SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Trade Dress Protection Act''. SEC. 2. PROTECTION FOR TRADE DRESS. (a) Principal Register.--The Act entitled ``An Act to provide for the registration and protection of trade-marks used in commerce, to carry out the provisions of certain international conventions, and for other purposes.'' (hereinafter referred to in this Act as the ``Trademark Act of 1946'') is amended in section 2 thereof (15 U.S.C. 1052)-- (1) in subsection (e)-- (A) in clause (3) by striking ``or'' after ``them,''; and (B) by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``, or (5) comprises any matter that, as a whole, is functional''; (2) in subsection (f), by striking ``paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e)(3)'' and inserting ``subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), (e)(3), and (e)(5)''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(g) Except as expressly excluded in subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) of this section, trade dress which functions as a mark may be registered and protected without the need to show that it has become distinctive under subsection (f) of this section if the relevant public is likely to identify the source of the product or service by reference to the subject matter claimed as trade dress. In determining whether the relevant public is likely to identify the source of the product or service by reference to the subject matter claimed as trade dress, the factors to be considered shall include, but not be limited to-- ``(1) whether the trade dress is unique or unusual in the particular field to which the subject matter pertains; ``(2) whether the trade dress comprises a common basic shape or design; ``(3) whether the trade dress is a mere refinement of commonly adopted and well known forms of ornamentation for that particular class of goods or services viewed by the public as a dress or ornamentation for the goods or services; and ``(4) whether the trade dress is capable of creating a commercial impression distinct from any accompanying words.''. (b) Supplemental Register.--Section 23(c) of the Trademark Act of 1946 (15 U.S.C. 1091(c)) is amended to read as follows: ``(c) For the purposes of registration on the supplemental register, a mark may consist of any symbol, name, word, slogan, phrase, surname, geographical name, numeral, device, color, label, any matter that is not functional, or any combination of any of the foregoing, but such mark must be capable of distinguishing the applicant's goods or services.''. (c) Construction and Definitions.--Section 45 of the Trademark Act of 1946 (15 U.S.C. 1127) is amended by striking the definition of ``mark'' and inserting the following: ``The term `trade dress' means the total image or overall appearance of a product or service, including, but not limited to, the design of packaging, labels, containers, displays, decor, color, the design of a product, a product feature, or a combination of product features, except that trade dress shall not be registered or protected under this Act if it is functional. ``The term `functional' means, with respect to matter sought to be protected under this Act, that the matter is of such superior design for its purpose that to afford it protection under this Act would significantly hinder effective competition. In determining whether matter sought to be protected under this Act is functional, the factors to be considered shall include, but not be limited to-- ``(1) whether the matter yields a competitive advantage; ``(2) whether alternative designs are available; and ``(3) whether the matter achieves economies in the manufacture or use of the goods or services, or affects their cost or quality. ``The term `mark' includes any trademark, service mark, collective mark, or certification mark.''. (d) Civil Actions for Trade Dress Infringement.--Section 43(a) of the Trademark Act of 1946 (15 U.S.C. 1125(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(3) In a civil action for trade dress infringement under this Act for trade dress not registered on the principal register, the person who asserts trade dress protection has the burden of proving that the matter sought to be protected is not functional.''. SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, but shall not apply to any proceeding before the United States Patent and Trademark Office relating to the registration of a mark, or to any civil action, that is pending on that date. SEC. 4. TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS. The Trademark Act of 1946 is amended as follows: (1) Section 1(a)(1)(A) (15 U.S.C. 1051(a)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``goods in connection'' each place it appears and inserting ``goods on or in connection''. (2) Section 7(a) (15 U.S.C. 1057(a)) is amended in the first sentence by striking the second period at the end. (3) Section 10 (15 U.S.C. 1060) is amended-- (A) at the end of the first sentence, by striking the comma before the period; and (B) in the third sentence, by striking the second period at the end. (4) Section 26 (15 U.S.C. 1094) is amended by striking ``7(c),,'' and inserting ``, 7(c),''. (5) Section 31 (15 U.S.C. 1113) is amended-- (A) by striking ``Sec. 31. Fees''; and (B) by striking ``(a)'' and inserting ``Sec. 31. (a)''. (6) Section 32(1) (15 U.S.C. 1114(1)) is amended by striking ``As used in this subsection'' and inserting ``As used in this paragraph''. (7) Section 39(a) (15 U.S.C. 1121(a)) is amended by striking ``circuit courts'' and inserting ``courts''. (8) Section 42 (15 U.S.C. 1124) is amended by striking ``the any domestic'' and inserting ``any domestic''. (9) Section 44(d) (15 U.S.C. 1126(d)) is amended-- (A) by striking ``23, or 44(e) of this Act'' and inserting ``23, or subsection (e) of this section that is''; and (B) in paragraphs (3) and (4) by striking ``this subsection (d)'' and inserting ``this subsection''. (10) The Act is amended by striking ``trade-mark'' each place it appears in the text and the title and inserting ``trademark''.

Summary: Trade Dress Protection Act - Amends the Trademark Act of 1946 to add to the list of trademarks that may be refused registration on the principal register on account of their nature those marks that comprise any matter that, as a whole, is functional. Authorizes trade dress which functions as a mark to be registered and protected (except as expressly excluded by existing law) without the need to show that it has become distinctive if the relevant public is likely to identify the source of the product or service by reference to the subject matter claimed as trade dress. Revises a provision regarding registration on the supplemental register to authorize registration of a mark that: (1) consists of any symbol, name, word, slogan, phrase, surname, geographical name, numeral, device, color, label, any matter that is not functional, or any combination of the foregoing; and (2) is capable of distinguishing the applicant's goods or services. Defines "trade dress" as the total image or overall appearance of a product or service. Prohibits registration or protection of trade dress that is functional. Defines "functional," with respect to matter seeking protection under the Act, to mean that the matter is of such superior design that to afford it protection would significantly hinder effective competition. Places the burden of proving that matter is not functional in a civil action for trade dress infringement for unregistered trade dress on the person asserting trade dress protection.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act shall be known as the ``Skill Game Protection Act''. SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS. The Congress finds as follows: (1) Millions of Americans enjoy competing with other players in a variety of games of skill, including bridge, mah- jong, backgammon, and poker, over the Internet, where the operator provides the Internet venue for competition and receives a fee for such service. (2) For some Americans, these games provide their primary source of income. (3) While each of these games contains an element of chance, over any substantial interval, a player's success at any of these games is determined by that player's relative level of skill and is widely recognized as such. (4) Games where success is predominantly determined by the skill of the players involved, as a matter of law and of policy, are distinct from the games of chance traditionally described and addressed in Federal and State gambling statutes. (5) Despite the fact that the language in section 1084 of title 18, United States Code, commonly referred to as the ``Wire Act'', has been interpreted by Federal courts as applying only to betting on sports, some in law enforcement interpret the section as prohibiting the acceptance of both sports and non-sports betting through a communications device. (6) The Federal Government should take appropriate steps to ensure that, with respect to skill games-- (A) minors are prevented from playing for money; (B) persons with compulsive behavior should be identified and referred to treatment; (C) operators of such games should not be vulnerable to, or participate in criminal or terrorist money laundering; and (D) appropriate taxes are collected. SEC. 3. CLARIFICATION. Section 1084 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (f) ``(f) As used in this section, the term `bets or wagers' does not include operating, or participation in, poker, chess, bridge, mahjong or any other game where success is predominantly determined by a player's skill, to the extent that-- ``(1) the game provides for competition only between and among participants, and not against the person operating the game; and ``(2) the operator is in compliance with regulations issued pursuant to section 5368 of title 31, United States Code.''. SEC. 4. SAFEGUARDS. (a) In General.--Subchapter IV of chapter 53 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 5368. Games of skill ``Before the end of the 180-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of the Skill Game Protection Act, the Secretary shall prescribe regulations requiring each person who operates a game of skill on the Internet to maintain the following: ``(1) Appropriate safeguards to ensure that the individual participant depositing funds is 18 years of age or older. ``(2) Appropriate safeguards to ensure that the individual participant is physically located in a jurisdiction that does not bar participation in the particular Internet games of skill in which the individual participates at the time in the individual participates. ``(3) Appropriate mechanisms to ensure that all taxes relating to Internet games of skill due to Federal and State governments and to Indian tribes from individual participants are collected as required by at the time of any payment of any proceeds of Internet games of skill. ``(4) Appropriate safeguards to combat fraud and money laundering as may be prescribed by regulations issued by the Secretary or a designee of the Secretary. ``(5) Appropriate safeguards to combat compulsive participation in Internet games of skill. ``(6) Appropriate safeguards to protect the privacy and security of any person engaged in Internet games of skill.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subchapter IV of chapter 53 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 5367 the following new item: ``5368. Games of skill.''. SEC. 5. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. (a) Nonapplicability to Games of Skill.--Section 5362(1)(E) of title 31, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (viii); (2) by striking the period at the end of clause (ix) and inserting ``; or''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new clause: ``(x) participation in any activity which does not constitute ``bets or wagers'' within the meaning of section 1084(f) of title 18 and is operated in compliance with the regulations issued pursuant to section 5368.''. (b) Nonapplicability to Non-Sports Wagering.--No provision of this Act, or amendment made by this Act to any other provision of law, shall be construed as implying that section 1084 of title 18, United States Code, applies or applied to non-sports wagering before or after the enactment of this Act.

