SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Sunset Wasteful Executive Expenditures and Programs Act of 2013''. SEC. 2. REQUIREMENT FOR THE COMPTROLLER GENERAL TO REVIEW EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS TO ENSURE THEY CONTINUE TO SERVE A PUBLIC NEED. (a) Amendment.--Chapter 7 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end of subchapter II the following new section: ``Sec. 721. Review of Executive departments to ensure they continue to serve a public need ``(a) Review Required.--Each year, beginning with 2014, the Comptroller General of the United States shall review three Executive departments, in the order of their creation, to identify agencies and programs within the jurisdiction of the departments that perform similar or related functions and that no longer serve a public need. The Comptroller General shall review every department at least once every five years. ``(b) Criteria.--The Comptroller General shall evaluate the efficiency and public need for each Executive department pursuant to subsection (a) using the following criteria: ``(1) The effectiveness and the efficiency of the operation of the programs carried out by each such Executive department. ``(2) Whether the programs carried out by the Executive department are cost-effective. ``(3) Whether the Executive department has acted outside the scope of its original authority, and whether the original objectives of the department have been achieved. ``(4) Whether less restrictive or alternative methods exist to carry out the functions of the Executive department. ``(5) The extent to which the jurisdiction of, and the programs administered by, the Executive department duplicate or conflict with the jurisdiction and programs of other Executive departments. ``(6) The potential benefits of consolidating programs administered by the Executive department with similar or duplicative programs of other Executive departments, and the potential for consolidating such programs. ``(7) The number and types of beneficiaries or persons served by programs carried out by the Executive department. ``(8) The extent to which any trends, developments, and emerging conditions that are likely to affect the future nature and extent of the problems or needs that the programs carried out by the Executive department are intended to address. ``(9) The extent to which the Executive department has complied with the provisions contained in sections 1115 through 1119 of this title (relating to Government performance planning and reporting). ``(10) Whether the Executive department has worked to enact changes in the law that are intended to benefit the public as a whole rather than the specific business, institution, or individuals that the department regulates. ``(11) The extent to which the Executive department has encouraged participation by the public as a whole in making its rules and decisions rather than encouraging participation solely by those it regulates. ``(12) The extent to which the public participation in rulemaking and decisionmaking of the Executive department has resulted in rules and decisions compatible with the objectives of the department. ``(13) The extent to which the Executive department complies with section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the `Freedom of Information Act'). ``(14) The extent of the regulatory, privacy, and paperwork impacts of the programs carried out by the Executive department. ``(15) The extent to which changes are necessary in the authorizing statutes of the Executive department in order that the function of the department can be performed in the most efficient and effective manner. ``(c) Annual Report and Recommended Legislation.--By February 1 of each year, beginning with February 1, 2015, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report on the results of the review of the Executive departments carried out during the preceding year. The report shall include-- ``(1) such recommendations as the Comptroller General considers necessary to facilitate the abolishment of agencies and programs within the Executive departments that perform similar or related functions that were identified pursuant to subsection (a) as no longer serving a public need; and ``(2) legislative language to implement those recommendations in a form appropriate for introduction in Congress as a bill. ``(d) Executive Department Defined.--In this section, the term `Executive department' means each department listed in section 101 of title 5, United States Code.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 7 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end of subchapter II the following new item: ``721. Review of Executive departments to ensure they continue to serve a public need.''. SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL ACTION TO ENSURE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS CONTINUE TO SERVE A PUBLIC NEED. (a) Abolishment of Departments.-- (1) In general.--Not later than December 31 of each year, beginning with December 31, 2015, the three Executive departments that were reviewed by the Comptroller General of the United States during the preceding year pursuant to section 721 of title 31, United States Code, shall be abolished. (2) Winding down.--The President, in coordination with the Secretary of each Executive department concerned, shall direct the procedures for the winding down of the operations of departments abolished under subsection (a). (3) Extension.--The date of abolishment for an Executive department may be extended for an additional two years if Congress enacts legislation extending such date by a vote of three-fifths of the House of Representatives and of the Senate. (b) Continuation of Departments.-- (1) Approval of existence.--Congress may authorize the continued existence of an Executive department scheduled for abolishment by approving or rejecting the legislation containing the recommendations of the Comptroller General with respect to that department, as submitted under section 721(c)(2) of title 31, United States Code, and introduced as a bill under subsection (c). (2) Future recommendations.--Action of Congress approving of an Executive department scheduled for abolishment does not prevent the department from being abolished in the next cycle for consideration. (c) Process for Consideration of Comptroller General's Report.-- (1) Introduction.--After February 1 of each year, beginning with 2015, the legislation containing the recommendations of the Comptroller General with respect to the Executive departments reviewed during the preceding year, as submitted in the report of the Comptroller General under section 721(c)(2) of title 31, United States Code, shall be introduced in the Senate by the Majority Leader or the Majority Leader's designee, and in the House of Representatives by the Speaker or the Speaker's designee. Upon such introduction, the bill, to be known as a ``wasteful expenditures bill'' shall be referred to appropriate committees of Congress under paragraph (2). If the wasteful expenditures bill is not introduced in accordance with the preceding sentence, then any member of Congress may introduce such bill in the member's respective House of Congress beginning on the date that is the fifth calendar day that such House is in session following the date of the submission of such aggregate legislative provisions. (2) Committee consideration.-- (A) Referral.--A wasteful expenditures bill introduced under paragraph (1) shall be referred to any appropriate committee of jurisdiction in the Senate and the House of Representatives. A committee to which a wasteful expenditures bill is referred under this paragraph and may review and comment on such bill, may report such bill to the respective House, and may not amend such bill. (B) Reporting.--Not later than 60 legislative days after the introduction of the wasteful expenditures bill, each Committee of Congress to which the wasteful expenditures bill was referred shall report the bill. (C) Discharge of committee.--If a committee to which is referred a wasteful expenditures bill has not reported such bill at the end of 60 legislative days after its introduction or at the end of the first day after there has been reported to the House involved a wasteful expenditures bill, whichever is earlier, such committee shall be deemed to have been discharged from further consideration of such bill, and such bill shall be placed on the appropriate calendar of the House involved. (3) Expedited procedure.-- (A) Consideration.-- (i) In general.--Not later than 5 legislative days after the date on which a committee has reported a wasteful expenditures bill or been discharged from consideration of a wasteful expenditures bill, the Majority Leader of the Senate, or the Majority Leader's designee, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives, or the Speaker's designee, shall move to proceed to the consideration of the wasteful expenditures bill. It shall also be in order for any member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, respectively, to move to proceed to the consideration of the wasteful expenditures bill at any time after the conclusion of such 5-day period. (ii) Motion to proceed.--A motion to proceed to the consideration of a wasteful expenditures bill is highly privileged in the House of Representatives and is privileged in the Senate and is not debatable. The motion is not subject to amendment or to a motion to postpone consideration of the wasteful expenditures bill. If the motion to proceed is agreed to, the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, shall immediately proceed to consideration of the wasteful expenditures bill without intervening motion, order, or other business, and the wasteful expenditures bill shall remain the unfinished business of the Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, until disposed of. (iii) Limited debate.--Debate on the wasteful expenditures bill and on all debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith shall be limited to not more than 10 hours, which shall be divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the wasteful expenditures bill. A motion further to limit debate on the wasteful expenditures bill is in order and is not debatable. All time used for consideration of the wasteful expenditures bill, including time used for quorum calls (except quorum calls immediately preceding a vote) and voting, shall come from the 10 hours of debate. (iv) Amendments.--No amendment to the wasteful expenditures bill shall be in order in the Senate and the House of Representatives. (v) Vote on final passage.--Immediately following the conclusion of the debate on the wasteful expenditures bill, the vote on final passage of the wasteful expenditures bill shall occur. (vi) Other motions not in order.--A motion to postpone consideration of the wasteful expenditures bill, a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business, or a motion to recommit the wasteful expenditures bill is not in order. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the wasteful expenditures bill is agreed to or not agreed to is not in order. (B) Consideration by the other house.--If, before the passage by one House of the wasteful expenditures bill that was introduced in such House, such House receives from the other House a wasteful expenditures bill as passed by such other House-- (i) the wasteful expenditures bill of the other House shall not be referred to a committee and may only be considered for final passage in the House that receives it under subparagraph (C); (ii) the procedure in the House in receipt of the wasteful expenditures bill of the other House, shall be the same as if no wasteful expenditures bill had been received from the other House; and (iii) notwithstanding subparagraph (B), the vote on final passage shall be on the wasteful expenditures bill of the other House. (C) Disposition.--Upon disposition of a wasteful expenditures bill that is received by one House from the other House, it shall no longer be in order to consider the wasteful expenditures bill that was introduced in the receiving House. (4) Legislative day.--In this section, the term ``legislative day'' means a day on which either House of Congress is in session. (5) Rules of the senate and the house of representatives.-- This section is enacted-- (A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, and is deemed to be part of the rules of each House, respectively, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in that House in the case of a wasteful expenditures bill, and it supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent with such rules; and (B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as they relate to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that House.

