SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear Weapons Complex Conversion Act of 2000''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The Russian nuclear weapons complex is still at its Cold War size. Little information about this complex is shared, and 10 of its most sensitive cities remain closed. These cities house 750,000 people and employ approximately 150,000 people in nuclear military facilities. Although the Russian Federation Ministry of Atomic Energy has announced the need to significantly downsize its workforce, perhaps by as much as 50 percent, it has been very slow in accomplishing this goal. Information on the extent of any progress is very closely held. The major impediments to downsizing have been economic and social conditions in Russia. (2) The United States, on the other hand, has significantly downsized its nuclear weapons complex in an open and transparent manner. As a result, an enormous asymmetry now exists between the United States and Russia in nuclear weapon production capacities and in transparency of such capacities. It is in the national security interest of the United States to assist the Russian Federation in accomplishing significant reductions in its nuclear military complex and in helping it to protect its nuclear weapons, nuclear materials, and nuclear secrets during such reductions. Such assistance will accomplish critical nonproliferation objectives and provide essential support towards future arms reduction agreements. Without a significant, transparent reduction in nuclear weapons production capacity, the Russian Federation's ability to quickly reconstitute its arsenal remains inconsistent with current and contemplated arms control agreements. (3) Several current programs address portions of the downsizing and nuclear security concerns. The Nuclear Cities Initiative was established to assist Russia in creating job opportunities for employees who are not required to support realistic Russian nuclear security requirements. Its focus has been on creating commercial ventures that can provide self- sustaining jobs in three of the closed cities. The current scope and funding of the program are not commensurate with the scale of the threats to the United States sought to be addressed by the program. (4) To effectively address threats to United States national security interests, progress with respect to the nuclear cities must be expanded and accelerated. The Nuclear Cities Initiative has laid the groundwork for an immediate increase in investment and potential for immediate risk reduction in the cities of Sarov, Snezhinsk, and Seversk, which house four key Russian nuclear facilities. Furthermore, the Nuclear Cities Initiative has made considerable progress with the limited funding available. However, to gain sufficient advocacy for additional support, the program must demonstrate-- (A) rapid progress in conversion and restructuring; and (B) an ability for the United States to track progress against verifiable milestones that support a Russian nuclear complex consistent with their future national security requirements. (5) Reductions in the nuclear weapons-grade material stocks in the United States and Russia enhance prospects for future arms control agreements and reduce concerns that these materials could lead to proliferation risks. Confidence in both nations will be enhanced by knowledge of the extent of each nation's stockpiles of weapons-grade materials. The United States already makes this information public. (6) Many current programs contribute to the goals stated herein. However, the lack of programmatic coordination within and among United States Government agencies impedes the capability of the United States to make rapid progress. A formal single point of coordination is essential to ensure that all United States programs directed at cooperative threat reduction, nuclear materials reduction and protection, and the downsizing, transparency, and nonproliferation of the nuclear weapons complex effectively mitigate the risks inherent in the Russian Federation's military complex. (7) Specialists in the United States and the former Soviet Union trained in nonproliferation studies can significantly assist in the downsizing process while minimizing the threat presented by potential proliferation of weapons materials or expertise. SEC. 3. EXPANSION AND ENHANCEMENT OF NUCLEAR CITIES INITIATIVE. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy shall, in accordance with the provisions of this section, take appropriate actions to expand and enhance the activities under the Nuclear Cities Initiative in order to-- (1) assist the Russian Federation in the downsizing of the Russian Nuclear Complex; and (2) coordinate the downsizing of the Russian Nuclear Complex under the Initiative with other United States nonproliferation programs. (b) Enhanced Use of MINATOM Technology and Research and Development Services.--In carrying out actions under this section, the Secretary shall facilitate the enhanced use of the technology, and the research and development services, of the Russia Ministry of Atomic Energy (MINATOM) by-- (1) fostering the commercialization of peaceful, non- threatening advanced technologies of the Ministry through the development of projects to commercialize research and development services for industry and industrial entities; and (2) authorizing the Department of Energy, and encouraging other departments and agencies of the United States Government, to utilize such research and development services for activities appropriate to the mission of the Department, and such departments and agencies, including activities relating to-- (A) remediation of the environmental consequences of United States nuclear weapons activities and Russian nuclear weapons activities; (B) nonproliferation (including the detection and identification of weapons of mass destruction and verification of treaty compliance); (C) global energy and environmental matters; and (D) basic scientific research. (c) Acceleration of Nuclear Cities Initiative.--(1) In carrying out actions under this section, the Secretary shall accelerate the Nuclear Cities Initiative by implementing, as soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act, programs at the nuclear cities referred to in paragraph (2) in order to convert significant portions of the activities carried out at such nuclear cities from military activities to civilian activities. (2) The nuclear cities referred to in this paragraph are the following: (A) Zarechnyy (Penza-19). (B) Sarov (Arzamas-16 and Avangard). (C) Snezhinsk (Chelyabinsk-70). (D) Seversk (Tomsk-7). (3) Before implementing a program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall establish appropriate, measurable milestones for the first year of the program. (d) Plan for Restructuring the Russian Nuclear Complex.--(1) The President, acting through the Secretary of Energy, is urged to enter into negotiations with the Russian Federation for purposes of the development by the Russian Federation of a plan to restructure the Russian Nuclear Complex in order to meet changes in the national security requirements of Russia by 2010. (2) The plan under paragraph (1) should include the following: (A) Mechanisms to achieve a nuclear weapons production capacity in Russia that is consistent with the obligations of Russia under current and future arms control agreements. (B) Mechanisms to increase transparency regarding nuclear weapons production processes and nuclear materials inventories in Russia to the levels of transparency for such matters in the United States, including the participation of Department of Energy officials with expertise in transparency of such matters. (C) Measurable milestones that will permit the United States and the Russian Federation to monitor progress under the plan. (e) Encouragement of Careers in Nonproliferation.--(1) In carrying out actions under this section, the Secretary shall carry out a program to encourage students in the United States and in the Russian Federation to pursue a career in an area relating to nonproliferation. (2) Of the amounts available under subsection (f), $2,000,000 shall be available for purposes of the program required under paragraph (1). (f) Funding for Fiscal Year 2001.--There is hereby authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2001, $50,000,000 for purposes of the Nuclear Cities Initiative, including activities under this section. (g) Sense of Congress Regarding Funding for Fiscal Years After Fiscal Year 2001.--It is the sense of Congress that the availability of funds for the Nuclear Cities Initiative in fiscal years after fiscal year 2001 should be contingent upon-- (1) demonstrable progress in the programs carried out under subsection (c), as determined utilizing the milestones required under paragraph (3) of that subsection; and (2) the development and implementation of the plan required by subsection (d). SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL COORDINATOR FOR NONPROLIFERATION MATTERS. It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) there should be a National Coordinator for Nonproliferation Matters to coordinate-- (A) the Nuclear Cities Initiative; (B) the Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention program; (C) the Cooperative Threat Reduction programs; (D) the materials protection, control, and accounting programs; and (E) the International Science and Technology Center; and (2) the position of National Coordinator for Nonproliferation Matters should be similar, regarding nonproliferation matters, to the position filled by designation of the President under section 1441(a) of the Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996 (title XIV of Public Law 104-201; 110 Stat. 2727; 50 U.S.C. 2351(a)). SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS. In this Act: (1) Nuclear city.--The term ``nuclear city'' means any of the closed nuclear cities within the complex of the Russia Ministry of Atomic Energy (MINATOM) as follows: (A) Sarov (Arzamas-16 and Avangard). (B) Zarechnyy (Penza-19). (C) Novoural'sk (Sverdlovsk-44). (D) Lesnoy (Sverdlovsk-45). (E) Ozersk (Chelyabinsk-65). (F) Snezhinsk (Chelyabinsk-70). (G) Trechgornyy (Zlatoust-36). (H) Seversk (Tomsk-7). (I) Zhelenznogorsk (Krasnoyarsk-26). (I) Zelenogorsk (Krasnoyarsk-45). (2) Russian nuclear complex.--The term ``Russian Nuclear Complex'' refers to all of the nuclear cities.