Summary: Skill Game Protection Act - Amends federal criminal law to exempt from the prohibition against transmission of wagering information the operation or participation in poker, chess, bridge, mahjong or any other game where success is predominantly determined by a player's skill, to the extent that: (1) the game provides for competition only between and among participants, and not against the person operating the game; and (2) the operator is in compliance with federal regulations governing games of skill. Amends federal law governing monetary transactions to instruct the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations requiring each person who operates a game of skill on the Internet to maintain specified safeguards, including: (1) that the individual participant depositing funds is 18 years of age or older; (2) that the individual participant is physically located in a jurisdiction that does not bar participation in the particular Internet games of skill in which the individual participates; and (3) that all taxes relating to Internet games of skill due to federal and state governments and to Indian tribes from individual participants are collected at the time of any payment of any proceeds of Internet games of skill.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Spearfish Canyon and Bismarck Lake Land Exchange Act''. SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Federal land.--The term ``Federal land'' means-- (A) the approximately 1,468 acres of land (including any improvements to the land) in the Forest that is-- (i) known as the ``Spearfish Canyon Area''; and (ii) generally depicted on the map described in paragraph (3)(A); and (B) the approximately 524 acres of land (including any improvements to the land) in the Forest that is-- (i) known as the ``Bismarck Lake Area''; and (ii) generally depicted on the map described in paragraph (3)(B). (2) Forest.--The term ``Forest'' means the Black Hills National Forest in the State. (3) Maps.--The term ``Maps'' means each of-- (A) the map entitled ``Spearfish Canyon Area Federal Land'' and dated June 8, 2016; (B) the map entitled ``Bismarck Lake Area Federal Land'' and dated June 8, 2016; (C) the map entitled ``Lyman County Non-Federal Land'' and dated June 8, 2016; (D) the map entitled ``Pennington County Non- Federal Land'' and dated June 8, 2016; and (E) the map entitled ``Lawrence County Non-Federal Land'' and dated June 8, 2016. (4) Non-federal land.--The term ``non-Federal land'' means the 4 parcels of land, comprising approximately 1,954 acres, as depicted on the maps described in subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) of paragraph (3). (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Agriculture. (6) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of South Dakota. SEC. 3. LAND EXCHANGE, BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST, SOUTH DAKOTA. (a) Land Exchange Required.--If the State conveys to the Secretary all right, title, and interest of the State in and to the non-Federal land, the Secretary shall convey to the State all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to the Federal land. (b) Appraisals.-- (1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the State shall select an appraiser to conduct appraisals of the Federal land and non- Federal land. (2) Requirements.-- (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an appraisal required under this subsection shall be conducted in accordance with nationally recognized appraisal standards, including-- (i) the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions; and (ii) the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. (B) Agricultural value.--The value of the Federal land and non-Federal land shall be determined based on the agricultural value of the Federal land and non- Federal land to be exchanged. (c) Equal Value Exchange.-- (1) In general.--The value of the Federal land and non- Federal land to be exchanged under subsection (a) shall-- (A) be equal; or (B) be equalized in accordance with this subsection. (2) Surplus of federal land.--If the final appraised value of the Federal land exceeds the final appraised value of the non-Federal land, the State shall-- (A) convey additional non-Federal land in the State to the Secretary, consistent with the requirements of this Act; (B) make a cash payment to the Secretary; or (C) use a combination of the methods described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), as agreed to by the Secretary and the State. (3) Surplus of non-federal land.--If the final appraised value of the non-Federal land exceeds the final appraised value of the Federal land, parcels of the non-Federal land may be excluded from the exchange in sufficient quantity to result in an equal value exchange. (d) Survey; Administrative Costs.-- (1) In general.--The exact acreage and legal description of the land to be exchanged under subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary. (2) Costs.--The costs of the survey and any administrative costs relating to the land exchange shall be paid by the State. (e) NEPA Compliance.-- (1) Deadline for completion.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which the State offers to convey the non-Federal land to the Secretary under subsection (a), the Secretary shall complete any environmental analysis required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) with respect to the land exchange carried out under this section. (2) Costs.--The costs of any environmental analysis under this subsection shall be paid by the Secretary. (f) Additional Terms and Conditions.--The land exchange under subsection (a) shall be subject to any additional terms and conditions that the Secretary and the State may agree on. SEC. 4. MANAGEMENT OF NON-FEDERAL AND FEDERAL LAND. (a) In General.--The non-Federal land acquired by the Secretary under section 3 shall be-- (1) added to, and administered as part of, the Forest; and (2) managed in accordance with the laws (including regulations) applicable to the National Forest System. (b) Grazing on Non-Federal Land.--If the non-Federal land exchanged under this Act is subject to a lease, permit, or contract for the grazing of domestic livestock in effect on the date of acquisition of the non-Federal land, the Secretary shall allow the grazing to continue subject to the related terms and conditions of user agreements, including permitted stocking rates, grazing fee levels, access rights, and ownership and use of range improvements. (c) Condition on Use of Federal Land.--As a condition of the land exchange under this Act, the Federal land acquired by the State under section 3 shall be managed by the State for public recreation uses and the conservation of natural resources. SEC. 5. MAPS. (a) Availability.--The Maps shall be on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the Forest Supervisor of the Forest. (b) Corrections.--With the agreement of the State, the Secretary may make technical corrections to the Maps and legal descriptions of the Federal land and non-Federal land to be exchanged under this section.