Summary: Sunset Wasteful Executive Expenditures and Programs Act of 2013 - Requires the Comptroller General (GAO): (1) each year, beginning in 2014, to review three executive departments to identify agencies and programs that perform similar or related functions and that no longer serve a public need; (2) to review every executive department at least once every five years; and (3) each year, beginning on February 1, 2015, to report to Congress on the results of the reviews of executive departments carried out during the preceding year with recommendations for abolishing agencies and programs that perform similar or related functions and no longer serve a public need. Abolishes by December 31 of each year, beginning with 2015, the three executive departments reviewed by the Comptroller General during the preceding year. Requires the President to direct procedures for the winding down of the operations of each abolished department. Allows Congress to authorize the continued existence of an executive department scheduled for abolishment. Sets forth the process for congressional consideration of the Comptroller General's report, including an expedited procedure for consideration of resulting legislation to be known as a wasteful expenditures bill.


SECTION 1. ELIGIBILITY. (a) Reservists Discharged Because of a Service-Connected Disability.--Section 3701(b)(5)(A) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(i)'' before ``who has''; and (2) by striking out the period at the end thereof and inserting in lieu thereof ``, or (ii) who was discharged or released from the Selected Reserve before completing 6 years of service because of a service-connected disability.''. (b) Surviving Spouses of Reservists Who Died While in Active Military, Naval, or Air Service.--The second sentence of section 3701(b)(2) of such title is amended-- (1) by inserting ``or service in the Selected Reserve'' after ``duty'' each place it appears; and (2) by striking out ``spouse shall'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``deceased spouse shall''. SEC. 2. PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY WATER AND SEWERAGE SYSTEMS. Section 3704 of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking out subsection (e); and (2) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (e) and (f), respectively. SEC. 3. REFINANCING LOANS. (a) Authority To Guarantee Home Refinance Loans for Energy Efficiency Improvements.-- (1) Loans.--(A) Section 3710(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding after paragraph (10) the following: ``(11) To refinance in accordance with subsection (e) of this section an existing loan guaranteed, insured, or made under this chapter, and to improve the dwelling securing such loan through energy efficiency improvements, as provided in subsection (d) of this section.''. (B) Section 3710(e)(1) of such title is amended by inserting ``or subsection (a)(11)'' after ``subsection (a)(8)''. (2) Fee.--Section 3729(a)(2)(E) of such title is amended by inserting ``3710(a)(11),'' after ``3710(a)(9)(B)(i),''. (b) Refinancing Adjustable Rate Mortgages to Fixed Rate Mortgages.--Section 3710(e)(1)(A) of such title is amended-- (1) by inserting ``(i)'' after ``(A); (2) by inserting ``or'' at the end of clause (i), as designated by paragraph (1) of this subsection; and (3) by adding after such clause (i), the following: ``(ii) the loan bears interest at a fixed rate that is agreed upon by the veteran and the mortgagee, and the loan being refinanced is an adjustable rate loan.''. SEC. 4. MANUFACTURED HOME LOAN INSPECTIONS. (a) Certification of Conformity With Standards.--Section 3712(h) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: ``(2) Any manufactured housing unit properly displaying a certification of conformity to all applicable Federal manufactured home construction and safety standards pursuant to section 616 of the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5415) shall be deemed to meet the standards required by paragraph (1) of this subsection.''. (b) Repeal of Inspection Requirements.--Section 3712(j) of such title is amended-- (1) by striking out ``refuses to permit the inspections provided for in subsection (h) of this section; or in the case of manufactured homes which are determined by the Secretary not to conform to the aforesaid standards; or where the manufacturer of manufactured homes''; and (2) by striking ``warranty.'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``warranty; in the case of manufactured homes which are determined by the Secretary not to conform to the standards provided for in subsection (h) of this section; or in the case of a manufacturer who has engaged in procedures or practices determined by the Secretary to be unfair or prejudicial to veterans or the Government.''. (c) Elimination of Reporting Requirement.--Section 3712(l) of such title is amended-- (1) by striking out ``the results of inspections required by subsection (h) of this section,''; and (2) by striking out ``section, and'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``section and''. SEC. 5. PROCEDURES ON DEFAULT. (a) In General.--Paragraph (7) of section 3732(c) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking out ``that was the minimum amount for which, under applicable State law, the property was permitted to be sold at the liquidation sale'' in the matter preceding subparagraph (A); (2) by striking out ``the Secretary may accept conveyance of the property to the United States for a price not exceeding'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``(i) the amount was the minimum amount for which, under applicable State law, the property was permitted to be sold at the liquidation sale, the holder shall have the option to convey the property to the United States in return for payment by the Secretary of an amount equal to''; (3) by striking out ``and'' at the end of clause (i), as so designated by paragraph (2), and inserting in lieu thereof ``or''; (4) by adding after such clause (i) the following: ``(ii) there was no minimum amount for which the property had to be sold at the liquidation sale under applicable State law, the holder shall have the option to convey the property to the United States in return for payment by the Secretary of an amount equal to the lesser of such net value or total indebtedness; and''; and (5) in subparagraph (B), by striking out ``paragraph (6)(B)'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``paragraph (6)''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (6) of such section is amended-- (1) by striking out ``either''; and (2) by striking out ``sale or acquires'' and all that follows through ``(B) the'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``sale, the''. SEC. 6. MINIMUM ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE REQUIREMENT. Section 5303A(b)(3) of title 38, United States Code, is amended-- (1) by striking out ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (E); (2) by striking out the period at the end of subparagraph (F) and inserting in lieu thereof ``; or''; and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following: ``(G) to benefits under chapter 37 of this title by reason of discharge or release from active duty as a result of a reduction in force, as determined by the Secretary of the military department concerned in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense or by the Secretary of Transportation with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy.''. Passed the House of Representatives August 1, 1994. Attest: DONNALD K. ANDERSON, Clerk.

