SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2015''. SEC. 2. PERMANENT SBA EXPRESS LOAN GUARANTEE FEE WAIVER FOR VETERANS. Section 7(a)(31) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(31)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(G) Guarantee fee waiver for veterans.-- ``(i) Guarantee fee waiver.--The Administrator may not collect a guarantee fee described in paragraph (18) in connection with a loan made under this paragraph to a veteran or spouse of a veteran on or after October 1, 2015. ``(ii) Exception.--If the President's budget for the upcoming fiscal year, submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, includes a cost for the program established under this subsection that is above zero, the requirements of clause (i) shall not apply to loans made during such upcoming fiscal year. ``(iii) Definition.--In this subparagraph, the term `veteran or spouse of a veteran' means-- ``(I) a veteran, as defined in section 3(q)(4); ``(II) an individual who is eligible to participate in the Transition Assistance Program established under section 1144 of title 10, United States Code; ``(III) a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces named in section 10101 of title 10, United States Code; ``(IV) the spouse of an individual described in subclause (I), (II), or (III); or ``(V) the surviving spouse (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) of an individual described in subclause (I), (II), or (III) who died while serving on active duty or as a result of a disability that is service-connected (as defined in such section).''. SEC. 3. REPORT ON ACCESSIBILITY AND OUTREACH TO FEMALE VETERANS BY THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report assessing the level of outreach to and consultation with female veterans regarding access to capital by women's business centers (as described in section 29 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656)) and Veterans Business Outreach Centers (as referred to in section 32 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 657b)). SEC. 4. BUSINESS LOANS PROGRAM. (a) Section 7(a) Funding Levels.--The third proviso under the heading ``business loans program account'' under the heading ``Small Business Administration'' under title V of division E of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Public Law 113-235; 128 Stat. 2371) is amended by striking ``$18,750,000,000'' and inserting ``$23,500,000,000''. (b) Loan Limitations.--Section 7(a)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(1)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (A)-- (A) by striking ``No financial assistance'' and inserting the following: ``(i) In general.--No financial assistance''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``(ii) Liquidity.--On and after October 1, 2015, the Administrator may not guarantee a loan under this subsection if the lender determines that the borrower is unable to obtain credit elsewhere solely because the liquidity of the lender depends upon the guaranteed portion of the loan being sold on the secondary market.''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) Lending limits of lenders.--On and after October 1, 2015, the Administrator may not guarantee a loan under this subsection if the sole purpose for requesting the guarantee is to allow the lender to exceed the legal lending limit of the lender.''. (c) Reporting.-- (1) Definitions.--In this subsection-- (A) the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Small Business Administration; (B) the term ``business loan'' means a loan made or guaranteed under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)); (C) the term ``cancellation'' means that the Administrator approves a proposed business loan, but the prospective borrower determines not to take the business loan; and (D) the term ``net dollar amount of business loans'' means the difference between the total dollar amount of business loans and the total dollar amount of cancellations. (2) Requirement.--During the 3-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives a quarterly report regarding the loan programs carried out under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)), which shall include-- (A) for the fiscal year during which the report is submitted and the 3 fiscal years before such fiscal year-- (i) the weekly total dollar amount of business loans; (ii) the weekly total dollar amount of cancellations; (iii) the weekly net dollar amount of business loans-- (I) for all business loans; and (II) for each category of loan amount described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of section 7(a)(18) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(18)); (B) for the fiscal year during which the report is submitted-- (i) the amount of remaining authority for business loans, in dollar amount and as a percentage; and (ii) estimates of the date on which the net dollar amount of business loans will reach the maximum for such business loans based on daily net lending volume and extrapolations based on year to date net lending volume, quarterly net lending volume, and quarterly growth trends; (C) the number of early defaults (as determined by the Administrator) during the quarter covered by the report; (D) the total amount paid by borrowers in early default during the quarter covered by the report, as of the time of purchase of the guarantee; (E) the number of borrowers in early default that are franchisees; (F) the total amount of guarantees purchased by the Administrator during the quarter covered by the report; and (G) a description of the actions the Administrator is taking to combat early defaults administratively and any legislative action the Administrator recommends to address early defaults. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on July 23, 2015. Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2015 (Sec. 2) Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the Small Business Administration (SBA) from collecting a guarantee fee in connection with a loan made under the SBA Express Program to a veteran or the spouse of a veteran on or after October 1, 2015, except during any upcoming fiscal year for which the President's budget, submitted to Congress, includes a cost for the Program that is above zero. (Sec. 3) Requires the SBA to assess for Congress the level of outreach to and consultation with female veterans regarding access to capital by women's business centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. (Sec. 4) Amends the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 to increase the limit from $18.75 billion to $23.5 billion for FY2015 commitments for general business loans for a combination of amortizing term loans and the aggregated maximum line of credit provided by revolving loans. Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the SBA, starting October 1, 2015, from guaranteeing a loan if: the lender determines that the borrower is unable to obtain credit elsewhere solely because the lender's liquidity depends upon the guaranteed portion of the loan being sold on the secondary market, or the sole purpose for requesting the guarantee is to allow the lender to exceed its legal lending limit.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Manufacturing Universities Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. MANUFACTURING UNIVERSITIES. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of the Institute of Standards and Technology. (2) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)). (3) Manufacturing industry.--The term ``manufacturing industry'' means an industry defined in North American Industry Classification System codes 31, 32, and 33. (4) United states manufacturing university.--The term ``United States manufacturing university'' means an institution of higher education that receives a designation from the Director under subsection (b)(1). (b) Manufacturing University Program.-- (1) Authorization.--The Director is authorized to establish a program to designate an institution of higher education as a United States manufacturing university. The Director, in coordination with the heads of other Federal agencies (including the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Energy, and the Director of the National Science Foundation), shall designate not more than 25 institutions of higher education as United States manufacturing universities. The Director shall award designations not earlier than January 1, 2015, and not later than March 31, 2015. (2) Funds provided.--An institution of higher education that receives a designation under paragraph (1) shall be awarded $5,000,000 for each fiscal year for a 4-year period beginning in the fiscal year in which the institution of higher education receives the designation under paragraph (1). (3) Use of funds.--Funds provided to an institution of higher education under this subsection shall be used to carry out the goals and meet the targets described in subsection (c)(2)(B). (c) Application.-- (1) In general.--An institution of higher education desiring a designation under subsection (b)(1) shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Director may reasonably require. (2) Contents.--Each application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall-- (A) submit data describing, as of the date of submission of the application-- (i) the engineering programs offered by the institution of higher education, including any focus on manufacturing engineering and curricula related to manufacturing industries; (ii) current joint projects relating to engineering between firms in the manufacturing industry and the institution of higher education; (iii) the percentage of students in the engineering program of the institution of higher education who participated in for-credit internship, cooperative education, or other similar programs with manufacturing firms in the most recent academic year for which information is available; (iv) the percentage of students enrolled at the institution of higher education who received a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a doctoral degree in engineering in the most recent academic year for which information is available, and a description of which engineering discipline each recipient of such degree studied; (v) the amount and purpose of research and development funding that manufacturing firms have provided to the institution of higher education for each of the 3 years preceding the date of submission of the application; (vi) the percentage of recent master's degree or doctoral degree graduates of the institution of higher education who have begun careers related to manufacturing and a description of-- (I) the institution's involvement in manufacturing startups; and (II) any new manufacturing businesses created by recent master's degree or doctoral degree graduates in the 3 years preceding the date of submission