firearm is an assault weapon, to imprisonment for 15 years,'' after ``ten years,''; and (2) by inserting ``and if the firearm is an assault weapon, to imprisonment for 30 years,'' after ``twenty years,''. SEC. 6. STUDY BY ATTORNEY GENERAL. (a) In General.--The Attorney General of the United States shall-- (1) investigate and study the effect of this Act and the amendments made by this Act on violent and drug-related crime; and (2) evaluate the recreational and other noncriminal uses of assault weapons (as defined in section 921(a)(29) of title 18, United States Code). (b) Report.--Not later than 30 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall prepare and submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate a report on the matters described in subsection (a). SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall become effective 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Assault Weapons Prohibition Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit the transfer or possession of an assault weapon, with exceptions. Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to recommend to the Congress that the definition of an assault weapon (as specified under this Act) be modified. Provides enhanced penalties for the use of an assault weapon during and in relation to any crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) investigate and study the effect of this Act on violent and drug-related crime; and (2) evaluate the recreational and other noncriminal uses of assault weapons.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Women's Business Procurement Assistance Act of 1993''. SEC. 2. GOAL SETTING. Section 15(g) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(g)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``, small business concerns owned and controlled by women,'' after ``small business concerns'' the first place it appears in the first sentence and the first place it appears in the fourth sentence; (2) in the first sentence of paragraph (2) by inserting ``by small business concerns owned and controlled by women,'' after ``small business concerns,''; (3) in the second sentence of paragraph (2) by inserting ``, small business concerns owned and controlled by women,'' after ``small business concerns'' the first place it appears; and (4) in the fourth sentence of paragraph (2) by inserting ``small business concerns owned and controlled by women and'' after ``including participation by''. SEC. 3. REPORTING. Section 15(h) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(h)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``, small business concerns owned and controlled by women,'' after ``small business concerns'' the first place it appears in paragraph (1), the first place it appears in paragraph (2)(A), and the first place it appears in paragraph (2)(D); (2) in paragraph (1) by inserting ``and subcontracts'' after ``contracts''; (3) by adding at the end of paragraph (1) the following new sentence: ``The Administration shall submit to the Committee on Small Business of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives information obtained from such reports, together with appropriate comments.''; and (4) in paragraph (2)(F) by striking ``women-owned small business enterprises'' and inserting ``small business concerns owned and controlled by women''. SEC. 4. SUBCONTRACTING. (a) Statement of Policy.--Section 8(d)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(1)) is amended-- (1) in the first sentence by inserting ``small business concerns owned and controlled by women,'' after ``small business concerns,''; and (2) in the second sentence by inserting ``, small business concerns owned and controlled by women,'' after ``small business concerns'' the first place it appears. (b) Contract Clause.--The contract clause specified in section 8(d)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(3)) is amended as follows: (1) Subparagraph (A) of such clause is amended by inserting ``, small business concerns owned and controlled by women,'' after ``small business concerns'' the first place it appears in the first sentence and the first place it appears in the second sentence. (2) Subparagraph (C) of such clause is amended to read as follows: ``(C)(i) As used in this contract, the term `small business concern' means a small business concern as defined pursuant to section 3 of the Small Business Act and relevant regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. ``(ii) As used in this contract, the term `small business concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals' means a small business concern-- ``(I) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and ``(II) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more of such individuals. The contractor shall presume that socially and economically disadvantaged individuals include Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, and other minorities, or any other individual found to be disadvantaged by the Administration pursuant to section 8(a) of the Small Business Act. ``(iii) As used in this contract, the term `small business concern owned and controlled by women' means a small business concern-- ``(I) which is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women; or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and ``(II) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by such women. The contractor shall presume that women have been subjected to gender based discrimination and may determine whether a small business concern meets the percentage requirements under subclause (I) without regard to the community property laws of any jurisdiction.''. (c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 8(d) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)) is amended by inserting ``, small business concerns owned and controlled by women,'' after ``small business concerns'' the first place it appears in paragraphs (3)(D), (4)(D), (4)(E), (6)(A), (6)(C), (6)(F), (10)(B), and (11). (d) Exclusion.--No business concern shall be deemed eligible for any contract or other assistance pursuant to section 2323 of title 10, United States Code, due solely to the provisions of this section. SEC. 5. WOMEN-IN-BUSINESS SPECIALISTS. Section 15(k) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(k)) is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(k)''; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), and (9) as subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), and (I), respectively; (3) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (H) (as redesignated); (4) in subparagraph (I) (as redesignated), by striking out the period after ``Code'' and all that follows through ``shall be made'' and inserting in lieu thereof a comma, and by striking the period after ``contract file'' and inserting ``, and''; (5) by inserting after subparagraph (I) (as redesignated) the following new subparagraph: ``(J) subject to paragraph (2)(A), designate an employee of such office to be a women-in-business specialist responsible for the implementation and execution of programs designed to assist small business concerns owned and controlled by women.''; (6) by designating the last sentence as paragraph (2); and (7) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3)(A) The Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization in a Federal agency shall ensure that the women-in-business specialist designated pursuant to paragraph (1)(J) has sufficient knowledge of small business concerns owned and controlled by women and the Federal procurement process, other appropriate qualifications, and appropriate training from the Office of Women's Business Ownership to effectively carry out the specialist's responsibilities under this Act. ``(B) Each women-in-business specialist designated pursuant to paragraph (1)(J) in a Federal agency shall work full time to initiate and execute programs to assist small business concerns owned and controlled by women in participating in the performance of contracts let by the agency. The specialist shall-- ``(i) respond to requests from small business concerns owned and controlled by women; ``(ii) identify and solicit offers from small business concerns owned and controlled by women, as required under section 15(p) of this Act, through means such as sending solicitation packages to such concerns for each proposed contract for which such concerns may be eligible to compete and holding workshops on procurement for such concerns; and ``(iii) regularly monitor the agency's progress toward meeting the annual goal established under subsection (g) for participation by small business concerns owned and controlled by women.''. SEC. 6. OUTREACH. Section 15 the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(p) Each Federal agency having procurement powers shall engage in affirmative efforts to identify and solicit offers from small business concerns owned and controlled by women and the small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. To the maximum extent practicable, a representative number of such concerns shall receive solicitation packages for each proposed acquisition for which such concerns may be eligible to compete.''. SEC. 7. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OFFICE OF WOMEN'S BUSINESS OWNERSHIP. The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``SEC. 28. OFFICE OF WOMEN'S BUSINESS OWNERSHIP. ``(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Small Business Administration the Office of Women's Business Ownership (hereinafter in this section referred to as the `Office'). ``(b) Director.--The Director of the Office (hereinafter in this section referred to as the `Director') shall be appointed by the Administrator not later than sixty days after the date of the enactment of this section. ``(c) Functions.