Summary: Makes eligible for the veterans' housing loan program: (1) members of the Selected Reserve discharged or released before completion of six years of service because of a service-connected disability; and (2) surviving spouses of reservists who die while on active duty. Repeals a Federal provision prohibiting guaranteed housing loans to veterans for property not served by a public or adequate community water and sewage system. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to guarantee to refinance loans of veterans making energy efficiency improvements. Allows for the charging of a guaranteed housing loan fee for such loan. Provides for the guaranteeing of refinance loans made to change a mortgage from an adjustable to a fixed rate. Provides authority for guaranteeing loans made to purchase a manufactured home if the home displays a certification of conformity with Federal manufactured home construction and safety standards. Repeals certain inspection requirements with respect to such manufactured homes, as well as a reporting requirement concerning such inspections. Revises certain default procedures with respect to guaranteed housing loans. Excludes from certain minimum active-duty service requirements, for purposes of eligibility for veterans' guaranteed housing loans, those veterans whose discharge or release from active duty was the result of a reduction in force.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Mandate Relief Act of 1993''. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. (a) Findings.--The Congress finds that-- (1) Federal regulation of State and local governments has become increasingly extensive and intrusive in recent years; (2) such regulation has, in many instances-- (A) adversely affected the ability of State and local governments to achieve their independent responsibilities and meet their established priorities; and (B) forced State and local governments to use existing revenue sources and to generate new property tax revenues to enable them to adhere to Federal mandates; and (3) the resulting excessive fiscal burdens on State and local governments also undermine the governments' ability to attain the goals of Federal regulations. (b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this title to establish procedures to ensure that the Federal Government pays the total amount of additional costs incurred by State and local governments in complying with intergovernmental regulations that take effect on or after the date of enactment of this Act. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act-- (1) the term ``additional costs'' means the amount of costs incurred by a State or local government solely in complying with an intergovernmental regulation promulgated pursuant to a significant Federal statute concerning a particular activity that is in excess of the amount that the State or local government would incur in carrying out that activity in the absence of the regulation, but does not include any amount that a State or local government is required or permitted by law to contribute as a non-Federal share under a Federal assistance program; (2) the term ``Director'' means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget; (3) the term ``Federal agency'' means a department, agency, or instrumentality in the executive branch of the United States Government, but does not include a mixed-ownership Government corporation; (4) the term ``Federal assistance'' means assistance provided by a Federal agency to a State or local government or other public or private recipient in the form of a grant, loan, loan guarantee, property, cooperative agreement, or technical assistance, but does not include direct cash assistance to a natural person, a contract for the procurement of goods or services for the United States, or insurance; (5) the term ``intergovernmental regulation'' means a statute, or a regulation promulgated by a Federal agency pursuant to a significant statute, that-- (A) requires a State or local government to-- (i) take certain actions; or (ii) comply with certain conditions; and (B) takes effect on or after the date of enactment of this Act; (6) the term ``local government'' means-- (A) a county, city, town, village, or other general purpose political subdivision of a State; (B) a school district; and (C) a unit of local government established under State law for a particular public purpose; (7) the term ``State'' means each of the States, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. SEC. 4. COMPENSATION OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR ADDITIONAL COSTS. (a) In General.--An intergovernmental regulation may not be enforced against a State or local government with respect to a fiscal year-- (1) unless there has been made an appropriation of Federal funds, and such funds have been made available, to all State and local governments for the fiscal year in an amount that is sufficient to reimburse all State or local governments for the total amount of additional costs that will be incurred by those governments in complying with the regulation during the fiscal year; or (2) Congress approves by a two-thirds vote of the members of each House of Congress, duly chosen and sworn, a joint resolution that waives subsection (a) with respect to that intergovernmental regulation and that fiscal year. (b) Determination of Additional Costs.--For the purposes of subsection (a), the total amount of additional costs that will be incurred by State governments and local governments in complying with an intergovernmental regulation during a fiscal year shall be the total amount of such costs for compliance with the regulation estimated by the Director for the fiscal year in the report required under section 5 for the fiscal year. SEC. 5. REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR. For each fiscal year in which an intergovernmental regulation will be in effect, the Director, in consultation with representatives of State and local governments, shall prepare and submit to the President and the Congress, with the President's budget in January preceding the beginning of a fiscal year, a report that contains an estimate, for that fiscal year and the following fiscal year, of the total amount of additional costs that have been incurred or will be incurred by each State government and by each local government within each State in complying with the intergovernmental regulation. SEC. 6. PAYMENT OF REIMBURSEMENTS. (a) In General.--The head of a Federal agency that administers an intergovernmental regulation shall pay to each State and local government in each fiscal year the amount determined pursuant to this section to reimburse the State and local governments in the State for the additional costs incurred by those governments in complying with the intergovernmental regulation during the fiscal year. (b) Amount Paid by a Federal Agency to a State or Local Government.--The amount to be paid to a State or local government under subsection (a) for a fiscal year shall be the amount of additional costs specified for that State or local government in the report submitted pursuant to section 5. (c) Inapplicability of Section.--This section does not apply with respect to an intergovernmental regulation that will be in effect during a fiscal year if, with respect to that intergovernmental regulation and that fiscal year, a joint resolution described in section 4(a)(2) is in effect. SEC. 7. EFFECT OF SUBSEQUENT ENACTMENTS. No statute enacted after the date of enactment of this Act shall supersede this Act unless the statute does so in specific terms, referring to this Act, and declares that that statute supersedes this Act.