of the application; and (vii) the extent and a description of other programs at the institution of higher education related to manufacturing and entrepreneurship; and (B) submit a plan, including specific targets and goals to be achieved not later than 4 years after the date of designation under subsection (b)(1), describing-- (i) how the engineering programs offered by the institution of higher education will be improved to emphasize manufacturing engineering and curricula related to manufacturing industries; (ii) how the institution of higher education will increase the number of joint projects relating to engineering between manufacturing firms and the institution of higher education; (iii) how the institution of higher education will increase the number of students in the engineering program of the institution who participate in for-credit internship, cooperative education, or other similar programs in manufacturing firms; (iv) how the institution of higher education will increase the number of students who are United States citizens or permanent residents enrolled at the institution who receive a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a doctoral degree in engineering or applied science, in particular disciplines related to manufacturing, including chemical, electrical, mechanical, industrial, mechatronics, computer, biomedical, and nano engineering, as well as materials science, computer science, and applied mathematics; (v) how the institution of higher education will cover the costs of equipment and facilities related to its proposal and how it will increase funding from industry for research and development related to manufacturing; (vi) how the institution of higher education will increase the number of students who receive a degree from the institution of higher education who launch a new manufacturing business, as defined by the Bureau of Economic Analysis as the North American Industry Classification System code 3111 to 3399; (vii) how the institution of higher education will oversee interdisciplinary programs relating to advancing manufacturing productivity and innovation across various university colleges, departments, and programs; (viii) how the institution of higher education will designate an appropriate individual to oversee and coordinate the activities committed to as a part of the universities outlined ``manufacturing university'' plan who may be designated as a ``Chief Manufacturing Officer''; (ix) how the manufacturing engineering program can positively impact local and regional economic development; and (x) how the participating institutions and departments, particularly within engineering and business, will recognize and reward faculty, including through decisions of tenure, for developing innovative new means to increase interactions with manufacturing companies. (d) Administration of Program.-- (1) General policies.--The Director shall establish and publish general policies regarding-- (A) review of applications; (B) criteria for selection of institutions of higher education to receive a designation under subsection (b)(1); (C) procedures and criteria for the review required in paragraph (2); and (D) such other matters as the Director may prescribe. (2) Review.-- (A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date an institution of higher education receives a designation under subsection (b)(1), the Director shall conduct a review of the progress the institution of higher education has made toward the targets and goals described in subsection (c)(2)(B). If the Director determines that the institution of higher education is making adequate progress toward such targets and goals, funds provided under subsection (b)(1) shall continue for the remainder of the designation period. (B) Progress report.--Each institution of higher education receiving a designation under subsection (b)(1) shall submit a report each year that includes information on the progress the institution is making toward the targets and goals described in subsection (c)(2)(B). (C) Renewal.--An institution of higher education receiving a designation under subsection (b)(1) shall not be eligible to receive funds under subsection (b)(2) after the expiration of the 4-year period. (3) Report required.--Not later than September 30 of each year, the Director shall submit to Congress a report that includes-- (A) a list of the institutions of higher education that have received a designation under subsection (b)(1); and (B) a description of the progress such institutions of higher education have made toward the targets and goals described in subsection (c)(2)(B). (e) Assistance for Small Businesses.--Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director, in cooperation with the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, shall make recommendations on how the programs established under Phase III of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638), can be adapted to provide assistance to small businesses that collaborate with United States manufacturing universities. (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $125,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 to carry out the provisions of this section.

Summary: Manufacturing Universities Act of 2014 - Authorizes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a program to designate up to 25 institutions of higher education as U.S. manufacturing universities that are to be awarded funds over a four-year period. Requires an institution applying for such program to submit a plan describing its engineering programs, its relationship to manufacturing industries, and its ability to positively impact local and regional economic development. Requires NIST to recommend adaptations to certain Small Business Act programs to assist small businesses that collaborate with such universities.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Montgomery GI Bill Improvements Act of 2001''. SEC. 2. REPEAL OF PAY REDUCTION AND ELECTION NOT TO ENROLL IN BASIC EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. (a) Pay Reduction.--(1) Section 3011 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (b). (2) Section 3012 of that title is amended by striking subsection (c). (b) Authority To Elect Not To Enroll.--(1) Section 3011(c) of that title is amended-- (A) by striking paragraph (1); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively. (2) Section 3012(d) of that title is amended-- (A) by striking paragraph (1); and (B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively. (c) Opportunities To Withdraw Election Not To Enroll.--(1) Section 3016(a)(1) of that title is amended by striking ``, and does not make an election under section 3011(c)(1) or section 3012(d)(1)''. (2) Sections 3018A and 3018B of that title are each amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(e) Notwithstanding subsection (b), no reduction in the pay of an individual under this section shall be made for months beginning on or after the date that is six months after the date of the enactment of the Montgomery GI Bill Improvements Act of 2001. Any obligation of an individual under subsection (b) as of the commencement of such month shall be deemed to be fully satisfied as of the date of the commencement of such month.''. (3)(A) Section 3018C(e) of that title is amended-- (i) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4); and (ii) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (3). (B) Section 3018C of that title is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(f) Notwithstanding subsection (b), no reduction in the pay of an individual under this section shall be made for months beginning on or after the date that is six months after the date of the enactment of the Montgomery GI Bill Improvements Act of 2001. Any obligation of an individual under subsection (b) as of the commencement of such month shall be deemed to be fully satisfied as of the date of the commencement of such month.''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and apply to individuals whose initial obligated period of active duty under section 3011 or 3012 of title 38, United States Code, as the case may be, begins on or after such date. (e) Termination of Pay Reductions in Progress.--Any reduction in the basic pay of an individual referred to in subsection (b) of section 3011 of title 38, United States Code, by reason of such subsection, or of any individual referred to in subsection (c) of section 3012 of such title by reason of such subsection, shall cease commencing with months beginning on or after the date that is six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and any obligation of such individual under such subsection (b) or (c), as the case may be, as of that date shall be deemed to be fully satisfied as of the date of the commencement of the first such month. SEC. 3. TRANSFER OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BY MEMBERS WITH 15 YEARS OF ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE. (a) Transfer of Entitlement.--Subchapter II of chapter 30 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 3020. Transfer of entitlement to basic educational assistance: individuals with 15 years of active duty service ``(a) An individual described in subsection (b) who is entitled to basic educational assistance under this subchapter may transfer, in whole or in part, such individual's entitlement to such assistance to the dependents specified in subsection (c). ``(b) An individual described in this subsection is any individual entitled to basic educational assistance under this subchapter who has completed not less than 15 years of service on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces. ``(c) An individual may transfer entitlement under this section as follows: ``(1) To the individual's spouse. ``(2) To one or more of the individual's children. ``(3) To a combination of the individuals referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2). ``(d) An individual transferring entitlement to basic educational assistance under this section shall-- ``(1) designate the dependent or dependents to whom such entitlement is being transferred and the percentage of such entitlement to be transferred to each such dependent; and ``(2) specify the period for which the transfer shall be effective for each dependent designated under paragraph (1). ``(e)(1) Subject to the time limitation for use of entitlement under section 3031 of this title, an individual may transfer entitlement under this section at any time without regard to whether the individual is a member of the Armed Forces when the transfer is executed. ``(2)(A) An individual transferring entitlement under this section may modify or revoke at any time the transfer of any unused portion of the entitlement so transferred. ``(B) The modification or revocation of the transfer of entitlement under this paragraph shall