Summary: Spearfish Canyon and Bismarck Lake Land Exchange Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA), if South Dakota conveys to it four parcels of specified nonfederal lands, comprising 1,954 acres, to convey to South Dakota in exchange 1,468 acres known as the "Spearfish Canyon Area" and 524 acres known as the "Bismarck Lake Area" in the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota. The values of the federal and nonfederal lands to be exchanged shall be equal. USDA shall complete any environmental analyses required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 regarding the land exchange carried out under this bill. The nonfederal lands acquired by USDA shall be added to and administered as part of the forest. The federal lands acquired by South Dakota shall be managed by it for public recreation uses and the conservation of natural resources.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Troubled Asset Relief Program Enhancement Act''. SEC. 2. ENHANCED OVERSIGHT OF THE TARP. (a) In General.--Section 116 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (12 U.S.C. 5226) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(1)(A)-- (A) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in clause (iv), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(v) public accountability for the exercise of such authority, including with respect to actions taken by those entities participating in programs established under this Act.''; and (2) in subsection (a)(2)-- (A) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (E); and (B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: ``(B) Access to records.-- ``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, and for purposes of reviewing the performance of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the Comptroller General shall have access, upon request, to any information, data, schedules, books, accounts, financial records, reports, files, electronic communications, or other papers, things, or property belonging to or in use by the TARP, any entity established by the Secretary under this Act, or any entity participating in a program established under the authority of this Act, and to the officers, employees, directors, independent public accountants, financial advisors and any and all other agents and representatives thereof, at such time as the Comptroller General may request. ``(ii) Verification.--The Comptroller General shall be afforded full facilities for verifying transactions with the balances or securities held by, among others, depositories, fiscal agents, and custodians. ``(iii) Copies.--The Comptroller General may make and retain copies of such books, accounts, and other records as the Comptroller General deems appropriate. ``(C) Agreement by entities.--Each contract, term sheet, or other agreement between the Secretary or the TARP (or any TARP vehicle, officer, director, employee, independent public accountant, financial advisor, or other TARP agent or representative) and an entity participating in a program established under this Act shall provide for access by the Comptroller General in accordance with this section. ``(D) Restriction on public disclosure.-- ``(i) In general.--The Comptroller General may not publicly disclose proprietary or trade secret information obtained under this section. ``(ii) Exception for congressional committees.--This subparagraph does not limit disclosures to congressional committees or members thereof having jurisdiction over any private or public entity participating in a program established under this Act. ``(iii) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter or amend the prohibitions against the disclosure of trade secrets or other information prohibited by section 1905 of title 18, United States Code, or other applicable provisions of law.''. (b) Authorization of Appropriation.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Comptroller General of the United States for each of fiscal years 2010 and 2011 an additional amount not to exceed $5,000,000 to cover any additional expenses incurred in carrying out the responsibilities of the Comptroller General under section 116 of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 with respect to the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Summary: Troubled Asset Relief Program Enhancement Act - Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to require the Comptroller General to oversee the performance of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) in meeting EESA purposes involving public accountability for the exercise of its authority. Grants the Comptroller General access, upon request, to any information, data, schedules, books, accounts, financial records, reports, files, electronic communications, or other papers, things, or property belonging to or in use by the TARP, any entity established by the Secretary under EESA, or any entity participating in a program established under EESA, and to any of their officers, employees, directors, independent public accountants, financial advisors and any and all other agents and representatives. Requires the Comptroller General to be afforded full facilities for verifying transactions with the balances or securities held by depositories, fiscal agents, and custodians. Prohibits the Comptroller General from disclosing publicly any proprietary or trade secret information obtained under this Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Agricultural Equity Act of 1995''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Findings, policy, and purpose. Sec. 3. Sense of Congress on ending the Federal deficit. Sec. 4. Nonrecourse loans and deficiency payments for the 1996 through 2002 crops of rice, upland cotton, feed grains, wheat, and oilseeds. Sec. 5. Review of status and future of production agriculture. SEC. 2. FINDINGS, POLICY, AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) A sound and prosperous economy in the United States is dependent on American agriculture and related industries, including producers, processors, handlers, manufacturers, marketers, transporters, and the banking and credit industry. (2) American agriculture and related industries account for over 21,000,000 jobs and approximately 16 percent, or over $41,000,000,000,000, of the gross domestic product. (3) Because of the combined effort of American agriculture and related industries, consumers in the United States enjoy a dependable supply of food and fiber at fair prices. (4) The future of American agriculture is dependent on the continued viability of the American agricultural producer, the underpinning of the national economy. (5) Agricultural producers must receive a fair return on their productivity and investment in an industry characterized by continued subsidized foreign competition and wide fluctuations in production and prices due to weather and related factors. (6) One of the essential elements of a sound agricultural economy is the ability of the United States to compete in the world market. (7) Exports of United States agricultural commodities are expected to reach nearly $50,000,000,000 in 1995 and contribute about $20,000,000,000 to the United States balance of trade. (8) Agricultural exports account for over 1,000,000 American jobs. (9) Commodity Credit Corporation outlays for farm programs have declined from a high of approximately $26,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1986 to less than $9,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1995, a reduction of over 65 percent that is unique among the many mandatory spending programs of the Federal Government. (10) According to the Congressional Budget Office, farm program outlays are projected to remain below the outlay level for fiscal year 1995 for the next 5 years and continue to decline by nearly 8 percent, even if no changes are made in current law for existing farm programs. (b) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States that-- (1) continued Federal Government support is necessary to provide stability for American agricultural producers to-- (A) enable the producers to continue to provide consumers with a steady and dependable supply of food and fiber at fair prices; (B) enhance farmer and rancher profitability; (C) encourage young farmers to stay on the farm; (D) maintain the competitiveness of the United States in the world market; and (E) otherwise preserve the underpinnings of a sound agricultural economy; and (2) reductions in farm program spending should be made in a fair and equitable manner in order to meet the objective of achieving a balanced budget for the Federal Government in a manner consistent with paragraph (1). (c) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish agricultural price support and production adjustment programs for the 1996 through 2002 crop years that provide a structure for a sound agricultural economy in a manner consistent with subsection (b). SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON ENDING THE FEDERAL DEFICIT. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the continuation of significant Federal budgetary deficits harms the economic well-being of the United States and is detrimental to the development of sound, long-term agricultural policy; (2) agricultural price support and production adjustment programs are necessary for the continued economic health of United States agriculture, which must compete in international markets against subsidized foreign competition; and (3) agricultural price support and production adjustment programs should be-- (A) implemented, to the maximum extent practicable, in a manner that is consistent with the primary goal of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 1996 (H. Con. Res. 67, agreed to June 29, 1995) to end Federal budget deficits; and (B) modified, as necessary, to ensure that the programs comply with applicable budget reconciliation instructions in the concurrent resolution that are designed to end Federal budget deficits, in a manner consistent with section 306 of the concurrent resolution. SEC. 4. NONRECOURSE LOANS AND DEFICIENCY PAYMENTS FOR THE 1996 THROUGH 2002 CROPS OF RICE, UPLAND COTTON, FEED GRAINS, WHEAT, AND OILSEEDS. (a) Definitions.--For purposes of this section: (1) Covered commodities.--The term ``covered commodities'' means rice, upland cotton, feed grains, wheat, and oilseeds. (2) Feed grains.--The term ``feed grains'' means corn, grain sorghum, barley, and oats. (3) Oilseeds.--The term ``oilseeds'' means soybeans, sunflower seeds, canola, rapeseed, safflower, flaxseed, mustard seed, and such other oilseeds as the Secretary may determine appropriate for inclusion. (b) Nonrecourse Loans.-- (1) Price support loans.--The Secretary shall make available to producers on a farm nonrecourse loans for each of the 1996 through 2002 crops of each covered commodity at the level specified in paragraph (2). Acreage covered shall include both mandatory and voluntary flex acres. (2) Loan levels.--The loan levels for each covered commodity shall be 100 percent of the simple average price received by producers of that covered commodity, as determined by the Secretary, during the marketing years for the preceding 5 crops of that covered commodity, excluding the year in which the average price was the highest and the year in which the average price was the lowest in the period. The Secretary may adjust the loan level for a particular covered commodity to reflect changes in the market price of that covered commodity. (3) Prohibitions.--The Secretary shall not make available a marketing loan or loan deficiency payment to any producer on a farm for any of the 1996 through 2002 crops of covered commodities. (c) Deficiency Payments.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall make deficiency payments available to producers for each of the 1996 through 2002 crops of each covered commodity (other than oilseeds) in an amount computed by multiplying-- (A) the payment rate for the covered commodity; (B) the payment acres for the crop of that covered commodity; and (C) the farm program yield for the crop of that covered commodity for the farm. (2) Payment rate.-- (A) Minimum established price.--The minimum established price in effect for the 1991 through 1995 crops of each covered commodity shall continue in effect for the 1996 through 2002 crops of that covered commodity. (B) Establishment of rate.--The payment rate for each of the 1996 through 2002 crops of each covered commodity shall be the amount by which the target price exceeds the higher of-- (i) the loan level established for that covered commodity under subsection (b); (ii) the average market price of that covered commodity. (3) Payment acres.--Payment acres for a crop of a covered commodity shall equal base acres less idled (set aside) and flex (mandatory and optional) acres. (4) Elimination of \0/85\ and \50/85\ programs.--The Secretary shall discontinue the partial payment programs, variously known as \0/85\, \50/85\, \0/92\, and \50/92\, effective with crop year 1996. (d) Flexibility (`Flex') Program.--The Secretary shall increase producer planting flexibility-- (1) by increasing the mandatory flex acreage percentage for each covered commodity from 15 percent to 20 percent; and (2) by offering producers an additional voluntary increase in flex acres of between 10 percent to 25 percent. (e) Crop Insurance Requirement.--As a condition for eligibility for crop loans and deficiency payments under this section, the producers on a farm shall obtain catastrophic risk protection insurance coverage in accordance with section 508(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(b)). (f) Conforming Repeals.--Sections 101B (rice), 103B (cotton), 105B (feed grains), 107B (wheat), and 205 (oilseeds) of the Agricultural Act of 1949 are repealed. The repeal of such sections shall not affect the authority of the Secretary to carry out a price support or production adjustment program for any of the 1991 through 1995 crops of a covered commodity under a provision of law in effect immediately before the date of the enactment of this Act. SEC. 5. REVIEW OF STATUS AND FUTURE OF PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE. (a) Scope of Review.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct a comprehensive review of the status and future of production agriculture and farming communities in the United States and the extent to which the program changes made by this Act will impact production agriculture and farming communities in the United States. The review shall include the following-- (1) an assessment of the food security situation in the United States in the areas of trade, consumer prices, international competitiveness of United States production agriculture, food supplies, and humanitarian relief; (2) an assessment of current and future farm land values and agricultural producer incomes; (3) an assessment of the extent to which regulatory relief for agricultural producers has been enacted and implemented, including the application of cost-benefit principles in the issuance of agricultural regulations; (4) an assessment of the extent to which tax relief for agricultural producers has been enacted in the form of capital gains tax reductions, estate tax exemptions, and mechanisms to average tax loads over high- and low-income years; (5) an assessment of any Federal Government interference in agricultural export markets, such as the imposition of trade embargoes, and the degree of implementation and success of international trade agreements; (6) identification of the appropriate future relationship of the Federal Government with production agriculture after 2002; (7) identification of the long-term goals for production agriculture and farming communities in the United States and recommendations for actions needed to achieve those goals; and (8) an assessment of manpower and infrastructure requirements of the Department of Agriculture as the result of program changes made by this Act. (b) Legislative Proposals.--As part of the comprehensive review required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall develop specific legislative proposals to implement any recommendations being made. (c) Reports.--The Secretary shall report the findings and recommendations made under subsection (a) to the President, to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives, and to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, not later than March 31, 1997. (d) Hearings.--The Secretary may, for the purpose of carrying out this section, conduct such hearings and receive such evidence as the Secretary considers appropriate. (e) Assistance From Other Agencies.--The Secretary may secure from other departments and agencies of the Federal Government such information as may be necessary to carry out this section.