Summary: Federal Mandate Relief Act of 1993 - Prohibits the enforcement of an intergovernmental regulation against a State or local government with respect to a fiscal year: (1) unless sufficient Federal funds have been appropriated to reimburse all State or local governments for the total additional costs that will be incurred by those governments in complying with the regulation during the fiscal year; or (2) the Congress approves by a two-thirds vote of the Members of each House a joint resolution that waives such prohibition with respect to that intergovernmental regulation and that fiscal year. Specifies that the total additional costs that will be incurred by State and local governments in complying with an intergovernmental regulation during a fiscal year shall be the total compliance costs estimated by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget under this Act. Requires the Director, for each fiscal year in which an intergovernmental regulation will be in effect, to submit to the President and the Congress a report that contains an estimate for that fiscal year and the following fiscal year of the total additional costs that have been or will be incurred by each State and local government in complying with the regulation. Sets forth provisions with respect to reimbursements of State and local governments by Federal agencies.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. This Act may be cited as the ``Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2006'' or the ``Credit CARD Act of 2006''. SEC. 2. REGULATORY AUTHORITY. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System may issue such rules or publish such model forms as it considers necessary to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act, in accordance with sections 105 and 122 of the Truth in Lending Act. TITLE I--REGULATIONS REGARDING CERTAIN RATES AND FEES SEC. 101. PRIOR NOTICE OF RATE INCREASES REQUIRED. Section 127 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1637) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(h) Advance Notice of Increase in Interest Rate Required.-- ``(1) In general.--In the case of any credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan, no increase in any annual percentage rate of interest (other than an increase due to the expiration of any introductory percentage rate of interest, or due solely to a change in another rate of interest to which such rate is indexed)-- ``(A) may take effect before the beginning of the billing cycle which begins not less than 15 days after the obligor receives notice of such increase; or ``(B) may apply to any outstanding balance of credit under such plan as of the date of the notice of the increase required under paragraph (1). ``(2) Notice of right to cancel.--The notice referred to in paragraph (1) with respect to an increase in any annual percentage rate of interest shall be made in a clear and conspicuous manner and shall contain a brief statement of the right of the obligor to cancel the account before the effective date of the increase.''. SEC. 102. FREEZE ON INTEREST RATE TERMS AND FEES ON CANCELED CARDS. Section 127 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1637) is amended by inserting after subsection (h) (as added by section 101 of this title) the following new subsection: ``(i) Freeze on Interest Rate Terms and Fees on Canceled Cards.--If an obligor referred to in subsection (h) closes or cancels a credit card account before the beginning of the billing cycle referred to in subsection (h)(1)-- ``(1) an annual percentage rate of interest applicable after the cancellation with respect to the outstanding balance on the account as of the date of cancellation may not exceed any annual percentage rate of interest applicable with respect to such balance under the terms and conditions in effect before the date of the notice of any increase referred to in subsection (h)(1); and ``(2) the repayment of the outstanding balance after the cancellation shall be subject to all other terms and conditions applicable with respect to such account before the date of the notice of the increase referred to in subsection (h).''. SEC. 103. LIMITS ON FINANCE AND INTEREST CHARGES FOR ON-TIME PAYMENTS. Section 127 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1637) is amended by inserting after subsection (i) (as added by section 102 of this title) the following new subsection: ``(j) Prohibition on Penalties for On-Time Payments.-- ``(1) Prohibition on finance charges for on-time payments.--In the case of any credit card account under an open end credit plan, where no other balance is owing on the account, no finance or interest charge may be imposed with regard to any amount of a new extension of credit that was paid on or before the date on which it was due. ``(2) Prohibition on cancellation or additional fees for on-time payments or payment in full.--In the case of any credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan, no fee or other penalty may be imposed on the consumer in connection with the payment in full of an existing account balance, or payment of more than the minimum required payment of an existing account balance.''. SEC. 104. PROHIBITION ON OVER-THE-LIMIT FEES FOR CREDITOR-APPROVED TRANSACTIONS. Section 127 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1637) is amended by inserting after subsection (j) (as added by section 103 of this title) the following new subsection: ``(k) Limitation on Imposition of Over-the-Limit Fees.--In the case of any credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan, a creditor may not impose any fees on the obligor for any extension of credit in excess of the amount of credit authorized to be extended with respect to such account, if the extension of credit is made in connection with a credit transaction which the creditor approves in advance or at the time of the transaction.''. TITLE II--ENHANCED CONSUMER DISCLOSURES SEC. 201. PAYOFF TIMING DISCLOSURES. (a) In General.--Section 127(b) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1637(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(12) Repayment information.-- ``(A) In general.--Repayment information that would apply to the outstanding balance of the consumer under the credit plan, including-- ``(i) the outstanding balance in the account at the beginning of the statement period, as required by paragraph (1) of this subsection; ``(ii) the required minimum monthly payment on that balance, represented as both a dollar figure and as a percentage of that balance; ``(iii) the grace period within which payment must be made to avoid additional charges, as required by paragraph (9) of this subsection; and ``(iv) the monthly payments amount that would be required for the consumer to eliminate the outstanding balance in 36 months if no further advances are made. ``(B) Applicable annual percentage rate.-- ``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii), in making the disclosures under subparagraph (A), the creditor shall apply the annual percentage rate in effect on the date on which the disclosure is made until the date on which the balance would be paid in full. ``(ii) Exception.--If the annual percentage rate in effect on the date on which the disclosure is made is a temporary rate that will change under a contractual provision applying an index or formula for subsequent interest rate adjustment, the creditor shall apply the rate in effect on the date on which the disclosure is made for as long as that rate will apply under that contractual provision, and then apply an annual percentage rate based on the index or formula in effect on the applicable billing date.''. (b) Tabular Format Required for Disclosures.--Section 122 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1632) by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(d) Format Required for Certain Disclosures Under Section 127(b)(12).-- ``(1) Form of disclosure.--All of the information disclosed pursuant to section 127(b)(12)(A) shall-- ``(A) be disclosed in the form and manner which the Board shall prescribe by regulations under this section and in accordance with section 105; and ``(B) be placed in a conspicuous and prominent location on the billing statement in typeface that is at least as large as the largest type on the statement, but in no instance less than 12-point in size. ``(2) Tabular format.--In the regulations prescribed under paragraph (1), the Board shall require that the disclosure of such information shall be in the form of a table that-- ``(A) contains clear and concise headings for each item of such information; and ``(B) provides a clear and concise form stating each item of information required to be disclosed under each such heading. ``(3) Requirements regarding location and order of table.-- In prescribing the form of the table under paragraph (2), the Board shall require that-- ``(A) all of the information in the table, and not just a reference to the table, be placed on the billing statement, as required by this subparagraph; and ``(B) the items required to be included in the table shall be listed in the order in which such items are set forth in section 127(b)(12)(A). ``(4) Board discretion in prescribing order and wording of table.--In prescribing the form of the table under subparagraph (C), the Board may employ terminology which is different than the terminology which is employed in subparagraph (A), if such terminology is easily understood and conveys substantially the same meaning.''. (c) Civil Liability.--Section 130(a) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1640(a)) is amended, in the undesignated paragraph following paragraph (4), by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: ``In connection with the disclosures referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of section 127, a creditor shall have a liability determined under paragraph (2) only for failing to comply with the requirements of section 125, 127(a), or paragraph (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), or (11) of section 127(b), or for failing to comply with disclosure requirements under State law for any term or item that the Board has determined to be substantially the same in meaning under section 111(a)(2) as any of the terms or items referred to in section 127(a), or paragraph (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), or (12) of section 127(b). SEC. 202. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO LATE PAYMENT DEADLINES AND PENALTIES. Section 127 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1637) is amended by inserting after subsection (k) (as added by section 104 of this Act) the following new subsection: ``(l) Requirements Relating to Late Payment Deadlines and Penalties.-- ``(1) Late payment deadline and postmark date required to be disclosed.--In the case of a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan under which a late fee or charge may be imposed due to the failure of the obligor to make payment on or before the due date for such payment, the periodic statement required under subsection (b) with respect to the account shall include, in a conspicuous location on the billing statement-- ``(A) the date by which the payment must be postmarked, if paid by mail, in order to avoid the imposition of a late payment fee with respect to the payment; and ``(B) a statement that no late fee may be imposed in connection with a payment made by mail which was postmarked on or before the postmark date. ``(2) Disclosure of increase in interest rates for late payments.--If 1 or more late payments under an open end consumer credit plan may result in an increase in the annual percentage rate the account, the statement required under subsection (b) with respect to the account shall include conspicuous notice of such fact, together with the applicable penalty annual percentage rate, in close proximity to the disclosure required in paragraph (1) of the date on which payment is due under the terms of the account. ``(3) Requirements relating to postmark date.-- ``(A) In general.--The date included in a periodic statement pursuant to paragraph (1)(B) with regard to the postmark on a payment shall allow, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Board under subparagraph (B), a reasonable time for the consumer to make the payment and a reasonable time for the delivery of the payment by the due date. ``(B) Board regulations.--The Board shall prescribe guidelines for determining a reasonable period of time for making a payment and delivery of a payment for purposes of subparagraph (A), after consultation with the Postmaster General and representatives of consumer and trade organizations. ``(4) Payment at local branches.--If the creditor, in the case of a credit card account referred to in paragraph (1), is a financial institution which maintains branches or offices at which payments on any such account are accepted from the obliger in person, the date on which the obliger makes a payment on the account at such branch or office shall be considered as the date on which the payment is made for purposes of determining whether a late fee or charge may be imposed due to the failure of the obligor to make payment on or before the due date for such payment, to the extent that such payment is made before the close of business of the branch or office on the business day immediately preceding the due date for such payment.''. TITLE III--PROTECTION OF YOUNG CONSUMERS SEC. 301. EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT TO UNDERAGE CONSUMERS. Section 127(c) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1637(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(8) Applications from underage consumers.-- ``(A) Prohibition on issuance.--No credit card may be issued to, or open end credit plan established on behalf of, a consumer who has not attained the age of 21, unless the consumer has submitted a written application to the card issuer that meets the requirements of subparagraph (B). ``(B) Application requirements.--An application to open a credit card account by an individual who has not attained the age of 21 as of the date of submission of the application shall require-- ``(i) the signature of the parent, legal guardian, or spouse of the consumer, or any other individual having a means to repay debts incurred by the consumer in connection with the account, indicating joint liability for debts incurred by the consumer in connection with the account before the consumer has attained the age of 18; ``(ii) submission by the consumer of financial information indicating an independent means of repaying any obligation arising from the proposed extension of credit in connection with the account; or ``(iii) proof by the consumer that the consumer has completed a credit counseling course of instruction by a nonprofit budget and credit counseling agency approved by the Board for such purpose. ``(C) Minimum requirements for counseling agencies.--To be approved by the Board under subparagraph (B)(iii), a credit counseling agency shall, at a minimum-- ``(i) be a nonprofit budget and credit counseling agency, the majority of the board of directors of which-- ``(I) is not employed by the agency; and ``(II) will not directly or indirectly benefit financially from the outcome of a credit counseling session; ``(ii) if a fee is charged for counseling services, charge a reasonable fee, and provide services without regard to ability to pay the fee; and ``(iii) provide trained counselors who receive no commissions or bonuses based on referrals, and demonstrate adequate experience and background in providing credit counseling.''. SEC. 302. ENHANCED PENALTIES. Section 130(a)(2)(A) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1640 (a)(2)(A)(iii)) is amended---- (1) by striking ``or (iii) in the'' and inserting the following: ``(iii) in the case of an individual action relating to an open end credit plan that is not secured by real property or a dwelling, twice the amount of any finance charge in connection with the transaction, with a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $5,000 or such higher amount as may be appropriate in the case of an established pattern or practice of such failures; or ``(iv) in the''; and. (2) in clause (ii), by striking ``this subparagraph'' and inserting ``this clause''. SEC. 303. RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN AFFINITY CARDS. Section 127 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1637) is amended by inserting after subsection (l) (as added by section 202 of this Act) the following new subsection: ``(m) Restrictions on Issuance of Affinity Cards to Students.--No credit card account under an open end credit plan may be established by an individual who has not attained the age of 18 as of the date of submission of the application pursuant to any agreement relating to affinity cards, as defined by the Board, between the creditor and an institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965), unless the requirements of section 127(c)(8) are met with respect to the obliger.''.

Summary: Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2006, or the Credit CARD Act of 2006 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require advance notice of any increase in the annual percentage rate (APR) of interest pertaining a credit card account under an open end consumer credit plan. Imposes a freeze on interest rate terms and fees on canceled cards. Prohibits: (1) penalties for on-time payments; and (2) over-the-limit fees for creditor-approved transactions. Requires disclosure of: (1) the repayment information applicable to the outstanding balance; and (2) late payment deadlines, postmark dates, and any increase in interest rates for late payments. Increases the civil penalty against any creditor who fails to comply with specified requirements in the case of an individual action relating to an open end credit plan that is not secured by real property or a dwelling. Prohibits issuance of: (1) a credit card under an open end credit plan on behalf of a consumer who has not attained the age of 21, unless the consumer has submitted a written application meeting specified requirements; or (2) certain affinity cards to students unless certain requirements have been met.