be made by the submittal of written notice of the action to the Secretary. ``(f)(1) The use of any entitlement to basic educational assistance transferred under this section shall be charged against the entitlement of the individual making the transfer at the rate of one month for each month of transferred entitlement that is used. ``(2) Except as provided under subsection (d)(2) and subject to paragraph (4), a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred under this section is entitled to basic educational assistance under this subchapter in the same manner and at the same rate as the individual from whom the entitlement was transferred. ``(3) The death of an individual transferring an entitlement under this section shall not affect the use of the entitlement by the individual to whom the entitlement is transferred. ``(4) The administrative provisions of this chapter (including the provisions set forth in section 3034(a)(1) of this title) shall apply to the use of entitlement transferred under this section, except that the dependent to whom the entitlement is transferred shall be treated as the eligible veteran for purposes of such provisions. ``(5) The purposes for which a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred under this section may use such entitlement shall include the pursuit and completion of the requirements of a secondary school diploma (or equivalency certificate). ``(f) In the event of an overpayment of basic educational assistance with respect to a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred under this section, the dependent and the individual making the transfer shall be jointly and severally liable to the United States for the amount of the overpayment for purposes of section 3685 of this title. ``(g) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations for purposes of this section. Such regulations shall specify the manner and effect of an election to modify or revoke a transfer of entitlement under subsection (e)(2), and shall specify the manner of the applicability of the administrative provisions referred to in subsection (e)(4) to a dependent to whom entitlement is transferred under this section.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 3019 the following new item: ``3020. Transfer of entitlement to basic educational assistance: individuals with 15 years of active duty service.''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take effect six months after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 4. EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITATION FOR USE OF ELIGIBILITY AND ENTITLEMENT. (a) All Volunteer Force Program.--Section 3031 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``10-year period'' each place it appears (other than subsection (g)) and inserting ``20-year period''; and (2) in subsection (g), by striking ``the last day'' and all that follows through ``Act'' and inserting ``November 30, 2019,''. (b) Educational Assistance for Selected Reserve.--Section 16133(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking ``10-year period'' and inserting ``20-year period''. SEC. 5. BENEFIT FOR MEMBERS OF SELECTED RESERVE CALLED TO ACTIVE DUTY FOR MORE THAN ONE YEAR FOR CONTINGENCY OPERATION. (a) Increased Benefit Under Educational Assistance for Selected Reserve.--Section 16131 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(j) In the case of a member of the Selected Reserve entitled to educational assistance under this chapter who, during the period referred to in subsection (a) with respect to the member, is called or ordered to, or retained on, active duty for or in support of a contingency operation, the rate of the educational assistance allowance applicable to the member is as follows: ``(1) If the member's aggregate period on active duty for or in support of a contingency operation is more than one year but less than two years-- ``(A) for each month of full-time pursuit of a program of education, an amount equal to the average of the amount otherwise applicable to the person under subsection (b)(1)(A) and the amount applicable to an individual under section 3015(b)(1) of title 38; ``(B) for each month of three-quarter-time pursuit of a program of education, an amount equal to three- quarters of the amount determined under subparagraph (A); ``(C) for each month of half-time pursuit of a program of education, an amount equal to three-quarters of the amount determined under subparagraph (A); and ``(D) for each month of less than half-time pursuit of a program of education, an appropriately reduced amount, as determined under regulations prescribed under subsection (b)(1)(D), subject to the limitation specified in that subsection. ``(2) If the member's aggregate period on active duty for or in support of a contingency operation is more than two years but less than three years, the amount that would be applicable to the member under section 3015(b) of title 38 were the member an individual described by that section. ``(3) If the member's aggregate period on active duty for or in support of a contingency operation is more than three years, the amount that would be applicable to the member under section 3015(a) of title 38 were the member an individual described by that section.''. (b) Effect of Active Duty on Entitlement for Basic Assistance for Service in Selected Reserve.--(1) Clause (ii) of section 3012(a)(1)(A) of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``(ii) subject to subsection (b) of this section and beginning within one year after completion of the service on active duty described in clause (i) of this clause-- ``(I) serves at least four years of continuous duty in the Selected Reserve during which the individual participates satisfactorily in training as required by the Secretary concerned; or ``(II) during continuous duty in the Selected Reserve during which the individual participates satisfactorily in training as required by the Secretary concerned, serves on active duty for or in support of a contingency operation (as that term is defined in section 101(a) of title 10) for an aggregate period of not less than one year; or''. (2) Section 3015(c) of that title is amended-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1) or (2)''; and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(3) Paragraph (1) of this subsection also applies to an individual entitled to an educational assistance allowance under section 3012 of this title who is described in subsection (a)(1)(A)(ii)(II) of that section.''.

Summary: Montgomery GI Bill Improvements Act of 2001 - Amends Federal basic educational assistance provisions (the Montgomery GI Bill) to eliminate the pay reduction currently required of service members as a precondition to eligibility for benefits Permits certain service members to transfer their entitlement to benefits to their spouses or dependent children.Extends the period after discharge during which former service members may utilize their benefits.Increases benefits available to members of the Selected Reserve called to active duty as part of a contingency operation.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act of 2010''. SEC. 2. NATIONAL FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT AND CORRIDORS INFORMATION PROGRAM. (a) Establishment.--Within 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the States and Indian tribes, shall establish a National Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Corridors Information Program in accordance with the requirements of this section. (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this program is to-- (1) support States and Indian tribes in the development of a geographic information system database of fish and wildlife habitat and corridors that would inform planning and development decisions within each State and Indian tribe, enable each State and Indian tribe to model climate impacts and adaptation, and provide geographically specific enhancements of State and tribal wildlife action plans; (2) ensure the collaborative development, with the States and Indian tribes, of a comprehensive, national geographic information system database of maps, models, data, surveys, informational products, and other geospatial information regarding fish and wildlife habitat and corridors, that-- (A) is based on consistent protocols for sampling and mapping across landscapes that take into account regional differences; and (B) that utilizes-- (i) existing and planned State- and tribal- based geographic information system databases; and (ii) existing databases, analytical tools, metadata activities, and other information products available through the National Biological Information Infrastructure maintained by the Secretary and nongovernmental organizations; and (3) facilitate the use of such databases by Federal, State, local, and tribal decisionmakers to incorporate qualitative and quantitative information on fish and wildlife habitat and corridors at the earliest possible stage to-- (A) prioritize and target natural resources adaptation strategies and activities; (B) avoid, minimize, and mitigate the impacts on fish and wildlife habitat and corridors in siting energy development, water, transmission, transportation, and other land use projects; (C) assess the impacts of existing development on habitats and corridors; and (D) develop management strategies to enhance the ability of native fish, wildlife, and plant species to migrate or respond to shifting habitats within existing habitats and corridors. (c) Habitat and Corridors Information System.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the States and Indian tribes, shall develop a Habitat and Corridors Information System. (2) Contents.