Summary: Urges the President to enter into negotiations with the Russian Federation for the Federation's development of a plan to restructure its nuclear complex in order to meet changes in Russian nuclear security requirements by 2010. Directs the Secretary to carry out a program to encourage students in the United States and the Russian Federation to pursue careers in nonproliferation. Authorizes appropriations. Expresses the sense of Congress that availability of Initiative funds after FY 2001 should be contingent upon: (1) demonstrable progress in enhancing and accelerating Initiative activities; and (2) the development and implementation of Russia's nuclear restructuring plan. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) there should be a National Coordinator for Nonproliferation Matters to coordinate various Federal nonproliferation programs, including the Initiative; and (2) such Coordinator position should be similar to the Coordinator position filled by the President under the Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Family Living Wage Act''. SEC. 2. INCREASE IN EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT. (a) General Rule.--Subsections (a) and (b) of section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to earned income tax credit) are amended to read as follows: ``(a) Allowance of Credit.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of an eligible individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the taxable year an amount equal to the credit percentage of so much of the earned income for the taxable year as does not exceed $8,000. ``(2) Limitation.--The amount of the credit allowable to a taxpayer under this subsection for any taxable year shall not exceed the excess (if any) of-- ``(A) the credit percentage of $8,000, over ``(B) the phaseout percentage of so much of the adjusted gross income (or, if greater, the earned income) of the taxpayer for the taxable year as exceeds $10,000. ``(b) Percentages.--For purposes of subsection (a)-- ``(1) Credit percentage.-- ``(A) In general.--The credit percentage is the percentage equal to the sum of-- ``(i) 20 percent, ``(ii) 5 percent for each school age qualifying child, plus ``(iii) 10 percent for each preschool age qualifying child. ``(B) Not more than 4 children taken into account.--Not more than 4 children shall be taken into account under subparagraph (A), and preschool age qualifying children shall be taken into account before any other children are taken into account. ``(2) Phaseout percentage.-- ``(A) Phasedown to minimum benefit.-- ``(i) In general.--The phaseout percentage is the percentage determined in accordance with the following table: ``If the combination of qualifying children taken into account under The phaseout paragraph (1) is-- percentage is-- 1 S................. 13 2 S, or 1 P......... 14 3 S, or 1 S and 1 P. 15 4 S, or 2 S and 1 P, 16 or 2 P. 3 S and 1 P, or 1 S 17 and 2 P. 2 S and 2 P, or 3 P. 18 1 S and 3 P......... 19 4 P................. 20. ``(ii) Symbols used in table.--For purposes of clause (i)-- ``(I) S means school age qualifying child, and ``(II) P means preschool age qualifying child. ``(B) Minimum benefit for taxpayers with incomes below $50,000.--Except as provided in subparagraph (C), subparagraph (A) shall not apply so as to reduce the credit allowed by this section to a taxpayer to less than the minimum benefit determined in accordance with the following table: ``If the phaseout percentage The minimum applicable to the taxpayer is-- benefit is-- 13..................... $200 14..................... 400 15..................... 600 16..................... 800 17..................... 1,000 18..................... 1,200 19..................... 1,400 20..................... 1,600. ``(C) Phaseout of minimum benefit.--If the adjusted gross income (or, if greater, the earned income) of the taxpayer for the taxable year exceeds $50,000, the minimum benefit determined under subparagraph (B) shall be reduced by 15 percent of such excess. ``(3) Special rules for individual whose only children have attained age 16.--For purposes of this section, in the case of an individual who is an eligible individual solely by reason of children each of whom has attained age 16 as of the close of the taxable year-- ``(A) the credit percentage shall be 20 percent, ``(B) the phaseout percentage shall be 12 percent, and ``(C) subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (2) shall not apply.'' (b) Preschool Age and School Age Qualifying Children Defined.-- Subsection (c) of section 32 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) Preschool age and school age qualifying children.-- ``(A) Preschool age qualifying child.--The term `preschool age qualifying child' means any qualifying child who has not attained age 6 as of the close of the taxable year. ``(B) School age qualifying child.--The term `school age qualifying child' means any qualifying child who has attained age 6 but not age 16 as of the close of the taxable year.'' (c) Advance Payment Provisions.-- (1) Subsection (b) of section 3507 of such Code is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end of paragraph (3) and inserting ``, and'', and by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph: ``(4) states the number and ages of qualifying children (as defined in section 32(c)) of the employee for the taxable year.'' (2) Paragraph (2) of section 3507(c) of such Code is amended-- (A) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``(without regard to subparagraph (D)'' and by striking ``section 32(a)(1)'' and inserting ``section 32(a)'', (B) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ``section 32(b)(1)(B)(ii)'' and inserting ``section 32(a)(2)'' and by striking ``section 32(a)(1)'' and inserting ``section 32(a)'', and (C) by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``For purposes of this paragraph, the credit percentage shall be determined under section 32(b) on the basis of the number and ages of qualifying children specified in the earned income eligibility certificate and the determination of the amounts referred to in subparagraph (B)(ii) shall be made on the basis of the number and ages of qualifying children so specified.'' (3) Clause (i) of section 3507(e)(3)(A) of such Code is amended by inserting before ``, or'' the following: ``(or changing the percentages applicable to the employee under section 32(b) for the taxable year)''. (d) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Paragraph (2) of section 32(f) of such Code is amended-- (A) by striking ``subsection (b)'' each place it appears in subparagraphs (A) and (B) and inserting ``subsection (a)(2)'', and (B) by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``Separate tables shall be prescribed for each of the phaseout percentages specified in the table contained in subsection (b)(2)(A)(i).'' (2) Paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 32(i) of such Code are amended to read as follows: ``(1) In general.--In the case of any taxable year beginning after 1995, each amount referred to in paragraph (2) shall be increased by an amount equal to-- ``(A) such amount, multiplied by ``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins by substituting `1994' for `1989' in subparagraph (B) thereof. ``(2) Amounts.--The amounts referred to in this paragraph are-- ``(A) the credit percentages used for purposes of subsection (a), ``(B) the $10,000 amount contained in subsection (a)(2)(B), and ``(C) the $50,000 amount contained in subsection (b)(2)(C).'' (3) Section 213 of such Code (relating to medical, dental, etc., expenses) is amended by striking subsection (f). (4) Paragraph (3) of section 162(l) of such Code is amended to read as follows: ``(3) Coordination with medical deduction.--Any amount paid by a taxpayer for insurance to which paragraph (1) applies shall not be taken into account in computing the amount allowable to the taxpayer as a deduction under section 213(a).'' (e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993; except that the amendments made by subsection (c) shall take effect on January 1, 1994. SEC. 3. DEPENDENT CARE CREDIT LIMITED TO HANDICAPPED DEPENDENTS AND SPOUSES. (a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 21(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (defining qualifying individual and employment- related expenses) is amended by striking subparagraph (A), by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``In the case of an individual described in subparagraph (A) who has not attained age 16 as of the close of the taxable year, such individual may be treated as a qualifying individual for purposes of this section only if the taxpayer elects not to treat such individual as a qualifying child under section 32 for such year.'' (b) Conforming Amendments.-- (1) Subparagraph (B) of section 21(b)(2) of such Code is amended by striking ``care of--'' and all that follows and inserting ``care of a qualifying individual who regularly spends at least 8 hours each day in the taxpayer's household.'' (2) Paragraph (2) of section 21(d) of such Code is amended by striking ``subsection (b)(1)(C)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)(1)(B)''. (3) Paragraph (5) of section 21(e) of such Code is amended-- (A) by striking ``is under the age of 13 or'' in subparagraph (B), and (B) by striking ``subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (b)(1) (whichever is appropriate)'' and inserting ``subsection (b)(1)(A)''. (c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1993. SEC. 4. ELIMINATION OF PROPOSED CHANGES IN TREATMENT OF EARNED INCOME CREDIT IN DETERMINING CERTAIN WELFARE BENEFITS. Paragraphs (1) and (2)(A) of section 402(c) of the Family Support Act of 1988 are repealed.