--The Director shall perform the following functions: ``(1) Promote, coordinate, and monitor the plans, programs, and operations of Federal departments and agencies which may contribute to the establishment, preservation, and strengthening of small business concerns owned and controlled by women. The Director may, as appropriate, develop comprehensive interagency plans and specific program goals for small business concerns owned and controlled by women with the cooperation of the departments and agencies. ``(2) Establish policies, definitions, procedures, and guidelines to govern the implementation, interpretation, and application of this section, and generally perform such functions and take such steps as the Director may consider to be necessary or appropriate to carry out this section. ``(3) Promote the mobilization of activities and resources of State and local governments, business and trade associations, private industry, colleges and universities, foundations, professional organizations, and volunteer and other groups toward the growth of small business concerns owned and controlled by women, and facilitate the coordination of the efforts of such groups with those of Federal departments and agencies. ``(4) Make an annual assessment of the progress made in the Federal Government toward assisting small business concerns owned and controlled by women to enter the mainstream of business ownership and provide recommendations for future actions to the Administrator. ``(5) Convene and consult (as necessary) with persons inside and outside government to develop and promote new ideas concerning the development of small business concerns owned and controlled by women. ``(6) Consider the findings and recommendations of government and private sector investigations and studies of the problems of women entrepreneurs, and promote further research into such problems. ``(7) Monitor the contracting and subcontracting performance of each department, agency, and business enterprise participating under this section. ``(8) Promote access and participation for small business concerns owned and controlled by women to a fair proportion of the broad array of purchases and contracts for property and services for the Federal Government. ``(9) Provide training as needed to women-in-business specialists designated pursuant to section 15(k)(1)(J) to carry out their responsibilities under this Act.''. SEC. 8. GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE REPORT. (a) Report Requirement.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report comparing the number of small business concerns owned and controlled by women procuring Federal contracts during the year preceding the date of the enactment of this Act with the number of such businesses during each of the 3 years occurring after such date. If the number of such businesses did not increase significantly by the end of the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall include in the report recommendations on actions that could be taken to increase the number. (b) Sense of Congress.--If the report required under subsection (a) shows that the number of small business concerns owned and controlled by women did not increase significantly by the end of the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, it is the sense of Congress that further legislative steps should be taken to ensure that the number of Federal contracts entered into with small business concerns owned and controlled by women realistically reflects the potential of such business concerns to perform Federal contracting and subcontracting work.

Summary: Women's Business Procurement Assistance Act of 1993 - Amends the Small Business Act to require the President and the head of each Federal agency to include small business concerns owned and controlled by women within the Federal procurement contract process. Declares that it is the policy of the United States that such business concerns should have the maximum opportunity to participate in the Federal procurement contract process. Requires the Director of the Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization section in each Federal agency to designate a "women-in-business" specialist responsible for the execution of programs designed to assist small business concerns owned and controlled by women. Requires that each such specialist: (1) possess the appropriate knowledge, qualifications, and training for such position; and (2) work full-time in such position. Establishes in the Small Business Administration the Office of Women's Business Ownership. Directs the Comptroller General to report to the Congress on the number of small businesses owned and controlled by women procuring Federal contracts. Expresses the sense of the Congress that if the number of such businesses procuring such contracts does not rise significantly, then further legislative steps should be taken.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Open Our Democracy Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THROUGH OPEN PRIMARIES. (a) Rules for Election of House Members.--A candidate for election for the office of Member of the House of Representatives shall be elected to such office pursuant to the following elections held by the State in which the candidate seeks election: (1) A single open primary election for such office held in accordance with subsection (b). (2) A single general election for such office held in accordance with subsection (c). (b) Open Primaries.--Each State shall hold a single open primary election for each office of Member of the House of Representatives in the State under which-- (1) each candidate for such office, regardless of the candidate's political party preference, shall appear on a single ballot; and (2) each voter in the State who is eligible to vote in elections for Federal office in the Congressional district involved may cast a ballot in the election, regardless of the voter's political party preference. (c) General Election.--Each State shall hold a general election for each office of Member of the House of Representatives in the State under which the 2 candidates receiving the greatest number of votes in the single open primary election for such office (as described in subsection (b)), without regard to the political party preference of such candidates, shall be the only candidates appearing on the ballot. SEC. 3. ABILITY OF CANDIDATES TO DISCLOSE POLITICAL PARTY PREFERENCES. (a) Option of Candidates To Declare Political Party Preference.--At the time a candidate for the office of Member of the House of Representatives files to run for such office, the candidate shall have the option of declaring a political party preference, and the preference chosen (if any) shall accompany the candidate's name on the ballot for the election for such office. (b) Designation for Candidates Not Declaring Preference.--If a candidate does not declare a political party preference under subsection (a), the designation ``No Party Preference'' shall accompany the candidate's name on the ballot for the election for such office. (c) No Party Endorsement Implied.--The selection of a party preference by a candidate under subsection (a) shall not constitute or imply endorsement of the candidate by the party designated, and no candidate in a general election shall be deemed the official candidate of any party by virtue of his or her selection in the primary. SEC. 4. PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF POLITICAL PARTIES. Nothing in this Act shall restrict the right of individuals to join or organize into political parties or in any way restrict the right of private association of political parties. Nothing in this Act shall restrict a party's right to contribute to, endorse, or otherwise support a candidate for the office of Member of the House of Representatives. A political party may establish such procedures as it sees fit to endorse or support candidates or otherwise participate in all elections, and may informally designate candidates for election to such an office at a party convention or by whatever lawful mechanism the party may choose, other than pursuant to a primary election held by a State. A political party may also adopt such rules as it sees fit for the selection of party officials (including central committee members, presidential electors, and party officers), including rules restricting participation in elections for party officials to those who disclose a preference for that party at the time of registering to vote. SEC. 5. TREATMENT OF ELECTION DAY IN SAME MANNER AS LEGAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR PURPOSES OF FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT. (a) In General.--For purposes of any law relating to Federal employment, the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in 2016 and each even-numbered year thereafter shall be treated in the same manner as a legal public holiday described in section 6103 of title 5, United States Code. (b) Sense of Congress Regarding Treatment of Day by Private Employers.--It is the sense of Congress that private employers in the United States should give their employees a day off on the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November in 2016 and each even-numbered year thereafter to enable the employees to cast votes in the elections held on that day. SEC. 6. STUDY OF NATIONAL STANDARDS AND CRITERIA FOR CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING. (a) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study of the feasibility and desirability of enacting national standards and criteria for Congressional redistricting. (b) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a report to Congress on the study conducted under subsection (a). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7.5.......................................... Before January 1, 1999. 7.75........................................ January 1, 1999, to December 31, 1999. 7.9......................................... January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2000. 7.55........................................ After January 11, 2003. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SEC. 7. MEMBER DEFINED. In this Act, the term ``Member of the House of Representatives'' included a Delegate or Resident Commissioner to the Congress. SEC. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE. Except as provided in sections 5(a) and 6(b), this Act shall apply with respect to elections occurring during 2016 or any succeeding year.