--The System shall-- (A) include maps, data, and descriptions of fish and wildlife habitat and corridors, that-- (i) have been developed by Federal agencies, State wildlife agencies and natural heritage programs, Indian tribes, local governments, nongovernmental organizations, and industry; and (ii) meet accepted Geospatial Interoperability Framework data and metadata protocols and standards; (B) include maps and descriptions of projected shifts in habitats and corridors of fish and wildlife species in response to climate change; (C) assure data quality and make the data, models, and analyses included in the System available at scales useful to decisionmakers-- (i) to prioritize and target natural resources adaptation strategies and activities; (ii) to assess the impacts of proposed energy development, water, transmission, transportation, and other land use projects and avoid, minimize, and mitigate those impacts on habitats and corridors; (iii) to assess the impacts of existing development on habitats and corridors; and (iv) to develop management strategies to enhance the ability of fish, wildlife, and plant species to migrate or respond to shifting habitats within existing habitats and corridors; (D) establish a coordinated process for updating maps and other information as landscapes, habitats, corridors, and wildlife populations change or as other information becomes available; (E) encourage the development of collaborative plans by Federal and State agencies and Indian tribes to monitor and evaluate the efficacy of the System to meet the needs of decisionmakers; (F) identify gaps in habitat and corridor information, mapping, and research that should be addressed to fully understand and assess current data and metadata, and to prioritize research and future data collection activities for use in updating the System and provide support for those activities; (G) include mechanisms to support collaborative research, mapping, and planning of habitats and corridors by Federal and State agencies, Indian tribes, and other interested stakeholders; (H) incorporate biological and geospatial data on species and corridors affected by energy development and transmission plans, including renewable energy initiatives, transportation, and other land use plans; (I) be based on the best scientific information available; and (J) identify, prioritize, and describe key parcels of non-Federal land located within the boundaries of units of the National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, National Forest System, or National Grassland System that are critical to maintenance of wildlife habitat and migration corridors. (d) Financial and Other Support.--The Secretary may provide support to the States and Indian tribes, including financial and technical assistance, for activities that support the development and implementation of the System. (e) Coordination.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the States and Indian tribes, shall make recommendations on how the information developed in the System may be incorporated into existing relevant State and Federal plans affecting fish and wildlife, including land management plans, the State Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies, and appropriate tribal conservation plans, to ensure that they-- (1) prevent unnecessary habitat fragmentation and disruption of corridors; (2) promote the landscape connectivity necessary to allow wildlife to move as necessary to meet biological needs, adjust to shifts in habitat, and adapt to climate change; and (3) minimize the impacts of energy, development, water, transportation, and transmission projects and other activities expected to impact habitat and corridors. (f) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Geospatial interoperability framework.--The term ``Geospatial Interoperability Framework'' means the strategy utilized by the National Biological Information Infrastructure that is based upon accepted standards, specifications, and protocols adopted through the International Standards Organization, the Open Geospatial Consortium, and the Federal Geographic Data Committee, to manage, archive, integrate, analyze, and make accessible geospatial and biological data and metadata. (2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $1,000,000. SEC. 3. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS REGARDING INDIAN TRIBES. (a) Federal Trust Responsibility.--Nothing in this Act is intended to amend, alter, or give priority over the Federal trust responsibility to Indian tribes. (b) Exemption From FOIA.--Information received by a Federal agency pursuant to this Act relating to the location, character, or ownership of human remains of a person of Indian ancestry; or resources, cultural items, uses, or activities identified by an Indian tribe as traditional or cultural because of the long-established significance or ceremonial nature to the Indian tribe; shall not be subject to disclosure under section 552 of title 5, United States Code, if the head of the agency, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and an affected Indian tribe, determines that disclosure may-- (1) cause a significant invasion of privacy; (2) risk harm to the human remains or resources, cultural items, uses, or activities; or (3) impede the use of a traditional religious site by practitioners. (c) Application of Other Law.--The Secretary of the Interior may apply the provisions of Public Law 93-638 where appropriate in the implementation of this subpart. SEC. 4. WILDLIFE CORRIDORS STEWARDSHIP AND PROTECTION PROGRAM. (a) Establishment of Program.-- (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Interior shall transfer amounts in the Wildlife Corridors Stewardship and Protection Fund established by this section, without further Act of appropriation, to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for use by the Foundation to establish and implement a Wildlife Corridors Stewardship and Protection Grant Program in accordance with this section to fund projects to advance important wildlife corridor stewardship and protection. (2) Administrative expenses.--The Secretary of the Interior may transfer funds to the Foundation under this subsection in advance, without regard to when expenses are incurred. The funds transferred shall be subject to the provisions of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act, excluding subsection (a) of section 10 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 3709(a)). (b) Project Applicants.--A project proposal may be submitted to the Foundation for funding under the Program only by-- (1) an individual, corporation, partnership, non- governmental organization, trust, association, or other private entity; or (2) an officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government, of any State, municipality, or political subdivision of a State. (c) Project Selection.--The Foundation, in consultation with the Secretary, shall select for funding under the Program projects that will have the most significant on-the-ground impact for wildlife species of greatest conservation need by-- (1) enhancing the management and stewardship of important wildlife corridors identified by State or Federal agencies; or (2) protecting important wildlife corridors identified by State or Federal agencies. (d) Cost Sharing.--The Federal share of the cost of each project funded under the Program shall be not greater than 50 percent, and the non-Federal share required for such a project shall not be derived from any Federal grant program and may be paid in cash or in kind. (e) Administrative Expenses.--Of amounts transferred to the Foundation under this section each fiscal year, the Foundation may expend not more than 5 percent or $100,000, whichever is greater, to pay the administrative expenses necessary to administer the Program. (f) Wildlife Corridors Stewardship and Protection Fund.-- (1) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury a separate account, which shall be known as the ``Wildlife Corridors Stewardship and Protection Fund''. The Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit into the Fund-- (A) all amounts received by the Secretary of the Interior in the form of donations for wildlife corridor stewardship and protection under this section; and (B) other amounts appropriated to the Fund. (2) Donations.--The Secretary may accept donations of funds for wildlife corridor stewardship and protection under this section. SEC. 5. WILDLIFE CORRIDOR MANAGEMENT ON PUBLIC LANDS. (a) Finding.--Section 102(a)(8) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701(a)(8)) is amended by inserting ``, including important wildlife corridors,'' before ``in their natural condition''. (b) Definition of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.--Section 103(a) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.1702(a)) is amended by inserting ``(including important wildlife corridors)'' after ``fish and wildlife resources''. SEC. 6. NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM RESOURCE PLANNING. Section 6(e)(1) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604(e)(1)) is amended by inserting ``important wildlife corridors,'' before ``and wilderness''. SEC. 7. TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS. (a) Accommodation of Wildlife Movement.--As a condition for the receipt of Federal assistance for a highway construction project under title 23, United States Code, the Secretary of Transportation may ensure that a State or other recipient of such assistance gives the accommodation of wildlife movement full consideration during the development and construction of the project, as it relates to-- (1) improving motorist safety; (2) reducing wildlife mortality on highways; and (3) providing ecological connectivity to support population viability and other wildlife conservation objectives. (b) Specific Conditions.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure that a State or other recipient of assistance under title 23, United States Code-- (1) considers incorporating wildlife crossings in any highway construction project carried out using such assistance, and incorporates wildlife crossings in the project, if appropriate; (2) provides to the Secretary a statement of reasons explaining the extent of wildlife crossings to be included in such highway construction projects or why wildlife crossings are not appropriate; and (3) utilizes the best available commercial and scientific data in making determinations on incorporating wildlife crossings in such highway construction projects. SEC. 8. AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS. (a) Special Rule Involving Payments for Foregone Income.--Section 1240B(d)(3) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa-2(d)(3)) is amended to read as follows: ``(3) Special rule involving payments for foregone income.--In determining the amount and rate of payments under paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary may accord great significance to a practice that, as determined by the Secretary, promotes-- ``(A) residue management; ``(B) nutrient management; ``(C) air quality management; ``(D) invasive species management; ``(E) pollinator habitat; ``(F) animal carcass management technology; ``(G) pest management; or ``(H) wildlife corridor management.''. (b) Encouragement of Pollinator Development and Protection or Important Wildlife Corridor Stewardship and Protection.--Section 1244(h) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3844(h)) is amended to read as follows: ``(h) Encouragement of Pollinator Development and Protection or Important Wildlife Corridor Stewardship and Protection.--In carrying out any conservation program administered by the Secretary, the Secretary may, as appropriate, encourage-- ``(1) the development of habitat for native and managed pollinators; ``(2) the stewardship of habitat in important wildlife corridors; and ``(3) the use of conservation practices that benefit native and managed pollinators or important wildlife corridors identified as such by a State.''.