Summary: Family Living Wage Act - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions governing the earned income tax credit to: (1) increase from $5,714 to $8,000 the amount of earned income subject to the credit; (2) establish the basic credit at 20 percent; and (3) permit an additional credit (to apply to not more than four children) of five percent for each dependent school age child between age six and age 16 and ten percent for each preschool age child. Reduces the amount of the credit for taxpayers with adjusted gross income over $50,000. Indexes amounts relating to the credit beginning in 1995. Disallows application of the nonrefundable dependent care income tax credit with respect to a taxpayer's dependents under age 13, unless the child is physically or mentally incapable of self-care. Permits the credit with respect to handicapped children under age 16 only if the taxpayer elects not to include the child within the framework of the earned income credit. Repeals provisions of the Family Support Act of 1988 that revise the way in which the earned income credit is treated in the context of needs analysis for purposes of State plans for aid and services to needy families with children under title IV of the Social Security Act.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Disclosure; and Encouragement of Verification, Innovation, Cleaning, and Efficiency Act of 2017'' or the ``DEVICE Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR DESIGN AND REPROCESSING INSTRUCTION CHANGES. (a) Adulteration.--Section 501 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351) is amended by inserting after paragraph (j) the following: ``(k) If it is a device with respect to which the manufacturer is in violation of the reporting requirement in section 510(q) (relating to design and reprocessing changes).''. (b) Requirement.--Section 510 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(q) Reporting Requirement for Device Design Changes.--Before making a change to the design of a device, or the reprocessing instructions of a device, that is marketed in interstate commerce, the manufacturer of the device shall give written notice of the change to the Food and Drug Administration.''. SEC. 3. REPORTING REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN COMMUNICATIONS TO FOREIGN HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS. (a) Adulteration.--Section 501 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 351), as amended by section 2 of this Act, is further amended by inserting after paragraph (k) the following: ``(l) If it is a device with respect to which the manufacturer is in violation of the reporting requirement in section 510(r) (relating to communications to foreign health care providers).''. (b) Requirement.--Section 510 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360), as amended by section 2 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``(r) Reporting Requirement for Certain Communications to Foreign Health Care Providers.-- ``(1) Requirement.--The manufacturer of a device that is marketed in interstate commerce shall give written notice to the Food and Drug Administration of any communication described in paragraph (2) not more than 5 calendar days after making such communication. ``(2) Communication described.--A communication is described in this paragraph if the communication-- ``(A) is made by the manufacturer of the device or an affiliate of the manufacturer; ``(B) relates to a change to the design of the device, a change to the recommended reprocessing protocols, if any, for the device, or a safety concern about the device; and ``(C) is widely disseminated (including on a voluntary basis) to health care providers in a foreign country. ``(3) Affiliate.--In this subsection, the term `affiliate' means a business entity that has a relationship with a second business entity if, directly or indirectly-- ``(A) one business entity controls, or has the power to control, the other business entity; or ``(B) a third party controls, or has the power to control, both of the business entities.''. SEC. 4. RAPID ASSESSMENT TESTS INTENDED TO ENSURE PROPER REPROCESSING. (a) Inclusion in Device Definition.--Section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (h)-- (A) in subparagraph (2), by striking ``or'' at the end; (B) in subparagraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the end and inserting ``or''; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (3) the following: ``(4) a rapid assessment test intended to ensure the proper reprocessing of a reusable device (as defined in paragraph (ss)), and''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(ss) The term `reusable device' means a device that-- ``(1) is intended to be used more than one time; and ``(2) must be sanitized (whether through cleaning, disinfection, or sterilization) to ensure that the device is safe and effective for such intended use.''. (b) Instructions for Use and Validation Data.--Section 510 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360), as amended by sections 2 and 3 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``(s) Instructions for Use and Validation Data.-- ``(1) Initial list.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall by regulation develop and publish a list of types of rapid assessment tests described in section 201(h)(4) for which reports under subsection (k) must include-- ``(A) instructions for use that have been validated in a manner specified by the Secretary; and ``(B) validation data, of the types specified by the Secretary. ``(2) Updates.--The Secretary shall by regulation periodically update the list required by paragraph (1). ``(3) Enforcement.--Beginning on the date of publication of the initial list under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall not accept any notification under subsection (k) for clearance of a type of rapid assessment test that is included on such list unless such notification includes instructions for use and validation data in accordance with paragraph (1).''.

Summary: Disclosure; and Encouragement of Verification, Innovation, Cleaning, and Efficiency Act of 2017 or the DEVICE Act of 2017 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require medical device manufacturers to notify the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): (1) before making changes to the design or reprocessing instructions of a device, and (2) no more than five days after widely disseminating to health care providers in a foreign country communications regarding changes to the design or reprocessing instructions of a device or regarding a safety concern about a device. A device may not be sold if the manufacturer violates these notification requirements. Rapid assessment tests intended to ensure the proper reprocessing of reusable medical devices are defined as medical devices. The FDA must publish a list of the types of rapid assessment tests for which premarket notification must include validated instructions for use and validation data.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Hedge Fund Transparency Act''. SEC. 2. HEDGE FUND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS. (a) Definition of Investment Company.--Section 3(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-3(c)) is amended-- (1) by striking paragraph (1); (2) by striking paragraph (7); (3) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as paragraphs (1) through (5), respectively; and (4) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (14) as paragraphs (6) through (12), respectively. (b) Additional Exemptions.--Section 6 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-6) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following: ``(6)(A) Subject to subsection (g), any issuer whose outstanding securities (other than short-term paper) are beneficially owned by not more than 100 persons, and which is not making and does not presently propose to make a public offering of its securities. ``(B) For purposes of this paragraph and paragraph (7), beneficial ownership-- ``(i) by a company shall be deemed to be beneficial ownership by one person, except that, if the company owns 10 percent or more of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer, and is or, but for the exemption provided for in this paragraph or paragraph (7), would be an investment company, the beneficial ownership shall be deemed to be that of the holders of the outstanding securities (other than short-term paper) of such company; and ``(ii) by any person who acquires securities or interests in securities of an issuer described in this paragraph shall be deemed to be beneficial ownership by the person from whom such transfer was made, pursuant to such rules and regulations as the Commission shall prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest and consistent with the protection of investors and the purposes fairly intended by the policy and provisions of this title, where the transfer was caused by legal separation, divorce, death, or any other involuntary event. ``(7)(A) Subject to subsection (g), any issuer, the outstanding securities of which are owned exclusively by persons who, at the time of the acquisition of such securities, are qualified purchasers, and which is not making and does not at that time propose to make a public offering of such securities. Securities that are owned by persons who received the securities from a qualified purchaser as a gift or bequest, or in a case in which the transfer was caused by legal separation, divorce, death, or any other involuntary event, shall be deemed to be owned by a qualified purchaser, subject to such rules, regulations, and orders as the Commission may prescribe as necessary or appropriate in the public interest or for the protection of investors. ``(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), an issuer is exempt under this paragraph if-- ``(i) in addition to qualified purchasers, outstanding securities of that issuer are beneficially owned by not more than 100 persons who are not qualified purchasers, if-- ``(I) such persons acquired any portion of the securities of such issuer on or before September 1, 1996; and ``(II) at the time at which such persons initially acquired the securities of such issuer, the issuer was exempt under paragraph (6); and ``(ii) prior to availing itself of the exemption provided by this paragraph-- ``(I) such issuer has disclosed to each beneficial owner that future investors will be limited to qualified purchasers, and that ownership in such issuer is no longer limited to not more than 100 persons; and ``(II) concurrently with or after such disclosure, such issuer has provided each beneficial owner with a reasonable opportunity to redeem any part or all of their interests in the issuer, notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary between the issuer and such persons, for the proportionate share of that person of the net assets of the issuer. ``(C) Each person that elects to redeem under subparagraph (B)(ii)(II) shall receive an amount in cash equal to the proportionate share of that person of the net assets of the issuer, unless the issuer elects to provide such person with the option of receiving, and such person agrees to receive, all or a portion of the share of that person in assets of the issuer. If the issuer elects to provide such persons with such an opportunity, disclosure concerning such opportunity shall be made in the disclosure required by subparagraph (B)(ii)(I). ``(D) An issuer that is exempt under this paragraph shall nonetheless be deemed to be an investment company for purposes of the limitations set forth in subparagraphs (A)(i) and (B)(i) of section 12(d)(1) (15 U.S.C. 80a-12(d)(1) (A)(i) and (B)(i)) relating to the purchase or other acquisition by such issuer of any security issued by any registered investment company and the sale of any security issued by any registered open-end investment company to any such issuer. ``(E) For purposes of determining compliance with this paragraph and paragraph (6), an issuer that is otherwise exempt under this paragraph and an issuer that is otherwise exempt under paragraph (6) shall not be treated by the Commission as being a single issuer for purposes of determining whether the outstanding securities of the issuer exempt under paragraph (6) are beneficially owned by not more than 100 persons, or whether the outstanding securities of the issuer exempt under this paragraph are owned by persons that are not qualified purchasers. Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to establish that a person is a bona fide qualified purchaser for purposes of this paragraph or a bona fide beneficial owner for purposes of paragraph (6).''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(g) Limitation on Exemptions for Large Investment Companies.-- ``(1) In general.--An investment company with assets, or assets under management, of not less than $50,000,000 is exempt under subsection (a)(6) or (a)(7) only if that company-- ``(A) registers with the Commission; ``(B) files an information form with the Commission under paragraph (2); ``(C) maintains such books and records as the Commission may require; and ``(D) cooperates with any request for information or examination by the Commission. ``(2) Information form.