Summary: Open Our Democracy Act of 2014 - Requires all candidates for election to the House of Representatives to run in a single open primary, regardless of political party preference. Limits the ensuing general election to the two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes in the single open primary. Gives candidates the option, at the time of filing to run for office, to declare a political party preference, which does not constitute or imply endorsement of the candidate by the party designated. Treats the general election day in the same manner as a legal public holiday for purposes of federal employment. Expresses the sense of Congress that private employers should give their employees a day off on the general election day in November 2016 and each even-numbered year thereafter to enable them to cast votes in elections held on that day. Requires the Comptroller General (GAO) to study the feasibility and desirability of enacting national standards and criteria for congressional redistricting.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Twenty-First Amendment Enforcement Act''. SEC. 2. SHIPMENT OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR INTO STATE IN VIOLATION OF STATE LAW. The Act entitled ``An Act divesting intoxicating liquors of their interstate character in certain cases'', approved March 1, 1913 (commonly known as the ``Webb-Kenyon Act'') (27 U.S.C. 122) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 2. INJUNCTIVE RELIEF IN FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section-- ``(1) the term `attorney general' means the attorney general or other chief law enforcement officer of a State, or the designee thereof; ``(2) the term `intoxicating liquor' means any spirituous, vinous, malted, fermented, or other intoxicating liquor of any kind; ``(3) the term `person' means any individual and any partnership, corporation, company, firm, society, association, joint stock company, trust, or other entity capable of holding a legal or beneficial interest in property, but does not include a State or agency thereof; and ``(4) the term `State' means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States. ``(b) Action by State Attorney General.--If the attorney general has reasonable cause to believe that a person is engaged in, or has engaged in, any act that would constitute a violation of a State law regulating the importation or transportation of any intoxicating liquor, the attorney general may bring a civil action in accordance with this section for injunctive relief (including a preliminary or permanent injunction or other order) against the person, as the attorney general determines to be necessary to-- ``(1) restrain the person from engaging, or continuing to engage, in the violation; and ``(2) enforce compliance with the State law. ``(c) Federal Jurisdiction.-- ``(1) In general.--The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction over any action brought under this section by an attorney general against any person, except one licensed or otherwise authorized to produce, sell, or store intoxicating liquor in such State. ``(2) Venue.--An action under this section may be brought only in accordance with section 1391 of title 28, United States Code, or in the district in which the recipient of the intoxicating liquor resides or is found. ``(d) Requirements for Injunctions and Orders.-- ``(1) In general.--In any action brought under this section, upon a proper showing by the attorney general of the State, the court may issue a preliminary or permanent injunction or other order to restrain a violation of this section. A proper showing under this paragraph shall require clear and convincing evidence that a violation of State law as described in subsection (b) has taken place. In addition, no temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction may be granted except upon-- ``(A) evidence demonstrating the probability of irreparable injury if injunctive relief is not granted; and ``(B) evidence supporting the probability of success on the merits. ``(2) Notice.--No preliminary injunction or permanent injunction or other order may be issued under paragraph (1) without notice to the adverse party and an opportunity for a hearing. ``(3) Form and scope of order.--Any preliminary or permanent injunction or other order entered in an action brought under this section shall-- ``(A) set forth the reasons for the issuance of the order; ``(B) be specific in its terms; ``(C) describe in reasonable detail, and not by reference to the complaint or other document, the act or acts sought to be restrained; and ``(D) be binding upon-- ``(i) the parties to the action and the officers, agents, employees, and attorneys of those parties; and ``(ii) persons in active concert or participation with the parties to the action who receive actual notice of the order by personal service or otherwise. ``(e) Additional Remedies.-- ``(1) In general.--A remedy under this section is in addition to any other remedies provided by law. ``(2) State court proceedings.--Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit an authorized State official from proceeding in State court on the basis of an alleged violation of any State law. ``SEC. 3. GENERAL PROVISIONS. ``(a) Effect on Internet Tax Freedom Act.--Nothing in this Act may be construed to modify or supersede the operation of the Internet Tax Freedom Act (47 U.S.C. 151 note). ``(b) Enforcement of Twenty-First Amendment.--It is the purpose of this Act to assist the States in the enforcement of section 2 of the twenty-first article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and not to impose an unconstitutional burden on interstate commerce in violation of article I, section 8, of the Constitution of the United States. No State may enforce under this Act a law regulating the importation or transportation of any intoxicating liquor that unconstitutionally discriminates against interstate commerce by out-of- State sellers by favoring local industries, erecting barriers to competition, and constituting mere economic protectionism. ``(c) Support for Internet and Other Interstate Commerce.--Nothing in this Act may be construed-- ``(1) to permit State regulation or taxation of Internet services or any other related interstate telecommunications services; or ``(2) to authorize any injunction against-- ``(A) an interactive computer service (as defined in section 230(f) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 230(f)); or ``(B) electronic communication service (as defined in section 2510(15) of title 18, United States Code) used by another person to engage in any activity that is subject to this Act.''. SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICATION OF AMENDMENT. (a) Effective Date.--Except as provided in subsection (b), this Act and the amendment made by this Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. (b) Application of Amendment.--The amendment made by this Act shall apply only with respect to the importation or transportation of any intoxicating liquor occurring after-- (1) October 31, 1999, or the expiration of the 90-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, whichever is earlier, if this Act is enacted before November 1, 1999; or (2) the date of the enactment of this Act if this Act is enacted after October 31, 1999. SEC. 4. STUDY. The Attorney General shall submit to the Congress the results of a study to determine the impact of this Act. The Attorney General shall carry out the study required by subsection (a) and shall submit the results of such study not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Passed the House of Representatives August 3, 1999. Attest: JEFF TRANDAHL, Clerk. By Martha C. Morrison, Deputy Clerk.