Summary: Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act of 2010 - Establishes a National Fish and Wildlife Habitat and Corridors Information Program for the purposes of: (1) supporting states and Indian tribes in the development of a geographic information system database of fish and wildlife habitat and corridors that would inform planning and development decisions; and (2) facilitating the use of such databases, including the Habitat and Corridors Information System, by federal, state, local, and tribal decisionmakers to incorporate qualitative and quantitative information on such habitat and corridors at the earliest possible stage. Requires the development of a Habitat and Corridors Information System, as described in this Act. Bars certain information regarding the human remains of persons of Indian ancestry, or traditional or cultural resources, items, uses, or activities from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), if specified determinations are made regarding such disclosure. Directs the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to establish a Wildlife Corridors Stewardship and Protection Grant Program to fund projects by eligible applicants to advance important wildlife corridor stewardship and protection. States that it is U.S. policy, where appropriate, to manage important wildlife corridors in a manner that will preserve and protect their natural condition. Includes important wildlife corridors as "areas of critical environmental concern." Requires coordination of important wildlife corridors under National Forest System land and resource management plans. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA): (1) under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, in determining the amount and rate of payments involving foregone income of a producer, to accord great significance to a practice that promotes wildlife corridor management; and (2) in carrying out any USDA-administered conservation program, to encourage the stewardship of habitat in important wildlife corridors and the use of conservation practices that benefit important wildlife corridors identified as such by a state.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Rape Survivor Child Custody Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Men who father children through rape should be prohibited from visiting or having custody of those children. (2) According to several studies, it is estimated that there are between 25,000 and 32,000 rape-related pregnancies annually in the United States. (3) A substantial number of women choose to raise their child conceived through rape and, as a result, may face custody battles with their rapists. (4) According to one study, 32.3 percent of women who were raped and became pregnant as a result of the rape kept their child. (5) Another study found that, of the 73 percent of women who became pregnant as a result of a rape and carried their pregnancies to term, 64 percent raised their children. (6) Rape is one of the most under-prosecuted serious crimes, with estimates of criminal conviction occurring in less than 5 percent of rapes. (7) The clear and convincing evidence standard is the most common standard for termination of parental rights among the 50 States, territories, and the District of Columbia. (8) The Supreme Court established that the clear and convincing evidence standard satisfies due process for allegations to terminate or restrict parental rights in Santosky v. Kramer (455 U.S. 745 (1982)). (9) Currently only 6 States have statutes allowing rape survivors to petition for the termination of parental rights of the rapist based on clear and convincing evidence that the child was conceived through rape. (10) A rapist pursuing parental or custody rights forces the survivor to have continued interaction with the rapist, which can have traumatic psychological effects on the survivor, making it more difficult for her to recover. (11) These traumatic effects on the mother can severely negatively impact her ability to raise a healthy child. (12) Rapists may use the threat of pursuing custody or parental rights to coerce survivors into not prosecuting rape, or otherwise harass, intimidate, or manipulate them. SEC. 3. GRANTS AUTHORIZED. The Attorney General shall make grants to States that have in place a law that allows the mother of any child that was conceived through rape to seek court-ordered termination of the parental rights of her rapist with regard to that child, which the court shall grant upon clear and convincing evidence of rape. SEC. 4. APPLICATION. A State seeking a grant under this Act shall submit an application to the Attorney General at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Attorney General may reasonably require, including information about the law described in section 3. SEC. 5. GRANT AMOUNT. The amount of a grant to a State under this Act shall be in an amount that is not greater than 10 percent of the average of the total amount of funding of the 3 most recent awards that the State received under the following grant programs: (1) Part T of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796gg et seq.) (commonly referred to as the ``STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program''). (2) Section 41601 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043g) (commonly referred to as the ``Sexual Assault Services Program''). SEC. 6. GRANT TERM. (a) In General.--The term of a grant under this Act shall be for one year. (b) Renewal.--A State that receives a grant under this Act may submit an application for a renewal of such grant at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Attorney General may reasonably require. (c) Limit.--A State may not receive a grant under this Act for more than 4 years. SEC. 7. USES OF FUNDS. A State that receives a grant under this section shall use-- (1) 25 percent of such funds for any of the permissible uses of funds under the grant program described in paragraph (1) of section 5; and (2) 75 percent of such funds for any of the permissible uses of funds under the grant program described in paragraph (2) of section 5. SEC. 8. TERMINATION DEFINED. (a) In General.--In this Act, the term ``termination'' means, when used with respect to parental rights, a complete and final termination of the parent's right to custody of, guardianship of, visitation with, access to, and inheritance from a child. (b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a State, in order to receive a grant under this Act, to have in place a law that terminates any obligation of a person who fathered a child through rape to support the child. SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. There is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018.

Summary: Rape Survivor Child Custody Act - Directs the Attorney General to make grants to states that have in place a law that allows the mother of any child that was conceived through rape to seek court-ordered termination of the parental rights of her rapist with regard to that child, which the court shall grant upon clear and convincing evidence of rape. Limits such a grant to: (1) an amount that is not greater than 10% of the average of the total funding of the 3 most recent awards a state received under the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program and the Sexual Assault Services Program; and (2) a 1-year term, subject to renewal for not more than 3 additional years. Requires a state that receives such a grant to use: (1) 25% of grant funds for permissible uses under the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program, and (2) 75% of funds for permissible uses under the Sexual Assault Services Program.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Women and Alcohol Research Equity Act of 1996''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds as follows with respect to the United States: (1) One of every 4 alcoholics receiving treatment is a woman. (2) In fiscal year 1995, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism had a total research budget of $191,186,000, and $43,997,080 of the budget (approximately 23 percent) was available for research on alcohol abuse and alcoholism among women. There are selected areas where alcohol contributes to a more rapid and severe development of disease in women than in men, and research on women exclusively in these areas is important. (3) According to data collected during the years 1980 through 1993 (in the survey known as the National Drug and Alcoholism Treatment Unit Survey), women represent approximately 30 percent of the clients presenting for alcohol problems in traditional public treatment facilities. A recent study has shown that women are more likely than men to use nontraditional health care systems for alcohol-related problems. No data exists to count women in nontraditional treatment settings; therefore, it is not possible to know whether women are overrepresented or underrepresented in all treatment settings in proportion to their numbers (30 percent). (4) Alcohol use by pregnant women is the leading known cause of mental retardation in newborns. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which is marked by dysfunction of the central nervous system and by prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency and facial malformations, strikes 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 newborns, or 3,600 to 10,000 babies a year, depending upon the national birth-rate. The incidence of less severe fetal alcohol effects (FAE) is at least 3 times that of fetal alcohol syndrome. For Black Americans, the risk of FAS remains about sevenfold higher than for whites, even after adjustment for the frequency of maternal alcohol intake, occurrence of chronic alcohol problems, and parity. Among Native Americans, the incidence of FAS varies among different cultures; some are similar to the overall U.S. population, while a much higher prevalence is reported for others. Research is also needed on the male contribution to birth abnormalities related to alcohol. (5) Most treatment programs do not provide child care or adequate alternatives for women entering treatment. (6) The death rate of female alcoholics is 50 to 100 percent higher than for male alcoholics. Proportionately more alcoholic women die of cirrhosis of the liver than do alcoholic men. Additionally, the combined effects of estrogen and alcohol may impact not only liver damage but osteoporosis as well. (7) The interval between onset of drinking-related problems and entry into treatment appears to be shorter for women than for men. Further, studies of women alcoholics in treatment suggest that they often experience greater physiological impairment earlier in their drinking careers, despite having consumed less alcohol than men. These findings suggest that the development of consequences associated with heavy drinking may be accelerated or ``telescoped'' in women. (8) Women become intoxicated faster than men. This may be due to a different enzyme and hormonal activity in women than in women. (9) Chronic, heavy drinking contributes to menstrual disorders, fertility problems, and premature menopause. (10) Alcohol use may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Research indicates that the incidence of breast cancer increases when a woman consumes 1 ounce or more of absolute alcohol daily. (11) The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has identified areas for future research on alcohol abuse and alcoholism among women. As a result of stimulating research applications during the years 1993 through 1995, such Institute's portfolio on women and children has increased by $17,997,000, or more than 69 percent, over the fiscal year 1992 base of $26,000,000. SEC. 3. PROVISIONS REGARDING INCREASE IN AMOUNT OF FUNDS EXPENDED FOR RESEARCH ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM AMONG WOMEN. Section 464H(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285n(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following paragraph: ``(3) Women's health.-- ``(A) For fiscal year 1997, of the first $191,186,000 appropriated under paragraph (1), the Director of the Institute shall obligate not less than $43,997,080 for the purpose of carrying out under this subpart projects of research on alcohol abuse and alcoholism among women. ``(B) In addition to the authorization of appropriations established in paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated for carrying out the purpose specified in subparagraph (A) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1997, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1998 and 1999.''.