Summary: Agricultural Equity Act of 1995 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make price support loans and deficiency payments (excluding oilseeds) through 2002 for wheat, feed grains, rice, upland cotton, and oilseeds. Provides for increased flex acreage. Requires crop insurance as a condition of program eligibility. Directs the Secretary to review the status and future of production agriculture, including development of related legislative proposals.


SECTION 1. MEDICAID EXCEPTION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENT ALIEN CHILDREN. Section 402(b)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(b)(2)) is amended by adding after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph: ``(E) Medicaid exception for permanent resident alien children.--With respect to eligibility for benefits under paragraph (3)(C) (relating to the medicaid program), an alien who -- ``(A) is lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and ``(B) is under 19 years of age.''. SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF ELIGIBILITY PERIOD FOR SSI AND MEDICAID FOR REFUGEES AND ASYLEES FROM 5 TO 7 YEARS. (a) SSI.--Section 402(a)(2)(A) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting ``(or with respect to eligibility under paragraph (3)(A) 7 years)'' after ``5 years''. (b) Medicaid.--Section 402(b)(2)(A) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(b)(2)(A)) is amended in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) by inserting ``(or with respect to eligibility under paragraph (3)(C) 7 years)'' after ``5 years'' each place it appears. SEC. 3. SSI ELIGIBILITY FOR QUALIFIED ALIENS WHO BECAME BLIND OR DISABLED AFTER ADMISSION. (a) Eligibility.--Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)) is amended by adding after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph: ``(E) Qualified aliens who became blind or disabled after admission.--With respect to eligibility for benefits for the program defined in paragraph (3)(A) (relating to the supplemental security income program), paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien who is a qualified alien (as defined in section 431) who became blind or disabled after admission to the United States.''. (b) Attribution of Income.--Section 421 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1631) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Special Rule for SSI Benefits for Blind and Disabled Aliens.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, subsection (a) shall not apply to benefits under section 402(a)(3)(A) (relating to the supplemental security income program) for an alien who became blind or disabled after admission to the United States.''. (c) No reimbursement requirement.--Section 423(d) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(12) Benefits under section 402(a)(3)(A) (relating to the supplemental security income program) for an alien who became blind or disabled after admission to the United States.''. SEC. 4. SSI ELIGIBILITY FOR QUALIFIED ALIENS WHO WERE ADMITTED TO THE UNITED STATES BEFORE ATTAINING 18 YEARS OF AGE AND WERE BLIND OR DISABLED PRIOR TO ADMISSION. (a) Eligibility.--Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)) is amended by adding after subparagraph (E) the following new subparagraph: ``(F) Qualified aliens who became blind or disabled after admission.--With respect to eligibility for benefits for the program defined in paragraph (3)(A) (relating to the supplemental security income program), paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien who is a qualified alien (as defined in section 431), who was admitted to the United States before attaining the age of 18 years, and who was blind or disabled (or for whom the onset of blindness or disability occurred) prior to admission to the United States.''. (b) Attribution of Income.--Section 421 of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1631) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Special Rule for SSI Benefits for Blind and Disabled Aliens.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, subsection (a) shall not apply to benefits under section 402(a)(3)(A) (relating to the supplemental security income program) for an alien who became blind or disabled after admission to the United States or for an alien who was admitted to the United States prior to attaining the age of 18 years and was blind or disabled (or for whom the onset of blindness or disability occurred) prior to admission to the United States.''. (c) No reimbursement requirement.--Section 423(d) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(12) Benefits under section 402(a)(3)(A) (relating to the supplemental security income program) for an alien who became blind or disabled after admission to the United States or for an alien who was admitted to the United States prior to attaining the age of 18 years and was blind or disabled (or for whom the onset of blindness or disability occurred) prior to admission to the United States.''. SEC. 5. EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN BLIND AND DISABLED ALIENS TO 5-YEAR INELIGIBILITY OF QUALIFIED ALIENS FOR FEDERAL MEANS- TESTED PUBLIC BENEFITS. Section 403(b) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1613(b)) is amended by adding after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph: ``(3) Exception for blind and disabled aliens.-- ``(A) An alien who became blind or disabled after admission to the United States. ``(B) An alien who was admitted to the United States before attaining the age of 18 years and who was blind or disabled (or for whom the onset of blindness or disability occurred) prior to admission to the United States.''. SEC. 6. SSI ELIGIBILITY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENT ALIENS AT LEAST 76 YEARS OF AGE. (a) In General.--Section 402(a)(2) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1612(a)(2)) is further amended by adding after subparagraph (E) the following new subparagraph: ``(F) Permanent resident aliens at least 76 years of age.--With respect to eligibility for benefits under paragraph (3)(A) relating to the supplemental security income program), paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien who ``(i) is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and ``(ii) is at least 76 years of age.''. (b) No reimbursement requirement.--Section 423(d) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(13) Benefits under section 402(a)(3)(A) (relating to the supplemental security income program) for an alien who is lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act and is at least 76 years of age.''. SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. (a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the amendments made by this Act shall be effective as if included in the enactment of title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. (b) Exceptions.--The amendments made by sections 4, 5, and 6 shall be effective with respect to benefits payable for months after July 1997.''.