TITLE I--NAVAL VESSEL TRANSFER SECTION 101. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2008''. SEC. 102. TRANSFER OF NAVAL VESSELS TO CERTAIN FOREIGN RECIPIENTS. (a) Transfers by Grant.--The President is authorized to transfer the vessels specified in paragraphs (1), (3), and (4) of section 501(a) of H.R. 5916 of the 110th Congress, as passed the House of Representatives on May 15, 2008, to the foreign recipients specified in paragraphs (1), (3), and (4) of such section, respectively, on a grant basis under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j). (b) Grants Not Counted in Annual Total of Transferred Excess Defense Articles.--The value of a vessel transferred to a recipient on a grant basis pursuant to authority provided by subsection (a) shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred in any fiscal year under section 516 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j). (c) Costs of Transfers.--Any expense incurred by the United States in connection with a transfer authorized by this section shall be charged to the recipient (notwithstanding section 516(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j(e))). (d) Repair and Refurbishment in United States Shipyards.--To the maximum extent practicable, the President shall require, as a condition of the transfer of a vessel under this section, that the recipient to which the vessel is transferred have such repair or refurbishment of the vessel as is needed, before the vessel joins the naval forces of the recipient, performed at a shipyard located in the United States, including a United States Navy shipyard. (e) Expiration of Authority.--The authority to transfer a vessel under this section shall expire at the end of the 2-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. TITLE II--UNITED STATES ARMS EXPORTS SEC. 201. ASSESSMENT OF ISRAEL'S QUALITATIVE MILITARY EDGE OVER MILITARY THREATS. (a) Assessment Required.--The President shall carry out an empirical and qualitative assessment on an ongoing basis of the extent to which Israel possesses a qualitative military edge over military threats to Israel. The assessment required under this subsection shall be sufficiently robust so as to facilitate comparability of data over concurrent years. (b) Use of Assessment.--The President shall ensure that the assessment required under subsection (a) is used to inform the review by the United States of applications to sell defense articles and defense services under the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.) to countries in the Middle East. (c) Reports.-- (1) Initial report.--Not later than June 30, 2009, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the initial assessment required under subsection (a). (2) Quadrennial report.--Not later than four years after the date on which the President transmits the initial report under paragraph (1), and every four years thereafter, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the most recent assessment required under subsection (a). (d) Certification.--Section 36 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2776) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(h) Certification Requirement Relating to Israel's Qualitative Military Edge.-- ``(1) In general.--Any certification relating to a proposed sale or export of defense articles or defense services under this section to any country in the Middle East other than Israel shall include a determination that the sale or export of the defense articles or defense services will not adversely affect Israel's qualitative military edge over military threats to Israel. ``(2) Qualitative military edge defined.--In this subsection, the term `qualitative military edge' means the ability to counter and defeat any credible conventional military threat from any individual state or possible coalition of states or from non-state actors, while sustaining minimal damages and casualties, through the use of superior military means, possessed in sufficient quantity, including weapons, command, control, communication, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities that in their technical characteristics are superior in capability to those of such other individual or possible coalition of states or non- state actors.''. (e) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate. (2) Qualitative military edge.--The term ``qualitative military edge'' has the meaning given the term in section 36(h) of the Arms Export Control Act, as added by subsection (d) of this section. SEC. 202. IMPLEMENTATION OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH ISRAEL. (a) In General.--Of the amount made available for fiscal year 2009 for assistance under the program authorized by section 23 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2763) (commonly referred to as the ``Foreign Military Financing Program''), the amount specified in subsection (b) is authorized to be made available on a grant basis for Israel. (b) Computation of Amount.--The amount referred to in subsection (a) is the amount equal to-- (1) the amount specified under the heading ``Foreign Military Financing Program'' for Israel for fiscal year 2008; plus (2) $150,000,000. (c) Other Authorities.-- (1) Availability of funds for advanced weapons systems.--To the extent the Government of Israel requests the United States to provide assistance for fiscal year 2009 for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, amounts authorized to be made available for Israel under this section shall, as agreed to by Israel and the United States, be available for such purposes, of which not less than $670,650,000 shall be available for the procurement in Israel of defense articles and defense services, including research and development. (2) Disbursement of funds.--Amounts authorized to be made available for Israel under this section shall be disbursed not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of an Act making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for fiscal year 2009, or October 31, 2008, whichever occurs later. SEC. 203. SECURITY COOPERATION WITH THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) Close and continuing defense cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea continues to be in the national security interest of the United States. (2) The Republic of Korea was designated a major non-NATO ally in 1987, the first such designation. (3) The Republic of Korea has been a major purchaser of United States defense articles and services through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, totaling $6,900,000,000 in deliveries over the last 10 years. (4) Purchases of United States defense articles, services, and major defense equipment facilitate and increase the interoperability of Republic of Korea military forces with the United States Armed Forces. (5) Congress has previously enacted important, special defense cooperation arrangements for the Republic of Korea, as in the Act entitled ``An Act to authorize the transfer of items in the War Reserves Stockpile for Allies, Korea'', approved December 30, 2005 (Public Law 109-159; 119 Stat. 2955), which authorized the President, notwithstanding section 514 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321h), to transfer to the Republic of Korea certain defense items to be included in a war reserve stockpile for that country. (6) Enhanced support for defense cooperation with the Republic of Korea is important to the national security of the United States, including through creation of a status in law for the Republic of Korea similar to the countries in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, with respect to consideration by Congress of foreign military sales to the Republic of Korea. (b) Special Foreign Military Sales Status for Republic of Korea.-- The Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.) is amended-- (1) in sections 3(d)(2)(B), 3(d)(3)(A)(i), 3(d)(5), 21(e)(2)(A), 36(b), 36(c), 36(d)(2)(A), 62(c)(1), and 63(a)(2), by inserting ``the Republic of Korea,'' before ``or New Zealand'' each place it appears; (2) in section 3(b)(2), by inserting ``the Government of the Republic of Korea,'' before ``or the Government of New Zealand''; (3) in section 21(h)(1)(A), by inserting ``the Republic of Korea,'' before ``or Israel''; and (4) in section 21(h)(2), by striking ``or to any member government of that Organization if that Organization or member government'' and inserting ``, to any member government of that Organization, or to the Governments of the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or Israel if that Organization, member government, or the Governments of the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or Israel''. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.