--The information form required under paragraph (1) shall be filed at such time and in such manner as the Commission shall require, and shall-- ``(A) be filed electronically; ``(B) be filed not less frequently than once every 12 months; ``(C) include-- ``(i) the name and current address of-- ``(I) each natural person who is a beneficial owner of the investment company; ``(II) any company with an ownership interest in the investment company; and ``(III) the primary accountant and primary broker used by the investment company; ``(ii) an explanation of the structure of ownership interests in the investment company; ``(iii) information on any affliation that the investment company has with another financial institution; ``(iv) a statement of any minimum investment commitment required of a limited partner, member, or other investor; ``(v) the total number of any limited partners, members, or other investors; and ``(vi) the current value of-- ``(I) the assets of the investment company; and ``(II) any assets under management by the investment company; and ``(D) be made available by the Commission to the public at no cost and in an electronic, searchable format.''. SEC. 3. IMPLEMENTING GUIDANCE AND RULES. (a) Forms and Guidance.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Securities and Exchange Commission shall issue such forms and guidance as are necessary to carry out this Act. (b) Rules.--The Securities and Exchange Commission may make a rule to carry out this Act. SEC. 4. ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING OBLIGATIONS. (a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to safeguard against the financing of terrorist organizations and money laundering. (b) In General.--An investment company that relies on paragraph (6) or (7) of section 6(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-6(a) (6) and (7)), as amended by this Act, as the basis for an exemption under that Act shall establish an anti-money laundering program and shall report suspicious transactions under subsections (g) and (h) of section 5318 of title 31, United States Code. (c) Rulemaking.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, shall, by rule, establish the policies, procedures, and controls necessary to carry out subsection (b). (2) Contents.--The rule required by paragraph (1)-- (A) shall require that each investment company that receives an exemption under paragraph (6) or (7) of section 6(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-6(a) (6) and (7)), as amended by this Act, shall-- (i) use risk-based due diligence policies, procedures, and controls that are reasonably designed to ascertain the indentity of and evaluate any foreign person (including, where appropriate, the nominal and beneficial owner or beneficiary of a foreign corporation, partnership, trust, or other foreign entity) that supplies or plans to supply funds to be invested with the advice or assistance of such investment company; and (ii) be subject to section 5318(k)(2) of title 31, United States Code; and (B) may incorporate elements of the proposed rule for unregistered investment companies published in the Federal Register on September 26, 2002 (67 Fed. Reg. 60617) (relating to anti-money laundering programs). (3) Publication date.--The Secretary of the Treasury, shall-- (A) propose the rule required by this subsection not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act; and (B) issue the rule required by this subsection in final form not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Effective Date.--Subsection (b) shall take effect 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, whether or not a final rule is issued under subsection (c), and the failure to issue such rule shall in no way affect the enforceability of this section. SEC. 5. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. (a) Securities Act of 1933.--Section 3(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77c(a)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (2)-- (A) by striking ``section 3(c)(3)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(2)''; and (B) by striking ``section 3(c)(14)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(12)''; (2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``section 3(c)(10)(B)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(8)(B)''; and (3) in paragraph (13), by striking ``section (3)(c)(14)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(12)''. (b) Securities Exchange Act of 1934.--The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is amended-- (1) in section 3(a) (15 U.S.C. 78c(a))-- (A) in paragraph (12)(A)-- (i) in clause (iii), by striking ``section 3(c)(3)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(2)''; (ii) in clause (v), by striking ``section 3(c)(10)(B)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(8)(B)''; and (iii) in clause (vi), by striking ``section 3(c)(14)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(12)''; (B) in paragraph (12)(C), by striking ``section 3(c)(14)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(12)''; and (C) in paragraph (54)(A)-- (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``exclusion from the definition of investment company pursuant to section 3(c)(7)'' and inserting ``exemption under section 6(a)(7)''; and (ii) in clause (vii), by striking ``section 3(c)(2)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(1)''; (2) in section 3(g) (15 U.S.C. 78c(g)) by striking ``section 3(c)(14)'' each place that term appears and inserting ``section 3(c)(12)''; and (3) in section 12(g)(2) (15 U.S.C. 78l(g)(2))-- (A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``section 3(c)(10)(B)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(8)(B)''; and (B) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``section 3(c)(14)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(12)''. (c) Investment Company Act of 1940.--The Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-1 et seq.) is amended-- (1) in section 2(a)(51) (15 U.S.C. 80a-2(a)(51))-- (A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``excepted under section 3(c)(7)'' and inserting ``exempt under section 6(a)(7)''; and (B) in subparagraph (C)-- (i) by striking ``that, but for the exceptions provided for in paragraph (1) or (7) of section 3(c), would be an investment company (hereafter in this paragraph referred to as an `excepted investment company')'' and inserting ``that is exempt under paragraph (6) or (7) of section 6(a) (hereafter in this paragraph referred to as an `exempt investment company')''; (ii) by striking ``section 3(c)(1)(A)'' and inserting ``section 6(a)(6)(B)(i)''; and (iii) by striking ``excepted'' each place that term appears and inserting ``any exempt''; (2) in section 6 (15 U.S.C. 80a-6)-- (A) in subsection (a)-- (i) in paragraph (2), by striking ``section 3(c)(1)'' and inserting ``section 6(a)(6)''; and (ii) in paragraph (5)(A)(iv), by striking ``that would be an investment company except for the exclusions from the definition of the term `investment company' under paragraph (1) or (7) of section 3(c)'' and inserting ``that is exempt under paragraph (6) or (7) of section 6(a)''; and (B) in subsection (f), by striking ``excluded from the definition of an investment company by section 3(c)(1)'' and inserting ``exempt under section 6(a)(6)''; (3) in section 7(e) (15 U.S.C. 80a-7(e)), by striking ``section 3(c)(10)(B)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(8)(B)''; and (4) in section 30 (15 U.S.C. 80a-29) in each of subsections (i) and (j), by striking ``section 3(c)(14)'' each place that term appears and inserting ``section 3(c)(12)''. (d) Investment Advisers Act of 1940.--The Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b-1 et seq.) is amended-- (1) in section 203(b) (15 U.S.C. 80b-3(b))-- (A) in paragraph (4) by striking ``section 3(c)(10)'' each place that term appears and inserting ``section 3(c)(8)''; and (B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``section 3(c)(14)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(12)''; and (2) in section 205(b) (15 U.S.C. 80b-5(b))-- (A) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``section 3(c)(11)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(9)''; and (B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``excepted from the definition of an investment company under section 3(c)(7)'' and inserting ``exempt under section 6(a)(7)''. (e) Internal Revenue Code of 1986.--Section 851(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to the definition of regulated investment company) is amended by striking ``section 3(c)(3)'' and inserting ``section 3(c)(2)''.

Summary: Hedge Fund Transparency Act - Amends the Investment Company Act of 1940, Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Internal Revenue Code to convert exceptions to the definition of an investment company into exemptions from mandatory registration as one. Exempts an investment company with assets, or assets under management, of at least $50 million from ordinary registration and filing requirements only if that company: (1) registers with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); (2) files with the SEC a specified annual electronic information form, made available to the public, concerning ownership structure, investors, primary accountant and broker, and current assets value; (3) maintains such books and records as the SEC may require; and (4) cooperates with any request for information or examination by the SEC. Requires any investment company meeting such exemption requirements to establish an anti-money laundering program, according to rules prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, and report suspicious transactions. Requires such rules to require exempted investment companies to use risk-based due diligence policies, procedures, and controls reasonably designed to ascertain the identity of, and evaluate, any foreign person that supplies funds, or plans to supply funds, to be invested with the investment company's advice or assistance. Requires such rules also to require exempted investment companies to comply with the same requirements as other financial institutions for producing records requested by a federal regulator, particularly within 120 hours of receiving such a request.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``ESA Improvement Act of 2014''. SEC. 2. ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES STATE PROTECTIVE ACTIONS. Section 4(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1), in the first sentence, by striking ``The Secretary shall'' and inserting ``Except as provided in paragraph (3), the Secretary shall''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(3) State protective action.-- ``(A) Exclusion from lists.--The Secretary shall not include in a list under this subsection any population of a species in a State if the Secretary has approved a State Protective Action for such population in accordance with this paragraph. ``(B) Publication of notice.--Not later than 90 days before proposing to add a species to a list under this subsection, the Secretary shall notify each State in which a population of the species occurs of the opportunity to submit to the Secretary a proposed State Protective Action for the species in that State, including specification of the criteria for approval of such an action under this paragraph. ``(C) Submission by state.--Each State notified under subparagraph (B), or group of such States, may submit to the Secretary a proposed State Protective Action for the species in such State or States within the period specified by the Secretary for the submission of public comment regarding the inclusion of the species in the list. ``(D) Guidance to states.--During preparation of a proposed State Protective Action under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall provide guidance to the State regarding such preparation. ``(E) Approval or disapproval; resubmission.--The Secretary shall-- ``(i) approve or disapprove a proposed State Protective Action by not later than 45 days after the date it is submitted; ``(ii) approve such an action if the Secretary determines that it meets the criteria specified for approval in the notification under subparagraph (B); ``(iii) upon disapproving such an action-- ``(I) provide the written comments explaining specifically why the action was not approved; ``(II) allow the proposed action to be resubmitted at any time before the end of the 45-day period beginning on the date the Secretary provides such comments; and ``(III) by not later than 30 days after the end of such period, issue a final decision regarding the proposed action. ``(F) Limitation on final listing.--The Secretary may not add a population of a species to a list before the date the Secretary has made a final determination regarding approval of each State Protective Action for such population that has been submitted in accordance with this paragraph. ``(G) Qualification for grants.--For purposes of subsection (d), a State Protective Action approved by the Secretary under this paragraph shall be treated as a cooperative agreement entered into pursuant to this subsection. ``(H) Review of plans.--Every 5 years after approving a State Protective Action, the Secretary shall review the implementation and effectiveness of the action, and if necessary provide guidance on improvements or revisions that are required to maintain the Secretary's approval of the action. ``(I) Revocation of approval.--The Secretary may revoke approval of a State Protective Action for a population and propose adding such species to a list under this subsection if at any time after completion of the first review under subparagraph (H) the Secretary determines that-- ``(i) the State has failed to implement the action; or ``(ii) the action has failed to make measurable progress toward achieving the recovery criteria for the population. ``(J) Termination.--The Secretary may terminate the effectiveness of a State Protective Action approved under this paragraph, including review regarding the action under subparagraph (H), if the Secretary determines that recovery criteria for the population have been achieved.''.