Summary: Women and Alcohol Research Equity Act of 1996 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require that $44 million of the first $191 million appropriated to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism be obligated for research on alcohol abuse and alcoholism among women. Authorizes appropriations (in addition to the existing authorization of appropriations for the Institute) for such research regarding women.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act''. SEC. 2. UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY BOARD OF VISITORS. Section 51312 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 51312. Board of Visitors ``(a) In General.--A Board of Visitors to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (referred to in this section as the `Board' and the `Academy', respectively) shall be established to provide independent advice and recommendations on matters relating to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. ``(b) Appointment and Membership.-- ``(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act, the Board shall be composed of-- ``(A) 2 Senators appointed by the chairman, in consultation with the ranking member, of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; ``(B) 3 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the chairman, in consultation with the ranking member, of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; ``(C) 1 Senator appointed by the Vice President, who shall be a member of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; ``(D) 2 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, in consultation with the Minority Leader, at least 1 of whom shall be a member of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives; ``(E) the Commander of the Military Sealift Command; ``(F) the Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy of the United States Coast Guard; ``(G) 4 individuals appointed by the President; and ``(H) as ex officio members-- ``(i) the chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; ``(ii) the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; ``(iii) the chairman of the Advisory Board to the Academy established under section 51313; and ``(iv) the member of the House of Representatives in whose congressional district the Academy is located, as a non-voting member, unless such member of the House of Representatives is appointed as a voting member of the Board under subparagraph (B) or (D). ``(2) Presidential appointees.--Of the individuals appointed by the President under paragraph (1)(H)-- ``(A) at least 2 shall be graduates of the Academy; ``(B) at least 1 shall be a senior corporate officer from a United States maritime shipping company that participates in the Maritime Security Program, or in any Maritime Administration program providing incentives for companies to register their vessels in the United States, and this appointment shall rotate biennially among such companies; and ``(C) 1 or more may be a Senate-confirmed Presidential appointee, a member of the Senior Executive Service, or an officer of flag-rank who from the United States Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or any of the military services that commission graduates of the Academy, exclusive of the Board members described in subparagraph (E), (F), or (G) of paragraph (1). ``(3) Term of service.--Each member of the Board shall serve for a term of 2 years commencing at the beginning of each Congress, except that any member whose term on the Board has expired shall continue to serve until a successor is designated. ``(4) Vacancies.--If a member of the Board is no longer able to serve on the Board or resigns, the Designated Federal Officer selected under subsection (g)(2) shall immediately notify the official who appointed such member. Not later than 60 days after that notification, such official shall designate a replacement to serve the remainder of such member's term. ``(5) Current members.--Each member of the Board serving as a member of the Board on the date of the enactment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act shall continue to serve on the Board for the remainder of such member's term. ``(6) Designation and responsibility of substitute board members.-- ``(A) Authority to designate.--A member of the Board described in subparagraph (E), (F), or (G) of paragraph (1) or subparagraph (B) or (C) of paragraph (2) may, if unable to attend or participate in an activity described in subsection (d), (e), or (f), designate another individual to serve as a substitute member of the Board, on a temporary basis, to attend or participate in such activity. ``(B) Requirements.--A substitute member of the Board designated under subparagraph (A) shall be-- ``(i) an individual who has been appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate; ``(ii) a member of the Senior Executive Service; or ``(iii) an officer of flag-rank who is employed by-- ``(I) the United States Coast Guard; or ``(II) the Military Sealift Command. ``(C) Participation.--A substitute member of the Board designated under subparagraph (A)-- ``(i) shall be permitted to fully participate in the proceedings and activities of the Board; ``(ii) shall report back to the member on the Board's activities not later than 15 days following the substitute member's participation in such activities; and ``(iii) shall be permitted to participate in the preparation of reports described in paragraph (j) related to any proceedings or activities of the Board in which such substitute member participates. ``(c) Chairperson.-- ``(1) In general.--On a biennial basis, the Board shall select from among its members, a member of the House of Representatives or a Senator to serve as the Chairperson. ``(2) Rotation.--A member of the House of Representatives and a member of the Senate shall alternately serve as the Chair of the Board on a biennial basis. ``(3) Term.--An individual may not serve as Chairperson for more than 1 consecutive term. ``(d) Meetings.-- ``(1) In general.--The Board shall meet several times each year as provided for in the Charter described in paragraph (2)(B), including at least 1 meeting held at the Academy. ``(2) Selection and consideration.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act, the Designated Federal Officer selected under subsection (g)(2) shall organize a meeting of the Board for the purposes of-- ``(A) selecting a Chairperson; and ``(B) considering an official Charter for the Board, which shall provide for the meeting of the Board several times each year. ``(e) Visiting the Academy.-- ``(1) Annual visit.--The Board shall visit the Academy annually on a date selected by the Board, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Superintendent of the Academy. ``(2) Other visits.--In cooperation with the Superintendent, the Board or its members may make other visits to the Academy in connection with the duties of the Board. ``(3) Access.--While visiting the Academy under this subsection, members of the Board shall have reasonable access to the grounds, facilities, midshipmen, faculty, staff, and other personnel of the Academy for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the Board. ``(f) Responsibility.--The Board shall inquire into the state of morale and discipline, the curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and other matters relating to the Academy that the Board decides to consider. ``(g) Department of Transportation Support.--The Secretary of Transportation shall-- ``(1) provide support as deemed necessary by the Board for the performance of the Board's functions; ``(2) not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act, select a Designated Federal Officer to support the performance of the Board's functions; and ``(3) in cooperation with the Maritime Administrator and the Superintendent of the Academy, advise the Board of any institutional issues, consistent with applicable laws concerning the disclosure of information. ``(h) Staff.--Staff members may be designated to serve without reimbursement as staff for the Board by-- ``(1) the Chairperson of the Board; ``(2) the chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and ``(3) the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. ``(i) Travel Expenses.--While serving away from home or regular place of business, a member of the Board or a staff member designated under subsection (h) shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized under section 5703 of title 5, United States Code. ``(j) Reports.-- ``(1) Annual report.--Not later than 60 days after each annual visit required under subsection (e)(1), the Board shall submit to the President a written report of its actions, views, and recommendations pertaining to the Academy. ``(2) Other reports.--If the members of the Board visit the Academy under subsection (e)(2), the Board may-- ``(A) prepare a report on such visit; and ``(B) if approved by a majority of the members of the Board, submit such report to the President not later than 60 days after the date of the approval. ``(3) Advisors.--The Board may call in advisers-- ``(A) for consultation regarding the execution of the Board's responsibility under subsection (f); or ``(B) to assist in the preparation of a report described in paragraph (1) or (2). ``(4) Submission.--A report submitted to the President under paragraph (1) or (2) shall be concurrently submitted to-- ``(A) the Secretary of Transportation; ``(B) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and ``(C) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.''. Passed the Senate June 26, 2014. Attest: NANCY ERICKSON, Secretary.