Summary: Title I: Naval Vessel Transfer - Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2008 - (Sec. 102) Authorizes the President to transfer on a grant basis to: (1) Pakistan, the OLIVER HAZARD PERRY class guided missile frigate MCINERNEY; (2) Chile, the KAISER class oiler ANDREW J. HIGGINS; and (3) Peru, the NEWPORT class amphibious tank landing ships FRESNO and RACINE. States that: (1) the value of such vessels transferred on a grant basis shall not be counted against the aggregate value of excess defense articles transferred to countries in any fiscal year under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961; (2) transfer costs shall be charged to the recipient; and (3) to the maximum extent practicable, the country to which a vessel is transferred shall have necessary vessel repair and refurbishment carried out at U.S. shipyards (including U.S. Navy shipyards). Terminates transfer authority two years after enactment of this Act. Title II: United States Arms Exports - (Sec. 201) Directs the President to: (1) carry out an ongoing assessment of the extent to which Israel possesses a qualitative military edge (as defined by this Act) over military threats; (2) use such assessment in reviewing applications to sell defense articles and services under the Arms Export Control Act to a Middle Eastern country other than Israel; and (3) submit an initial report on such assessment to the appropriate congressional committees by June 30, 2009, and then every four years thereafter. Amends the Arms Export Control Act to require any certification relating to a proposed sale or export of defense articles or services to a Middle Eastern country other than Israel to include a determination that such sale or export will not adversely affect Israel's qualitative military edge (as defined by this Act for purposes of this provision) over military threats. (Sec. 202) Makes specified foreign military financing program funds for FY2009 available on a grant basis for Israel. Authorizes funding in FY2009 for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, including research and development, by Israel. (Sec. 203) Amends the Arms Export Control Act to provide the Republic of Korea with special foreign military sales status, including expedited congressional review for export of U.S. defense items and services.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review Act of 2003'' or the ``JCARR Act''. SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF A JOINT COMMITTEE ON AGENCY RULE REVIEW. Section 802 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (i) and by inserting before subsection (i) the following new subsection: ``(h)(1) There is established a Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review to be composed of 12 Members of the Senate to be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate and 12 Members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In each instance, not more than 7 Members shall be members of the same political party. ``(2) In carrying out its duties under this chapter, the joint committee, or any duly authorized subcommittee thereof, is authorized to-- ``(A) hold such hearings, to sit and act at such places and times within the United States during the sessions, recesses, and adjourned periods of Congress; ``(B) require the attendance of such witnesses and the production of such books, papers, and documents, administer such oaths, take such testimony, procure such printing and binding as it deems necessary; and ``(C) make such rules respecting its organization and procedures as it deems necessary, but no bill shall be reported from the joint committee unless a majority of the committee assent. ``(3) The members of the joint committee who are Members of the Senate shall from time to time report to the Senate, and the members of the joint committee who are Members of the House of Representatives shall from time to time report to the House, by bill or otherwise, their recommendations with respect to matters within the jurisdiction of their respective Houses which are referred to the joint committee or otherwise within the jurisdiction of the joint committee. ``(4) Vacancies in the membership of the joint committee shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the functions of the joint committee, and shall be filled in the same manner as in the case of the original selection. The joint committee shall select a chairman and a vice chairman from among its members at the beginning of each Congress. The vice chairman shall act in place of the chairman in the absence of the chairman. The chairmanship shall alternate between the Senate and the House of Representatives with each Congress, and the chairman shall be selected by the Members from that House entitled to the chairmanship. The vice chairman shall be chosen from the House other than that of the chairman by the Members from that House. ``(5) The joint committee may appoint and fix the compensation of such staff as it deems necessary. ``(6)(A) Notwithstanding any law, rule, or other authority, there shall be paid out of the applicable accounts of the House of Representatives such sums as may be necessary for one-half of the expenses of the joint committee. Such payments shall be made on vouchers signed by the chairman or vice chairman of the joint committee who is a Member of the House of Representatives, as the case may be, and approved in the manner directed by the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives. Amounts made available under this paragraph shall be expended in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives. ``(B) (To be supplied by the Senate).''. SEC. 3. CONSIDERATION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SENATE. (a) House of Representatives.--Section 802 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g) and by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection: ``(f)(1) In the House, after the third legislative day after the date on which the joint committee has reported a joint resolution described in subsection (a), it is in order for any Member of the House to move to proceed to consideration of the joint resolution. All points of order against the motion to proceed and against consideration of that motion are waived. The motion is privileged in the House and is not debatable. The motion is not subject to amendment, or to a motion to postpone, or to a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order. If a motion to proceed to the consideration of the joint resolution is agreed to, the House shall immediately proceed to consideration of the joint resolution without intervening motion (except one motion to adjourn), order, or other business. ``(2)(A) In the House, debate shall be confined to the joint resolution and shall not exceed one hour equally divided and controlled by a proponent and an opponent of the joint resolution. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the joint resolution to final passage without intervening motion, except one motion to recommit. A motion to reconsider the vote on passage of the joint resolution shall not be in order.''. (b) Senate.--The first sentence of section 802(d)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting ``any Member of the Senate to make'' before ``a motion to proceed''. SEC. 4. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. (a) Congressional Review.--Section 801(a) of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``each House of Congress'' and inserting ``the joint committee''; (2) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ``each House of Congress'' and inserting ``the joint committee''; (3) by amending paragraph (1)(C) to read as follows: ``(C) Upon receipt of a report submitted under subparagraph (A), the chairman or vice chairman of the joint committee shall provide copies of the report to the chairman and ranking member of each applicable standing committee with jurisdiction under the rules of the House of Representatives or the Senate of the subject matter of the provision of law under which the rule is issued.''; (4) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``committees of jurisdiction in each House of the Congress'' and inserting ``joint committee''; (5) in paragraph (3)(A)(i), by striking ``Congress'' and inserting ``joint committee''; and (6) in paragraph (4), by striking ``Congress'' and inserting ``the joint committee''. (b) Congressional Disapproval Procedure.--Section 802 of title 5, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``Congress'' the first place it appears and inserting ``the joint committee''; (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following new subsection: ``(b) For purposes of this section, the term `submission or publication date' means the later of the date on which-- ``(1) the joint committee receives the report submitted under section 801(a)(1); or ``(2) the rule is published in the Federal Register, if so published.''; (3) in subsection (c), by striking ``committee to which is referred a joint resolution described in subsection (a) has not reported such'' and inserting ``joint committee has not reported a''; and (4) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``committee to which is referred a joint resolution is referred has reported'' and inserting ``joint committee'' and by striking ``a committee'' and inserting ``the joint committee''. (c) Definitions.--Section 804 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(4) The term `joint committee' refers to the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review.''. SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act and the amendments made by it shall take effect at noon on January 3, 2005.

Summary: Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review Act of 2003 (JCARR Act) - Amends Federal law to establish the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review. Prescribes a procedure for expedited consideration by the House of Representatives of a joint resolution reported by such committee disapproving an agency rule.


SECTION 1. EXPORT-IMPORT BANK ASSISTANCE FOR EXPORTS TO CHINA CONDITIONED ON ADHERENCE TO CODE OF CONDUCT. (a) In General.--Section 2(b) of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(f) Assistance for Exports to China Conditioned Upon Adherence to Code of Conduct.-- ``(1) Prohibitions.-- ``(A) Pre-assistance condition.--The Bank shall not guarantee, insure, extend credit, or participate in the extension of credit to an entity with respect to the export of any good or service destined for the People's Republic of China unless the Board of Directors determines that the entity has established and is adhering to the code of conduct set forth in paragraph (2). ``(B) Penalty for violation.--The Bank shall withdraw any guarantee, insurance, or credit that the Bank has provided, and shall withdraw from any participation in an extension of credit, to an entity with respect to the export of any good or service destined for the People's Republic of China if the Board of Directors determines that the entity is not adhering to the code of conduct set forth in paragraph (2). ``(2) Code of conduct.--An entity shall do all of the following in all of its operations: ``(A) Provide a safe and healthy workplace. ``(B) Ensure fair employment, including by-- ``(i) avoiding child and forced labor, and discrimination based upon race, gender, national origin, or religious beliefs; ``(ii) respecting freedom of association and the right to organize and bargain collectively; ``(iii) paying not less than the minimum wage required by law or the prevailing industry wage, whichever is higher; and ``(iv) providing all legally mandated benefits. ``(C) Obey all applicable environmental laws. ``(D) Comply with United States and local laws promoting good business practices, including laws prohibiting illicit payments and ensuring fair competition. ``(E) Maintain, through leadership at all levels, a corporate culture-- ``(i) which respects free expression consistent with legitimate business concerns, and does not condone political coercion in the workplace; ``(ii) which encourages good corporate citizenship and makes a positive contribution to the communities in which the entity operates; and ``(iii) in which ethical conduct is recognized, valued, and exemplified by all employees. ``(F) Require similar behavior by partners, suppliers, and subcontractors under terms of contracts. ``(G) Implement and monitor compliance with the subparagraphs (A) through (F) through a program that is designed to prevent and detect noncompliance by any employee or supplier of the entity and that includes-- ``(i) standards for ethical conduct of employees of the entity and of suppliers which refer to the subparagraphs; ``(ii) procedures for assignment of appropriately qualified personnel at the management level to monitor and enforce compliance; ``(iii) procedures for reporting noncompliance by employees and suppliers; ``(iv) procedures for selecting qualified individuals who are not employees of the entity or of suppliers to monitor compliance, and for assessing the effectiveness of such compliance monitoring; ``(v) procedures for disciplinary action in response to noncompliance; ``(vi) procedures designed to ensure that, in cases in which noncompliance is detected, reasonable steps are taken to correct the noncompliance and prevent similar noncompliance from occurring; and ``(vii) communication of all standards and procedures with respect to the code of conduct to every employee and supplier-- ``(I) by requiring all management level employees and suppliers to participate in a training program; or ``(II) by disseminating information orally and in writing, through posting of an explanation of the standards and procedures in prominent places sufficient to inform all employees and suppliers, in the local languages spoken by employees and managers. ``(3) Small business exception.--This subsection shall not apply to an entity that is a small business (within the meaning of the Small Business Act).''. (b) Annual Report.--Section 2(b)(1)(A) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 635(b)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``The Bank shall include in the annual report a description of the actions the Bank has taken to comply with subsection (f) during the period covered by the report.''. (c) Sense of the Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that the Export-Import Bank of the United States and the Clearinghouse on Corporate Responsibility that is being developed by the Department of Commerce should work together to ensure that businesses are made aware of, and have access to, resources and organizations that can assist businesses in developing, implementing, and monitoring global codes of corporate conduct.

Summary: Amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to prohibit the Export-Import Bank of the United States from guaranteeing, insuring, or extending credit to an entity (except a small business) with respect to the export of any good or service to China unless the Board of Directors of the Bank determines that such entity is adhering to certain environmental and fair employment principles under a corporate code of conduct. Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Bank and the Clearinghouse on Corporate Responsibility that is being developed by the Department of Commerce should work together to ensure that businesses are made aware of, and have access to, resources and organizations that can assist them in developing and monitoring global codes of corporate conduct.