Summary: ESA Improvement Act of 2014 - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prohibit the Secretary of the Interior from adding a species to the list of endangered and threatened species: (1) if the Secretary has approved a State Protective Action (SPA) for such species, and (2) before the Secretary has made a final determination regarding approval of an SPA. Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify each state of the opportunity to submit an SPA prior to proposing to add a species to the federal list of endangered and threatened species, and (2) provide guidance to states regarding the preparation of an SPA. Establishes a process for approving or disapproving a proposed SPA. Requires the Secretary to review the implementation and effectiveness of an SPA every five years and, if necessary, provide guidance on improvements or revisions that are required to maintain the Secretary's approval of the SPA. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) revoke approval of an SPA and propose adding a species to the federal list if the state has failed to implement the SPA or the SPA failed to make measurable progress toward meeting the recovery criteria for the species, and (2) terminate the effectiveness of an approved SPA if the recovery criteria for the species have been met.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Security and Liberty Preservation Act''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and the continuing threat of further attacks, are an assault on the safety and security of all Americans. (2) The threat of further acts of terrorism has necessitated an expansion of the authority of government to conduct surveillance and collect data. (3) While recognizing the need for additional security measures, Americans remain deeply committed to the individual dignity, liberty, and privacy rooted in United States history and protected by the Constitution of the United States. (4) Different investigative technologies and methods can achieve the same security goals in ways that have substantially different impacts on individual rights. (5) The government should conduct investigations and surveillance in a manner that fully addresses law enforcement and national security needs in the manner that best preserves the personal dignity, liberty, and privacy of individuals within the United States. SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION. (a) Establishment.--There is established the Commission on Enhancing Security and Preserving Freedom (in this Act referred to as the ``Commission''). (b) Membership.-- (1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 17 members of whom-- (A) five shall be representatives of the Federal Government, including-- (i) the Attorney General, or the Attorney General's designee; (ii) the Secretary of the Treasury, or the Secretary's designee; (iii) the Secretary of Commerce, or the Secretary's designee; (iv) the Director of Central Intelligence, or the Director's designee; and (v) the Director of Homeland Security, or the Director's designee; (B) four shall be appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate; (C) two shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; (D) four shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and (E) two shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. (2) Limitation on designees.--An individual may not be designated for membership on the Commission under paragraph (1)(A) unless the individual holds a position in the United States Government by appointment of the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. (3) Appointments by congressional leadership.-- (A) Requirements.--Of the individuals appointed under subparagraphs (B) through (E) of paragraph (1)-- (i) at least one shall be an officer or employee of a State law enforcement agency; and (ii) at least one shall be an officer or employee of a local law enforcement agency. (B) Limitation.--No individual may be appointed under subparagraphs (B) through (E) of paragraph (1) if the individual is an officer or employee of the Federal Government or an active member of the uniformed services. (C) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that in making appointments to the Commission under subparagraphs (B) through (E) of paragraph (1) the Members of Congress referred to in such subparagraphs should seek to appoint individuals with varying viewpoints on and areas of expertise in the matters to be covered by the Commission, including individuals from the technology industry, non-profit entities, and academia. (c) Period of Appointment; Vacancies.--Members of the Commission shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. (d) Security Clearances.-- (1) In general.--Each individual appointed to the Commission under subparagraphs (B) through (E) of subsection (d)(1) shall possess a security clearance appropriate for the work of the Commission under this Act. (2) Failure to secure clearance.-- (A) Initial appointments.--If an individual initially appointed under subparagraphs (B) through (E) of subsection (d)(1) without a security clearance does not secure a security clearance by the commencement of the work of the Commission, the appointment shall be deemed vacant. (B) Appointments to vacancies.--If an individual appointed to a vacancy in a position under subparagraphs (B) through (E) of subsection (d)(1) without a security clearance does not secure a security clearance within a reasonable period (as determined by the Commission), the appointment shall be deemed vacant. (3) Processing of clearances.--The Attorney General shall seek to ensure the timely processing of any applications for security clearances for purposes of this subsection. (e) Chairman.--The Commission shall select a Chairman from among its members. (f) Initial Meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date on which nine members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission shall hold its first meeting. (g) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairman. (h) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings. SEC. 4. DUTIES OF COMMISSION. (a) Investigation.--The Commission shall conduct a thorough investigation of the following: (1) Standards for using, selecting, and operating investigative and surveillance technologies to meet law enforcement and national security needs in the manner that best preserves the personal dignity, liberty, and privacy of individuals within the United States. (2) The advisability of establishing within the Government one or more entities or procedures to ensure that the Government uses investigative and surveillance technologies to meet law enforcement and national security needs in the manner that best preserves the personal dignity, liberty, and privacy of individuals within the United States. (b) Report.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the initial meeting of the Commission, the Commission shall submit to the President and Congress a report which shall contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its recommendations for such legislation and administrative actions as it considers appropriate. (2) Form of report.--The report under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. (c) Investigative and Surveillance Technologies Defined.--In this section, the term ``investigative and surveillance technologies'' means technologies that may be used by the Federal Government, and by State and local governments, to monitor and collect information about individuals in the absence of reasonable, articulable suspicion of criminal activity, including-- (1) Internet surveillance technologies; (2) data mining technologies; (3) surveillance camera technologies; (4) x-ray body scan technologies; (5) biometric technologies; and (6) other technologies identified by the Commission for purposes of this Act. SEC. 5. POWERS OF COMMISSION. (a) Hearings.-- (1) In general.--The Commission or, at its direction, any subcommittee or member of the Commission, may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act-- (A) hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, receive such evidence, administer such oaths; and (B) require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books, records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, documents, tapes, and materials, as the Commission or such subcommittee or member considers advisable. (2) Public meetings.--To the maximum extent practicable, the meetings of the Commission shall be open to the public. (3) Closed meetings.-- (A) In general.--Meetings of the Commission may be closed to the public under section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) or other applicable law. (B) Additional authority.--In addition to the authority under subparagraph (A), paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 10(a) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to any portion of a Commission meeting if the President determines that such portion or portions of that meeting is likely to disclose matters that could endanger national security. If the President makes such determination, the requirements relating to a determination under section 10(d) of that Act shall apply. (4) Public summary of closed proceedings.--Whenever practicable, the Commission shall maintain and make available for public inspection an unclassified summary of any classified information considered by the Commission and of any classified meeting or proceeding conducted by the Commission. (b) Issuance and Enforcement of Subpoenas.-- (1) Issuance.--Subpoenas issued under subsection (a) shall bear the signature of the Chairman of the Commission and shall be served by any person or class of persons designated by the Chairman for that purpose. (2) Enforcement.--In the case of contumacy or failure to obey a subpoena issued under subsection (a), the United States district court for the judicial district in which the subpoenaed person resides, is served, or may be found may issue an order requiring such person to appear at any designated place to testify or to produce documentary or other evidence. Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as a contempt of court. (c) Witness Allowances and Fees.--Section 1821 of title 28, United States Code, shall apply to witnesses requested or subpoenaed to appear at any hearing of the Commission. The per diem and mileage allowances for witnesses shall be paid from funds available to pay the expenses of the Commission. (d) Procedures.--The Commission may adopt procedures for the work of the Commission under this Act. Any portion of such procedures relating to the treatment of confidential or classified information shall not go into effect until jointly approved by the Attorney General and the Director of Central Intelligence. (e) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this Act. Upon request of the Chairman of the Commission, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission. (f) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government. (g) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. SEC. 6. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS. (a) Compensation of Members.--Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation for their service as members of the Commission. All members of the Commission who are officers or employees of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services as officers or employees of the United States. (b) Travel Expenses.--The members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission. (c) Staff.-- (1) In general.--The Chairman of the Commission may, without regard to the civil service laws and regulations, appoint and terminate an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties. The employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission. (2) Compensation.--The Chairman of the Commission may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. (3) Security clearances.--The executive director and any other personnel of the Commission shall possess security clearances appropriate for the work of the Commission. (d) Detail of Government Employees.--Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. (e) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--The Chairman of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals which do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. SEC. 7. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION. The Commission shall terminate 60 days after the date on which the Commission submits its report under section 4(b). SEC. 8. FUNDING. (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2003, 2004, and 2005 such sums as may be necessary for the Commission to carry out this Act in such fiscal year. (b) Transfer of Funds.--If no funds are appropriated to the Commission by the end of the session of Congress ending in a fiscal year specified in subsection (a), the Secretary of Commerce shall, from amounts appropriated or otherwise available to the Secretary for such fiscal year, transfer to the Commission an amount necessary to permit the Commission to carry out this Act in such fiscal year. (c) Availability.--Any amounts appropriated to the Commission under subsection (a), or transferred to the Commission under subsection (b), shall remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until expended.