Summary: Amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 to make permanent resident aliens under 19 years old eligible for Medicaid. Extends the refugee and asylee eligibility period for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Makes qualified aliens eligible for SSI benefits who: (1) became blind or disabled after U.S. admission; or (2) were under 18 years old at, and blind or disabled prior to, U.S. admission. Exempts such aliens from: (1) attribution of sponsor income and repayment requirements; and (2) the five-year ineligibility period for Federal means-tested public benefits. Makes permanent resident aliens who are at least 76 years old eligible for SSI benefits. Exempts such aliens from sponsor repayment requirements.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 1999''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. The Congress finds as follows: (1) Each year more than 250,000 adults suffer cardiac arrest, usually away from a hospital. More than 95 percent of them will die, in many cases because cardiopulmonary resuscitation (``CPR''), defibrillation, and advanced life support are provided too late to reverse the cardiac arrest. These cardiac arrests occur primarily from occult underlying heart disease and from drowning, allergic or sensitivity reactions, or electrical shocks. (2) Every minute that passes before returning the heart to a normal rhythm after a cardiac arrest causes the chance of survival to fall by 10 percent. (3) In communities where strong public access to defibrillation programs have been implemented, survival from cardiac arrest has improved by as much as 20 percent. (4) Survival from cardiac arrest requires successful early implementation of a chain of events, known as the chain of survival, which must be initiated as soon as the person sustains a cardiac arrest and must continue until the person arrives at the hospital. (5) The chain of survival is the medical standard of care for treatment of cardiac arrest. (6) A successful chain of survival requires the first person on the scene to take rapid and simple initial steps to care for the patient and to assure that the patient promptly enters the emergency medical services system. These steps include-- (A) recognizing an emergency and activating the emergency medical services system; (B) beginning CPR; and (C) using an automated external defibrillator (``AED'') if one is available at the scene. (7) The first persons at the scene of an arrest are typically lay persons who are friends or family of the victim, fire services, public safety personnel, basic life support emergency medical services providers, teachers, coaches and supervisors of sports or other extracurricular activities, providers of day care, school bus drivers, lifeguards, attendants at public gatherings, coworkers, and other leaders within the community. (8) The Federal Government should facilitate programs for the placement of AEDs in public buildings, including provisions regarding the training of personnel in CPR and AED use, integration with the emergency medical services system, and maintenance of the devices. SEC. 3. RECOMMENDATIONS OF SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REGARDING PLACEMENT OF AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS IN BUILDINGS. Part B of title II of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 238 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following section: ``recommendations regarding placement of automated external defibrillators in buildings ``Sec. 247. (a) Recommendation for Federal Buildings.-- ``(1) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 1999, the Secretary shall assist in providing for an improvement in the survival rates of individuals who experience cardiac arrest in Federal buildings by publishing in the Federal Register for public comment the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to placing automatic external defibrillators in such buildings. The Secretary shall in addition assist Federal agencies in implementing programs for such placement. ``(2) Agency assessments.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which the recommendations are published under paragraph (1), the head of each Federal agency that occupies a Federal building that meets the criteria described in subsection (a)(1) shall submit to the Secretary an assessment of the ability of each such agency to meet the goals described in subsection (c). ``(b) Additional Recommendations.--The Secretary shall publish, as part of the recommendations referred to in subsection (a), recommendations with respect to the placement of automatic external defibrillators in buildings and facilities, or other appropriate venues, frequented by the public (other than the buildings referred to in subsection (a)). Such recommendations shall only be for information purposes for States and localities to consider in determining policy regarding the use or placement of such defibrillators in recommended buildings, facilities or venues. ``(c) Consideration of Certain Goals for Survival Rates.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consider the goals established by national public-health organizations for improving the survival rates of individuals who experience cardiac arrest in nonhospital settings, including goals for minimizing the time elapsing between the onset of cardiac arrest and the initial medical response. ``(d) Certain Procedures.--The matters addressed by the Secretary in the recommendations under subsections (a) and (b) shall include the following: ``(1) Procedures for implementing appropriate nationally recognized training courses in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automatic external defibrillators. ``(2) Procedures for proper maintenance and testing of such devices, according to the guidelines of the manufacturer of the devices. ``(3) Procedures for ensuring direct involvement of a licensed medical professional and coordination with local emergency medical services in the oversight of training and notification of incidents of the use of the devices. ``(4) Procedures for ensuring notification of an agent of the local emergency medical system dispatch center of the location and type of device. ``(e) Certain Criteria.--In making recommendations under subsections (a) and (b), the Secretary shall determine the following: ``(1) Criteria for selecting the public buildings, facilities and other venues in which automatic external defibrillators should be placed, taking into account-- ``(A) the typical number of employees and visitors in the buildings, facilities or venues; ``(B) the extent of the need for security measures regarding the buildings, facilities or venues; ``(C) buildings, facilities or other venues, or portions thereof, in which there are special circumstances such as high electrical voltage or extreme heat or cold; and ``(D) such other factors as the Secretary determines to be appropriate. ``(2) Criteria regarding the maintenance of such devices (consistent with the labeling for the devices). ``(3) Criteria for coordinating the use of the devices in public buildings, facilities or other venues with providers of emergency medical services for the geographic areas in which the buildings, facilities or venues are located.''. SEC. 4. IMMUNITY FROM CIVIL LIABILITY FOR EMERGENCY USE OF AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS. Part B of title II of the Public Health Service Act, as amended by section 3 of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following section: ``liability regarding emergency use of automated external defibrillators ``Sec. 248. (a) Persons Using AEDs.--Any person who provides emergency medical care through the use of an automated external defibrillator is immune from civil liability for any personal injury or wrongful death resulting from the provision of such care, except as provided in subsection (c). ``(b) Other Persons Involved With AEDs; Special Rules for Acquirers.-- ``(1) In general.--With respect to a personal injury or wrongful death to which subsection (a) applies, in addition to the person who provided emergency medical care through the use of the automated external defibrillator, the person described in paragraph (2) is with respect to the device immune from civil liability for the personal injury or wrongful death in accordance with such paragraph, except as provided in subsection (c). ``(2) Person described.--A person described in this paragraph is the person who acquired the device for use at a nonmedical facility (in this paragraph referred to as the `acquirer'). Such person shall be immune from liability as provided for in paragraph (1) if the following conditions are met: ``(A) The condition that the acquirer notified local emergency response personnel of the most recent placement of the device within a reasonable period of time after the device was placed. ``(B) The condition that, as of the date on which the emergency occurred, the device had been maintained and tested in accordance with the guidelines established for the device by the manufacturer of the device. ``(C) In any case in which the person who provided the emergency medical care through the use of the device was an employee or agent of the acquirer, and the employee or agent was within the class of persons the acquirer expected would use the device in the event of a relevant emergency, the condition that the employee or agent received reasonable instruction in the use of such devices through a course approved by the Secretary or by the chief public health officer of any of the States. ``(c) Inapplicability of Immunity.--Immunity under subsections (a) and (b) does not apply to a person if-- ``(1) the person engaged in gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct in the circumstances described in such subsections that apply to the person with respect to automated external defibrillators; or ``(2) the person was a licensed or certified medical professional who was using the automated external defibrillator while acting within the scope of their license or certification, and within the scope of their employment as a medical professional. ``(d) Rules of Construction.-- ``(1) In general.--The following applies with respect to this section: ``(A) This section is not applicable in any State that (before, on, or after the date of the enactment of the Cardiac Arrest Survival Act of 1999) provides through statute or regulations any degree of immunity for any class of persons for civil liability for personal injury or wrongful death arising from the provision of emergency medical care through the use of an automated external defibrillator. ``(B) This section does not waive any protection from liability for Federal officers or employees under-- ``(i) section 224; or ``(ii) sections 1346(b), 2672 and 2679 of title 28, United States Code, or under alternative benefits provided by the United States where the availability of such benefits precludes a remedy under section 1346(b) of title 28. ``(C) This section does not require that an automated external defibrillator be placed at any building or other location. ``(2) Civil actions under federal law.-- ``(A) In general.--The applicability of subsections (a) through (c) includes applicability to any action for civil liability described in subsection (a) that arises under Federal law. ``(B) Federal areas adopting state law.--If a geographic area is under Federal jurisdiction and is located within a State but out of the jurisdiction of the State, and if, pursuant to Federal law, the law of the State applies in such area regarding matters for which there is no applicable Federal law, then an action for civil liability described in subsection (a) that in such area arises under the law of the State is subject to subsections (a) through (c) in lieu of any related State law that would apply in such area in the absence of this subparagraph.''. Passed the Senate November 19, 1999. Attest: GARY SISCO, Secretary.