Summary: Twenty-First Amendment Enforcement Act - Amends the Webb-Kenyon Act to authorize a State attorney general (State AG) who has reasonable cause to believe that a person is engaging in any act that would constitute a violation of State law regulating the importation or transportation of any intoxicating liquor, to bring a civil action for injunctive relief to: (1) restrain the person from engaging in the violation; and (2) enforce compliance with State law. Grants U.S. district courts jurisdiction over any action brought by a State AG against any person, except one licensed or otherwise authorized to produce, sell, or store intoxicating liquor in such State. Permits such an action to be brought only in accordance with Federal judicial code provisions regarding venue, or in the district in which the recipient of such liquor resides or is found. Authorizes the court, in such action and upon a proper showing by the State AG, to issue a preliminary or permanent injunction or other order to restrain a violation. Specifies that a proper showing shall require clear and convincing evidence that a violation of State law regulating the importation or transportation of intoxicating liquor has taken place, and that no temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction may be granted except upon evidence: (1) demonstrating the probability of irreparable injury if injunctive relief is not granted; and (2) supporting the probability of success on the merits. Prohibits such issuance without notice to the adverse party and an opportunity for a hearing. Sets forth provisions regarding the form and scope of the order. Specifies that nothing in this Act may be construed to modify or supersede the operation of the Internet Tax Freedom Act. Prohibits any State from enforcing under this Act a law regulating the importation or transportation of intoxicating liquor that unconstitutionally discriminates against interstate commerce by out-of-State sellers by favoring local industries, erecting barriers to competition, and constituting mere economic protectionism. Provides that nothing in this Act may be construed to: (1) permit State regulation or taxation of Internet services or any other related interstate telecommunications services; or (2) authorize any injunction against an interactive computer service or against an electronic communication service used by another person to engage in any activity that is subject to this Act. (Sec. 3) Provides that the amendment made by this Act shall apply only with respect to the importation or transportation of intoxicating liquor occurring after: (1) October 31, 1999, or the expiration of the 90-day period beginning on the date of this Act's enactment, whichever is earlier, if this Act is enacted before November 1, 1999; or (2) the date of this Act's enactment if this Act is enacted after October 31, 1999. (Sec. 4) Directs the Attorney General to conduct and report to Congress on the impact of this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Natural Gas Reserve Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. NATURAL GAS RESERVE. Title I of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act is amended by-- (1) redesignating part E as part F; (2) redesignating section 191 as section 198; and (3) inserting after part D the following new part E: ``Part E--Natural Gas Reserve ``establishment ``Sec. 191. (a) Authority.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Secretary may establish, maintain, and operate a Natural Gas Reserve. The Reserve established under this part is not a component of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve established under part B of this title. ``(b) Definition.--For the purposes of this part, the term `natural gas' has the meaning given that term in section 2(1) of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (15 U.S.C. 3301(1)). ``authority ``Sec. 192. To the extent necessary or appropriate to carry out this part, the Secretary may-- ``(1) purchase, contract for, lease, or otherwise acquire, in whole or in part, storage and related facilities, and storage services; ``(2) use, lease, maintain, sell, or otherwise dispose of storage and related facilities acquired under this part; ``(3) acquire by purchase, exchange (including exchange of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve or received as royalty from Federal lands), lease, or otherwise, natural gas for storage in the Natural Gas Reserve; ``(4) store natural gas in facilities not owned by the United States; and ``(5) sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of natural gas from the Natural Gas Reserve, including to maintain the quality or quantity of the natural gas in the Reserve or to maintain the operational capability of the Reserve. ``conditions for release; plan ``Sec. 193. (a) Finding.--The Secretary may sell products from the Natural Gas Reserve upon a finding that there is a natural gas supply shortage. ``(b) Release of Natural Gas.--After consultation with the natural gas industry, the Secretary shall determine procedures governing the release of natural gas from the Natural Gas Reserve. The procedures shall provide that-- ``(1) the Secretary may-- ``(A) sell natural gas from the Reserve through a competitive process; or ``(B) enter into exchange agreements described in section 192(3); ``(2) in all such sales or exchanges, the Secretary shall receive revenue or its equivalent that provides the Department with fair market value; ``(3) at no time may the natural gas be sold or exchanged resulting in a loss of revenue or value to the United States; and ``(4) the Secretary shall only sell or dispose of the natural gas in the Reserve to entities customarily engaged in the sale and distribution of natural gas. ``(c) Plan.--Within 45 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall transmit to the Congress a plan describing-- ``(1) the acquisition of storage and related facilities or storage services for the Natural Gas Reserve, including the potential use of storage facilities not currently in use; ``(2) the acquisition of natural gas for storage in the Natural Gas Reserve; ``(3) the anticipated methods of disposition of natural gas from the Natural Gas Reserve; ``(4) the estimated costs of establishment, maintenance, and operation of the Natural Gas Reserve; ``(5) efforts the Department will take to minimize any potential need for future drawdowns and ensure that distributors and importers are not discouraged from maintaining and increasing supplies; and ``(6) actions to ensure quality of the natural gas in the Natural Gas Reserve. ``natural gas reserve account ``Sec. 194. (a) Establishment.--Upon a decision of the Secretary of Energy to establish a Natural Gas Reserve under this part, the Secretary of the Treasury shall establish in the Treasury of the United States an account known as the `Natural Gas Reserve Account' (referred to in this section as the `Account'). ``(b) Deposits.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit in the Account any amounts appropriated to the Account and any receipts from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of natural gas from the Natural Gas Reserve. ``(c) Availability.--The Secretary of Energy may obligate amounts in the Account to carry out activities under this part without the need for further appropriation, and amounts available to the Secretary of Energy for obligation under this section shall remain available without fiscal year limitation. ``exemptions ``Sec. 195. An action taken under this part is not subject to the rulemaking requirements of section 523 of this Act, section 501 of the Department of Energy Organization Act, or section 553 of title 5, United States Code.''.