Summary: Security and Liberty Preservation Act - Establishes the Commission on Enhancing Security and Preserving Freedom to conduct a thorough investigation of: (1) standards for using, selecting, and operating investigative and surveillance technologies to meet law enforcement and national security needs in the manner that best preserves the personal dignity, liberty, and privacy of individuals within the United States; and (2) the advisability of establishing Government entities or procedures to ensure that the Government complies with such standards.


SECTION 1. FIRE-RETARDANT MATERIALS EXEMPTION. Section 3503 of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: ``Sec. 3503. Fire-retardant materials ``(a)(1) A passenger vessel of the United States having berth or stateroom accommodations for at least 50 passengers shall be granted a certificate of inspection only if-- ``(A) the vessel is constructed of fire-retardant materials; and ``(B) the vessel-- ``(i) is operating engines, boilers, main electrical distribution panels, fuel tanks, oil tanks, and generators that meet current Coast Guard regulations; ``(ii) is operating boilers and main electrical generators that are contained within noncombustible enclosures equipped with fire suppression systems; and ``(iii) has multiple forms of egress off the vessel's bow and stern. ``(2) Before December 1, 2028, this section does not apply to any vessel in operation before January 1, 1968, and operating only within the Boundary Line. ``(b)(1) When a vessel is exempted from the fire-retardant standards of subsection (a)-- ``(A) the owner or managing operator of the vessel shall-- ``(i) notify in writing prospective passengers, prior to the sale of any ticket for boarding and to be affirmatively recognized by such passenger prior to purchase, and any crew member that the vessel does not comply with applicable fire safety standards due primarily to the wooden construction of passenger berthing areas; and ``(ii) display in clearly legible font prominently throughout the vessel, including in each state room the following: `THIS VESSEL FAILS TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE U.S. COAST GUARD.'; ``(B) the owner or managing operator of the vessel-- ``(i) may not disclaim liability to a passenger or crew member for death, injury, or any other loss caused by fire due to the negligence of the owner or managing operator; and ``(ii) shall acquire prior to entering service, and maintain, liability insurance in an amount to be prescribed by the Federal Maritime Commission; ``(C) the penalties provided in section 3504(c) of this title apply to a violation of this subsection; ``(D) the owner or managing operator of the vessel shall-- ``(i) make annual structural alteration to not less than 10 percent of the areas of the vessel that are not constructed of fire retardant materials; ``(ii) prioritize alterations in galleys, engineering areas of the vessel, including all spaces and compartments containing, or adjacent to spaces and compartments containing, engines, boilers, main electrical distribution panels, fuel tanks, oil tanks, and generators; ``(iii) ensure, to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard, that the combustible fire-load has been reduced pursuant to clause (i) during each annual inspection for certification; and ``(iv) provide advance notice to the Coast Guard regarding the structural alterations made pursuant to clause (i) and comply with any noncombustible material requirements prescribed by the Coast Guard; ``(E) the Coast Guard, in making the determination required in subparagraph (D)(iii), shall consider, to the extent practicable, the goal of preservation of the historic integrity of the vessel in areas carrying or accessible to passengers or generally visible to the public; ``(F) the owner or managing operator of the vessel shall annually notify all ports of call and State emergency management offices of jurisdiction that the vessel does not comply with applicable fire safety standards due primarily to the wooden construction of passenger berthing areas; ``(G) the crews manning such vessel shall receive specialized training, above minimum standards, in regards to shipboard firefighting that is specialized for exempted vessels and approved by the Coast Guard; and ``(H) the owner or managing operator of the vessel shall, to the extent practicable, take all steps to retain previously trained crew knowledgeable of such vessel or to hire crew trained in operations aboard exempted vessels. ``(2) The Secretary shall conduct an annual audit and inspection of any vessel exempted from the fire-retardant standards of subsection (a). ``(c) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section. Such regulations shall include the manner in which prospective passengers are to be notified. ``(d) In addition to other penalties permitted by law, the Secretary is authorized to immediately withdraw a certificate of inspection for a passenger vessel that does not comply with any requirement under this section.''.

Summary: This bill revises the requirements for passenger vessels that are exempt from fire-retardant materials standards. Vessels in operation before January 1, 1968, that operate within inland waterways are exempt from the new requirements until December 1, 2028. Exempt vessel operators must follow certain requirements including notifying prospective passengers in writing prior to the sale of any ticket for boarding and making annual structural alterations to at least 10% of areas of the vessel that are not constructed of fire-retardant materials. Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DOT)must conduct an annual inspection of any vessel that is exempted from fire-retardant materials standards.DOTmay withdraw a certificate of inspection for any vessel that does not comply with requirements under this bill.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Renewable Fuels Pipelines Act of 2009''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS. Congress finds that-- (1) creating the appropriate infrastructure to move renewable fuels is a necessary energy and transportation objective for the United States; (2) as of the date of enactment of this Act, more than 70 percent of the gasoline supply of the United States is delivered to local terminals through pipelines; (3) pipelines are the most cost-effective, efficient, and safe transportation mode in use in 2009 to deliver large volumes of liquid fuels; (4) as of the date of enactment of this Act, renewable fuels are transported by truck, barge, and rail, and the volume requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17001 et seq.), and the amendments made by that Act, will require an expansion of the renewable fuels infrastructure; (5) the transportation of renewable fuels through a pipeline will facilitate the meeting of the volume requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17001 et seq.) and the amendments made by that Act; and (6) the production and use of renewable fuels is supported by Federal policy and a corresponding Federal policy is necessary to support the construction of an appropriate infrastructure to transport those fuels. SEC. 3. LOAN GUARANTEES FOR PROJECTS TO CONSTRUCT RENEWABLE FUEL PIPELINES. (a) Definitions.--Section 1701 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16511) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(6) Renewable fuel.--The term `renewable fuel' has the meaning given the term in section 211(o)(1) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(o)(1)), as in effect on January 1, 2009, except that the term includes ethanol and biodiesel. ``(7) Renewable fuel pipeline.--The term `renewable fuel pipeline' means a common carrier pipeline for transporting renewable fuel in accordance with this title.''. (b) Specific Appropriation or Contribution.--Section 1702(b) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16512(b)) is amended by striking ``No'' and inserting ``Except with respect to a project described in section 1703(f), no''. (c) Amount.--Section 1702(c) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16512(c)) is amended-- (1) by striking ``(c) Amount.--Unless'' and inserting the following: ``(c) Amount.-- ``(1) In general.--Unless''; and (2) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Renewable fuel pipelines.--With respect to a project described in section 1703(f)-- ``(A) a guarantee by the Secretary shall not exceed an amount equal to 90 percent of the project cost of the renewable fuel pipeline that is the subject of the guarantee, as estimated at the time at which the guarantee is issued; and ``(B) the Secretary may make more than 1 guarantee for the project, to the extent that the sum of all guarantees for the project does not exceed an amount equal to 90 percent of the project cost of the renewable fuel pipeline that is the subject of the guarantees, as estimated any time after the original guarantee is issued.''. (d) Eligible Projects.--Section 1703 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16513) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(f) Renewable Fuel Pipelines.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make guarantees under this title for projects to construct renewable fuel pipelines without regard to any limitation imposed by this section other than a limitation imposed by this subsection. ``(2) Guarantee determinations.--In determining whether to make a guarantee for a project described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the following: ``(A) The volume of renewable fuel to be moved by the renewable fuel pipeline. ``(B) The size of the markets to be served by the renewable fuel pipeline. ``(C) The existence of sufficient storage to facilitate access to the markets to be served by the renewable fuel pipeline. ``(D) The proximity of the renewable fuel pipeline to renewable fuel production facilities. ``(E) The investment in terminal infrastructure of the entity carrying out the proposed project to construct a renewable fuel pipeline. ``(F) The history and experience working with renewable fuel of the entity carrying out the proposed project to construct a renewable fuel pipeline. ``(G) The ability of the entity carrying out the proposed project to construct a renewable fuel pipeline to ensure and maintain the quality of the renewable fuel through the terminal system of the entity and through the dedicated pipeline system. ``(H) The ability of the entity carrying out the proposed project to construct a renewable fuel pipeline to complete such proposed project in a timely manner. ``(I) The ability of the entity carrying out the proposed project to construct a renewable fuel pipeline to secure property rights-of-way. ``(J) Other criteria the Secretary determines appropriate for consideration. ``(3) Loan guarantee for preliminary stage.