Summary: Requires the Secretary to determine criteria for: (1) the selection of the Federal public buildings in which defibrillators should be placed; (2) defibrillator maintenance; and (3) the coordination of the use of the defibrillators in public buildings, facilities, or other venues with emergency medical services providers for the geographic areas in which the buildings are located. Provides that any person who provides emergency medical care through the use of a defibrillator, and the person who acquired the device (if specified conditions have been met) are immune from civil liability for any personal injury or wrongful death resulting from the provision of such care, unless the person engaged in gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct under the applicable circumstances, or the person was a licensed or certified medical professional who was using the defibrillator while acting within the scope of employment as a medical professional.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT AND COMPOSITION. (a) Leadership.--Subsection (d) of section 201 of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6431(d)) is amended to read as follows: ``(d) Election of Chair.--At the first meeting of the Commission after May 30 of each year, a majority of the Members of the Commission present and voting shall elect the Chair and Vice Chair of the Commission, subject to the following requirements: ``(1) Initial elections.--At the first meeting of the Commission after May 30, 2015, the Members of the Commission shall elect as Chair a Commissioner appointed by an elected official of the political party that is not the political party of the President, and as Vice Chair a Commissioner appointed by an elected official of the political party of the President. ``(2) Future elections.--At the first meeting of the Commission after May 30, 2016, the Members of the Commission shall elect as Chair a Commissioner appointed by an elected official of the political party of the President, and as Vice Chair a Commissioner appointed by an elected official of the political party that is not the political party of the President. Thereafter, positions of Chair and Vice Chair shall continue to rotate on an annual basis between Commissioners appointed by elected officials of each political party. ``(3) Term limits.--No Member of the Commission is eligible to be elected as Chair of the Commission for a second term, and no Member of the Commission is eligible to be elected as Vice Chair of the Commission for a second term.''. (b) Attendance at Meetings of Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom.--Subsection (f) of such section (22 U.S.C. 6431(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``The Ambassador at Large shall be given advance notice of all Commission meetings and may attend all Commission meetings as a non-voting Member of the Commission.''. (c) Appointments in Cases of Vacancies.--Subsection (g) of such section (22 U.S.C. 6431(g)) is amended by striking the second sentence. SEC. 3. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION. Section 203(e) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6432a) is amended to read as follows: ``(e) Views of the Commission.--The Members of the Commission may speak in their capacity as private citizens. Statements on behalf of the Commission shall be issued in writing over the names of the Members. Members of the Commission shall make every effort to reach consensus on all statements on behalf of the Commission, including testimony, press releases, and articles by Commissioners or Commission staff. When a statement supported by all Commissioners is not possible, the Commission shall issue a statement only if such statement is approved by an affirmative vote of at least six of the nine Members of the Commission and each Member of the Commission may include the individual or dissenting views of the Member. The Commission shall in its written statements clearly describe its statutory authority, distinguishing that authority from that of appointed or elected officials of the United States Government. Oral statements, where practicable, shall include a similar description.''. SEC. 4. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS. (a) Staff Directors.--Section 204 of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6432b) is amended by striking subsections (a), (b), and (c) and inserting the following new subsections: ``(a) Committee Functions.--Subject to subsection (c), the Commission may appoint and fix the pay of such staff personnel as it deems desirable. All decisions pertaining to the hiring, firing, and fixing of pay of personnel of the Commission shall be by an affirmative vote of at least six of the nine Members of the Commission, except that-- ``(1) Members of the Commission appointed by an elected official of the political party of the President, by a majority vote thereof, shall be entitled to appoint, terminate, and fix the pay of a Majority Staff Director and shall have the authority to appoint, terminate, and fix the pay of three professional staff members who shall be responsible to the Members of the Commission of the political party of the President; and ``(2) Members of the Commission appointed by an elected official of the political party that is not the political party of the President, by a majority vote thereof, shall be entitled to appoint, terminate, and fix the pay of a Minority Staff Director and shall have the authority to appoint, terminate, and fix the pay of three professional staff members who shall be responsible to the Members of the Commission of the political party that is not the political party of the President. ``(b) Staff Appointments and Compensation.--All staff appointments shall be made without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5 relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the Majority Staff Director, Minority Staff Director, and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. ``(c) Qualifications of Professional Staff.--The Commission shall ensure that the professional staff of the Commission consists of persons with expertise in areas relevant to the issue of international religious freedom, including foreign affairs, direct experience abroad, human rights, and international law.''. (b) Conforming Amendments.--Subsection (e) of such section (22 U.S.C. 6432b(e)) is amended by striking ``The Executive Director'' both places it appears and inserting ``The Majority Staff Director and the Minority Staff Director''. SEC. 5. REPORT OF COMMISSION. (a) Report Publication Date.--Section 205(a) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6433(a)) is amended by striking ``Not later than May 1 of each year'' and inserting ``Each year, not earlier than 30 days after, and not later than 90 days after, the publication of the Department of State's Annual Report on International Religious Freedom''. (b) Consensus on Reports.--Section 205(c) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6433(c)) is amended to read as follows: ``(c) Individual or Dissenting Views.--Members of the Commission shall make every effort to reach consensus on the report. When a report supported by all Commissioners is not possible, the report shall be approved by an affirmative vote of at least six of the nine Members of the Commission and each Member of the Commission may include the individual or dissenting views of the Member.''. SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Section 207(a) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6435(a)) is amended by striking ``2014'' and inserting ``2016''. SEC. 7. TERMINATION. Section 209 of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6436) is amended by striking ``September 30, 2014'' and inserting ``September 30, 2016''.

Summary: United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2014 - Amends the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to reauthorize the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom through September 30, 2016. Directs the Commission, during an initial election, to elect: (1) as Chair a Commissioner appointed by an elected official of the political party that is not the political party of the President, and (2) as Vice Chair a Commissioner appointed by an elected official of the political party of the President. Sets forth a process for future elections in which the positions of Chair and Vice Chair rotate annually between Commissioners appointed by elected officials of each political party. Requires the Ambassador at Large to be notified in advance of all Commission meetings. Allows the Ambassador to attend all meetings as a nonvoting member. Removes authority under which a Commission member may serve after the expiration of that member's term until a successor has taken office. Requires approval by at least six of the nine members of the Commission before: (1) issuance of a statement on behalf of the Commission, or (2) submittal of policy recommendation reports to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress. Permits each member to include individual or dissenting views. Authorizes elected officials to appoint majority and minority staff directors for the Commission, as well as professional staff for the political parties. (Currently, the Commission appoints a single executive director and is served by nonpartisan staff.)


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Wildlife Disease Emergency Act of 2010''. SEC. 2. PURPOSES. The purposes of this Act are to-- (1) authorize the Secretary of the Interior to identify and declare wildlife disease emergencies; (2) establish a fund through which the Secretary may coordinate rapid response to these emergencies; and (3) prepare for, identify, and address diseases adversely affecting wildlife populations and biodiversity through strategic and coordinated actions between the Federal agencies and State and local agencies, Indian tribes, and nongovernmental organizations. SEC. 3. DECLARATION OF WILDLIFE DISEASE EMERGENCY. (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Governor of a potentially affected State or States, may declare within such State or States a wildlife disease emergency for disease that is-- (1) occurring within the United States; or (2) occurring outside the United States with the potential to enter the United States. (b) Considerations.--In making a declaration under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider-- (1) the level of threat the disease poses to affected wildlife populations, based on the-- (A) relative threat to population levels; (B) relative strength of the contagion and spread of the disease; (C) observed rate of morbidity or mortality of the disease; and (D) priority of affected species or ecosystems, including-- (i) species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); (ii) species protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), or other Federal statutes; (iii) species and habitats identified as priorities through the National Fish and Wildlife Climate Adaptation Plan or other Federal, State or local laws, regulations, and conservation plans; and (iv) wildlife located on Federal lands; (2) the sufficiency of resources available in the Wildlife Disease Emergency Fund established under section 4; (3) the ability of the Department of the Interior and other Federal, State, and local agencies, tribal governments, and other stakeholders to address and coordinate response to the disease through other authorities; and (4) the request of any State Governor to make such a declaration. (c) Response Coordination.-- (1) In general.--Upon a declaration of a wildlife disease emergency by the Secretary, the Secretary shall lead a coordinated response to the emergency that shall include appropriate Federal agencies, State and local governments, Indian tribes, nongovernmental organizations, or other stakeholders. (2) Grant program.--The Secretary shall develop and implement a grant program to provide funding to State wildlife agencies and Indian tribes to address wildlife disease emergencies. SEC. 4. WILDLIFE DISEASE EMERGENCY FUND. (a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury of the United States a separate account, which shall be known as the ``Wildlife Disease Emergency Fund'' and shall consist of-- (1) such amounts as are appropriated to the Secretary for activities to address wildlife disease emergencies authorized by this Act; and (2) any amounts received by the Secretary as donations, gifts, or contributions identified for use to address wildlife disease emergencies. (b) Expenditures From Fund.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, amounts in the fund shall be available to the Secretary for use in carrying out activities authorized by this Act. SEC. 5. WILDLIFE DISEASE COMMITTEE. (a) Establishment.--The Secretary may establish a Wildlife Disease Committee. The purpose of the Committee shall be to assist the Secretary in increasing the level of preparedness of the United States to address emerging wildlife diseases. (b) Purpose.--The Committee shall-- (1) advise the Secretary on risk assessment, preparation, monitoring, research, and response to wildlife diseases that may significantly impact the health and sustainability of wildlife populations; and (2) draft reports, recommendations, plans, or other documents toward accomplishment of these purposes as appropriate. (c) Membership.--Members of the Committee-- (1) shall be appointed by the Secretary from among individuals who are qualified by education, training, and experience; and (2) shall include-- (A) individuals employed by Federal and State agencies and tribal entities who have expertise in wildlife health, biology, ecology, wildlife conservation, and natural resource management; and (B) representatives of public and private organizations who have such expertise. (d) Committee Chair.--The Committee shall be chaired by the Secretary or a designee of the Secretary. (e) Staffing and Assistance.--The Secretary shall make available to the Committee any staff, information, administrative services, or assistance the Secretary determines is reasonably required to enable the Committee to carry out its functions. (f) Renewal.--Notwithstanding the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 5 et al.), the Secretary may renew the Committee beyond the date it would otherwise terminate under that Act. SEC. 6. RAPID RESPONSE TEAMS. The Secretary, in consultation with the Committee as appropriate, may convene rapid response teams to address any particular wildlife disease emergency. SEC. 7. SAVINGS CLAUSE. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to-- (1) limit the Secretary's authority to respond to wildlife disease events that are not declared wildlife disease emergencies under this Act; or (2) limit, repeal, supersede, or modify any provision of Federal, State, local, or tribal laws and regulations. SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Disease.--The term ``disease'' means an infectious or noninfectious, pathological condition occurring in a susceptible population of wildlife, and that is not zoonotic. (2) Fund.--The term ``fund'' means the Wildlife Disease Emergency Fund as established by section 4. (3) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self- Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b). (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior. (5) State.--The term ``State'' means any State, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. (6) United states.--The term ``United States'' includes the States and the territories and possessions of the United States. (7) Wildlife.--The term ``wildlife'' means any species native to the United States including nondomesticated mammals, fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, mollusks, and arthropods. (8) Wildlife disease emergency.--The term ``wildlife disease emergency'' means a disease that is-- (A) infectious and caused by a newly discovered pathogen or a known infectious disease that is expanding its geographic range, species impacted, or other recognized impacts; (B) posing significant threats to the sustainability of a wildlife species; (C) spreading rapidly; or (D) posing a significant threat to the health of a functioning ecosystem in a priority landscape identified as part of the National Fish and Wildlife Climate Change Adaptation Plan or another Federal, State, local, or tribal law, regulation, or conservation plan.