SECTION 1. CONVEYANCE OF FT. LYON DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER, COLORADO, TO THE STATE OF COLORADO. (a) Conveyance Authorized.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to the provisions of this section, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may convey, without consideration, to the State of Colorado all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of real property, including improvements thereon other than Kit Carson Chapel, consisting of approximately 512 acres and comprising the location of the Ft. Lyon Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The purpose of the conveyance is to permit the State of Colorado to utilize the property for purposes of a correctional facility. (b) Public Access.--(1) The Secretary may not make the conveyance of real property authorized by subsection (a) unless the State of Colorado agrees to provide appropriate public access to Kit Carson Chapel and the cemetery located on the real property. (2) The State of Colorado may satisfy the condition specified in paragraph (1) with respect to Kit Carson Chapel by relocating the chapel to Fort Lyon National Cemetery, Colorado, or another appropriate location jointly selected by the Secretary and the State of Colorado. (c) Replacement Facilities.--The Secretary may not make the conveyance authorized by subsection (a) until the date on which the Secretary opens not less than three health care facilities, and a nursing home care facility, in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, which shall serve as replacement facilities for the Ft. Lyon Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. (d) Environmental Restoration.--The Secretary may not make the conveyance authorized by subsection (a) until the Secretary completes the evaluation and performance of any environmental restoration activities required by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.), and by any other provision of law. (e) Personal Property.--As part of the conveyance authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary may convey, without consideration, to the State of Colorado any furniture, fixtures, equipment, and other personal property associated with the property conveyed under that subsection that the Secretary determines is not required for purposes of the Department of Veterans Affairs health care facilities to be established by the Secretary in southern Colorado or for purposes of Ft. Lyon National Cemetery. (f) Legal Description.--The exact acreage and legal description of the real property to be conveyed under subsection (a), and of any fixtures and other personal property conveyed under subsection (e), shall be determined by a survey, and by such other methods, as are satisfactory to the Secretary. Any costs associated with activities under this subsection shall be borne by the State of Colorado. (g) Additional Terms and Conditions.--The Secretary may require such other terms and conditions in connection with the conveyances authorized by subsections (a) and (e) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States. SEC. 2. EFFECT OF CLOSURE OF FT. LYON DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER ON ADMINISTRATION OF HEALTH CARE FOR VETERANS. (a) Payment for Nursing Home Care.--Notwithstanding any limitation under section 1720 or 1741 of title 38, United States Code, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may pay the State of Colorado, or any private nursing home care facility, for costs incurred in providing nursing home care to any veteran who is relocated from the Ft. Lyon Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Colorado, to the State of Colorado or such private facility, as the case may be, as a result of the closure of the Ft. Lyon Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. (b) Obligation To Provide Extended Care Services.--Nothing in this Act may be construed to alter or otherwise effect the obligation of the Secretary to meet the requirements of section 1710B(b) of title 38, United States Code, relating to staffing and levels of extended care services in fiscal years after fiscal year 1998. (c) Extension of Voluntary Early Retirement Authority.-- Notwithstanding section 1109(a) of the Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Reduction Assistance Act of 1999 (title XI of Public Law 106-117; 113 Stat. 1599; 5 U.S.C. 5597 note), the authority to pay voluntary separation incentive payments under that Act to employees of the Ft. Lyon Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center shall apply to eligible employees (as defined by section 1110 of that Act) at the Ft. Lyon Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center whose separation occurs before June 30, 2001. (d) Report on Veterans Health Care in Southern Colorado.--Not later than one year after the conveyance, if any, authorized by section 1, the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs, acting through the Director of Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the status of the health care system for veterans under the Network in the Southern Colorado. The report shall describe any improvements to the system in Southern Colorado that have been put into effect in the period beginning on the date of the conveyance and ending on the date of the report.

Summary: Prohibits the Secretary from making the conveyance unless the State agrees to provide public access to the Chapel and the cemetery located on such property. Permits the State to satisfy such condition respecting the chapel by relocating it to Ft. Lyon National Cemetery, Colorado, or another appropriate location jointly selected by the Secretary and the State. Prohibits the Secretary from making the conveyance until: (1) the date on which the Secretary opens not less than three health care facilities, and a nursing home care facility, in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, which shall serve as replacement facilities for the Medical Center; and (2) the Secretary completes required environmental restoration activities. Authorizes the Secretary to pay the State or any private nursing home care facility for costs incurred in providing nursing home care to any veteran who is relocated from the Medical Center as a result of the Medical Center's closure. States that the authority to pay voluntary separation incentive payments under the Department of Veterans Affairs Employment Reduction Assistance Act of 1999 to employees of the Medical Center shall apply to eligible employees whose separation occurs before June 30, 2001. Requires the Under Secretary for Health of the Department, acting through the Director of VISN 19, not later than one year after the conveyance, to submit to congressional veterans affairs committees a report on the status of the health care system for veterans under VISN in southern Colorado describing any improvements to such system in southern Colorado that have been put into effect since the date of such conveyance.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Department of Defense Privatization and Outsourcing Moratorium Act''. SEC. 2. MORATORIUM ON PRIVATIZATION AND OUTSOURCING OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FUNCTIONS. (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) There is conflicting evidence that the current privatization and outsourcing efforts of the Department of Defense, including the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, are reducing the cost of support functions within the Department. (2) Typically, these privatization and outsourcing efforts result in contractors simply replacing civilian employees of the Department at lower initial costs, but higher longer-term costs, while stagnating organizational improvements that would otherwise result in greater efficiencies and effectiveness. (3) Recent and current privatization and outsourcing efforts in some cases appear to have created serious oversight and accountability problems for the Department. (4) The Department, as a general practice, has adjusted the operating budgets of the Armed Forces and specific military installations to reflect savings anticipated as a result of Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76 studies and subsequent privatization and outsourcing activities. (5) The massive drawdowns in the size of the Armed Forces during the 1990's and the restructuring of military installations through the base closure process have created a climate in which making accurate decisions concerning privatization and outsourcing are further complicated due to the dynamic nature of the civilian workforce of the Department. (6) The Department should pursue alternatives to the privatization and outsourcing approach conducted under the A-76 process, such as ``Strategic Sourcing'', to find its most efficient organization to perform commercial or industrial type functions. (b) Moratorium.--(1) Chapter 146 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: ``Sec. 2475. Moratorium on privatization and outsourcing ``(a) Moratorium.--(1) During the period specified in subsection (b), any commercial or industrial type function of the Department of Defense that, as of the date of the enactment of this section, is being performed by Department of Defense civilian employees may not be changed to performance by the private sector. ``(2) The moratorium applies to a function even though, as of the date of the enactment of this section, the function-- ``(A) is the subject of a study or report under section 2461 of this title for conversion to contractor performance; or ``(B) is being considered for such conversion under the procedures and requirements of Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76. ``(3) As part of the moratorium, the Secretary of Defense shall order the suspension of any study being conducted under section 2461 of this title or Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76 regarding a commercial or industrial type function of the Department. New studies regarding such a function at a military installation may not be commenced under such section or circular during the period of the moratorium. ``(b) Duration of Moratorium.--The moratorium imposed under subsection (a) begins on the date of the enactment of this section and shall continue until the end of the five-year period beginning on the date the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that all actions necessary to carry out the 1995 round of base closures and realignments have been completed under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of Public Law 101-510; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note). ``(c) Exception.--The moratorium imposed under subsection (a) does not apply to a commercial or industrial type function of the Department of Defense that is being converted, or is being considered for conversion, to performance by the private sector under a Strategic Sourcing or Business Process and Re-engineering plan of the Department. ``(d) Report Evaluating Conversion to Contractor Performance.--(1) Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report evaluating-- ``(A) each conversion of a commercial or industrial type function of the Department of Defense to contractor performance that was carried out, in whole or in part, since October 1, 1996; and ``(B) each commercial or industrial type function of the Department that was considered, since that date, for conversion to contractor performance under section 2461 of this title or Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76, but that was not converted. ``(2) At a minimum, the report shall contain the following information for each function covered by the report: ``(A) The code, title, and actual functions performed by civilian employees of the Department. ``(B) The cost to study the function for possible conversion. ``(C) The number of civilian employees affected. ``(D) The personnel cost of the conversion, including costs resulting from reduction in force, retirement, retraining and other movement and separation costs. ``(E) The cost and identity of materials, equipment and facilities provided contractors in conversion to contractor performance. ``(F) The cost of the initial contract, the number of employees expected to perform the function, and variants in each thereafter. ``(3) The report shall also contain the following aggregate information for the functions covered by the report: ``(A) The average annual costs or savings associated with all Department conversions to contractor performance. ``(B) The overall average annual costs or savings resulting from efficiencies achieved in Department functions described in paragraph (1)(B). ``(e) Effect of Moratorium on Operating Budgets.--On account of the moratorium imposed under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall provide for an adjustment in the operating budgets of the armed forces and military installations to compensate for the fact that the operating budgets of the armed forces and many military installations were reduced, before the start of the moratorium, to reflect future savings anticipated as a result of completing the A-76 competitive study process and converting to contractor performance those commercial and industrial type functions of the Department of Defense that are now subject to the moratorium.''. (2) The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item: ``2475. Moratorium on privatization and outsourcing.''.