Summary: U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Board of Visitors Enhancement Act - Amends federal shipping law to: (1) expand the membership of the Board of Visitors to the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, and (2) specify requirements for the presidential appointees. Authorizes certain Board members to designate another individual to serve as a substitute member of the Board, on a temporary basis, to attend or participate in any activity the Board member is unable to attend or participate in. Prescribes requirements for designated substitute Board members. Requires the Board to select biennially from among its members a member of the House of Representatives or a Senator to serve as Board Chairperson. Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to select a Designated Federal Officer to support the performance of the Board's functions. Directs the Board to report annually to the President on its actions, views, and recommendations with respect to the Academy.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Accountability Act of 2013''. SEC. 2. SEMIANNUAL REPORTS TO CONGRESS ON COST OF CERTAIN TRAVEL. (a) In General.--Subchapter I of chapter 5 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 518. Semiannual reports to Congress on cost of certain travel ``(a) Semiannual Reports.--Not later than June 30, 2014, and not later than 60 days after each 180-day period thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate a semiannual report on covered travel made during the 180-day period covered by the report. ``(b) Matters Included.--Each report under subsection (a) shall include the following: ``(1) With respect to each instance of covered travel made during the period covered by the report-- ``(A) the purpose of such travel; ``(B) the destination; ``(C) the name and title of each employee included on such travel; ``(D) the duration of such travel; ``(E) the total cost to the Department of such travel; and ``(F) with respect to covered travel described in subsection (d)(2), the identity of the person or entity that paid or reimbursed for such travel. ``(2) The final costs to the Department with respect to all covered travel made during the period covered by the report, including costs relating to-- ``(A) transportation, including fares for travel by air, rail, bus, ferry, cruise ship, taxi, mass transit, or other mode of transportation; ``(B) expenses or reimbursements relating to operating and maintaining a car, including the costs of fuel and mileage; ``(C) passport and visa fees; ``(D) lodging; ``(E) per diem payments; ``(F) baggage charges; ``(G) computer rental fees; ``(H) rental of halls, auditoriums, or other spaces; ``(I) entertainment; ``(J) contractors; ``(K) registration fees; and ``(L) promotional items. ``(c) Duplicative Information.--Each report under subsection (a) shall include the information described in subsection (b) regardless of whether such information is also included in a report under section 517 of this title. ``(d) Covered Travel Defined.--In this section, the term `covered travel' means travel made by an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs, including an employee who is stationed in a foreign country, on official business to any of the following locations: ``(1) If the Department or other element of the Federal Government pays for such travel, a location outside of-- ``(A) the several States; ``(B) the District of Columbia; ``(C) a territory, commonwealth, or possession of the United States; ``(D) Indian lands (as defined in section 4(4) of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2703(4))); or ``(E) the territorial waters of the United States. ``(2) If any person or entity other than the Federal Government pays (or reimburses) for such travel, any location, regardless of whether the location is inside or outside of the United States.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding after the item relating to section 517 the following new item: ``518. Semiannual reports to Congress on cost of certain travel.''. SEC. 3. REPORT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE AT MEDICAL FACILITIES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) In General.--Section 7311 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(f)(1) The Secretary shall report to the appropriate entity each case of a notifiable infectious disease or condition that is diagnosed at a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs in accordance with the laws of the State in which the facility is located. ``(2) In addition to reporting each case of a notifiable infectious disease or condition at a medical facility of the Department pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall report each such case that is classified as a health-care-associated infection sentinel event to the accrediting organization of such facility. ``(3)(A) If the Secretary fails to report a case of a notifiable infectious disease or condition at a medical facility of the Department in accordance with State law pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall-- ``(i) take any remedial action required under the laws of the State to correct such failure; and ``(ii) if the Secretary does not correct such failure pursuant to clause (i), pay to the State an amount equal to the amount that a medical facility not owned by the Federal Government that is located in the same State would pay as a penalty to such State for such failure. ``(B) The State may file a civil action against the Secretary in the United States district court for the district in which the medical facility is located to recover from the United States the amount described in subparagraph (A)(ii). ``(C) A civil action under subparagraph (B) may not be commenced later than two years after the cause of action accrues. ``(4)(A) In any case in which the Inspector General of the Department suspects that a director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network has failed to comply with an applicable provision of this subsection, the Inspector General shall conduct an investigation to determine whether such director failed to comply with an applicable provision of this section. ``(B) If the Inspector General determines under subparagraph (A) that a director has failed to comply with a provision of this subsection, the Secretary shall suspend such director for such period as the Secretary considers appropriate under subchapter I or subchapter II of chapter 75 of title 5, as the case may be. In addition to such suspension, the Secretary may impose such other administrative disciplinary action on the director as the Secretary considers appropriate and for which the Secretary is otherwise authorized. ``(5) The Secretary shall-- ``(A) maintain records of each notifiable infectious disease or condition reported pursuant to paragraph (1); and ``(B) submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a notification of each such notifiable infectious disease or condition. ``(6) In this subsection, the term `notifiable infectious disease or condition' means any infectious disease or condition that is-- ``(A) on the list of nationally notifiable diseases or conditions published by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; or ``(B) covered by a provision of law of a State that requires the reporting of infectious diseases or conditions.''. (b) Effective Date.--The reporting requirement under section 7311(f) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to a case of a notifiable infectious disease or condition diagnosed at a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs on or after the date that is 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 4. PROHIBITION OF VISUAL RECORDING WITHOUT INFORMED CONSENT. Section 7331 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``The Secretary, upon'' and inserting ``(a) In General.--The Secretary, upon''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(b) Visual Recording.--(1) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations establishing procedures to ensure that, except as provided by paragraph (2), any visual recording made by the Secretary of a patient during the course of furnishing care under this title is carried out only with the full and informed consent of the patient or, in appropriate cases, a representative thereof. ``(2) The Secretary may waive the requirement for informed consent under paragraph (1) with respect to the visual recording of a patient if such recording is made-- ``(A) pursuant to a determination by a physician or psychologist that such recording is medically necessary or necessary for the safety of the patient; ``(B) pursuant to a warrant or order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or ``(C) in a public setting where a person would not have a reasonable expectation to privacy, such as a waiting room or hallway, and such recording is for general security purposes not particularized to the patient. ``(3) In this subsection, the term `visual recording' means the recording or transmission of images or video, but does not include-- ``(A) medical imaging, including such imaging produced by radiographic procedures, nuclear medicine, endoscopy, ultrasound, or other similar procedures; or ``(B) images, video, and other clinical information transmitted for the purposes of providing treatment through telehealth and telemedicine technologies.''. Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress semiannual reports on the cost of certain travel made by employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.''.

Summary: Veterans Accountability Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to report semiannually to the congressional veterans committees on covered travel made by VA employees while on official business. Defines covered travel as travel: (1) outside the United States or its territories, possessions, or territorial waters, if paid for by the VA or another element of the government; or (2) to any location, if paid for by any person or entity other than the government. Requires each report to include the name of each employee and the destination, purpose, duration, total cost, and identity of a payor other than the government. Directs the Secretary to report each case of reportable infectious disease or condition (a disease or condition that a state requires to be reported) that occurs at a VA medical facility to the appropriate state entity and to report to the accrediting organization of such facility each case classified as a health-care-associated infection sentinel event. Requires the Secretary, upon a failure to report, to pay to a state the same penalty that a non-federal facility of such state would pay for a failure to report. Allows a state to file a civil action against the VA for the recovery of such amount. Requires the VA Inspector General to investigate and suspend and impose other appropriate administrative disciplinary action against a director of a Veterans Integrated Service Network who has failed to comply with such requirement. Directs the Secretary to prescribe regulations to ensure that any visual recording made by the Secretary of a patient during the course of furnishing care through the VA is carried out only with the full and informed consent of that patient. Allows the Secretary to waive such requirement if the recording is made: (1) upon a determination by a physician or psychologist that the recording is medically necessary or necessary for the patient's safety, (2) pursuant to a warrant or order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or (3) in a public setting where a person would not have a reasonable expectation to privacy (such as a waiting room or hallway) and the recording is for general security purposes not particularized to the patient.