Summary: Wildlife Disease Emergency Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) declare a wildlife disease emergency in one or more states for a disease that is occurring either within the United States or outside the United States with the potential to enter the United States, (2) lead a coordinated response to the emergency, and (3) implement a grant program to provide funding to state wildlife agencies and Indian tribes to address such emergencies. Directs the Secretary, in making such a declaration, to consider: (1) the level of threat the disease poses to affected wildlife populations; (2) the sufficiency of resources available in the Wildlife Disease Emergency Fund; (3) the ability of the Department of the Interior and other federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, and other stakeholders to address and coordinate a response to the disease through other authorities; and (4) any state governor's request for such a declaration. Establishes in the Treasury a Wildlife Disease Emergency Fund, which shall be available to the Secretary for activities authorized by this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a Wildlife Disease Committee to assist the Secretary in increasing the level of preparedness of the United States to address emerging wildlife diseases. Authorizes the Secretary to convene rapid response teams to address a wildlife disease emergency.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Temporary Worker Registration and Visa Act of 2005''. SEC. 2. ISSUANCE OF TEMPORARY WORKER VISA FOR CERTAIN UNDOCUMENTED WORKER REGISTRANTS. (a) In General.--The Immigration and Nationality Act is amended by inserting after section 245A (8 U.S.C. 1255a) the following new section: ``SEC. 245B. ISSUANCE OF TEMPORARY WORKER VISA FOR CERTAIN UNDOCUMENTED WORKER REGISTRANTS. ``(a) Registration Process for Certain Undocumented Workers.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall register under this subsection an alien if the alien demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the alien meets the following requirements: ``(A) Application.-- ``(i) In general.--The alien applies for such registration in a form and manner specified by the Secretary during the registration period under clause (ii). ``(ii) Registration period.--The registration period under this clause shall be a 12-month period beginning on a date (not later than 180 days after the enactment of this section) designated by the Secretary. ``(B) Continuous unlawful presence.-- ``(i) In general.--The alien has been continuously unlawfully present in the United States from January 1, 2005, through the date the application under subparagraph (A) is filed. ``(ii) Unlawful presence not known.--The alien's unlawful presence in the United States is not known to officials of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security (as evidenced by documentary records) at any time prior to the alien's application for registration under this subsection. ``(iii) Treatment of brief, casual, and innocent absences.--An alien shall not be considered to have failed to have maintained continuous physical presence in the United States for purposes of clause (i) by virtue of brief, casual, and innocent absences from the United States or a brief, temporary trip abroad required by emergency or extenuating circumstances outside the control of the alien ``(iv) No authorization of admission.-- Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing an alien to apply for admission to, or to be admitted to, the United States in order to register under this subsection. ``(C) Nonimmigrants.-- ``(i) In general.--In the case of an alien who entered the United States as a nonimmigrant before the date specified in subparagraph (B)(i), the alien's period of authorized stay as a nonimmigrant expired through the passage of time before such date. ``(ii) Exchange visitors.--If the alien was at any time a nonimmigrant exchange alien (as described in section 101(a)(15)(J)), the alien was not subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement of section 212(e) or has fulfilled that requirement or received a waiver thereof. ``(D) Admissible as temporary worker.--The alien-- ``(i) is admissible to the United States as an immigrant, except as otherwise provided under paragraph (3), and is not inadmissible under paragraph (2) or (3) of section 212(a) or deportable under paragraph (2)(A)(iii) or (4) of section 237(a); ``(ii) has not been convicted of any felony or of three or more misdemeanors committed in the United States; and ``(iii) has not assisted in the persecution of any person or persons on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. ``(E) Biometric identifiers.--The alien provides the Secretary with such biometric identifiers as the Secretary may require for the issuance of a visa, in accordance with section 303(b)(1) of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 (8 U.S.C. 1732(b)(1)). ``(F) Registration fee.--The alien has paid such registration fee as the Secretary shall specify. ``(G) Abandonment of other applications for relief.--The alien has withdrawn or has otherwise abandoned or terminated any other application for relief from removal under any law, which may have been pending prior to the submission of the application under subparagraph (A), and the alien has permanently relinquished the opportunity subsequently to submit any other such application for relief. ``(H) Employment in the united states.-- ``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), the alien was employed on a full- time basis in the United States since the date specified in subparagraph (B)(i). ``(ii) Exception for spouses and minor children of registrants.--Clause (i) shall not apply in the case of an alien who is the spouse or minor child of an alien who is registered (or in the process of registering) under this subsection. ``(2) Benefits of registration.-- ``(A) Work authorization.-- ``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall authorize an alien who is registered under this subsection to engage in employment in the United States during the term of the alien's registration and shall provide the alien with an `employment authorized' endorsement or other appropriate document signifying authorization of employment. ``(ii) Granting upon prima facie showing of eligibility.--In the case of an alien who applies for registration under this subsection and who establishes a prima facie case of eligibility to be so registered, the Secretary shall provide such alien with the employment authorization described in clause (i) during the pendency of such application. ``(3) Waiver of certain grounds for removal.-- ``(A) In general.--Except as provided in this paragraph, the provisions of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (d)(2) of section 245A shall apply to determinations of eligibility for registration under this subsection in the same manner as they apply to determinations of admissibility for purposes of such section. ``(B) Modification of reference.--In applying subparagraph (A), any reference in section 245A(d)(2)(A) to section 212(a)(7)(A) is deemed a reference to section 212(a)(7)(B). ``(C) Inapplicability of certain grounds for subsequent removal.--For purposes of obtaining the benefits described in this subsection, and for purposes of any other determination under the immigration laws of the United States, any ground for removal or denial of admission (including grounds under sections 212(a)(6)(A) and 212(a)(9)(B)) applicable to an alien registered under this subsection shall be disregarded if the ground is reflected in the records of the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of State on the date on which the alien first applied for such registration and if such ground is waived under this paragraph. ``(4) Termination of registration.-- ``(A) Expiration.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the period of registration of an alien under this section shall expire at the end of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the approval of such registration. ``(B) Termination of registration.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide for the termination of registration of an alien under this subsection-- ``(i) if it appears to the Secretary that the alien was in fact not eligible for such registration; or ``(ii) if the alien commits an act that makes the alien inadmissible to the United States as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(W). ``(b) Provision of Temporary Worker Visa.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall approve the issuance of a visa to an alien as a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(W) if the alien-- ``(A) is registered under subsection (a); and ``(B) makes application for such visa at an appropriate consular office outside the United States in the alien's country of nationality or, in the case of an alien having no nationality, in the alien's country of last habitual residence outside the United States, not later than 6 months after the date of approval of such registration. ``(2) Period of authorized admission.-- ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the initial period of authorized admission as a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(W) shall be 3 years. ``(B) Employment required to maintain status.-- ``(i) In general.--An alien's admission as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(W), other than as the spouse or child of such a nonimmigrant, is conditioned upon continuous employment in the United States. ``(ii) Short breaks in employment permitted with notice.-- An alien does not violate clause (i) if-- ``(I) the break in employment does not exceed 30 days (or such longer period as the Secretary may provide based on extraordinary circumstances); and ``(II) the Secretary is provided notice in a timely manner of the break in employment and of the resumption of employment. ``(C) Extension.-- ``(i) In general.--The period of authorized admission as a nonimmigrant under section 101(a)(15)(W) may be extended by the Secretary in 3-year increments. The Secretary may not authorize such extension for an alien if the alien violated subparagraph (B) for the previous period of authorized admission. ``(ii) Extension fee.-- The Secretary shall impose a fee on applicants for an extension under clause (i). ``(D) Termination of nonimmigrant status.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide for the termination of nonimmigrant status granted an alien under this subsection if it appears to the Secretary that the alien was in fact not eligible for registration under subsection (a). ``(c) Application of Certain Provisions.-- ``(1) Confidentiality and false statement.--The provisions of paragraphs (5) and (6) of subsection (c) of section 245A shall apply to applications for registration under subsection (a) in the same manner as they applied to applications for adjustment under section 245A. ``(2) Temporary stay of deportation.--The provisions of subsection (e)(1) of section 245A shall apply to aliens with respect to the application period and registration under subsection (a) in the same manner as they applied to the application period and applications for adjustment under subsection (a) of such section. ``(d) Construction.-- ``(1) Limited follow-to-join authority for family members.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing, in the case of an alien registered under subsection (a)-- ``(A) the registration of any family member of such alien unless such family member meets the requirements for such registration; or ``(B) the issuance of a nonimmigrant visa under section 101(a)(15)(W) to such family member unless such family member qualifies for such a visa. ``(2) Change in nonimmigrant classification; adjustment of status.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the change of nonimmigrant classification, or adjustment to lawful permanent resident status, of an alien who is a nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(W).''. (b) New Nonimmigrant Visa Category.--Section 101(a)(15) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)) is amended-- (1) in subparagraph (U), by striking ``or'' at the end; (2) in subparagraph (V), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: ``(W) an alien who is coming temporarily to the United States to be employed in accordance with subsection (b) of section 245B, and the spouse and minor children of such alien if accompanying or following to join the alien and qualified under paragraph (1) of such subsection to be provided nonimmigrant status under this subparagraph.''. (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for such Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 245A the following: ``Sec. 245B. Issuance of temporary worker visa for certain undocumented worker registrants.''.