Summary: Requires the Secretary to report to Congress evaluating: (1) each conversion that was carried out since October 1, 1996; and (2) each function that was considered for conversion since such date, but not converted. Directs the Secretary, on account of such moratorium, to provide for an adjustment in the operating budgets of the armed forces and military installations to compensate for the fact that such budgets were previously reduced to reflect savings anticipated from the conversion of such functions to private sector performance.


SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Commission on Effective Regulation and Assessment Systems for Public Schools Act''. SEC. 2. COMMISSION ON EFFECTIVE REGULATION AND ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS. (a) In General.--The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``TITLE X--COMMISSION ON EFFECTIVE REGULATION AND ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS ``SEC. 10001. DEFINITIONS. ``In this title: ``(1) Chairperson.--The term `Chairperson' means the Chairperson of the Commission. ``(2) Commission.--The term `Commission' means the Commission on Effective Regulation and Assessment Systems for Public Schools. ``(3) Relevant committees.--The term `relevant committees' means the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives. ``SEC. 10002. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION ON EFFECTIVE REGULATION AND ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS. ``(a) In General.--Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of the Commission on Effective Regulation and Assessment Systems for Public Schools Act, the Secretary shall establish a commission to be known as the `Commission on Effective Regulation and Assessment Systems for Public Schools'. ``(b) Purpose.--The Commission shall-- ``(1) examine Federal, State, and local regulatory requirements on elementary and secondary education; ``(2) make recommendations on how to align and improve such Federal, State, and local requirements to improve performance and innovation; ``(3) examine the quality and purpose of current Federal, State, and local assessment requirements; and ``(4) make recommendations to improve and align assessment systems to provide quality and meaningful information for parents, teachers, and students to improve student achievement, teacher performance, and innovation. ``(c) Membership.-- ``(1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of-- ``(A) 4 Governors; ``(B) 6 State legislators; ``(C) 2 Chief State school officers; ``(D) 2 State officials responsible for administering Federal education programs; ``(E) 4 superintendents; ``(F) 2 principals; ``(G) 2 teachers; ``(H) 2 assessment experts; and ``(I) 2 teacher and principal effectiveness experts. ``(2) Recommendations.--The Secretary shall solicit input and nominations for appointing members of the Commission from-- ``(A) Governors; ``(B) members of Congress; ``(C) State legislators; ``(D) superintendents, principals, teachers, and other members of the education community; and ``(E) parents, students, and other members of the general public. ``(3) Determination.--The Secretary shall determine the membership of the Commission after considering recommendations submitted under paragraph (2). ``(d) Chairperson.--The Secretary shall designate a Governor as the Chairperson of the Commission. ``(e) Meetings.--The Commission shall hold, at the call of the Chairperson, at least 1 meeting every 6 months. All such meetings shall be open to the public. The Commission may hold, at the call of the Chairperson, such other meetings as the Chairperson sees fit to carry out this title. ``(f) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings. ``(g) Initial Meeting.--The Commission shall hold its first meeting not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the Commission on Effective Regulation and Assessment Systems for Public Schools Act. ``SEC. 10003. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION. ``(a) Hearings.-- ``(1) In general.--The Commission shall hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission determines appropriate to carry out this title. ``(2) Participation.--In hearings held under this subsection, the Commission shall consider inviting witnesses from, among other groups-- ``(A) teachers; ``(B) parents; ``(C) principals; ``(D) superintendents; ``(E) Federal, State, and local educational agency personnel; ``(F) researchers and other experts; and ``(G) any other individuals determined appropriate by the Commission. ``(b) 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 title. Upon request of the Chairperson, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission. ``SEC. 10004. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. ``(a) Duties.-- ``(1) In general.--The Commission shall take such actions as it determines necessary to gain a full understanding of the issues of effective regulation and assessment systems for public schools. ``(2) Areas of emphasis.--The Commission shall focus-- ``(A) in examining the over-regulation of public schools, on-- ``(i) examining Federal, State and local regulations governing public schools; ``(ii) differentiating between financial, programmatic, general education, special education, and civil rights requirements; ``(iii) identifying which government entity requires each regulation; ``(iv) measuring the cost of compliance in terms of funds spent on compliance and time in hours and personnel; ``(v) identifying duplicative, redundant, or unnecessary regulations at each governmental level; and ``(vi) investigating how Federal, State, and local interpretations of laws and regulations create additional or unnecessary burden and are used as rationale for imposing requirements that are not actually mandated by law; and ``(B) in examining the effective testing of public schools, on-- ``(i) examining Federal, State, and local testing and standardized assessment requirements for public elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools; ``(ii) determining the purpose and intent of each such test or assessment, including whether it is intended to measure student achievement and growth, teacher and principal effectiveness, or system accountability; ``(iii) determining the frequency, length, and scheduling of such tests and assessments, and measuring, in hours and days, the student and teacher time spent on testing; ``(iv) examining standardized assessments required by Federal, State, or local requirements, excluding teacher-created tests and quizzes and formative assessments; ``(v) reporting on the quality of standardized assessments; ``(vi) examining reporting practices of test results and the degree to which they are returned in a timely manner with sufficient quality to be useful to parents, teachers and principals, and students to inform and improve their work, including targeting instruction to student needs, grading student work, and evaluating teacher and principal effectiveness; ``(vii) analyzing the ability of quality assessments to measure whether a student is prepared to graduate from high school and pursue college or a career without the need for academic remediation; ``(viii) examining what factors most contribute to quality assessments and the extent to which high-quality assessments can advance student learning; ``(ix) determining the technology infrastructure required for next generation assessments; and ``(x) identifying opportunities to improve assessment practices to better promote parent, teacher and principal, and student understanding of progress toward college and career readiness and public understanding of school performance and educational productivity. ``(3) Samples.--In conducting its work under this title, the Commission may rely on samples of States and local school districts for examples of regulations and testing requirements. ``(b) Reports.-- ``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Commission shall provide regular reports in a manner and form of the Commission's choosing to-- ``(A) the Secretary; and ``(B) the members of the relevant committees. ``(2) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the first meeting of the Commission, and annually thereafter, the Commission shall issue a report to-- ``(A) the Secretary; and ``(B) the members of the relevant committees. ``(3) Public report.--The Commission shall-- ``(A) prepare a report-- ``(i) analyzing findings of the Commission; and ``(ii) making recommendations for Federal, State, and local policy makers; and ``(B) broadly disseminate such report to the general public. ``(c) Testimony.--The Chairperson shall annually provide testimony to the relevant committees. ``SEC. 10005. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS. ``(a) Compensation of Members.--Each member of the Commission shall serve without compensation in addition to any such compensation received for the member's service as an officer or employee of the United States, if applicable. ``(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 1 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) Assistance.-- ``(1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide assistance to the Commission, upon request of the Commission, without reimbursement. ``(2) 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.''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by adding at the end the following: ``TITLE X--COMMISSION ON EFFECTIVE REGULATION AND ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS ``Sec. 10001. Definitions. ``Sec. 10002. Establishment of Commission on Effective Regulation and Assessment Systems for Public Schools. ``Sec. 10003. Powers of the Commission. ``Sec. 10004. Duties of the Commission. ``Sec. 10005. Commission personnel matters.''.

Summary: Commission on Effective Regulation and Assessment Systems for Public Schools Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish the Commission on Effective Regulation and Assessment Systems for Public Schools, composed of certain government officials, educators, and education policy experts. Requires the Commission to: (1) examine the effect government regulations have on elementary and secondary education; (2) recommend ways to align and improve those regulations to improve performance and innovation in education; and (3) recommend ways to improve and align assessment systems to provide reliable and meaningful information to parents, teachers, and students to improve student achievement, teacher performance, and innovation.