Summary: Natural Gas Reserve Act of 2001 - Amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to authorize the Secretary of Energy to establish and operate a Natural Gas Reserve (NGR), which shall not be deemed to be a component of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.Sets forth implementation authority for natural gas release and sales predicated upon a finding that a natural gas supply shortage exists. Restricts such sales to entities customarily engaged in natural gas sale and distribution.Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a Natural Gas Reserve Account to serve as depository for receipts from disposition of NGR natural gas.Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to obligate amounts in such Account without the need for further appropriation. Retains the availability of such funds for obligation without fiscal year limitation.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Technology for the Classroom Act of 1993''. SEC. 2. PURPOSE. It is the purpose of this Act to establish a program to develop and expand the use of high quality curriculum-based learning resources using state-of-the-art technologies and techniques which are or can be designed to increase the achievement levels of students in subject areas including mathematics, science, geography, history and language arts. SEC. 3. ACHIEVEMENT GRANTS. (a) Competitive Grants.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible consortia to enable such eligible consortia to develop instructional programs or technology-based systems for complete courses or units of study for a specific subject and grade level, if such programs or systems are commercially unavailable in the local area served by such eligible consortia. (2) Eligible consortium.--For the purpose of this section the term ``eligible consortium'' means a consortium consisting of-- (A) State or local educational agencies in partnership with businesses; and (B) institutions of higher education or other public or private nonprofit organizations. (b) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to applications describing programs or systems that are developed-- (1) so that the program or system may be adapted and applied nationally; and (2) to raise the achievement levels of students, particularly disadvantaged students who are not realizing their potential. (c) Duration and Amount.--Each grant made under this section shall be awarded for a period not to exceed 3 years and in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000. (d) Matching Requirement.--The Secretary may not make a grant to an eligible consortium under subsection (a) unless the eligible consortium agrees that, with respect to the costs to be incurred by the eligible consortium in carrying out the program or system for which the grant was awarded, the eligible consortium will make available (from private sources) non-Federal contributions in an amount not less than 25 percent of the Federal funds provided under the grant. (e) Application.-- (1) In general.--Each consortium desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may prescribe. (2) Contents.--Each application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include-- (A) a description of how the program or system shall improve the achievement levels of students; (B) a description of how teachers associated with the program or system will be trained to integrate technology into the classroom; and (C) an assurance that the program or system shall effectively serve a large number or percentage of economically disadvantaged students. (f) Criteria for Awarding Grants.--In awarding a grant under this section to develop a program or system, the Secretary shall consider the appropriateness and quality of the following elements of the program or system: (1) Identification of specific learning objectives and strategies of the proposed course or unit of study, that take into consideration the national education standards for various disciplines as such standards are developed. (2) Incorporation in creative ways of a variety of technology-based learning resources such as computer software, databases, films, transparencies, video and audio discs, telecommunications (including educational radio and television), and print materials. (3) Design that allows tailoring of the program or system to meet individual needs of students, particularly students at greatest risk of not reaching their educational potential. (4) Flexibility of use by teachers or local schools. (5) Methods for updating or revising information and material. (6) Programs or materials to train and guide teachers. (7) Coordination with teacher training programs. (8) Explanatory materials for students and parents. (9) Field testing and evaluation in terms of stated learning objectives. (10) Plans for pricing technology-based materials that are affordable for public schools and agencies. (11) Plans for distribution that ensure access for the poorest schools and school districts. (12) Demonstration of cost-effectiveness in relation to existing programs and to achieving stated learning objectives. SEC. 4. GRANTS TO STATES TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY. (a) Grants Authorized.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants to States to enable States to carry out the activities described in the plan submitted pursuant to subsection (c). (2) Amount of grant.--(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall award grants under this section to each State having a plan approved under subsection (c) in an amount which bears the same relationship to the amount reserved to carry out this section under section 9 as the amount such State received under chapter 1 of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 bears to the amount received under such chapter by all States. (B) No State shall receive a grant pursuant to subparagraph (A) in an amount which is less than $100,000. (b) Use of Grant.--Grants awarded under this section shall be used to-- (1) identify schools or school districts which have a large number of educationally disadvantaged students and limited access to technology-based learning resources; and (2) develop jointly, with local education agencies or individual schools, strategies to improve the accessibility and use of technology-based learning resources, including specific plans for-- (A) training of teachers and school personnel; (B) acquisition of hardware or software, if such acquisition presents a major barrier for accessibility to participation in the activities assisted under this section; and (C) partnership arrangements with businesses, institutions of higher education, or other public or private nonprofit organizations. (c) Plan.-- (1) In general.--Each State desiring a grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary a plan at such time, in such manner and accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably require. (2) Contents.--Each plan submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall-- (A) describe the activities and services for which assistance is sought; (B) indicate how such State shall identify schools in need of the assistance provided under this section; (C) include a strategy for providing such assistance; and (D) contain assurances that such grant funds shall be focused on schools with a large percentage of educationally disadvantaged students. SEC. 5. FEDERAL INTERAGENCY COORDINATION. The Secretary shall coordinate and share information regarding curriculum-based educational technology programs assisted under this Act with other Federal agencies which administer programs that support the development of such programs, including the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, the Office of Technology Assessment, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Agriculture. SEC. 6. CONSUMER REPORT. The Secretary shall collect information about products developed pursuant to provisions of this Act and the evaluation of such products, and shall disseminate such information in regular reports to State and local educational agencies, and other organizations or individuals as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. SEC. 7. ROYALTIES. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any royalties paid to any State or local educational agency as a result of assistance provided under this Act shall be used by such agency for further development of curriculum-based learning resources authorized by this Act. SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Act-- (1) the terms ``institution of higher education'' and ``local educational agency'' have the same meanings given such terms by subsections (a) and (g), respectively, of section 1201 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1141); and (2) the term ``Secretary'', unless otherwise specified, means the Secretary of Education. SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS. For the purpose of carrying out this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated $90,000,000 for the fiscal year 1994 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4 succeeding fiscal years, of which-- (1) 50 percent of such funds shall be available in each such fiscal year to award grants pursuant to section 3; and (2) 50 percent of such funds shall be available in each such fiscal year to award grants pursuant to section 4.