-- ``(A) In general.--The Secretary-- ``(i) shall evaluate a project to assemble a renewable fuel pipeline under this title as a complete project; but ``(ii) as a result of the size and nature of the project, the Secretary may make a guarantee under this title for an initial loan to assemble the renewable fuel pipeline at a preliminary stage in the loan approval process for the complete project. ``(B) Amount.--The amount of a loan that is guaranteed at the preliminary stage of a renewable fuel pipeline project under this paragraph-- ``(i) shall not exceed 2 percent of the total amount of loan guarantees made for the complete project; and ``(ii) shall be incorporated into the total amount of loan guarantees made for the complete project. ``(C) Required information.--To be eligible to obtain a loan guarantee at the preliminary stage of a renewable fuel pipeline project under this paragraph, the applicant shall provide to the Secretary-- ``(i) a route description for the project, including a centerline map of the proposed pipeline route subject to field verification and right-of-way acquisition (with a margin of error of 10 miles); ``(ii) a construction cost estimate and schedule for completion of the project; ``(iii) an environmental review of the impact of the project on sensitive areas, including likely mitigation strategies and a plan for conducting the necessary environmental impact statements; and ``(iv) a business plan that includes-- ``(I) a market assessment; ``(II) an economic analysis; and ``(III) an analysis of any required pipeline connections to biorefineries, terminal locations, and other terminal connections. ``(D) Supporting information.--In making a loan guarantee at the preliminary stage of a renewable fuel pipeline project under this paragraph, the Secretary shall consider whether an applicant provides to the Secretary-- ``(i) a comprehensive project plan that includes a full work plan; ``(ii) a full engineering summary; ``(iii) a detailed assessment of the ability of the applicant to complete the project in a timely manner; ``(iv) a right of way acquisition plan; ``(v) appropriate environmental studies; and ``(vi) a plan for acquiring necessary permits. ``(4) Eminent domain.-- ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary may provide to the owner of a renewable fuel pipeline under this title the same rights of eminent domain that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is authorized to provide to a natural gas company under section 7(h) of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717f(h)). ``(B) Certificate of public convenience and necessity.--An owner of a renewable fuel pipeline under this title shall not be required to hold a certificate of public convenience and necessity, or any comparable certificate, to exercise the rights of eminent domain under this title. ``(5) Renewable fuel pipeline ratemaking methodology.-- Consistent with the ratemaking methodology used for a natural gas company under the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717 et seq.), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall have jurisdiction over the ratemaking methodology used for renewable fuel transported by pipeline.''. (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1704 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16514) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to provide up to $5,000,000,000 in loan guarantees under this title for projects described in section 1703(f).''. (f) Temporary Program for Rapid Deployment of Renewable Energy and Electric Power Transmission Projects.--Section 1705(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16516(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(4) Renewable fuel pipelines.''. SEC. 4. FINAL RULE. Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy shall-- (1) publish in the Federal Register a final rule for carrying out a guarantee program for the construction of renewable fuel pipelines under title XVII of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (22 U.S.C. 16511 et seq.) in accordance with the amendments made by this Act; or (2) modify rules and regulations applicable as of the date of enactment of this Act to the guarantee program under that title in accordance with the amendments made by this Act.

Summary: Renewable Fuels Pipelines Act of 2009 - Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to allow federally-guaranteed loans for renewable fuel pipeline construction without regard to whether an appropriation for the cost has been made. Includes ethanol and biodiesel as renewable fuel. Allows a maximum guarantee by the Secretary of Energy of 90% of the pipeline project cost and more than one guarantee for a project (as long as the total guaranteed amount does not exceed 90%). Sets forth factors to be considered in guarantee determinations, including volume and quality of fuel, size of markets served, experience of the entity working with renewable fuel, and associated storage, production, and terminal facilities. Authorizes the Secretary to evaluate a project to assemble a renewable fuel pipeline as a complete project and, as a result of the size and nature of the project, to make a guarantee for an initial loan at a preliminary stage in the loan approval process for the complete project.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as ``Health Care for Young Adults Act of 2005''. SEC. 2. PROVIDING STATE OPTION FOR SCHIP AND MEDICAID COVERAGE OF YOUNG ADULTS UP TO AGE 23. (a) In General.-- (1) Medicaid.--(A) Section 1902(l)(1)(D) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(l)(1)(D)) is amended by inserting ``(or, at the option of the State, who have not attained 20, 21, or 22 years of age, as the State may elect)'' after ``have not attained 19 years of age''. (B) Clause (i) of section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396d(a)) is amended by striking ``under the age of 21, or, at the option of the State, under the age of 20, 19, or 18 as the State may choose'' and inserting ``under the age of 23, or, at the option of the State, under the age of 22, 21, 20, 19, or 18 as the State may elect''. (2) SCHIP.--Section 2110(c)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397jj(c)(1)) is amended by inserting after ``19 years of age'' the following: ``(or, at the option of the State and subject to the availability of additional allotments under section 2104(d), 20, 21, 22, or 23 years of age)''. (b) Additional SCHIP Allotments for Providing Coverage of Optional Young Adults.-- (1) In general.--Section 2104 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd) is amended by inserting after subsection (c) the following: ``(d) Additional Allotments for the Provision of Coverage to Optional Young Adults.-- ``(1) Appropriation; total allotment.--For the purpose of providing additional allotments to States under this title, there is appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009, $500,000,000. ``(2) State and territorial allotments.--In addition to the allotments provided under subsections (b) and (c), subject to paragraph (3), of the amount available for the additional allotments under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall allot to each State with a State child health plan approved under this title-- ``(A) in the case of such a State other than a commonwealth or territory described in subparagraph (B), the same proportion as the proportion of the State's allotment under subsection (b) (determined without regard to subsection (f)) to the total amount of the allotments under subsection (b) for such States eligible for an allotment under this paragraph for such fiscal year; and ``(B) in the case of a commonwealth or territory described in subsection (c)(3), the same proportion as the proportion of the commonwealth's or territory's allotment under subsection (c) (determined without regard to subsection (f)) to the total amount of the allotments under subsection (c) for commonwealths and territories eligible for an allotment under this paragraph for such fiscal year. ``(3) Use of additional allotment.--Additional allotments provided under this subsection are not available for amounts expended before October 1, 2005. Such amounts are available for amounts expended on or after such date only for-- ``(A) expenditures described in section 1905(u)(4)(A); and ``(B) child health assistance for individuals who are targeted low-income children and over 18 years of age and who are low-income children only because of an election by the State under section 2110(c)(1).''. (2) Conforming amendments.--Section 2104 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1397dd) is amended-- (A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting ``subject to subsection (d),'' after ``under this section,''; (B) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ``and subsection (d)'' after ``Subject to paragraph (4)''; and (C) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``subject to subsection (d),'' after ``for a fiscal year,''. (c) Modification of Medicaid Caps for Territories.--Section 1108 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1308) is amended-- (1) in subsection (f), by striking ``subsection (g)'' and inserting ``subsections (g) and (h)''; and (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(h) The Secretary shall provide for such increase in the limitations under subsections (f) and (g) with respect to each of the territories as may be necessary for each such territory to provide for an expansion of medicaid coverage to young adults described in section 1902(l)(1)(D).''. (d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section apply to items and services furnished on or after October 1, 2005, without regard to whether regulations implementing such amendments have been promulgated. SEC. 3. GRANTS TO IMPLEMENT MEDICAID AND SCHIP EXPANSIONS. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide for grants to States (as defined for purposes of titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act) in order to enable such States to implement expansions of eligibility for children and young adults their State medicaid plans under title XIX of the Social Security Act and State child health plans under title XXI of such Act. Such grants shall be available for planning, implementation, and outreach with respect to such expanded eligibility populations. (b) Terms and Conditions.--Grants under this section shall be made available under such terms and conditions, including the approval of a grant application, as the Secretary shall specify. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to provide for grants under this section.