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Airline Passenger Fairness Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress makes the following findings: (1) The number of airline passengers on United States carriers is expected to grow from about 600 million per year today to about 1 billion by the year 2008. (2) Since 1978 the number of certified large air carriers has decreased from 30 to 10. In 1998, 6 of the United States' largest air carriers sought to enter into arrangements that would result in 3 large networks comprising approximately 70 percent of the domestic market. (3) Only \2/3\ of all communities in the United States that had scheduled air service in 1978 still have it today, and \1/ 2\ of those remaining are served by smaller airlines feeding hub airports. (4) The Department of Transportation's Domestic Airline Fares Consumer Report for the 3rd Quarter of 1997 listed 75 major city pairs where fares increased by 30 percent or more year-over-year, while total traffic in these city pairs decreased by 863,500 passengers, or more than 20 percent. (5) A 1998 Department of Transportation study found that large United States air carriers charge twice as much at their large hub airports where there is no low fare competition as they charge at a hub airport where a low fare competitor is present. The General Accounting Office found that fares range from 12 percent to 71 percent higher at hubs dominated by one carrier or a consortium. (6) Complaints filed with the Department of Transportation about airline travel have increased by more than 25 percent over the previous year, and complaints against large United States air carriers have increased from 6,394 in 1997 to 7,994 in 1998. (7) The 1997 National Civil Aviation Review Commission reported that recent data indicate the problem of delay in flights is getting worse, and that the number of daily aircraft delays of 15 minutes or longer was nearly 20 percent higher in 1996 than in 1995. (8) The 1997 National Civil Aviation Review Commission forecast that United States domestic and international passenger enplanements are expected to increase 52 percent between 1996 and 2006, and the Federal Aviation Administration forecasts annual growth in revenue passenger miles will average 4.2 percent. (9) A 1998 Department of Transportation study found that the large United States air carriers charge about 60 percent more to passengers traveling to or from small communities than they charge to passengers traveling between large communities. (10) The Congress has directed the Secretary of Transportation to prohibit unfair and deceptive practices in the airline industry. SEC. 3. FAIR PRACTICES FOR AIRLINE PASSENGERS. Section 41712 of title 49, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``On the initiative'' and inserting ``(a) Duty of the Secretary.--On the initiative''; and (2) by adding at the end thereof the following: ``(b) Specific Practices.--For purposes of subsection (a), the terms `unfair or deceptive practice' and `unfair method of competition' include, in the case of a certificated air carrier, an air carrier's failure-- ``(1) to inform a ticketed passenger, upon request, whether the flight on which the passenger is ticketed is oversold; ``(2) to permit a passenger holding a confirmed reserved space on a flight to use portions of that passenger's ticket for travel, rather than the entire ticket, regardless of the reason any other portion of the ticket is not used; ``(3) to deliver a passenger's checked baggage within 24 hours after arrival of the flight on which the passenger travelled and on which the passenger checked the baggage, except for reasonable delays in delivery of such baggage; ``(4) to provide a consumer full access to all fares for that air carrier, regardless of the technology the consumer uses to access the fares if such information is requested by that consumer; ``(5) to provide notice to each passenger holding a confirmed reserved space on a flight with reasonable prior notice when a scheduled flight will be delayed for any reason (other than reasons of national security); ``(6) to inform passengers accurately and truthfully of the reason for the delay, cancellation, or diversion of a flight; ``(7) to refund the full purchase price of an unused ticket if the passenger requests a refund within 48 hours after the ticket is purchased; ``(8) to disclose to consumers information that would enable them to make informed decisions about the comparative value of frequent flyer programs among airlines, including-- ``(A) the number of seats redeemable on each flight; and ``(B) the percentage of successful and failed redemptions on each airline and on each flight. ``(c) Report.--The Secretary shall include information about violations of subsection (a) by certificated air carriers in the Department of Transportation's monthly Air Travel Consumer Report. ``(d) Confirmed reserved space.--The term `confirmed reserved space' shall mean a space on a specific date and on a specific flight and class of service of a carrier which has been requested by a passenger and which the carrier or its agent has verified, by appropriate notation on the ticket or in any other manner provided by the carrier, as being reserved for the accommodation of the passenger.''.

Summary: Airline Passenger Fairness Act - Amends Federal aviation law to revise provisions prohibiting an air carrier, foreign air carrier, or ticket agent from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices or unfair methods of competition in air transportation to include within the definition of such prohibited practices an air carrier's failure to: (1) inform a ticketed passenger, upon request, whether the flight on which the passenger is ticketed is oversold; (2) permit a passenger holding a confirmed reserved space on a flight to use portions of that passenger's ticket for travel, rather than the entire ticket, regardless of the reason any other portion of the ticket is not used; (3) deliver a passenger's checked baggage within 24 hours after the arrival of the flight on which the passenger traveled and on which the passenger checked the baggage, except for reasonable delays in delivery of such baggage; (4) provide a consumer full access to all fares for that air carrier, regardless of the technology the consumer uses to access the fares if such information is requested by that consumer; (5) provide notice to each passenger holding a confirmed reserved space on a flight with reasonable prior notice when a scheduled flight will be delayed for any reason (other than reasons of national security); (6) inform passengers accurately and truthfully of the reason for the delay, cancellation, or diversion of a flight; (7) refund the full purchase price of an unused ticket if the passenger requests a refund within 48 hours after the ticket is purchased; and (8) disclose to consumers information that would enable them to make informed decisions about the comparative value of frequent flyer programs among airlines.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``HSA Accessibility and Portability Act of 2006''. SEC. 2. PROMOTING ACCESSIBILITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF COVERAGE IN THE SMALL GROUP MARKET. Section 2711 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-11) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``(f)'' and inserting ``(g)''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Election of Alternative to Guaranteed Issue Requirement.-- ``(1) Election.-- ``(A) In general.--A health insurance issuer may elect, with respect to any small employer (as defined in section 2791(e)(4)), to meet the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) instead of complying with the guaranteed issue requirement of subsection (a). ``(B) Requirement of accepting or rejecting all eligible individuals within entire group at time of election.--An election made under subparagraph (A) with respect to a small employer shall apply with respect to all eligible individuals of that small employer at the time of such election. ``(C) Subsequent eligible individuals.--In the case of an individual who becomes an eligible individual with respect to a small employer after an election has been made under subparagraph (A), the health insurance issuer is not required to provide group health insurance coverage for such individual. ``(2) Portability for individuals covered.--If an election is made under paragraph (1)(A) and under such election group health insurance coverage is provided by a health insurance issuer for an eligible individual of a small employer, the health insurance issuer shall guarantee continuation of coverage to the individual (and to covered dependents), through issuance of individual health insurance coverage, after the date the individual no longer qualifies as an eligible individual of such employer, at a rate that does not exceed 150 percent of the standard individual rate applicable to such individual coverage in the State in which the policy was initially issued. ``(3) Information on elections.--Any health insurance issuer making an election under paragraph (1)(A) shall furnish to the Secretary such information as the Secretary may require in order to monitor the impact of such election on access to, and affordability, of health insurance coverage in the small group market and in the individual market. Such information shall include at least information relating to the following: ``(A) Rejection rate.--The characteristics of small employers denied health insurance coverage because of this subsection. ``(B) Premium rates.--The rates charged for coverage offered under an election made under this subsection (in comparison to rates that are otherwise charged if this subsection were not in effect). ``(4) Limitation.--An election under paragraph (1)(A) may only be made with respect to coverage of a small employer under health insurance coverage that consists of a high deductible health plan (as defined in section 223(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) and a contribution to a health savings account (as defined in section 223(d) of such Code). ``(5) Report.--At least 6 months before the end of the 5- year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the impact of this subsection on the availability and affordability of health insurance coverage in the small group market and in the individual market. Such report shall include recommendations on whether this subsection should be extended beyond such period and whether it should be expanded to cover health insurance coverage in addition to the coverage described in paragraph (4). ``(6) Contingent sunset.--This subsection shall not apply to elections for small employers made by a health insurance issuer after the end of the 5-year period described in paragraph (5) if the Secretary, in the report to Congress under such paragraph, recommends that this subsection should not be extended beyond such period. If the Secretary makes such a recommendation, this subsection shall still continue to apply to elections made before the end of such 5-year period.''.

Summary: HSA Accessibility and Portability Act of 2006 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to authorize a health insurance issuer to elect, instead of complying with the guaranteed issue requirements (that require a health insurance issuer offering coverage in the small group market in a state to accept every small employer that applies and to accept all eligible individuals without certain restrictions), to: (1) guarantee continuation of coverage through individual health insurance for an individual who no longer qualifies as an eligible individual of the employer at a rate that does not exceed 150% of the standard individual rate applicable to individual coverage in the state; and (2) furnish information for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to monitor the impact of such election on access to, and affordability of, health insurance coverage in the small group market and in the individual market. Requires such an election to apply to all eligible individuals of that small employer at the time of such election, but does not require applicability to an individual who becomes eligible after such election. Allows an election under this Act to be made only with respect to coverage of a small employer under health insurance coverage that consists of a high deductible health plan and a contribution to a health savings account.