Summary: Technology for the Classroom Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to eligible consortia to develop instructional programs and technology-based systems for complete courses or units of study for a specific subject and grade level, if these are commercially unavailable locally. Requires that an eligible consortium consist of: (1) State or local educational agencies in partnership with businesses; and (2) institutions of higher education or other public or private nonprofit organizations. Requires priority to be given to applications describing programs that are developed: (1) so that the program may be adapted and applied nationally; and (2) to raise the achievement levels of students, particularly disadvantaged students who are not realizing their potential. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to: (1) identify schools or school districts which have a large number of educationally disadvantaged students and limited access to technology-based learning resources; and (2) develop jointly, with local educational agencies or individual schools, strategies to improve accessibility and use of technology-based learning resources, including specific plans for teacher and school personnel training, hardware or software acquisition (if this is a major barrier to accessibility), and partnership arrangements with businesses, institutions of higher education, and other public or private nonprofit organizations. Sets forth State plan requirements. Directs the Secretary to: (1) coordinate and share information regarding these curriculum-based educational technology programs with other Federal agencies; and (2) collect and disseminate information about such developed products and their evaluation. Requires that any royalties paid to any State or local educational agency as a result of assistance provided under this Act be used for further development of curriculum-based learning resources authorized by this Act. Authorizes appropriations.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Frontline Medical Education Act''. SEC. 2. INCLUDING SERVICES OF INTERNS AND RESIDENTS AT ANY FEDERALLY- QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER UNDER ANY PROGRAM PAID FOR BY A HOSPITAL IN DETERMINING MEDICARE PAYMENTS FOR GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION. (a) Payment for Direct Costs of Graduate Medical Education.-- Section 1886(h)(4)(E) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(h)(4)(E)) is amended by striking ``setting.'' and inserting the following: ``setting (or, in the case of activities performed at an Federally-qualified health center described in section 1861(aa)(4), if the hospital incurs any of the costs for the training program at such center and reimburses the center for any of the costs of the program that the center incurs).''. (b) Payment for Indirect Costs of Graduate Medical Education.-- Section 1886(d)(5)(B)(iv) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(5)(B)(iv)), as amended by section 13506 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, is amended-- (1) by striking ``entity receiving a grant'' and all that follows through ``control of the hospital'' and inserting ``Federally-qualified health center described in section 1861(aa)(4)''; (2) by striking ``all, or substantially all, of the costs'' and inserting ``any of the costs''; and (3) by striking ``residents)'' and inserting ``residents and reimburses the center for any of the costs of the program that the center incurs)''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply to services furnished during cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1994. SEC. 3. MEDICARE PAYMENT FOR DIRECT MEDICAL EDUCATION COSTS OF FEDERALLY-QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS. (a) In General.--Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1889 the following new section: ``graduate medical education payments for federally-qualified health centers ``Sec. 1890. (a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, in the case of any Federally-qualified health center that participates in an approved medical residency training program, in addition to any other payments that may be made to the center under this title, the Secretary shall provide for payment to the center for direct graduate medical education costs in accordance with subsection (b). ``(b) Determination of Amount of Payment.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (4), the amount of payment made to a Federally-qualified health center under this section for direct medical education for a fiscal year is equal to the product of-- ``(A) the aggregate approved amount (as defined in paragraph (2)) for the year; and ``(B) the center's medicare patient load (as defined in subsection (d)(2)) for the year. ``(2) Aggregate approved amount.--In paragraph (1), the term `aggregate approved amount' means, for a fiscal year, the product of-- ``(A) the approved FTE resident amount (determined under paragraph (3)) for the year; and ``(B) the weighted average number of full-time equivalent residents (as determined by the Secretary in a manner similar to the manner used to determine the number of such residents under section 1886(h)(4)) providing services for the center under the approved medical residency training program in which the center participates during the year. ``(3) Determination of approved fte resident amount.-- ``(A) In general.--For each approved medical residency training program, the Secretary shall determine an approved FTE resident amount for each fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 1995) equal to 250 percent of the national average salary for the year (as defined in subparagraph (B)(ii)). ``(B) Determination of national average salary.-- ``(i) Determination of base amount.--The Secretary shall determine a base salary amount equal to the Secretary's estimate (using the most recent available audited cost reports) of the national average salary, including fringe benefits, for a full-time-equivalent resident in an approved medical residency training program during fiscal year 1990, increased (in a compounded manner) by the sum of the estimated percentage changes in the consumer price index during the 12-month periods between the midpoint of fiscal year 1990 and the midpoint of fiscal year 1994. ``(ii) National average salary defined.--In this paragraph, the `national average salary' for a fiscal year is equal to-- ``(I) for fiscal year 1995, the base amount determined under clause (i) updated through the midpoint of the year by projecting the estimated percentage change in the consumer price index during the 12-month period ending at that midpoint (with appropriate adjustments to reflect previous under- or over-estimations under this subparagraph in the projected percentage change in the consumer price index); and ``(II) for a subsequent fiscal year, the amount determined under this clause for the previous fiscal year updated through the midpoint of the year by projecting the estimated percentage change in the consumer price index during the 12-month period ending at that midpoint (with appropriate adjustments to reflect previous under- or over-estimations under this subparagraph in the projected percentage change in the consumer price index). ``(4) Offset for reimbursement received directly through hospitals.--The amount of payment made to a Federally-qualified health center under this subsection with respect to costs incurred by the center shall be reduced by the amount of any payment received by the center from a hospital under section 1886(d)(5)(B)(iv) or section 1886(h)(4)(E) as reimbursement for such costs. ``(c) Allocation of Payments Among Trust Funds.--In providing for payments under this section, the Secretary shall provide for an allocation of such payments between part A and part B (and the trust funds established under the respective parts) as reasonably reflects the proportion of direct graduate medical costs of Federally-qualified health centers associated with the provision of services under each respective part. ``(d) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) The terms `approved medical residency training program', `consumer price index', `direct graduate medical education costs', and `resident' have the meaning given such terms under section 1886(h)(5). ``(2) The term `Federally-qualified health center' has the meaning given such term under section 1861(aa)(4). ``(3) The term `medicare patient load' means, with respect to a Federally-qualified health center for a year, the fraction of the center's services during the year which are attributable to individuals entitled to benefits under this title (based on such measure of services as the Secretary determines to be appropriate for purposes of this section).''. (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to services furnished during cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1994. SEC. 4. REPEAL OF APPLICATION OF PRODUCTIVITY SCREENS FOR CENTERS RECEIVING PAYMENTS FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION. Section 1861(aa) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(aa)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(8)(A) In the case of a Federally-qualified health center receiving any medical education payment described in subparagraph (B) during a cost reporting period, the Secretary shall waive the application of any screening guideline used to determine the productivity of practitioners providing services at the center for purposes of paragraph (3) or (4). ``(B) A medical education payment described in this subparagraph is a payment made to a Federally-qualified health center-- ``(i) by a hospital as reimbursement to the center for medical education costs, as described in section 1886(d)(5)(B)(iv) or section 1886(h)(4)(E); or ``(ii) by the Secretary under section 1890.''.