Summary: Health Care for Young Adults Act of 2005 - Amends titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (State Children's Health Insurance Program) to permit states to provide Medicaid and SCHIP coverage of low-income youth up to age 23. Provides for additional SCHIP allotments for the provision of coverage to optional young adults. Amends SSA title XI to modify Medicaid caps for territories. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for grants to states in order to enable them to implement expansions of eligibility for children and young adults in their state Medicaid and state SCHIP plans.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Pet and Women Safety Act of 2017''. SEC. 2. PET INVOLVEMENT IN CRIMES RELATED TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND STALKING. (a) Interstate Stalking.--Section 2261A of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)(A)-- (A) in clause (ii), by striking ``or'' at the end; and (B) by inserting after clause (iii) the following: ``(iv) the pet of that person; or''; and (2) in paragraph (2)(A)-- (A) by inserting after ``to a person'' the following: ``or a pet''; and (B) by striking ``or (iii)'' and inserting ``(iii), or (iv)''. (b) Interstate Violation of Protection Order.--Section 2262 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting after ``another person'' the following: ``or the pet of that person''; and (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting after ``proximity to, another person'' the following ``or the pet of that person''; and (2) in subsection (b)(5), by inserting after ``in any other case,'' the following: ``including any case in which the offense is committed against a pet,''. (c) Restitution To Include Veterinary Services.--Section 2264 of title 18, United States Code, is amended in subsection (b)(3)-- (1) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (G); (2) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``and'' at the end; and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following: ``(F) veterinary services relating to physical care for the victim's pet; and''. (d) Pet Defined.--Section 2266 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after paragraph (10) the following: ``(11) Pet.--The term `pet' means a domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rodent, fish, turtle, horse, or other animal that is kept for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes.''. SEC. 3. EMERGENCY AND TRANSITIONAL PET SHELTER AND HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM. (a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture (hereinafter in this section referred to as the ``Secretary''), acting in consultation with the Office of the Violence Against Women of the Department of Justice, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall award grants under this section to eligible entities to carry out programs to provide the assistance described in subsection (c) with respect to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and the pets of such victims. (b) Application.-- (1) In general.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may reasonably require, including-- (A) a description of the activities for which a grant under this section is sought; (B) such assurances as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure compliance by the entity with the requirements of this section; and (C) a certification that the entity, before engaging with any individual domestic violence victim, will disclose to the victim any mandatory duty of the entity to report instances of abuse and neglect (including instances of abuse and neglect of pets). (2) Additional requirements.--In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1), each application submitted by an eligible entity under that paragraph shall-- (A) not include proposals for any activities that may compromise the safety of a domestic violence victim, including-- (i) background checks of domestic violence victims; or (ii) clinical evaluations to determine the eligibility of such a victim for support services; (B) not include proposals that would require mandatory services for victims or that a victim obtain a protective order in order to receive proposed services; and (C) reflect the eligible entity's understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (3) Rules of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require-- (A) domestic violence victims to participate in the criminal justice system in order to receive services; or (B) eligible entities receiving a grant under this section to breach client confidentiality. (c) Use of Funds.--Grants awarded under this section may only be used for programs that provide-- (1) emergency and transitional shelter and housing assistance for domestic violence victims with pets, including assistance with respect to any construction or operating expenses of newly developed or existing emergency and transitional pet shelter and housing (regardless of whether such shelter and housing is co-located at a victim service provider or within the community); (2) short-term shelter and housing assistance for domestic violence victims with pets, including assistance with respect to expenses incurred for the temporary shelter, housing, boarding, or fostering of the pets of domestic violence victims and other expenses that are incidental to securing the safety of such a pet during the sheltering, housing, or relocation of such victims; (3) support services designed to enable a domestic violence victim who is fleeing a situation of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to-- (A) locate and secure-- (i) safe housing with the victim's pet; or (ii) safe accommodations for the victim's pet; or (B) provide the victim with pet-related services, such as pet transportation, pet care services, and other assistance; or (4) for the training of relevant stakeholders on-- (A) the link between domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and the abuse and neglect of pets; (B) the needs of domestic violence victims; (C) best practices for providing support services to such victims; (D) best practices for providing such victims with referrals to victims' services; and (E) the importance of confidentiality. (d) Grant Conditions.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall, as a condition of such receipt, agree-- (1) to be bound by the nondisclosure of confidential information requirements of section 40002(b)(2) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925(b)(2)); and (2) that the entity shall not condition the receipt of support, housing, or other benefits provided pursuant to this section on the participation of domestic violence victims in any or all of the support services offered to such victims through a program carried out by the entity using grant funds. (e) Duration of Assistance Provided to Victims.-- (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), assistance provided with respect to a pet of a domestic violence victim using grant funds awarded under this section shall be provided for a period of not more than 24 months. (2) Extension.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section may extend the 24-month period referred to in paragraph (1) for a period of not more than 6 months in the case of a domestic violence victim who-- (A) has made a good faith effort to acquire permanent housing for the victim's pet during that 24- month period; and (B) has been unable to acquire such permanent housing within that period. (f) Report to the Secretary.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which an eligible entity receives a grant under this section and each year thereafter, the entity shall submit to the Secretary a report that contains, with respect to assistance provided by the entity to domestic violence victims with pets using grant funds received under this section, information on-- (1) the number of domestic violence victims with pets provided such assistance; and (2) the purpose, amount, type of, and duration of such assistance. (g) Report to Congress.-- (1) Reporting requirement.--Not later than November 1 of each even-numbered fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that contains a compilation of the information contained in the reports submitted under subsection (f). (2) Availability of report.--The Secretary shall transmit a copy of the report submitted under paragraph (1) to-- (A) the Office on Violence Against Women of the Department of Justice; (B) the Office of Community Planning and Development of the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and (C) the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services. (h) Authorization of Appropriations.-- (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2021. (2) Limitation.--Of the amount made available under paragraph (1) in any fiscal year, not more than 5 percent may be used for evaluation, monitoring, salaries, and administrative expenses. (i) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Domestic violence victim defined.--The term ``domestic violence victim'' means a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means-- (A) a State; (B) a unit of local government; (C) an Indian tribe; or (D) any other organization that has a documented history of effective work concerning domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking (as determined by the Secretary), including-- (i) a domestic violence and sexual assault victim service provider; (ii) a domestic violence and sexual assault coalition; (iii) a community-based and culturally specific organization; (iv) any other nonprofit, nongovernmental organization; and (v) any organization that works directly with pets and collaborates with any organization referred to in clauses (i) through (iv), including-- (I) an animal shelter; and (II) an animal welfare organization. (3) Pet.--The term ``pet'' means a domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rodent, fish, turtle, horse, or other animal that is kept for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes. (4) Other terms.--Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, terms used in this section shall have the meaning given such terms in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925(a)). SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS. It is the sense of Congress that States should encourage the inclusion of protections against violent or threatening acts against the pet of a person in domestic violence protection orders.

Summary: Pet and Women Safety Act of 2017 This bill amends the federal criminal code to broaden the definition of stalking to include conduct that causes a person to experience a reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury to his or her pet. Additionally, an interstate violation of a protection order includes interstate travel with the intent to violate a protection order against a pet that is included within the scope of the protection order. The bill specifies the applicable criminal penalty—a prison term of up to five years, a fine, or both—for a person who commits an interstate violation of a protection order against a pet. With respect to a defendant who commits a domestic violence offense or an interstate violation of a protection order, mandatory restitution in the "full amount of victim's losses" includes costs incurred for veterinary services related to the pet. The bill directs the Department of Agriculture to award grants for shelter and housing assistance and support services for domestic violence victims with pets. Finally, it expresses the sense of Congress that states should include, in domestic violence protection orders, protections against violence or threats against a person's pet.