Summary: Temporary Worker Registration and Visa Act of 2005 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for issuance of a temporary (initial three-year period with three-year extensions) worker visa (W-visa) for qualifying aliens who have been continuously unlawfully present and working full-time in the United States from January 1, 2005 through the application date provided for under this Act. Conditions such admission on the alien worker's continuous employment. Limits family member follow-to-join admissions to situations where the family member meets registration or W-visa requirements.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``American Cures Act''. SEC. 2. CAP ADJUSTMENT. (a) In General.--Section 251(b)(2) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901(b)(2)) is amended-- (1) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (E); and (2) by inserting after subparagraph (C), the following: ``(D) Biomedical research.-- ``(i) National institutes of health.--If a bill or joint resolution making appropriations for a fiscal year is enacted that specifies amounts for the National Institutes of Health at the Department of Health and Human Services, then the adjustments for that fiscal year shall be the amount of additional new budget authority provided in that Act for such programs for that fiscal year, but shall not exceed-- ``(I) for fiscal year 2016, $1,741,000,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(II) for fiscal year 2017, $3,422,000,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(III) for fiscal year 2018, $5,167,000,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(IV) for fiscal year 2019, $7,085,000,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(V) for fiscal year 2020, $9,149,000,000 in additional new budget authority; and ``(VI) for fiscal year 2021, $11,435,000,000 in additional new budget authority. ``(ii) Centers for disease control and prevention.--If a bill or joint resolution making appropriations for a fiscal year is enacted that specifies amounts for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the Department of Health and Human Services, then the adjustments for that fiscal year shall be the amount of additional new budget authority provided in that Act for such programs for that fiscal year, but shall not exceed-- ``(I) for fiscal year 2016, $716,000,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(II) for fiscal year 2017, $1,287,000,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(III) for fiscal year 2018, $1,503,000,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(IV) for fiscal year 2019, $1,980,000,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(V) for fiscal year 2020, $2,298,000,000 in additional new budget authority; and ``(VI) for fiscal year 2021, $2,884,000,000 in additional new budget authority. ``(iii) Department of defense health program.--If a bill or joint resolution making appropriations for a fiscal year is enacted that specifies amounts for the Department of Defense health program, then the adjustments for that fiscal year shall be the amount of additional new budget authority provided in that Act for such programs for that fiscal year, but shall not exceed-- ``(I) for fiscal year 2016, $57,402,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(II) for fiscal year 2017, $139,213,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(III) for fiscal year 2018, $226,460,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(IV) for fiscal year 2019, $322,742,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(V) for fiscal year 2020, $425,700,000 in additional new budget authority; and ``(VI) for fiscal year 2021, $540,000,000 in additional new budget authority. ``(iv) Medical and prosthetics research program of the department of veterans affairs.--If a bill or joint resolution making appropriations for a fiscal year is enacted that specifies amounts for the medical and prosthetics research program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, then the adjustments for that fiscal year shall be the amount of additional new budget authority provided in that Act for such programs for that fiscal year, but shall not exceed-- ``(I) for fiscal year 2016, $25,201,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(II) for fiscal year 2017, $52,945,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(III) for fiscal year 2018, $80,866,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(IV) for fiscal year 2019, $112,189,000 in additional new budget authority; ``(V) for fiscal year 2020, $146,157,000 in additional new budget authority; and ``(VI) for fiscal year 2021, $184,027,000 in additional new budget authority. ``(v) Definitions.--As used in this subparagraph: ``(I) Additional new budget authority.--The term `additional new budget authority' means-- ``(aa) with respect to the National Institutes of Health, the amount provided for a fiscal year, in excess of the amount provided in fiscal year 2015, in an appropriation Act and specified to support the National Institutes of Health; ``(bb) with respect to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the amount provided for a fiscal year, in excess of the amount provided in fiscal year 2015, in an appropriation Act and specified to support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; ``(cc) with respect to the Department of Defense health program, the amount provided for a fiscal year, in excess of the amount provided in fiscal year 2015, in an appropriation Act and specified to support the Department of Defense health program; and ``(dd) with respect to the medical and prosthetics research program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the amount provided for a fiscal year, in excess of the amount provided in fiscal year 2015, in an appropriation Act and specified to support the medical and prosthetics research program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. ``(II) Centers for disease control and prevention.--The term `Centers for Disease Control and Prevention' means the appropriations accounts that support the various institutes, offices, and centers that make up the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ``(III) Department of defense health program.--The term `Department of Defense health program' means the appropriations accounts that support the various institutes, offices, and centers that make up the Department of Defense health program. ``(IV) Medical and prosthetics research program of the department of veterans affairs.--The term `medical and prosthetics research program of the Department of Veterans Affairs' means the appropriations accounts that support the various institutes, offices, and centers that make up the medical and prosthetics research program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. ``(V) National institutes of health.--The term `National Institutes of Health' means the appropriations accounts that support the various institutes, offices, and centers that make up the National Institutes of Health.''. (b) Funding.--There are hereby authorized to be appropriated-- (1) for the National Institutes of Health, the amounts provided for under clause (i) of such section 251(b)(2)(D) in each of fiscal years 2016 through 2021, and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year; (2) for the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the amounts provided for under clause (ii) of such section 251(b)(2)(D) in each of fiscal years 2016 through 2021, and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year; (3) for the Department of Defense health program, the amounts provided for under clause (iii) of such section 251(b)(2)(D) in each of fiscal years 2016 through 2021, and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year; and (4) for the Medical and prosthetics research program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the amounts provided for under clause (iv) of such section 251(b)(2)(D) in each of fiscal years 2016 through 2021, and such sums as may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year. (c) Minimum Continued Funding Requirement.--Amounts appropriated for each of the programs and agencies described in section 251(b)(2)(D) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (as added by subsection (a)) for each of fiscal years 2016 through 2021, and each subsequent fiscal year, shall not be less than the amounts appropriated for such programs and agencies for fiscal year 2015. (d) Exemption of Certain Appropriations From Sequestration.-- (1) In general.--Section 255(g)(1)(A) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act (2 U.S.C. 905(g)(1)(A)) is amended by inserting after ``Advances to the Unemployment Trust Fund and Other Funds (16-0327-0-1-600).'' the following: ``Appropriations under the American Cures Act.''. (2) Applicability.--The amendment made by this section shall apply to any sequestration order issued under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 900 et seq.) on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

Summary: American Cures Act This bill amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to require certain adjustments to discretionary spending limits in FY2016-FY2021 to accommodate increases in appropriations for agencies that perform biomedical research. Adjustments are required for the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense health program, and the Department of Veterans Affairs medical and prosthetics research program. The bill also requires annual appropriations for each of the programs and agencies referenced in this bill to be at least the amount appropriated in FY2015. The bill exempts appropriations provided pursuant to this bill from sequestration. Sequestration is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.