Summary: Frontline Medical Education Act - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to: (1) services of interns and residents at federally-qualified health centers and Medicare payments for graduate medical education; (2) Medicare payment for direct graduate medical education costs of such centers; and (3) waiver of the application of productivity screens for such centers receiving medical education payments.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Acquisition Savings Reform Act of 2011''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. Sec. 3. Use of reverse auction methods. Sec. 4. Federal Strategic Sourcing Initiative. Sec. 5. Savings through leveraging the Federal Government's purchasing power. Sec. 6. Governmentwide contract vehicles. Sec. 7. Streamlining of contract closeouts. Sec. 8. Affordability as a requirement for certain acquisition plans. Sec. 9. Cost efficiency objectives for service contracts. Sec. 10. Establishing governmentwide acquisition savings criteria. Sec. 11. Office of Management and Budget savings requirements. Sec. 12. Expedited payment to small business. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Approved business case.--The term ``approved business case'' means a business case approved by the senior procurement executive of an executive agency. (2) Acquisition.--The term ``acquisition'' has the meaning given the term in section 131 of title 41, United States Code. (3) Commercial item.--The term ``commercial item'' has the meaning given the term in section 103 of title 41, United States Code. (4) Executive agency.--The term ``executive agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 133 of title 41, United States Code. (5) Federal acquisition regulation.--The term ``Federal Acquisition Regulation'' means the Federal Acquisition Regulation maintained under section 1303(a)(1) of title 41, United States Code. (6) Federal acquisition regulatory council.--The term ``Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council'' means the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council established under section 1302(a) of title 41, United States Code. (7) Federal strategic sourcing vehicles (fssvs).--The term ``Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles'' means a kind of governmentwide interagency acquisition contract or agreement designated by the Office of Management and Budget to leverage the Federal Government's buying power and save taxpayers money. (8) Interagency contract.--The term ``interagency contract''-- (A) includes-- (i) governmentwide acquisition contracts as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation part 2.101; (ii) multi-agency contracts as defined in Federal Acquisition Regulation part 2.101; (iii) Federal Supply Schedule contracts; and (iv) franchise funds; and (B) does not include contracts entered into under the authority of section 1535 of title 31, United States Code. (9) Procurement.--The term ``procurement'' has the meaning given the term in section 111 of title 41, United States Code. SEC. 3. USE OF REVERSE AUCTION METHODS. Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require the heads of executive agencies, to the extent possible, to use online reverse auction, or an equivalent method, in the procurement of commercial items above the simplified acquisition threshold whenever doing so would be expected to result in savings to the agencies. The regulatory guidance shall address the circumstances in which use of reverse auctions is appropriate, and shall direct agencies, in deciding whether to use auctions or an equivalent method, to consider the dollar volume of the acquisition and potential to streamline the procurement for the agency and vendors. SEC. 4. FEDERAL STRATEGIC SOURCING INITIATIVE. (a) Consideration in Acquisition Planning Process.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require the consideration of Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles in the acquisition planning process, by including a listing of Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles in the ``Priorities for use of Government supply sources'' for Supplies and Services. The Office of Management and Budget shall maintain a website with the current list of Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles. The Supplies priority shall be after the priority for wholesale supply services. The Services priority shall be after services which are on the Procurement List maintained by the Committee for Purchase From People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled. The Federal Acquisition Regulation shall be amended to authorize purchases from other than from Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles, provided that consideration is given to its use in the acquisition planning process. The plan will be documented to acknowledge why usage of other than Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles is warranted. The acknowledgment shall indicate that such action is judged to be in the best interest of the Federal Government in terms of the combination quality, timeliness, and cost that best meets the requirement. Cost comparisons shall include the administrative cost of the acquisition. Unusual and compelling urgency as prescribed in the Federal Acquisition Regulation shall also be an authorized reason from deviating from the Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles. (b) Maximization of Small Business and Other Socioeconomic Categories in Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles.--The Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy shall issue policy maximizing the participation of small business and other socioeconomic categories such as service-disabled veteran-owned small business in these Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles. Agencies shall also be credited towards their small business goals when awarding to small business Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicle contract holders. (c) Identification of Designated Federal Strategic Source Vehicles.--The Office of Management and Budget shall identify on its website a list of all Federal Strategic Source Vehicle contracts and agreements and awardees. (d) Inclusion of Information Technology Purchases and Services in Initiative.-- (1) Data collection.--The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall prescribe regulations requiring Chief Information Officers and Chief Acquisition Officers of executive agencies to develop and gather such data on information technology purchases and service acquisitions by North American Industrial Classification codes. (2) Annual report.--The regulations prescribed under this subsection shall require the head of each executive agency to submit to the Director of Office of Management and Budget an annual report through fiscal year 2016 including the data collected under paragraph (1) and a plan for the strategic sourcing of information technology purchases and common commercial services. The plan shall include specific milestones, measurable savings, and evaluation criteria. (e) Reporting.--The head of each executive agency shall submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget an annual report for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2016, estimating the amount of savings achieved through the usage of Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles and through other measurable acquisition savings methods approved by the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy. The report shall also specify by each Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicle commodity what guidance the agency has issued to employees instructing them to procure goods or services through the Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicle. If the agency has not issued such guidance to their employees, the agency shall submit an explanation. SEC. 5. SAVINGS THROUGH LEVERAGING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S PURCHASING POWER. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall develop a plan to achieve not less than $1,000,000,000 in measurable savings through Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles for fiscal years 2013 through 2016. The plan shall include an annual scorecard measuring the success of each executive agency in achieving savings. SEC. 6. GOVERNMENTWIDE CONTRACT VEHICLES. Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide that-- (1) where an agency is unable to satisfy the requirements from a mandatory source, agencies are strongly encouraged to utilize Federal Supply Schedules, governmentwide acquisition contracts, multi-agency contracts, and any other procurement instruments intended for use by multiple agencies, including blanket purchase agreements (BPAs) under Federal Supply Schedule contracts absent a written justification that the governmentwide contract is not in the best interest of the Federal Government; (2) agencies shall promote acquisition strategies utilizing these vehicles to maximize participation of small businesses and other socioeconomic categories, including set-asides of acquisitions under these vehicles; and (3) contracting officers shall be encouraged by agency guidance to maximize competition under these vehicles to the maximum amount practicable with the goal of achieving the best value to the Federal Government. SEC. 7. STREAMLINING OF CONTRACT CLOSEOUTS. (a) Authority To Waive Contract Closeout Audits.-- (1) Authority.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide contracting officers the authority to waive contract closeout audits above the simplified acquisition purchase threshold based on risk assessments. Factors upon which an assessment of low risk may include time and material contracts, low dollar cost type contracts, and contractors with approved business systems, strong internal controls, and good past performance ratings. (2) Guidance.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, in collaboration with the Director of the Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy, shall issue guidance for assisting contracting officials in determining when waivers of contract closeout audits pursuant to paragraph (1) are appropriate. (3) Use of abilityone program.--Where practicable, and in accordance with the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46 et seq.) as administered by the Committee For Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, utilize the AbilityOne Program to accomplish non-inherently governmental tasks associated with contract or grant close-out in those cases where a Federal agency utilizes contractor support for close- out functions. (b) Firm-Fixed Contracts.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide that, on firm-fixed contracts-- (1) contractors shall submit a final invoice within 60 days of Federal Government acceptance or relinquish payment unless exempted by the contracting officer; (2) the contracting officer may-- (A) close a contract without a final invoice if the amount due is less than $1,000 and less than 10 percent of the contract value; and (B) unilaterally deobligate any unliquidated obligations remaining on the contract; and (3) such contracts may be closed with missing contract documentation if no additional product or service will be received by the Federal Government and there are no outstanding administrative actions. (c) Authority To Write Off Unreconciled Balances for Low-Risk Contracts.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to provide contracting officers, with approval one level above the contracting officer concerned, the authority to write off unreconciled balances on low-risk contracts in cases in which-- (1) all administrative actions are complete, including final payment to the contractor unless exempted under subsection (b)(1); and (2) a written notice of the action has been sent to the payment office responsible for the contract. (d) Authority To Grant Exemptions.--The regulations promulgated under this section shall permit the head of contracting activity to grant exemptions to the requirements under this section, with the exemptions included in the contract file. (e) Contracting Officer Defined.--In this section, the term ``contracting officer'' includes procuring and administrative contracting officers. SEC. 8. AFFORDABILITY AS A REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN ACQUISITION PLANS. (a) In General.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require heads of executive agencies to mandate that affordability be included as a requirement for major systems, research and development, construction and architect- engineering acquisitions prior to the approval of any acquisition plan exceeding $100,000,000. (b) Affordability Defined.--In this section, the term ``affordability'' refers to conducting an acquisition program at a cost constrained by the maximum resources that an executive agency can allocate for a particular capability. SEC. 9. COST EFFICIENCY OBJECTIVES FOR SERVICE CONTRACTS. Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require service contracts valued at more than $100,000,000 include provisions to achieve productivity improvements and cost efficiencies. The regulation shall permit the head of contracting activity to grant exceptions to this requirement which shall be included in the contract file. SEC. 10. ESTABLISHING GOVERNMENTWIDE ACQUISITION SAVINGS CRITERIA. The Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, in collaboration with the Director of the Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy, shall establish at least one year from enactment a methodology to track and monitor progress made by executive agencies in achieving measurable acquisition savings. Measurable acquisition savings should include price reductions and cost savings through reduced acquisition costs such as administrative costs. SEC. 11. OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET SAVINGS REQUIREMENTS. (a) Plan for Reduced Use of Time and Materials Contracts.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, in coordination with the Administrator of General Services and the Secretary of Defense, shall develop a plan for reducing the use of time and materials and labor hour contracts, including for orders under indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity contracts. (b) Report on Spending on Management Support Service Contracts.-- Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, in collaboration with the Director of the Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy, shall submit to Congress a report on reduced spending on management support service contracts. SEC. 12. EXPEDITED PAYMENT TO SMALL BUSINESS. Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to reflect that governmentwide policy is to assist small business concerns by paying them as quickly as possible after invoices and all proper documentation, including acceptance, are received and before normal payment due dates established in the contract.

Summary: Acquisition Savings Reform Act of 2011 - Directs the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to revise certain federal acquisition practices and procedures, including by: (1) requiring executive agency heads to use online reverse auction, or an equivalent method, in the procurement of commercial items above the simplified acquisition threshold; (2) requiring the consideration of Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles (defined as a kind of government-wide interagency acquisition contract or agreement to leverage the federal government's buying power) in the acquisition planning process; (3) authorizing contracting officers to waive contract closeout audits above the simplified acquisition purchase threshold based on risk assessments and to write off unreconciled balances on low risk contracts; (4) requiring executive agency heads to mandate that affordability be included as a requirement for major systems, research and development, and construction and architect-engineering acquisitions, prior to the approval of any acquisition plan exceeding $100 million; (5) requiring service contracts valued at more than $100 million to include provisions to achieve productivity improvements and cost efficiencies; and (6) assisting small businesses by paying their invoices as quickly as possible and before normal payment due dates established by contract. Requires the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy to develop a plan for reducing the use of time and materials and labor hour contracts. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) identify on the OMB website a list of all Federal Strategic Source Vehicle contracts and agreements and awardees, and (2) develop a plan to achieve not less than $1 billion in measurable savings through Federal Strategic Sourcing Vehicles for FY2013-FY2016.